THE MUSLIM CONCEPT OF CHARITY
(Zakat)
Charity sometimes precedes prayer in the Qur'an as an article of faith. The recipients are specified as the needy relatives, orphans, the poor, the weak, the homeless, and those who ask [Qur'an 2:177, 9:60]. Charity usually closely follows prayer as an article of faith [Qur'an 2:43& 23:4].
Muslims are required to give of what God blessed them with. This expands the concept of charity beyond money [Qur'an 22:35] to include knowledge, talent, time, and labor. This also expands the eligibility to give beyond the rich to include most people.
Giving is encouraged whether openly or confidentially [Qur'an 2:271, 2:274]. Giving openly encourages others to give while giving confidentially helps the recipient save face. This is why confidential giving is preferred [Qur'an 2.271]. Those who give shall be rewarded by God and shall not be afraid or sad [Qur'an 2:274].
The benefits of giving can be lost if the donor hurts the feelings of the recipient [Qur'an 2:263-264] or if the donor is giving to impress others.
Giving is sharing the blessings of God with the needy [Qur'an 28:77] and should not be considered a nuisance tax on one's possessions. The Arabic term for charity is Zakat which means sweetening. Giving sweetens the donor's remaining funds.
The amount to give should be at least 2.5% of the funds accumulated at the end of the year. These are funds that exceed the donor's need regardless of income and expenditure.
The charitable rate rises to 20 % of secondary income such as a bonus, an inheritance, an award etc. [Qur'an 8:41]
Giving in this fashion narrows the gap between the rich and the poor, reduces social conflicts, and promotes a productive economy. Diverting 2.5% of the donor's accumulated funds to basic consumption by the needy and away from bidding up the price of paper assets or luxury goods, benefits the whole economy including the wealthy donors.
Giving to the needy is not a generous gesture by the donors it is their duty and responsibility as recipients of a favorable share of God's blessings.
The Prophet Muhammad used to give to the needy all the money and gifts that exceeded his needs on a daily basis. He placed his faith in God to provide for his future needs.
The Prophet Muhammad defined personal wealth as what a person consumes and gives to the needy. Charity is considered the everlasting personal wealth. Our estate is the wealth we accumulated for others.
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Revised on 10/3/99
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