You may have heard about Edhi, Zakat and Zakah.
These terms are very common among Muslims but you might not be familiar with them or even know their meanings. The term Edhi is used mostly in Pakistan. It means a social activist, philanthropist and humanitarian. It describes an individual who engages in humanitarian activities. Dr. Abdul Satter Edhi is associated with this term because he founded a foundation or organization that uses the term as its name.

This foundation is one of the largest social welfare organizations in Pakistan today. It is a well-organized foundation that operates round the clock without discrimination in offering assistance to people from varying social, historical and religious backgrounds. Over the years, the foundation has been one of the leading organizations in the provision of emergency assistance in Pakistan.

The term Zakah refers to one of the pillars in Islam. All Muslims are obliged to it as a duty regularly. It is an act that Muslims do not have a choice but to perform it. To them, the act is compulsory. The term is a contribution that every Muslim is expected to pay each year on their savings. It is a two and a half percentage of the savings of a Muslim that must be paid each year.

Giving Zakah cleanses the possessions of a Muslim including money that remains from their excessive desire or greed for money. The idea of giving in this manner is based on the belief that by giving money, a Muslim learns to avoid putting much importance on material possessions or wealth and cash. To a Muslim, giving this percentage of their savings is not equivalent to taxation or charity. Instead, it is compulsory payment that has to be made by every individual.

Muslims give Zakah from their net balance after spending on basic necessities, family expenses, due credits, taxes and donations. This payment gives every Muslim a chance to share their excess possessions with the less fortunate.

On the other hand, Zakat is used by Muslims to imply one that purifies or alms-giving. It is a practice of offering or giving based on the amount of accumulated wealth. Muslims are obliged to practice charitable giving as a personal responsibility. It is also another pillar of Islam.

Contact Us:
Edhi Foundation UK
316 Edgware Road,
London, W2 1DY,
Tel: 02077232050
Fax: 02072249774
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.edhiuk.org