“The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another. they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, pay their Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.”
(Surah Al-Taubah 9.71).
With the literal meaning of the word Zakat being ‘to purify, Muslims believe that paying Zakat cleanses, multiplies and blesses the remainder of their wealth. As one of the pillars of Islam, Zakat is a form of obligatory charity that has the potential to ease the suffering of millions. Zakat is also a spiritual connection to one’s maker to purify your wealth for the will of Allah (SWT) is to acknowledge that everything we own belongs to Him, and it is for Him that we strive to end poverty and help people around the world. According to the Shariah, Zakat is 2.5% of the wealth that has been in one’s possession for a lunar year. If wealth amounts to less than a threshold figure, termed the nisab, then no Zakat is payable. If wealth amounts to more than the nisab, Zakat becomes obligatory. Ihsan Forum uses Zakat to help some of Ethiopia’s most destitute communities. The recipient of Zakat must be poor and/ or in need. A poor person is someone whose property, in excess of his basic requirements, does not reach the nisab threshold. The recipient must not belong to your immediate family, your spouse, children, parents, and grandparents cannot receive your Zakat. Other relatives, however, can receive your Zakat. There are many projects which are eligible for Zakat.
