Zakat
, or almsgiving, makes up one of the five pillars of Islam. Each Muslim is required to give a portion of their income to those in need. The poor, debtors, orphans, strangers and people in bondage are all mentioned in the Quran as being deserving recipients of zakat payments.
Usually, 2.5% of a person’s wealth is required, the primary forms include gold, silver, livestock, agricultural produce, articles of trade, currency, shares and bonds, and other liquid assets. This can vary outside of Sunni communities; some sects, in fact, give a full 20%. In addition to the mandatory payment of zakat, Muslims are also strongly encouraged to give alms voluntarily if they have the ability. This form of charity is known by another name, sadaqah.
Traditionally there are eight different categories of zakat payment. These incorporate giving to the needy, helping those who come into the Islamic faith, and helping to free those in bondage. In Britain, many Muslims choose to use their zakat payments to give crisis aid to those abroad. Others stress the need to help those closer to home. Yahya Birt, former national director of City Circle, for instance, believes that, in addition to helping out in life or death situations abroad, it is also important to use zakat to strengthen community relations.
As he explains:
"Each of the eight categories of zakat payment has some sort of emphasis upon helping those immediately around you on a face to face basis. And we should remember that there is much poverty in Britain (even if it is relative poverty), both among Muslims and non-Muslims."
