3. Zakah/Zakat (welfare contribution)

The third pillar of Islam is Zakat, it is here that the social obligations of Islam are made most explicit.

The word Zakat has evolved semantically from its primary meaning - "purification" - to its current definition of "obligatory welfare contribution". The implication is clear enough; personal property must be "purified" by payment of ones dues to the community, for the upkeep of its weaker members. As such, the heart of the contributor will purify from selfishness and greed for wealth, and the heart of the recipient from envy and hatred. As a result, the society at large will purify and free itself from class warfare.

Just as the performance of the salat is both an individual and a communal obligation, so payment of the zakat instils a sense of communal identity and responsibility., as all Muslims share their obligation to worship God, so they are duty bound to attend to the social welfare of their community by redressing economic inequalities through payment of an "obligatory charity". It is an act of, both worship or thanksgiving to God and of service to the community.

All adult Muslims, who at the end of the year, have accumulated wealth and assets - not just their income - to a fixed minimum level, are obliged to pay levy at a 2.5% rate, as ordained by God. This payment is not regarded as charity, since it is not really voluntary but instead is owed, by those who have received their wealth as a trust from Gods bounty to the poor. The due recipients of this payment are mentioned in the Qur'an. Zakat is also a vital component of the Islamic Economic System.

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