Third Pillar of Islam

The third pillar of Islam stands as one of the most fundamental acts of worship in the Islamic faith. Known as Zakat, this pillar represents far more than just charitable giving. It embodies a comprehensive system of social welfare, spiritual purification, and economic justice that has been integral to Muslim communities for over 1400 years.

In this blog, you will learn the third pillar of Islam, its meaning, its core elements, and why the Zakat is so vital to the faith.

What is the 3rd Pillar of Islam?

The 3rd pillar of Islam is Zakat. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligatory annual charity paid by eligible Muslims to support the poor, needy, and other specific categories of people.

What does Zakat Mean

The word ‘zakat’ comes from the Arabic root, which means ‘to purify’ or ‘to grow’. paying zakat purifies the remaining wealth and soul from greed, promotes social justice, and helps the Muslim community (Ummah) by redistributing resources to those in need. 

Core Elements of the Third Pillar of Islam

Understanding each element of the third pillar of Islam helps us appreciate its comprehensive nature. The third pillar of Islam includes several key components:

Nisab (Minimum Threshold)

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess to be eligible to pay Zakat. The Zakat pillar of Islam only becomes obligatory when one's wealth reaches a specific threshold called nisab, equivalent to approximately 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver.

Hawl (Time Period)

An essential element of the third pillar of Islam requires that wealth must be in one's possession for a complete lunar year before Zakat becomes due.

Types of Wealth Subject to Zakat

Zakat specifically addresses various forms of wealth:

• Cash and bank deposits
• Gold and silver
• Business merchandise
• Agricultural produce
• Livestock
• Investment properties

The Rate of Zakat

The standard Zakat rate is 2.5% on accumulated wealth. This is the rate applied to most forms of wealth, including cash, savings, gold, silver, and business inventory.  If your total zakatable assets exceed the nisab, you pay 2.5% of your net worth (assets minus debts). 

Who Must Pay the Zakat

Zakat is not obligatory for every Muslim. It is necessary for Muslims who meet specific conditions. Here are the requirements:

• Being Muslim: Zakat is a religious obligation only for Muslims.
• Reaching Nisab: You must possess wealth equal to or exceeding the nisab amount
• Possessing Wealth for One Lunar Year: The wealth must remain at or above nisab for a complete lunar year (Hawl). The year starts when wealth first reaches the nisab level.
• Full Ownership: The wealth must be fully owned by you. You must have complete control and disposal rights. 
• Excess Wealth: The wealth must be beyond your basic needs. Basic necessities like housing, food, clothing, and transportation are exempt. 

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Recipients of the Zakat

Recipients of the zakat refer to the people who can receive the zakat. According to the Quran, there are eight recipients of zakat known as the ‘Masarif’. The Quran states that;

اِنَّمَا الصَّدَقٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَ الْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَ الْعٰمِلِیْنَ عَلَیْهَا وَ الْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَ فِی الرِّقَابِ وَ الْغٰرِمِیْنَ وَ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَ ابْنِ السَّبِیْلِؕ-فَرِیْضَةً مِّنَ اللّٰهِؕ-وَ اللّٰهُ عَلِیْمٌ حَكِیْمٌ

‘Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted to the faith, for freeing slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for needy travellers. This is an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.’ ((Quran 9:60)

According to this verse, the recipients of Zakat include;

Al-Fuqara' (The Poor)

These are people living in extreme poverty with little to no income or assets. They cannot meet their basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. They may be unemployed, disabled, or facing circumstances that prevent them from earning a livelihood. Zakat helps them survive and maintain human dignity.

Al-Masakeen (The Needy)

While slightly better off than the poor, the needy still struggle to make ends meet. They may have some income or possessions, but it is insufficient for their family's needs. For example, someone earning a small wage that doesn't cover rent, food, and medical expenses falls into this category.

Al-'Amileena 'Alayha (Zakat Administrators)

These are the people officially appointed to collect, record, safeguard, and distribute Zakat. They can be paid from Zakat funds for their work, even if they are not poor themselves. This ensures the Zakat system runs efficiently and professionally.

