2. • The basic idea of Zakat is being
charitable and giving goods and
money to others who have less.
• Zakat translates to the word
“purification.” Muslims believed that
wealth was more pure if you were
charitable.
• Muhammad introduced this idea
when he told the rich to give to the
poor.
3. • In Islam, all Muslims gave Zakat in one way
or another. It was mandatory to give 2.5% of
your crop surpluses or money to the poor.
• Zakat also helped pay school
tuition for needy children, as
well as paying teachers.
4. Zakat in Medieval Times
• Money went towards building public
fountains, because not everyone had
clean water.
• Inns were constructed with
charity money to house travelers
and pilgrims.
6. • Zakat is similar to the
mandatory donations of the
Jews and Christians, which
• In Muslim countries today, are called tithes.
Zakat is still present.
• Soup kitchens, shelters,
hospitals, and orphanages
are built and ran, and
clothes are distributed.
