ZAKAT
Zakat is the third Pillar of Islam. One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.
The word Zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Our wealth are purified by setting aside a part and giving for those in need. Giving charity is like pruning of plants – this cutting from the balances – encourages new growth.
Zakat does not refer to charitable gifts given out of kindness or generosity, but to the systematic giving of 2.5% of one’s wealth each year to benefit the poor.
The 2.5% rate only applies to cash, gold and silver and commercial items. There are other rates for farm and mining produce as well as for animals.
The category of people receiving Zakat is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise” (The Holy Qur’an 9:60).
ZAKAT OF FITR
Every Muslim is required to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan as a token of thankfulness to God for having enabled him to observe the month of fasting.
At the time of sunset on Eid ul Fitr night (i.e. the night preceding Eid day), whoever is adult and sane and is neither unconscious, nor poor, nor the slave of another, should give, on his own behalf as well as on behalf of all those who are his dependents, about three kilos per head of wheat, barley, dates, raisins, rice or millet etc.
It is also sufficient if he pays the price of one of these items in cash. As per obligatory precaution, he should not give from that food which is not staple in his place, even if it be wheat, barley, dates or raisins.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW), enjoined Zakat-ul-Fitr on those who fast to shield them from any indecent act or speech, and for the purpose of providing food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakah for the one who pays it before the `Eid prayer, and as a sadaqah for the one who pays it after the prayer.’
The Messenger of Allah (SAW), said, “It would be better that you treat your patients with charity.”
The annual coming of the month of Ramadan is always a special moment for the believers, due the numerous amount of virtues in this month. Rewards and forgiveness of Allah (swt) spread across every single second and place during this sacred month. One who realizes how small the preparation he has to welcome the Judgement Day later on, will be very pleased to welcome Ramadan.
For your Zakat and Zakat of Fitr contribution, you can donate to the Australian Hidayah Foundation. In line with Islamic law and the spirit of Zakat, your donation will be held in a special non-interest earning account. We will distribute your Zakat money to be spent for the following purposes:
(1) To the poor people, who have few belongings.
(2) To a miskin (a destitute person) who leads a harder life than a Faqir (a poor person) and who has absolutely nothing .
(3) To a person who is a Wakil of Holy Imam (a.s.) or his representative to collect Zakat, keep it in safe custody, maintain its accounts and afterwards hand it over to the Imam or his representative or to the poor.
(4) To spend itt in the way of Allah (S.w.T.) for things which have common benefit to the Muslims; for example, to construct a mosque or a school for religious education.
(5) To Muslim converts who may be estranged from their families and in need of help.
(6) To the orphans.
(7) To a stranded traveler who is in need of help.
We would like to invite you to join us in performing these good deeds for our Global Communities andmake the world a better place for the millions of people living in difficulty and poverty.