What is Zakah in Islam?
Zakah (almsgiving) is one of the very basic pillars of Islam, without fulfilling this basic requirement, no individual can be considered a Muslim. It is essential for a Muslim who’s financially stable to donate at least 2.4% of his wealth to the needy and the poor. Islamic law very clearly defines who’s financially estabilished and is in a position to donate Zakah.
If in any doubt please consult your local mosques to discuss and establish whether you qualify to pay Zakah, and how much is to be paid. Alternatively, you may contact us to discuss the issue and we will provide you with the basic guidelines. Allah (swt) clearly ordains in Surah Tawbah (ayah 103).
In the above verse Allah (swt) addresses the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) and orders that a portion of the believer’s wealth should be given to charity. This action will:
a) Purify their wealth.
b) You pray (to Allah) for them. (Those who have made an effort to purify themselves).
c) Surely your prayer (to Allah on their behalf) is reassurance for them.
And Allah is most Hearing and Knowing.
Who should accept Zakah?
In the same surah (Surah Tawbah, ayah 60), Allah (swt) tells us who deserves to accept these donations.
Zakah must be only given to the following:-
a) The poor
b) The needy
c) Those employed to collect (Zakah)
d) Bringing hearts together (for Islam)
e) Freeing captives (or slaves)
f) Those in debt
g) The sake of Allah
h) The [stranded] traveler
An obligation [imposed], by Allah, and Allah is most Knowing and most Wise.
Where is Zakah spent?
Once you send your Zakah payments to the bank details below, this places a huge responsibility on us. We will Inshallah ensure that every penny you send to us goes to the most deserved people around the world. We will let you know exactly where your money has been sent.
What is Sadaqah Jariah in Islam?
Sadaqah is also donating money to the poor and the needy. This is a voluntary act to help the poor and needy of the Ummah as oppose to Zakah which is obligatory to those who are financially stable. Although, the words Sadaqah and Zakah are occasionally interchanged it must be kept in mind Zakah is a limited amount but Sadaqah can be given as much or as little as anyone likes.
According to Hadith of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), even meeting your brother with a smile at your face is a form of Sadaqah. Another example includes removing something harmful from a footpath or road is considered to be Sadaqah. Furthermore feeding your family and friends is a form of Sadaqah. Financially helping any individual or supporting community projects to spread goodness in the society is a form of Sadaqah.
The benefits of paying Sadaqah?
There are several ayahs in the Quran and Hadith of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) that encourage the believer towards giving Sadaqah. Here is one ayah.
In the above ayah Allah (swt) gives a beautiful example of a reward for those who spend money for the sake of Allah.
‘The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain that sprouts seven spikes. In every spike there are 100 grains, and Allah multiplies for whom He wills.’
Who should pay Sadaqah?
Anyone can pay any amount he/she wishes, provided his/her money is lawfully earned.
Where would we spend the Sadaqah?
Iqra high school is one of our new projects which needs a lot of support from the local community to grow and establish itself as a strong organisation to educate young Muslims. We need to purchase school equipment such printers, photo copiers, computers, pay bills and many other items which are necessary for an educational establishment. We have recently setup a basic science laboratory but it can be further improved by purchasing more lab equipment.
We need to establish a strong learning resource where our young learners have access to Islamic books to enhance their knowledge and understanding of their faith.
Please come and visit us to see what we are doing and support us in any way that you think would be most appropriate. We are also open to your suggestions to help and improve our school.
Where to make payments of your donation?
You could visit the school and pay us in cash and take a receipt, or you could directly pay into the school bank account. The school account details are as follows:
Bank Name: HSBC
Bank sort code: 403526
Account Name: Iqra High School
Account Number: 91877887
May Allah reward you in abundance for your support to Iqra High School.