THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

ON LOVING OTHERS

Reprinted from "The Five Pillars of Islam". Courtesy of : www.islamicity.org

3) THE 'ZAKAT'

          "One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings

          in trust.   The word zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'.  Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for

          those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

          …The Prophet said:  'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.'   He was asked:  'What if a person has nothing?'  The Prophet

          replied:  'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.'  The

          Companions asked:   "What if he is not able to work?'  The Prophet said:  'He should help poor and needy persons.'  The

          Companions further asked:  'What if he cannot do even that?'   The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.'  The

          Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?'  The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil.  That is also

          charity.'"

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