It is an act of worship and spiritual investment. The literal meaning of "Zakah" is purity and it refers to the annual amount, in kind or coin, which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness, and it fosters insted: good-will and warm wishes for the contributors. Zakah has a deep humanitarian and socio-political value; for example, it frees the society from class warfare, from ill feelings and distrust, and from corruption. Every Muslim, male or female, who at the end of the year is in possession of the equivlent of 85gm of gold ( approx. USD750 in the year 2008) or more, in cash or articles of trade, must give Zakah at the minimum rate of 2.5%. Zakah is paid on the net balance after paying personal expenses, family expenses, due credits, taxes..etc. The recipients of Zakah are: The poor, the needy, the new Muslim converts, the Muslim prisoners of war (to liberate them), and Muslims in debt. Also, employees appointed to collect Zakah, Muslims in service of research or study or propagation of Islam, and wayfarers who are foreigners in need of help; are entitled to receive Zakah. Taxes paid to governments do not substitute for this religious duty. A contributor shoul not seek pride or fame, but if disclosing his name and his contribution is likely to encourage others, it is acceptable to do so.

Tags: Charity Giving Zakah

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