Zakat (Alms)

Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) means "purification" or "growth" and is the obligatory alms in Islam — the third of Islam's five pillars. The Quran mentions zakat and salah (prayer) side by side in over 30 verses, showing their inseparable connection: "And establish prayer and give zakat" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43).

In Shia fiqh, zakat is obligatory on nine things: (1) Wheat, (2) Barley, (3) Dates, (4) Raisins, (5) Gold, (6) Silver, (7) Camels, (8) Cattle, and (9) Sheep/goats. Each has specific nisab amounts (minimum thresholds) and rates. In addition to zakat, there is khums (one-fifth of the year's surplus), which is obligatory in Shia fiqh based on the Quran: "And know that whatever you gain, a fifth of it is for Allah and the Messenger" (Surah Al-Anfal 8:41).

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: "Allah has made zakat a supplement for prayer — prayer purifies the soul, and zakat purifies wealth" (Nahj al-Balagha). Imam al-Sadiq said: "The one who pays zakat from his wealth has protected it, and the one who withholds zakat has destroyed his wealth" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3, Kitab al-Zakat).

The connection between prayer and zakat is fundamental: prayer is the vertical connection to Allah, while zakat is the horizontal connection to fellow humans. Together they constitute the core of Islamic worship — devotion to Allah and care for society. For Shia Muslims, the payment of khums and zakat is an important religious duty, typically channeled through the marja's (the religious authority's) office for charitable purposes.