Almsgiving (Zakaat & Khums)

Every material possession that people acquire comes through the generosity of Allah. Although people must work to earn a living, Allah is the one who determines what sustenance they will receive. To some, such as Mary, the mother of Jesus (peace be upon them), He gives unconditionally:

"Every time Zachariah entered the sanctuary to visit her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, 'O Mary! From where did you get this?' She said, 'This is from Allah; verily, Allah provides sustenance to whomever He wills without limit." (3:37)

Not only human beings but also all the plants, animals, and other creatures in this universe are sustained by Allah: "Many are the creatures that carry not their own provision; Allah provides for them and for you." (29:60)

Since everything people possess is from Allah, when they are told to return some of their wealth in charity, they are not actually giving up their own property but merely what Allah has lent them for use in this world. Allah says: "O you who believe! Spend out of what We have provided for you." (2:254)

Giving charity benefits the individual as well as society since almsgiving purifies the soul from stinginess and meanness: "Take alms from their wealth in order to purify and sanctify them." (9:103) For society, the money from the obligatory charities (zakaat and khums) provides security and dignity by providing for the needy, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, and eliminating poverty. The money collected is used for food, shelter, education, health care, orphanages, libraries, pavement, and other public services. From a moral standpoint, the obligation to pay the obligatory charities is no less important than the obligation to pray; whenever the Qur'an refers to those who establish prayers, it immediately refers also to those who pay the obligatory charities.

Charity is not a gift for the poor but rather is a right: "And in their properties is the right of the beggar and the destitute." (51:19)

A community in which everyone pays the zakaat and the khums will be successful, but a community in which people do not pay them will fall apart. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) has said:

"My community will continue to live fairly they are faithful to each other, return deposits to their owners, and give alms (zakaat) to the poor. But if they do not fulfill these duties, they will encounter famine and scarcity."[1]

Imam 'Ali (peace be upon him) has also said:

"Allah the Glorified has fixed the livelihood of the destitute in the wealth of the rich. Consequently, whenever the destitute remains hungry, it is because some rich persons have denied him his share."[2]

These sayings and legislations only refer to the obligatory charities; in addition to them, people are encouraged to give voluntary charity of every kind - in money, word, or deed. Voluntary charity is called sadaqa and, like the zakaat and khums, benefits both the individual and society. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) has said:

"Give charity and cure your sick persons by it because charity can surely remove your bad fortunes and ailments, and it causes prolongation of your lifetimes and increases your rewards."[3]

He also has said:

When charity is delivered out of the hand of its owner, it says five things: at first, I was perishing and you gave me life I was insignificant and you made me great. I was an enemy and you turned me into a friend. You used to protect me then, but now I will protect you up till the Day of Resurrection.[4]

Allah says in the Qur'an: "Surely those who recite the Book of Allah and keep up prayer and spend out of what We have given them secretly and openly hope for a gain which will not perish." (35:29)


Specifics of the zakaat and khums

Zakaat. The zakaat is a type of almsgiving which must be paid yearly on the following items if they are possessed in sufficient quantities: wheat, barley, dates, raisins, gold, silver, camels, cows, and sheep.

Khums. Khums should be paid yearly on 20% of the excess profit that a person acquires. "Excess profit" refers to the profit that remains after a person pays for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities for himself and his family. It must be given to one authorized to collect it (usually, a religious scholar) so that it can be distributed in the appropriate way. Khums must also be paid on six other items, such as gems obtained while diving, but these cases in modern society tend to be rare.

The khums has been ordained in the Qur'an: "And know that whatever profit you may attain, one fifth of it is assigned to Allah and the Messenger, and to the near relatives [of the Messenger] and the orphans, the destitute, and the wayfarer, if you have believed in Allah and that which We sent down to our servant [Muhammad]." (8:41)
 

[1] - Wasaa'il ash-Shi'a, vol. 6 p. 13

[2] - Nahj al-Balagha (The Peak of Eloquence)

[3] - Kanz al-'Ummal, vol. 6 p. 31

[4] - Al-Ithna'ashariyyah, p. 23

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