Today, the abundance of wealth is everywhere, especially in the western societies where the race is on for the biggest house, the best cars, the latest clothes...but STOP!

What about our duty to Allah? What of the poor and needy? The arrogant will simply turn around and state that Allah could feed the poor if he is so wills. But what the arrogant do not realise is that spending in the way of Allah is actually doubling up their own reward in the hereafter. The prophet (SAW) explained that the greatest test for his followers will be the test of wealth.

1. So what’s this Zakat business all about?

The word “Zakat” literally means "that which purifies" and "that which fosters growth". So the act of giving Zakat means purifying one's wealth to gain the blessings of Allah (swt).

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is one of the most fundamental acts of Ibadah (worship) hence being mentioned over 30 times in the Holy Quran. In simple terms, it is the more able people giving 2.5% of their yearly income to those who are less financially able. Performing Zakat is to re-distribute wealth from the rich to the poor so the rich can help those who are less fortunate than themselves.