At the core of Islam is the duty to look after the poor and needy. Zakah is a compulsory act or worship, the giving of a portion of one's wealth to those in the greatest need. It can only be spent on those mentioned in the above verse of the Qur'an; it cannot, for example, be used for other virtuous causes, such as building mosques.

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“The alms [Zakah] are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise.”

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The Qur'an, chapter 9, verse 60

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The paying of Zakah is not seen as a burden, rather a blessing because it means Allah has been generous in giving us enough wealth; people below a certain level of wealth do not pay Zakah.

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Zakah is not charity; charity (also known as Sadaqah in Islam) is the voluntary giving of one's wealth, but this so greatly recommended in Islam, and so highly rewarded, that Muslims have a very strong sense of the need to give charity.

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You can find out more about Zakah from the National Zakah Foundation.