Learning Islam

Zakat is giving alms or charity to those in need. Zakat is part of being Muslim and is generally 1/40 or 2.5% of income. If a Muslim makes $10,000, their zakat obligation is $250. This is a reasonable and affordable rule to giving zakat, but Allah also gave poor Muslims other ways to give zakat.

In a hadith narrated by Abu Burda, from his father from his grandfather that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “Every Muslim has to give in charity.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that?” He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Sahih Bukhari, Chapter 24, 524)

I was relieved to know that charity can be accepted in different forms according to what I can afford, especially if I don’t have the money to give, I can do good deeds. When I wasn’t able to give money, I helped keep the masjid clean and looking nice and helping college Muslims with English. My favorite part was planting flowers in front of the masjid and watering the plants.

As Christians, we always had regular church clean-up days where everyone did something according to their ability; I typically did heavy lifting of dead branches and outdoor work, whereas the older members of the church cleaned windows, dusted books or cleaned the kitchen. Work ethic was part of our faith, keeping the house of Allah clean humbled us in understanding the need for consistent care and attention.

I personally think I was raised to be Muslim, even though I was baptized a Christian, the qualities of faith I was taught prepared me for the third pillar of Islam. I am forever grateful to and love my family for these lessons. In Shaa Allah, I am able to give money someday, but I will always do as much as I can with my abilities.