The definition of mandatory religious tax in Islam and other religions

A mandatory religious tax, or a religious obligation to pay a certain amount of money or contribute a portion of one’s wealth, is a practice found in several religions around the world. In Islam, this tax is known as Zakat and Khums, which are considered as pillars of Islamic finance.

Zakat is a mandatory religious tax that Muslims are required to pay annually. It is calculated as 2.5% of a person’s wealth that has been held for at least one lunar year. Zakat is meant to purify one’s wealth and to help those in need, such as the poor, the needy, and those who are in debt.

Khums, on the other hand, is a tax or obligation that Muslims are required to pay on specific types of wealth. Khums refers to paying one-fifth of the surplus income after deducting expenses and debts. It is mainly applicable to the income generated from business or trade, mining, rental properties, livestock, agricultural produce, and wealth obtained from the sea. The payment of Khums is considered a religious duty and is distributed in accordance with Islamic law, with one-fifth of the total amount going to the Imam or his representative and the remaining four-fifths being distributed among the poor and needy, orphans, and other recipients.

The purpose of these mandatory religious taxes is to promote social welfare and to support the less fortunate members of the Muslim community. The payment of Zakat and Khums is consideredan act of worship and a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah. It is believed that those who pay Zakat and Khums will be rewarded by Allah in this life and in the hereafter.

In addition to Zakat and Khums, there are other forms of mandatory religious taxes in other religions. For example, in Judaism, there is a religious obligation to give a portion of one’s income to charity, known as Tzedakah. In Christianity, there is a concept of tithing, which involves giving 10% of one’s income to the church.

Overall, the concept of mandatory religious tax is aimed at promoting social welfare, supporting the less fortunate, and ensuring the fair distribution of wealth in society. It is considered as a religious duty and an act of worship in many religions around the world.

Originally published at https://islamicdonate.com on May 29, 2023.