Ibadah / Acts of Worship

Cases in which khums can be spent based on the treatises of each of the Marja’ Taqlids.

The cases in which Khums can be spent according to the treatises of each of the Marja’ Taqlids are as follows. It has been tried to collect these cases based on the principle of his treatise.

Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani: According to Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support needy individuals who are poor, stranded, or in debt.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: According to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

Supporting the expenses of Islamic seminaries, Hawzas, and religious schools
• Helping the poor and needy
• Supporting Islamic propagation and cultural activities
• Providing financial assistance for the marriage of young couples who cannot afford it
• Assisting with the education of orphans and needy children

Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi: According to Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi al-Modarresi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars andstudents of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi: According to Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Muhammad al-Fayadh: According to Ayatollah Muhammad al-Fayadh’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor andneedy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: According to Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim: According to Ayatollah Muhammad Saeed al-Hakim’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
Tosupport the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Muhammad al-Yaqoubi: According to Ayatollah Muhammad al-Yaqoubi’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Akhtari: According to Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Akhtari’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places ofworship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Hussein Vahid Khorasani: According to Ayatollah Hussein Vahid Khorasani’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the training of scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

Ayatollah Mohaqiq Kabuli: According to Ayatollah Mohaqiq Kabuli’s treatise of Islamic laws, Khums can be spent in the following ways:

To support the needs of needy Sayyids who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
To support the propagation of Islam and the trainingof scholars and students of Islamic knowledge.
To support the needs of the poor and needy, including orphans and widows.
To support the preservation and upkeep of Islamic shrines and places of worship.
To support the needs of those who are in the path of Allah, such as those who are fighting in defense of the faith.

It’s important to note that the ways in which Khums can be spent can vary slightly between different Marja’ Taqlids, depending on their interpretation of Islamic law and the needs of their specific communities. Nonetheless, the general categories of spending mentioned above are common among Shia Muslim scholars and jurists.

Khums Religion

Definition of zakat based on Quran and hadiths

Zakat: A Pillar of Islam for Purification and Charity

Zakat, a cornerstone of Islamic faith, is more than just charitable giving. It’s a mandatory act of worship, a pillar of Islam alongside prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and declaration of faith. The word “Zakat” itself, derived from the Arabic “zakaa,” carries rich meaning: growth, purification, and blessing. Fulfilling this obligation purifies a Muslim’s wealth and soul, fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion.

The Quranic Foundation of Zakat

The Quran provides the bedrock for Zakat. In Surah Al-Baqarah verse 110, Allah (SWT) commands:

“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.”

This verse emphasizes the significance of Zakat alongside prayer, highlighting its role as a cornerstone of a righteous life.

Hadith and the Prophetic Guidance on Zakat

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further elaborated on Zakat through his teachings (Hadiths). One famous Hadith narrates the Prophet saying:

“The wealth of a person is not diminished by giving Zakat; rather, it increases.”

This underscores the belief that Zakat strengthens, not diminishes, one’s blessings.

Calculating and Distributing Zakat

Zakat is calculated based on the type and value of a Muslim’s wealth exceeding a minimum threshold known as Nisab. This threshold is typically equivalent to the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. Once a Muslim’s wealth surpasses Nisab, specific rates are applied to different asset classes, such as 2.5% for cash and tradable goods. If you want to calculate your zakat, you can refer to this link.

The recipients of Zakat are outlined in the Quran and Hadith. These include the poor and needy, widows, orphans, travelers in need, those burdened by debt, and those striving in Allah’s cause. Additionally, funds can be directed towards projects that benefit the Muslim community, such as building mosques, schools, and hospitals.

Zakat: A Pillar of Social Welfare

Zakat plays a vital role in fostering social justice and economic well-being within the Muslim community. By redistributing wealth, it alleviates poverty, promotes equality, and strengthens social bonds. It cultivates a spirit of generosity and compassion, reflecting a core Islamic value.

Religion Zakat

The definition of mandatory religious tax in Islam and other religions

Mandatory Religious Taxes: A Pillar of Social Welfare Across Faiths

Religious communities throughout history have implemented practices to support their members and social welfare. One such practice is the concept of a mandatory religious tax. This article explores this concept, focusing on Islam and exploring similar practices in other religions.

Zakat and Khums: Pillars of Islamic Finance

Islam has two primary mandatory religious taxes: Zakat and Khums. Both contribute significantly to Islamic finance and social structures.

Zakat: This annual tax requires Muslims to donate 2.5% of their wealth that has been held for a lunar year. This purifies wealth and supports those in need, such as the poor, the indebted, and recent converts.
Khums: This tax applies to specific types of wealth, like business profits or agricultural produce. Muslims pay one-fifth of their surplus income after expenses and debts. Khums is distributed according to Islamic law, with a portion going to religious authorities and the remainder to the underprivileged.

Beyond Islam: Tithing and Tzedakah

While Zakat and Khums are central to Islam, other religions have similar practices:

Judaism: Tzedakah is a mandatory obligation to donate a portion of income to charity. The specific amount is not fixed, encouraging generosity based on individual circumstances.
Christianity: Tithing, the practice of donating 10% of one’s income to the church, is a concept found in some Christian denominations. While not universally mandatory, it remains a significant aspect of Christian stewardship.

Shared Goals: Social Justice and Divine Favor

These mandatory religious taxes share common goals:

Social Welfare: They provide financial resources to support the less fortunate within the religious community.
Fair Distribution of Wealth: These practices aim to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth within society.
Religious Duty and Divine Favor: Fulfilling these obligations is considered an act of worship and a way to gain favor with God.

