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.
“Charity is due upon every joint of a person, every day the sun rises…”
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
“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.”
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.”
“Protect yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date in charity.”
“Allah said: ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’”
“Charity does not decrease wealth…”
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.”
“Giving charity to a relative is two: charity and maintaining family ties.”
“The best charity is that which is given when you are healthy, covetous, hoping for wealth and fearing poverty.”
“The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e., the one who gives is better than the one who receives).”
“Every good word is charity.”
“Removing a harmful thing from the road is charity.”
“Smiling at your brother is charity.”
“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.”
“Whoever gives in charity the equivalent of a date from lawful earnings… Allah accepts it with His right hand and nurtures it…”
“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are continuous, even if small.”
“Charity given secretly extinguishes the anger of the Lord.”
“Every act of kindness is charity.”
“If one gives in charity what equals one date from honest earnings… Allah will accept it with His right hand and cause it to increase…”
