by Anne Davey

Created on: March 05, 2008   Last Updated: June 28, 2009

Like many other religions, Islam demands of its adherents that a portion of their wealth is given to those in need. This kind of philanthropy is pretty much universally acknowledged to be a good thing. Zakah is a requirement of every mentally capable, financially stable Muslim.

The Qur'an is specific about what types of possessions incur Zakah, but it is not just about money in the bank, it is a tithe on certain crops, trade goods, cattle and other animals. The amount to pay varies but is usually in the region of 2.5% of one's total wealth annually.

The guiding principle of Islam is that all things were created by God, and we must submit to His will for His creation. Material possessions are therefore a blessing from Allah, everything is His ultimately and we are His stewards.

But why is it important to give a portion of this away? The answer to that is simple, it must be done because Allah commanded it. "Alms are only for the poor and needy, and those who work for them and those whose hearts are reconciled, and those in captivity, and those in debt, and those who are on God's path, and for the wayfarer; - an ordinance this from God, for God is knowing, wise."(Qur'an 9:60)

If everything we have as human beings comes from Allah, to give a portion of it away is to remember this fact and not allow the soul to get possessive of things it ultimately does not actually own. The word often translated as "charity" zakah actually means "purification." So in giving to charity Muslims are purifying themselves. It is a form of spiritual training, and helps to make each person a more noble one. Since wealth matters to most people, giving some of it away is a test of faith and an indication of sincerity.

The Hadith comments that "Every man will be in the shade of his charity on the Day of Resurrection." Those who give zakah have the comfort of knowing it is Allah's will and they will be rewarded for it in the afterlife. So it is vital to give, not just for the good of others, but for one's own good too. Islam is not the only religion to realise that treasure on earth is worthless compared to treasure in Paradise."If you fail to obey this command of Allah then the Hadith also spells out what will befall you: "And remember that people that kept gold and silver but did not spend it to the will of Allah, remind them of the utmost pain and torture on judgment day."

There are, of course, practical benefits to the whole of society from the practice of charitable giving. The poor are supported; they also have the comfort of knowing that their fellow Muslim has cared for them in their misfortune. This in turn builds strength in the whole Ummah (Muslim brotherhood). This should help the poor be less despairing of their situation and make society more stable by reducing tensions.

If you are not a Muslim and not used to giving Zakah, then this last point may surprise you, but it is not a painful duty to uphold the will of Allah - it is a great joy. It gladdens the heart to do something righteous and the believer gives willingly. Anyone who gives grudgingly is not submitting themselves to Allah's will in their heart, anyway, so it would not be a good deed if not done gladly.

As Allah has done good things for us, we then should do good unto others. Zakah is one of the five pillars that holds up the whole faith of Islam. It is essential.

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