Zakat

= Scott B. A period = = Ingrid K. B Period = = Wesley D. D Period = = Matt C. F Period = = Matthew C. F Period ** __THE ZAKAT__ **

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__Introduction:__** The Zakat is third pillar of the Five Pillars of Islam in the Muslim religion. It can mean many things, but in English it means "purification and growth." To Islamic people It is a connection to God through charitable donations. All Muslims who are physically and mentally able,donate 2.5% of their wealth. This shows that the religion of Islam has a very high importance of equality and helping each other. If you have any questions about the rules of compliance consult your religious athorities. = = = = = (4) Subtopics: =

__**Meaning of Zakat:**__ Zakat means many things in Islamic religion. Zakat means, in English, "purification and growth" but in Islam, it means much more than that. Zakat is charity. Zakat is a pillar of Islam, but much more than that. Zakat is money, but also a major gift of thought. Zakat is mandatory, but Zakat is religion. Zakat is many things in the religion of Islam, but most importantly, it is the good of an able bodied Muslim, giving to the unfortunate Muslims who can not afford to follow the religion of Islam as strongly as they would hope. Therefore, Zakat stands for the good in Muslim culture, and the equality of Muslim people, as demanded in the Qu'ran. Zakat represents the idea of equality of the Islamic religion because it is the giving of money to the less fortunate Muslims to help out fellow Islamic followers. Zakat is a religious form of charity that represents more than money and physical objects. It means being a good Muslim, and starting your very important trip, to a good afterlife. -Scott B.

__** Participating in Zakat: **__ In the Zakat, the third of the five pillars of Islam, the Muslim citizens contribute a part of their wealth to help the people in need. They give up a certain amount of material wealth to support the poor, indigent, sick, and suffering. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of 2.5% of one's wealth. The Zakat on business wealth should be paid once a year at the rate of 2.5% as well. Business wealth subjected to Zakat includes trading assets such as trade goods, cash in hand or in bank, and debts or credit extended to customers or others. Also, to be a good Muslim and follow God's (Allah's) word, the Zakat must be done. If a Muslim has no participation in the Zakat, the relationship between Allah and the Muslim is not very good. If a Muslim does participate in the Zakat, then it will purify the persons heart from selfishness and greed. Also, the Zakat purifies the heart from envy, jealousy, uneasiness, and warm wishes for the contributors. Overall, participating in the Zakat is a necessary aspect to a Muslims life. -Ingrid K.

__Connection to God__

The Zakat is a very religious action. Paying 2.5% of their money is supposed to purify a Muslim's heart from greed and selfishness. The meaning of Zakat is "purification and growth." When they give money to the poor, God is supposed to rid their hearts of selfishness and greed. Mulsims believe that giving their money to the poor is very important, because they are purified and they are obeying what God wants. Refusing to pay the Zakat also has a strong religious meaning. Muslims believe that anyone who cannot pay 2.5% of their money is refusing God's word. Instead of purifying their heart, God leaves it as it is, and he is angry with the person. To conclude, paying the Zakat is very important to the Muslim people, but also to Allah. - Wesley D. = __ Rules of Compliance:__ = In order to participate properly in the Zakat, you need to donate 2.5% of your entire famlies wealth to the poor. You need to know how much each thing is taxed. For example if you have cattle you give 2.5% of them. You need to round up rather than giving them half of a cow. Any person that is not able to pay the Zakat is exused. These people include poor, travelers, unhealthy, or mentally unwell. No one is allowed to get into heaven without full compliance with all of the rules for their whole life stating when they move out. You can not be penalized if your parents do not comply when you are young. There are no exeptions. Allah is expecting you to give 2.5% even if you only have a little 2.5% of a little is very small. This applies to all Muslims. - Matthew C.

= __Conclusion:__ = In conclusion the Zakat, is mandatory by all able-bodied Muslims. It is very important to Muslims, but also to God. Paying 2.5% of their wealth gives Muslims pure heart and pure possesions. They do not give the money out of kindness, they give it because it is God's word, said in the Qu'ran. If a Muslim does not participate, God is disappointed in them. God wants every Muslim to pay 2.5% of their money to the poor, sick, and suffering. The Zakat is the essential third Pillar of Islam which brings together all Muslim followers.



__Sources:__
[] [|www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/ZAKAT.HTM] [|www.islamicicty.com/mosque/zakat] [|www.zpub.com/aaa/zakat-def.htmlhttp://www.islamicity.com/mosque/Zakat/http://www.zpub.com/aaa/zakat-def.html]
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