A Universal Commitment to Community

The concept of a mandatory religious tax transcends specific religions. It reflects a universal belief in the importance of social responsibility and supporting those in need. By contributing a portion of their wealth, believers promote a more just and equitable society, fulfilling a religious duty and strengthening their faith.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Definition of khums based on Quran and hadiths

In Islamic jurisprudence, Khums refers to a mandatory religious tax or obligation that Muslims are required to pay on specific types of wealth. The word “khums” literally means one-fifth or 20%, and in Islamic law, it refers to the obligation to pay one-fifth of the surplus income after deducting expenses and debts. The payment of Khums is considered a religious duty and is one of the pillars of Islamic finance.

The obligation of Khums is derived from the Quran and the Sunnah. The following are some of the Quranic verses and Hadiths related to Khums:

It is mentioned in the Holy Quran:
“And know that whatever of war-booty that you may gain, verily one-fifth (khums) of it is assigned to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the near relatives [of the Messenger (Muhammad)], (and also) the orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), and the wayfarer, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our slave (Muhammad) on the Day of criterion (between right and wrong), the Day when the two forces met (the battle of Badr) – And Allah is Able to do all things.” [Quran 8:41]

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Khums is Allah’s right, so it should be paid to His representative (the Imam) or toone who is authorized by him.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet also said: “There are five things that are among the rights of the Messenger of Allah: prayer, fasting, hajj, zakat, and khums.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi]

In addition, there are specific types of wealth that are subject to Khums, including:

Surplus income from business or trade
Gains from mining or treasure hunting
Income from rental properties
Livestock and agricultural produce
Wealth obtained from the sea
Khums 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 payment of Khums is considered a means of purifying one’s wealth and seeking the pleasure of Allah, and is an important aspect of Islamic finance and charity.

Khums Religion

Praying or Ibadah in Islam

Ibadah is a broad concept in Islam that refers to acts of worship and devotion to God. It includes both physical and financial acts of worship. Some key points about ibadah:

• Ibadah literally means “to worship, serve and obey.” It refers to any act done solely to please and obey God. but in Islamic terminology, it refers to acts of worship that are done in accordance with the Shariah (Islamic law). So ibadah must comply with the guidelines and teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

The purpose of ibadah is to attain the pleasure of Allah and come closer to Him. It is not meant as a means to show off or gain praise from others. Ibadah done with sincerity solely for Allah is most beloved to Him. all acts of ibadah, whether obligatory or voluntary, must be done with the correct intention, focusing the heart and mind on Allah. Without correct intention, ibadah is not valid.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “Deeds are judged by intentions, and everyone will get what was intended.” This emphasizes the importance of intentions in all acts of ibadah.

• The five pillars of Islam – shahada, salah, zakat, sawm and hajj – are all forms of ibadah. They are the most basic acts of worship for Muslims.

• Other acts can also be considered ibadah, including reciting the Quran, making supplications, giving sadaqah and spreading knowledge.

• There are fard ibadah (obligatory worship), mustahabb ibadah (recommended worship) and nafil ibadah (voluntary worship) – referring to acts that are required, encouraged and optional respectively.

• The purpose of ibadah is to develop a closer connection with God and earn His rewards and pleasure.

• Ibadah should be done sincerely, purely for the sake of God, free from riya (ostentation) and other impure intentions.

• Ibadah encompasses both outward actions (like prayers and fasting) and inward states of mind and heart (like love, devotion and servitude to God).

The categories of Ibadah are as follows:

Fard/Farizah ibadah (obligatory acts of worship):
These are acts of worship that are made compulsory in Islam and are considered the minimum required of Muslims. Failure to perform fard acts is considered a sin in Islam. Examples of fard ibadah include the five pillars of Islam – Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj – as well as financial payments like khums and some specific forms of sadaqah that are deemed obligatory. Fard ibadah are considered the foundation of Islam upon which all other acts of worship are built. They hold the greatest reward since they are the minimum requirement for being a true Muslim in practice. However, the reward comes from doing fard acts with sincerity, purely for the sake of Allah.

Mustahabb ibadah (recommended acts of worship):
These are acts of worship that are encouraged and recommended in Islam but are not compulsory. They bring extra reward when performed but hold no punishment for being neglected. Examples of mustahabb ibadah include voluntary prayers, reciting Quran frequently, giving more charity or sadaqah beyond what is obligatory, and donating to mosques and Islamic institutions. Mustahabb acts help strengthen one’s faith, draw one closer to Allah, and increase one’s spirituality. However, they are seen as supplementary to fard ibadah, not replacements. This includes nawafil financial payments like sadaqah and donations.

Wajib kaffarah (mandatory atonement):
These are acts of worship done to make amends for offenses or sins committed. They are obligatory in order to gain Allah’s forgiveness and remove the sin. Examples include paying kaffarah for missed fasts in Ramadan, breaking oaths, unjust killing, and having sexual relations during the day in Ramadan. Wajib acts of kaffarah remove the consequences of sins by “paying the due price” through specified acts of worship. While fard ibadah are intended to build one’s faith and spirituality, wajib kaffarah acts are meant to remedy transgressions after the fact. Both are necessary to balance in the spiritual life.

Ibadah helps a person achieve peace, fulfilment and spiritual growth. The more one performs ibadah with sincerity, the closer one feels to Allah and the more contented one becomes.
So ibadah is a comprehensive term referring to the various acts, both physical and financial, that humans do to worship and obey God. There are different levels or degrees of ibadah – from obligatory to recommended to voluntary – but the main purpose is to develop a closer relationship with the Divine and earn His rewards.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion