Zakat is the name given to the compulsory charity that all Muslims must give to the poor and needy and seven other cataguries wich has been metioned in Quran. chapter 9 verse16.

 

9:60 Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah. and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

This duty is regarded as an act of worship and self purification as it requires sacrificing your own wealth for the benefit of others.

 

The figure set for zakat is 2.5% of a person wealth each year. The giving of zakat also helps to united the Muslim community as it forms a bond between members and encourages Muslims to help each other.

 

It also reminds Muslims that all wealth belongs to Allah and that Muslims should not cling on to worldly possessions.

 

For more information about Zakat please see site below or other site related to Zahat (Alm).

http://www.missionislam.com/knowledge/zakat.htm