Zakat means to purify.

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The concept of zakat is for Muslims to purify their wealth by donating a portion of it to those in need, within their communities. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, a mandatory responsibility on each individual who meets certain minimum criteria of wealth.

 

Zakat enables Muslims to assist those facing hardship, reduce their financial distress and elevate the health and happiness of the collective. Wealth is a gift, a blessing from Allah (God). It does not belong to those who have it, but has been given as a responsibility — to use it in the path of God, in the service of community. Wealth is not to be wasted, because we all have to give an account of how we have spent it. It can be a source of blessing, a vehicle for sadaqa (continual good deeds). In the Quran, Allah commands Muslims to give Zakat not just with wealth, but also with our effort and time. That is the sign of the best of those among us.

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Muslims donate a mandatory 2.5% of their assets annually as Zakat. In addition, Allah strongly encourages Muslims to give additional amounts as "sadaqah", or voluntary charity, which can be any amount, to anyone in need. 

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Please help ZACAH with your Zakat, Sadaqah and your time. Everything you give matters.