Zakat

Zakat (pronounced za-kart) is an Arabic term given to a form of almsgiving amongst Muslims around the world. Translating as ‘that which purifies’, is an Islamic religious observation and one of the ‘Five Pillars of Islam’, ranked in terms of importance amongst Muslims after ‘Prayer.’

As a pillar of Islam, Zakat is a mandatory charitable obligation to Muslims. 2.5% (or 1/40) of an individual’s accumulated wealth and savings must be collected and distributed amongst the lesser privileged and the poor. Whilst the collection and distribution of Zakat is often managed by the state in Muslim nations such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Malaysia, it falls upon state approved institutions as Ceylon Baithulmal Fund to champion this noble cause in Sri Lanka, which it has performed consistently and effectively since 1957.

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“Charity is due upon every joint of a person, every day the sun rises”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book 12, Hadith 1005

“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, Vol. 3, Book 8, Hadith 589

“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqah Jāriyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book 13, Hadith 1631

“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, Vol. 3, Book 8, Hadith 604

“Protect yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date in charity.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book 24, Hadith 507; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book 12, Hadith 993

“Charity does not decrease wealth”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 2588

“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhī, Vol. 4, Book 1, Hadith 2616

““Giving charity to a relative is two: charity and maintaining family ties”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Sunan al-Nasā’ī, Vol. 3, Book 23, Hadith 2582