Unit: Pillars of Islam · Lesson 3 of 50 · study cards + quiz
The third pillar
Zakah is an obligatory charity on wealth that has reached a minimum amount (nisab) and been held for a lunar year. For money, gold and silver it is 2.5% given to those who deserve it.
Who receives it?
The Quran (9:60) names the recipients, including the poor, the needy and the indebted. Zakah moves wealth through the community so no one is left behind.
Purification and growth
The word "zakah" means purification and growth. Giving it purifies the giver's wealth and heart from greed — and Allah promises that charity never decreases wealth.
📝 Test yourself
What is the Zakah rate on saved money, gold and silver? 10% · 5% · 2.5% · 25%
What is the "nisab"? A type of prayer · The minimum amount of wealth before Zakah is due · A month of fasting · A chapter of the Quran
What does the word "zakah" mean? Journey · Purification and growth · Testimony · Pilgrimage