Nowadays there is a lot being done to overcome poverty, there are a lot of Islamic charities, such as Islamic relief or Muslim hands that help people living in poverty.
Zakaat
Zakah is the third pillar and basic duty of Islam. Every Muslim must perform Zakah as part of their worship (ibadaah) to God. Islam also teaches that the poor and the disadvantaged have a ‘title’ or a ‘right’ in the wealth of the rich, and constantly encourage the rich Muslims to fulfil that obligatory act.
For payment of Zakah there are three conditions:
- Zakah is payable when a Muslim is in possession above the prescribed limit called ‘nisab’.
- They must have possessed this money or the wealth above the prescribed limit for one whole year.
- The money must be paid to the poor and needy who deserve the money.
Zakah consists of an annual contribution of 2.5% of ones income to public welfare. The rate of Zakah on other types of wealth such as agriculture produce and jewellery varies. Agricultural Zakah is 10% of produce in non-irrigated land and 5% in irrigated land. Zakah is compulsory on minors and adults, males and females, who are earning.
Charitable giving
Zakah is not the same thing as charity. Charity is optional and it may be given at any time in addition to Zakah. This voluntary charity is called ‘sadaqah’. Voluntary sadaqah or charity is encouraged and it can be given in any form from money to a simple smile, so that all Muslims whether poor or rich can offer sadaqah.
Fitranah
This is also a type of Zakah called ‘Zakaat ul-Fitr’. This Zakah is payable during Ramadan, and is usually paid in a mosque before Eid Salah. Every Muslim celebrates Eid, therefore the poor amongst us are entitled to celebrate it as well, so fitranah is obligatory.
Lilah
This is entirely optional. Lilah boxes are usually in mosques or peoples houses where they can put as much money in as they want.
The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ‘He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do well.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'