Almsgiving (Zakat / زكاة)

By • Jun 3rd, 2022 • Category: Quran Study

Session 19. Zakat (زكاة) is commonly viewed as a pillar of Islam; it is typically rendered “almsgiving” in English (i.e., money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy). Some scholars consider Zakat as a religious tax. However, in the Quran, Zakat is neither a religious tax nor exclusively a charitable contribution. Over the centuries, the concept of Zakat evolved among Muslim scholars, and took on a meaning that is not quite in line with the teachings of the Quran. In this presentation, we will explore Zakat- and its evolution- in Islamic thought.

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