Edhi, Zakat and Zakah are common terms among Muslims. However, some people do not know the meaning of these terms. Edhi is a word that is commonly used in Pakistan to mean a humanitarian, social activist and philanthropist.

The term is associated with Dr. Abdul Satter Edhi who is the head and founder of a foundation that is named after him. The organization is a social welfare institution that operates in Pakistan. This foundation is the most organized and largest social welfare organization in Pakistan. It works without discrimination 24/7 to help people with different political, religion and historical backgrounds. It provides a wide range of services including emergency services in Pakistan.

Zakah on the other hand is among the pillars of Islam. It is a duty that Muslims perform on regular basis. To Muslims, this act is not optional but compulsory. It refers to contribution that Muslims pay once every year on the savings of their two and half percent. According to the Muslim religion, giving this percentage cleanses their possessions including the remaining money from an excessive greed or desire for money. The notion of this giving is that when one gives money they learn to avoid placing too much essence on the material wealth or possessions and cash.

To Muslims, Zakah is not a tax or charity but a compulsory payment that every individual must make. The payment is made from the net balance once a Muslim has spent on family expenses, basic necessities, donations, taxes and due credits. It offers a Muslim an opportunity to share excess wealth with less fortunate in the society. In the Islam economy, this payment is a basic principle.

Zakat means that which purifies. In simple terms, it is the alms-giving which is a practice of giving on the basis of the accumulated wealth. It is an obligation for all Muslims to practice this charitable giving. To Muslims, this giving is a personal responsibility and it helps in easing economic hardship for other people or Muslims so that inequality can be eliminated among Islam followers. Zakat is also a pillar of the Islam religion. Visit www.edhiuk.org to learn more.

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