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Zakat is a purification of the wealth ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta'ala)
has entrusted us with. Every Muslim who has exceeded a minimum
quantity of wealth is required to pay Zakat. The Quran discusses
Zakat in over 80 ayat (verses), and it is frequently in
combination with Salat. The Quran also discloses the qualifying
recipients of Zakat.
Zakat is not a charity. Rather it is the right of the needy upon
those who are not needy. When one gives their Zakat, they are
grateful to find someone willing to accept it. The latter has
done a favor for the giver by accepting their Zakat. With this
attitude, Zakat is the mechanism by which poverty is eliminated.
It is preferred that the Zakat be given directly by the giver to
the receiver, rather than through an intermediary. By this
method, the wealthy interact with the needy, they see their
condition and they feel some of the hardship. This should soften
their hearts and encourage them to give charity as well. Zakat
does not replace or eliminate charity. On the contrary, it
encourages charitable contributions, especially when it is given
directly to the receiver. For more information on Zakat or any
other aspect of Islam, please contact the Islamic Foundation at
(314)-394-7878.
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