Zakah, Khums and Hajj (1RA0)

Giving and pilgrimage

Alongside prayer and fasting, Islam calls Muslims to give from their wealth and, at least once in a lifetime, to make a great journey. This module explores Zakah and Khums, two forms of religious giving, and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah that draws millions of Muslims together each year.

The language of practice

Four ideas run through this module:

Zakah and Khums

Both are ways Muslims give a share of their wealth. Zakah is one of the Sunni Five Pillars; Khums is a duty kept especially by Shi'a Muslims.

Zakah and Hajj terms

How much is zakah?

How much of their surplus wealth does a Muslim give each year as zakah?

• 2.5% of their surplus wealth
• 20% of their surplus wealth
• 10% of their surplus wealth
• Half of their surplus wealth

True of Hajj?

Select the TWO statements that are true about Hajj.

• A Muslim who is able should make Hajj at least once in a lifetime
• Pilgrims circle the Ka'bah as part of Hajj
• Hajj must be performed every single year
• Hajj is kept only by Shi'a Muslims

Hajj, the pilgrimage

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim who is physically and financially able should make at least once in a lifetime, during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. The Qur'an teaches that pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to God by those able to make the journey (Surah 3:97). Hajj recalls events in the life of the Prophet Ibrahim and his family. Pilgrims often describe a deep sense of unity and equality, as millions wear the same simple white garments; the challenges include the cost, the physical demands and the vast crowds.

Zakah, Khums and who benefits

Zakah is the yearly _____ of 2.5% of surplus wealth to help the _____. Shi'a Muslims also pay _____, which is one _____ of certain income. The _____ is the pilgrimage to Makkah that every able Muslim should make once in a lifetime.

The rites of Hajj

Put the main rites of Hajj into the order a pilgrim performs them.

• Enter ihram, a state of purity, in simple white garments
• Perform tawaf, circling the Ka'bah seven times
• Perform sa'y, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah
• Stand in prayer on the plain of Arafat
• Stone the pillars at Mina, rejecting temptation
• Celebrate Eid ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice

On pilgrimage

Follow a pilgrim through the days of Hajj. Make three good choices.

• As they arrive to begin Hajj, what does the pilgrim do first?
• On the ninth day of the month, what is the central rite of Hajj?
• Hajj ends with Eid ul-Adha. What does this festival remember?

A distinctively Shi'a duty?

Which practice is a duty kept especially by Shi'a Muslims, rather than one of the Sunni Five Pillars?

• Khums, a payment of one fifth of certain income
• Zakah, the yearly almsgiving of surplus wealth
• Salah, the daily ritual prayer
• Sawm, fasting during Ramadan

Zakah and Hajj

Tap the TWO statements that are TRUE.

• Zakah helps to purify a Muslim's remaining wealth and supports those in need.
• Khums is a payment kept mainly by Sunni Muslims.
• On Hajj, pilgrims stand in prayer on the plain of Arafat.
• Hajj can be completed without ever travelling to Makkah.
• Zakah is paid at a rate of one fifth of all income.

Explain the importance of Hajj

Explain the importance of Hajj for a Muslim. Write in full sentences, referring to what happens on the pilgrimage and why it matters.

• Explain what Hajj is and who should perform it
• Describe two of the main rites of Hajj
• Explain one benefit that Hajj brings to a Muslim
• Refer to the example of the Prophet Ibrahim