Zakah, Khums and Hajj (1RB0)

Giving and journeying

Two of the ways Muslims live out their faith are charity and pilgrimage. Sharing wealth with those in need, and travelling to Makkah, both turn belief into action. This module follows Zakah, the Shi'a duty of Khums, and Hajj, the great pilgrimage.

The language of giving and Hajj

Four ideas run through this module:

The rate of Zakah

How much of a Muslim's surplus wealth is normally given as Zakah each year?

• 2.5%
• 5%
• 10%
• 20%

Zakah and Khums

Both share wealth with those in need, but they are distinct duties, and Shi'a Muslims pay both. The Qur'an sets out who may receive such charity in Surah 9:60, and the giving of a fifth is taught in Surah 8:41.

Sadaqah and Nisab terms

Who gives Khums?

Khums, the giving of one fifth of certain surplus income, is especially a duty for which Muslims?

• Shi'a Muslims
• Only the very wealthiest people
• Only religious leaders
• Young children

Hajj: the pilgrimage to Makkah

The Hajj is the fifth Pillar: a pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim who is able in health and wealth makes once in a lifetime, in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Its story reaches back to the Prophet Ibrahim, with Hajar and Isma'il. Surah 2:125-127 recalls Ibrahim and Isma'il raising the foundations of the House as a place of worship.

The rites of Hajj

Put the main rites of Hajj into the order in which pilgrims perform them.

• Enter ihram, the state of purity in plain white garments
• Perform tawaf, circling the Ka'bah seven times
• Perform sa'y, between the hills of Safa and Marwah
• Stand in prayer at Arafat, the key rite
• Gather pebbles overnight at Muzdalifah
• Stone the pillars at Mina, rejecting evil
• Offer a sacrifice, marking the festival of Id-ul-Adha

Match each rite to its meaning

Why Hajj matters

Select the TWO things Hajj is meant to bring to Muslims.

• A sense of unity with Muslims from around the world
• A reminder that all people are equal before Allah
• Freedom from ever having to pray or fast again
• A guaranteed position of power at home

Giving and pilgrimage in words

_____ is the yearly giving of 2.5% of surplus wealth to help those in need. Shi'a Muslims also pay _____, one fifth of certain income. Voluntary charity given at any time is called _____. The pilgrimage to Makkah is the _____ Pillar, called _____.

Giving and pilgrimage

Tap the TWO statements that are TRUE.

• Zakah is 2.5% of a Muslim's surplus wealth, given each year.
• During Hajj, pilgrims wear plain garments to show that all are equal.
• Khums and Zakah are two names for exactly the same payment.
• Hajj must be made every single year by every Muslim.
• Sadaqah is a compulsory charge fixed at 2.5%.

What is due?

Decide what Muslim teaching requires in three situations.

• A Muslim has savings above the nisab threshold that they have held for a full year. What is due?
• A Shi'a Muslim has a surplus profit this year, beyond their everyday needs. In addition to Zakah, what may be due?
• An elderly Muslim in poor health, with very little money, has never made Hajj. What does the fifth Pillar require?

Charity and pilgrimage

Explain the importance of charity and pilgrimage in the life of a Muslim. Refer to Zakah, Khums and Hajj, and explain how these acts express Muslim beliefs.

• Explain what Zakah is and why Muslims give it
• Explain how Khums differs from Zakah for Shi'a Muslims
• Describe what happens on Hajj and why it matters
• Explain how giving and pilgrimage express belief in Allah