Zakāh — Purifying Wealth (Years 7–11) — Islamic Studies

Giving a set share (2.5%) of saved wealth each year to those in need; how it purifies wealth and helps society.

Zakāh is the third pillar. It is a set share of a Muslim's saved wealth, given each year to those in need. The word itself carries the meaning of purity and growth: by giving a little, a person's wealth and heart are cleansed.

Why this matters Zakāh reminds a Muslim that wealth is a gift from Allah, not something to be hoarded. It links the rich to the poor, keeps greed in check, and helps build a caring society where no one is left without support. It turns money into a means of doing good.

How much and when

For most kinds of saved wealth, zakāh is 2.5% of what a person has held for a full year, once their savings reach a minimum amount (the niṣāb). So a person is not taxed on every penny — only on wealth that has been kept and grown beyond their basic needs.

Who receives it

The Qur'an describes the groups who may receive zakāh, including the poor and the needy. Common recipients are:

Those who are poor or struggling to meet their needs.
Those in serious debt or difficulty.
Travellers who are stranded and cut off from their means.

Zakāh and ṣadaqah

It is important not to confuse two kinds of giving:

Zakāh	Ṣadaqah
Obligatory (a pillar)	Voluntary charity
A set share (about 2.5%)	Any amount, any time
Given once a year on qualifying wealth	Given whenever one wishes

How zakāh shapes character

Giving zakāh trains a Muslim to be generous rather than greedy, and grateful rather than proud. It builds empathy for those with less and reminds the giver that everything they own is really a trust from Allah. A community that gives zakāh looks after its weakest members with dignity.

Common exam mistake: forgetting the niṣāb condition and stating that zakāh is due on all wealth regardless of amount. It only applies once savings reach the minimum threshold (niṣāb) and have been held for a full year.

Exam technique: give the precise definition in one line — 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for a year, once it reaches the niṣāb — combining both the percentage and the threshold, since this is the answer mark schemes expect.