ZAKAT is the third pillar of Islam. It is hard to translate the word or find its closest meaning in English. In Arabic, the word is derived from the root “z-k-a.” The verb, zakka, “to purify,” also means “to make something grow and develop.” Zakat is commonly known as “almsgiving.” This translation is not accurate if we consider the philosophy behind that pillar. There is a difference between almsgiving – sadaqa – and zakat. Sadaqa is a voluntary service of any kind that is given from one person to another.
The Blessed Prophet (on whom be peace) encourages everyone to give sadaqa, also known as khairat. A smile, words of sympathy, even giving half a date can be sadaqa. Whatever the words – differentiated for juristic reasons – the spirit is to alleviate humanity’s sufferings. Such was the example of Caliph ‘Umar, who sat watching children play after…
Read More…..Tribune Newspaper
