:: What is Zakat ? ::

·         A Tradition of Islamic Charity giving Zakat is an annual contribution of wealth required of all Muslim adults with sufficient means toward the poor, needy or otherwise in the way of God

·         In its most basic terms, Zakat literally means “‘to grow or to make pure”, reflecting the Muslim belief that one’s wealth should be regularly sanctified through charitable giving

·         Zakat is typically calculated as 2.5% of savings and wealth held for more than one year, and includes cash savings, securities, and gold and silver, among other items. It is usually given voluntarily and without much display by the giver. Beneficiaries of Zakat contributions, including a broad array of the poor, as defined below by the Quran (the Muslim sacred text)

“Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the funds; for those whose hearts have recently been reconciled to the truth; for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah [God] and the wayfarer; thus it is ordained by Allah; and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom” [Quran 9:60].