Zakat is the third pillar of Islam that requires Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to charity. It is an obligatory annual donation of 2.5% paid by Muslims with wealth above a minimum threshold to help the poor and needy. Historically, zakat funds were used to build public services like schools, fountains, inns, hospitals, and orphanages to benefit the community. Today, zakat continues to support charities that provide food, shelter, healthcare and clothing to those in need.

1. ZAKAT
THE THIRD PILLAR OF
ISLAM
BY KARI SAVOIE

2. • The basic idea of Zakat is being
charitable and giving goods and
money to others who have less.
• Zakat translates to the word
“purification.” Muslims believed that
wealth was more pure if you were
charitable.
• Muhammad introduced this idea
when he told the rich to give to the
poor.

3. • In Islam, all Muslims gave Zakat in one way
or another. It was mandatory to give 2.5% of
your crop surpluses or money to the poor.
• Zakat also helped pay school
tuition for needy children, as
well as paying teachers.

4. Zakat in Medieval Times
• Money went towards building public
fountains, because not everyone had
clean water.
• Inns were constructed with
charity money to house travelers
and pilgrims.

5. Video on The Five Pillars

6. • Zakat is similar to the
mandatory donations of the
Jews and Christians, which
• In Muslim countries today, are called tithes.
Zakat is still present.
• Soup kitchens, shelters,
hospitals, and orphanages
are built and ran, and
clothes are distributed.

7. THE END