What is charity, How to pay it and Who is Eligible to Have it?

Charles A.Ellwood, Lecturer of the University of Nebraska, has marked the nineteenth century as one of the remarkable eras that have witnessed the rise of humanitarian sentiment than never before. In his 1899 lectures on Society and Charity, Charles mentioned that the nineteenth century was the time when the society began to put enthusiastic effort to help its weaker members in the struggle for their survival. Charles A. Ellwood’s lecture isunique as it was the first formal public presentations in Lincoln.

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and an obligation which must be performed by all Muslims. Islam is the religion of peace so it has encouraged rich and wealthy Muslims to give Zakat to establish social justice. When calculating Zakat the amount owed often becomes the subject of confusion. The simplest and easiest way to fulfill your obligation of Zakat is to use Zakat calculator to work out how much you have to pay. Zakat calculators save your time and only take into account those values that are eligible for Zakat. Transparent Hands Online Zakat Calculator will enable you to calculate your Zakat correctly and it is the best calculator available online.

Zakat is the religious form of almsgiving in Islam treated as an obligatory act and by Quranic ranking, it comes next after the prayer (Salat) in importance. To become a righteous Muslim one is obliged to pay Zakat and fulfill one’s duties to the unprivileged people of the society.

Zakat is not only a spiritual or religious giving or the redistribution of wealth among the rich or poor. Zakat is more about establishing social justice where the rich give to the poor to boost security, peace, tolerance, and harmony in the society. Islam has mentioned enormous rewards for Zakat or Charity. Giving charity is an act of kindness towards the recipients and at the same time it highly benefits those who give it including guarding life’s challenges and problems and resulting in increase of one’s wealth.

Islam is not only a religion but a way of life. Islam has ensured equal rights for all. Islam has deep concerns for the well being of men, women, children, orphans, the needy, the poor and every kind of people living in the society. Islam has established Zakat as a compulsory duty to be carried out by the rich to reduce the agony and pain of the poor and needy.

Zakat is the mandatory giving of a fixed proportion from one’s wealth. It is a spiritual practice and worship which leads to the purification of the soul and a person’s wealth. Zakat is a way to remind ourselves that whatever fortune we own it is due to the blessings of the Almighty and we really do not own it and after death we will not be able to take anything with us. Zakat also helps to purify one’s character because it frees us from vices like desire and greed, envy, jealousy etc.

Islam is not only a religion but a way of life too. It preaches about good practices in day to day life and forbids conducting any evil acts which may hurt any individual, family or the community. Islam has only one motto that is maintaining harmony and peace in society. This motto in Islam has led to the practice of giving Zakat to the poor in order to maintain social justice.

Muslims are still ignorant about numerous aspects, laws and regulations of Islam. Many Islamic laws and rules have been misinterpreted by people and they have implemented them in the wrong way. We believe fulfilling the compulsory five waqt Salat everyday will make us a righteous person. We believe that we have fulfilled our religious duties after fasting in every Ramadan and going on a pilgrimage in Makkah. We believe that fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families, parents, relatives and friends are enough to lead a righteous life according to Islam.

People choose to support charitable organizations or nonprofits for various reasons. For some, it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. Charity is an opportunity to give something back to the community through donating to an organization that has impacted a person's life.

For Muslims around the world, the month of Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, sacrifice and joyous family gatherings. It’s also a time when Muslims give more Zakat than any time of the year.The giver is believed to be purified through the act of transferring wealth to the poor. Zakat is also a powerful source of good with untapped potential for contributing to sustainable development in communities.