Zakah is the obligatory almsgiving, requiring Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. It is generally 2.5% of a person’s savings and investments over a lunar year.

Meaning and Importance:

• Zakah serves to purify wealth by redistributing it to the less fortunate, thus fostering social justice. It purifies the heart by removing greed and selfishness, reinforcing the notion that wealth is a trust from Allah.
• Zakah is an obligation for every Muslim who meets the minimum threshold of wealth (nisab). It is separate from voluntary charity (Sadaqah), which Muslims are encouraged to give freely.

Quranic Reference: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)
This verse emphasizes the purifying effect of Zakah on both the wealth and the heart of the giver.

Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony of faith, prayer, giving of Zakah, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This Hadith affirms that Zakah is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam.