Zakāt

Zakāt is an Islamic financial obligation requiring Muslims who meet certain wealth criteria to donate a fixed portion (usually 2.5%) of their accumulated savings and assets annually to support those in need. It serves as both a spiritual duty and social responsibility, promoting economic fairness by redistributing wealth to help the poor, orphans, and community projects. Zakāt is distinctly different from charity (sadaqah) in that it is a mandatory, regulated obligation with specific conditions and recipients defined by Islamic law. It fosters community cohesion and ensures the well-being of the less fortunate.