Zakat
All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by
human beings in trust. The original
meaning of the word zakat is both
‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ Giving
zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage
on certain properties to certain
classes of needy people.’ The
percentage which is due on gold, silver,
and cash funds that have reached
the amount of about 85 grams of gold and held in possession for
one lunar year is two and a half percent. Our possessions are
purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like
the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages
new growth.
A person may also give as much as he or she pleases as
voluntary alms or charity.
