zakat

American  

[zuh-kaht] / zəˈkɑt /

Also zakah

noun

Islam.

1. a tax, comprising percentages of personal income of every kind, levied as almsgiving for the relief of poor people: the third of the Pillars of Islam.

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zakat British  

/ zaˈkat /

noun

1. Islam an annual tax on Muslims to aid the poor in the Muslim community

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Etymology

Origin of zakat

First recorded in 1800–05; from Turkish zekât or Persian zakāt, from Arabic zakāh

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

zakat

The other pillars are the profession of faith, prayer five times a day, zakat - a form of charity, and making the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca once in their lifetime.

From BBC ● Mar. 11, 2024

Doing good deeds or giving zakat during Ramadan is considered especially holy, particularly during the month’s final 10 days, when Muslims believe God revealed the text of the Quran to the prophet Mohamed.

From New York Times ● Apr. 29, 2022

One way this happens is through zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, which asks Muslims to contribute a portion of their wealth to those in need.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 7, 2022

Altogether, some $200 billion to $1 trillion is donated annually in the form of zakat.

From Slate ● Aug. 17, 2018

"I know about zakat," said Belet, referring to the obligation to help the needy.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

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