Khums (also spelled khoms or khumus) is a term used in Islamic tradition to refer to a specific tax or levy that is required of certain Muslims. In the Shia branch of Islam, khums is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered a mandatory obligation for all Muslims.
The concept of khums is mentioned in several verses of the Quran, including:
- Surah Al-Anfal, Verse 41: “And know that out of all the spoils of war you are permitted to take, one-fifth (khums) belongs to God, and to the Messenger, and to the near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer.”
- Surah Al-Imran, Verse 92: “Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased’s family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation (should be paid) to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running. By way of repentance to God: for God hath all knowledge and all wisdom.”
In these verses, khums is described as a tax or levy that is required of certain Muslims, with the proceeds going to support specific causes, such as the poor, orphans, and widows. In the Shia tradition, khums is typically understood as a tax on certain types of income or wealth that is required to be paid once a year. It is typically calculated as a percentage of a person’s income or wealth and is used to support the needs of the community, including the poor, orphans, widows, and others in need.
It is important to note that the concept of khums is specific to the Shia tradition and is not practiced by all Muslims. In the Sunni tradition, khums is not considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is not a mandatory obligation.
