Zakat, the third of the Five Pillars, is almsgiving—giving to support the poor, orphans and widows, to free enslaved people and debtors and to assist in spreading Islam. While no exact amount must be given, followers usually share between two and three percent of their accumulated wealth and assets. There are also non-obligatory or voluntary alms called sadaqah, which supplement alms collected through Zakat. Today sadaqah is generally paid when Ramadan, the month of fasting, ends.
The concept of Zakat originates in the Bible with tithe and offerings (Genesis 14:20; Malachi 3:8-10). A biblical tithe is a tenth of your income (Leviticus 27:30). There are three different types of tithes: the Levitical, or sacred tithe (Numbers 18:21, 24), the tithe of the feasts (Deuteronomy 14:22-27), and the tithe for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
The Bible details how these tithes and offerings should support the priests (Leviticus 27:30-33) and meet the needs of foreigners, orphans and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13).
Jesus focused on the way tithe and offering are to be given: humbly (Matthew 23:23), cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) and generously to everyone who asks (Luke 6:30), including those who cannot repay (Luke 14:13-14). Jesus says that when we give with our whole heart, we will be rewarded in an immeasurable way (Luke 6:38). Jesus also instructs us to give privately, not to make a public display to receive the admiration of others (Matthew 6:1-4).
Tithing signifies trusting God and making Him our priority (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). We return our tithe to God first (Proverbs 3:9) because He is the owner of everything (Deuteronomy 8:18), including all the money in the world (Haggai 2:8). Tithing also symbolizes living our lives as stewards, not owners, of our bodies, health, wealth, time and more. Jesus teaches that stewardship of finances is a sign of trustworthiness in spiritual matters (Luke 16:11).
When encountering Muslims, focus on the biblical meaning of tithing, especially the idea of stewardship. The concept is foreign to Muslims even though we see its footprints in the Quran. I believe the best example we can share with Muslims is the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Jesus emphasizes that we all have talents and that it is not the number of talents that is important but how we use them. He also illustrates that those who refuse to use their talents will face the consequences of their decision.
Stewardship is about taking care of ourselves and others, meeting their needs and being faithful to God because everything begins with Him, and He should be first in everything. Being a good steward means using our time wisely. Emphasize the importance of the Sabbath, daily prayer and worship. Stewardship includes taking care of our health and bodies. Explain the importance of what we eat and drink and getting enough rest and exercise. Muslims do not emphasize these much. The Bible stresses, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, and He will pay back what he has given” (Proverbs 19:17). Therefore, taking care of the widows, the orphans, the poor and the needy is like lending to God, and God will repay.
