zakat

Everyday

1. (Islam) The giving of a fixed part of one's wealth each year to the poor and needy; it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. tree →
2. For most savings it is one-fortieth (2.5 per cent) of the wealth a Muslim has kept for a full year above a set minimum. tree →

In the lessons

In religion lessons zakat teaches that wealth comes from God and must be shared; it helps the poor, the sick and those in debt. In maths, zakat is a percentage problem: 2.5% of 400 pounds is 10 pounds. Phrases: «pay zakat», «give zakat», «zakat al-fitr» (a gift of food before Eid).

Examples

• Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. tree →
• My friend's family pays zakat every year. tree →
• Zakat helps the poor and needy. tree →
• If you have 800 pounds of savings, the zakat is 20 pounds. tree →
• Before Eid, Muslims give zakat al-fitr so everyone can celebrate. tree →
• Zakat means «purifying» because giving cleans the heart of greed. tree →

Note

Arabic word; also spelled zakah. Uncountable. Maths: zakat = wealth × 2.5 ÷ 100 = wealth ÷ 40. Different from sadaqah, which is extra voluntary charity.