Al-Mu'allafati Quloobuhum (New Muslims/Those Inclined Toward Islam)

This category includes:

• Recent converts who may have lost family support or jobs due to their conversion
• Non-Muslims who are sympathetic to Islam and might be encouraged to embrace it
• Muslims whose faith needs strengthening
• Influential people whose support can benefit the Muslim community

Ar-Riqab (Freeing Captives)

Historically, this meant freeing slaves. Today, scholars interpret this to include:

• Helping victims of human trafficking
• Assisting prisoners of war
• Supporting those trapped in exploitative labor conditions
• Helping people escape modern forms of bondage or oppression

Al-Gharimeen (Those in Debt)

This covers people burdened by debts they cannot repay, provided the debt was:

• Incurred for lawful purposes (not for sinful activities)
• Not due to wasteful spending or extravagance

Examples included business losses or debts taken to help others. Even wealthy individuals who fall into overwhelming debt may qualify.

Fisabeelillah (In the Cause of Allah)

This broad category includes those working for Islamic causes without adequate compensation:

• Fighters defending Muslim lands and fighting in the path of Allah (Mujahideen)
• Scholars and students of Islamic knowledge
• Those engaged in da'wah (calling people to Islam)

Ibn as-Sabeel (Stranded Travelers)

Travelers who are away from home and have run out of money, even if they are wealthy back home. This includes:

• Pilgrims who've exhausted their funds
• Students studying abroad who can't access their resources
• Refugees displaced from their homeland
• Anyone in a foreign place without the means to return or continue

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The Importance of Zakat in Islam

Zakat holds immense spiritual, social, and economic significance in Islam. Its importance is emphasized throughout the Quran and Hadith. 

A Pillar of Islam

The edifice of Islam is built on five pillars, and one of them is Zakat. It is mentioned alongside Salah (prayer) in numerous verses, showing its fundamental importance in a Muslim's life. Whoever pays zakat upholds the building of Islam.  

The Quran says: 

وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ وَ ارْكَعُوْا مَعَ الرّٰكِعِیْنَ

"And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow (in worship and obedience)." (Quran 2:43)

Purification of Wealth and Soul

Zakat purifies both the giver's wealth and soul. It removes greed and attachment to material possessions. 

The Quran mentions that;

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ صَدَقَةًۭ تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَوٰتَكَ سَكَنٌۭ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

"Take, (O, Muhammad), from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke (Allah's blessings) upon them. Indeed, your invocations are a reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (Quran 9:103)

Source of Blessings

Zakat is the source of divine blessings. It not only saves the wealth but also causes barakah in it. Allah multiplies the reward for those who give Zakat sincerely.

وَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًۭا لِّيَرْبُوَا۟ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِ ٱلنَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُوا۟ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَوٰةٍۢ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ ٱللَّهِ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُضْعِفُونَ

"Whatever you give for interest to increase within the wealth of people will not increase with Allah. But what you give in zakah, desiring the countenance of Allah - those are the multipliers." (Quran 30:39)

Characteristic of True Believers

Zakat is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act of worship that determines one's eternal destination. Those who fulfill this obligation with sincerity are promised eternal success. 

The Quran says;

قَدْ اَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ (1) الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ فِیْ صَلَاتِهِمْ خٰشِعُوْنَ (2) وَ الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُوْنَ (3) وَ الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ لِلزَّكٰوةِ فٰعِلُوْنَ (4)

"Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive... And they who are observant of zakah." (Quran 23:1-4)

Protection from Calamity

Regular charity, including Zakat, protects believers from misfortune. The Holy Prophet (SAW) said that;

"Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." (Al-Tirmidhi 589)

Conclusion 

The third pillar of Islam is Zakat, or compulsory charity, which is the mandatory giving of a set proportion of one's wealth to benefit the poor and needy. It is considered an act of worship and purification. Zakat is an annual contribution of 2.5% of one's net wealth that has reached the nisab and has been held for one lunar year.