Zakat
One of the five pillars of Islam
Zakat an Islamic financial term, requires all Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to charity. Muslims must meet a certain threshold before they can qualify for zakat. The amount is 2.5% or 1/40 of an individual's total savings and wealth.
Narrated by Abu Huraira (r.a) The Prophet (pbuh) said, "Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says 'O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in your cause, 'and the other (angel) says. 'O Allah! Destroy every miser,'"
(Sahih Bukhari, chapter 24,522)
According to the Quran's Surah Al-Tawba, there are eight categories of people (asnaf) who qualify to benefit from zakat funds:
Those living without means of livelihood (Al-Fuqarā'), the poor
Those who cannot meet their basic needs (Al-Masākīn), the needy
To zakat collectors (Al-Āmilīyn 'Alihā)
To persuade those sympathetic to or expected to convert to Islam (Al-Mu'allafatu Qulūbuhum), recent converts to Islam, and potential allies in the cause of Islam
To free from slavery or servitude (Fir-Riqāb), slaves of Muslims who have or intend to free from their master[clarification needed] by means of a kitabah contract
Those who have incurred overwhelming debts while attempting to satisfy their basic needs (Al-Ghārimīn), debtors who in pursuit of a worthy goal incurred a debt.
Those fighting for a religious cause or a cause of God (Fī Sabīlillāh), or for Jihad in the way of Allah by means of pen, word, or sword, or for Islamic warriors who fight against the unbelievers but are not salaried soldiers.: h8.17
Wayfarers, stranded travellers (Ibnu Al-Sabīl), travellers who are traveling with a worthy goal but cannot reach their destination without financial assistance.
It is noteworthy to highlight Zakat is a bridge that connects Muslims to the beautiful religion of Islam. Zakat acts as the shield that protects Muslims from the evil of the pleasures and splendors of the 'Dunya' (world) and the key to achieve ultimate success in 'Akhirah' (hereafter).
The deed should be done wholeheartedly with sincere intention of pleasing The Almighty Allah SWT.
Entrust Sada'kath to channel your Zakat, to those in need by choosing from a variety of Projects from widows employment empowerment to emergency food packs to water projects.