3rd Pillar: Charity
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to Allah; wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. Obligatory charity or 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.
Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment to those in need of 2.5% of one's assets, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools. Zakah is a unique concept, compared to other forms of giving, in that it redistributes the wealth in society; when applied correctly, it effectively eliminates poverty.
Allah places great emphasis on taking care of the needy in society; He says in the Qur'an: "Those who spend of their wealth (in charity) by night and by day, in secret and in public; have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." (Qur'an 2:274)
Giving beyond the obligatory charity is expected of every Muslim, and may take many forms. The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a smile is an act of charity." The Prophet further said that when one has nothing to give, he can stay away from evil; that too is charity.
Read the other Pillars of Islam
1st Pillar: Testimony
2nd Pillar: Prayer
3rd Pillar: Charity
4th Pillar: Fasting
5th Pillar: Pilgrimage
Read the other article to learn about Islam
What Do Muslim Believes In?
Who is Allah
Who is Mohammad (pbuh)
What Do Muslim think about Jesus (pbuh)?
What Do Muslim think about Mary (pbuh)?
Five Pillars of Islam
Common Misunderstanding about Islam
Misunderstanding about Muslim Women
What is Qur'an
Why do Women dress the way they do
Why is the family so important to Muslims
Apart from the Qur'an is there any other Sacred Source?
Do Islam, Christianity and Judaism have different origins?
Does Islam give Women Equal Rights?
Does Islam Protect Women from Violence?
Does Islam Want Women to be Public and Political?
How are Muslim and America related?
How Did Muhammad (pbuh) become a Messenger of Allah?
How did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) related to Christians?
How did the spread of Islam affect the World?
How do Muslim view the Elderly death and the Afterlife?
How does Islam Elevate the status of Women
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Is Islam respectful of other Beliefs?
What does Islam say about War
What does Islam say about Wives & Husband?
What does the Qur'an say about women's Creation and purpose?
What is written in the Quran about Motherhood?
Misunderstanding about Muslim Women
Who are American Muslims?
Who were some of the Great Muslim Scientists and Thinkers