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Zakah. The financial obligation upon Muslims. |
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| An important principle of Islam is that everything
belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in
trust. The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our
possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in
need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this
cutting back balances and encourages new growth. |
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| Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah
individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's
capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and
professional tools. |
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| An individual may also give as much as he or she
pleases as sadaqa-h, and does so preferably in secret. Although this
word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning.
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| The Prophet said, "Even meeting your
brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also
said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What
if a person has nothing?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with
his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such
earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he
is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and
needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even
that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The
Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He
should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity."
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