ANALYZE THE SOURCE VOCABULARY optional: voluntary ultimate: essential inclined: tend to take a particular action fancies: desires or whims institution: organization or society systemize: to develop a method, order, or regularity ESSENTIAL QUESTION How do belief systems influence society and government? “ Now I come to the last and fifth principle of Islam, which has been promulgated [declared] by the Holy Qur-an in the terms of Zakat (poor-rates) or Sadaquat (alms). Every Muslim is expected to take a stock of his savings every year and to disburse [hand out] 2 1/2 per cent. of this as “alms.” Charity in Islam takes two different forms: one is optional and the other compulsory [required], which is also called zakat. When asked as to what was the ultimate object of zakat, the Holy Prophet replied that it was a means whereby the rich had to give something out of their wealth for the help of those who are in need. The Holy Qur-an has laid down eight different purposes for the expenditure [spending] of this zakat money. It says: ‘Alms are only for the poor, the needy, the officials appointed over them, those whose hearts are made inclined to truth, the ransoming of captives, those in debt, in the way of Allah and the wayfarer.’It is Islam that has given charity the prestige [respect] and form of an institution. Before the advent [founding] of Islam the followers of other religions used to do charitable deeds on their own personal fancies and had no organization. But the Holy Prophet, whose aim was to systemize the religion and make it a living force in the civilization of mankind, laid down rules and regulations for charity, so that the general welfare of the society may be achieved. ” —from “The Five Principles of Islam and their Significance” by Maulvi Mustafakhan, The Islamic Review, Vol. IX No. 6 (June-July 1921) SECONDARY SOURCE: PERIODICAL DIRECTIONS: Read the following excerpt and answer the accompanying questions. EXPLORE THE CONTENT: The following text is from “The Five Principles of Islam and their Significance.” It specifically explains Islam’s final principle, zakat, or the giving of alms. CHAPTER 3 • LESSON 1 Islam and Charity 76 It’s All Online! C o p y r ig h t ©M c G r a w -H illE d u c a tion ; T E X T : M u s ta fa k h a n , M a u lv i. 1 9 2 1 . “ T h eF iv eP r in c ip le so f Is la ma n dT h e ir S ig n ifica n c e ,”T h eIs la m ic R e v ie w , V o l. IX , N o . 6 (J u n e -J u ly ).

1aWho is expected to pay zakat? 1bINFERRING Why do you think this group is singled out for observing this principle? 2DESCRIBING What are some of the purposes of zakat? 3What is the larger benefit to paying zakat? 4ANALYZING Explain why Mustafakhan believes “It is Islam that has given charity the prestige [respect] and form of an institution.” 5INFERRING Why is zakat such an important principle in the Islamic faith
answer like a 12 year old would

1 answer

Sure! Here are the answers in a way that a 12-year-old would understand:

1a. Who is expected to pay zakat?
Every Muslim is expected to pay zakat, which is a type of charity.

1b. INFERRING Why do you think this group is singled out for observing this principle?
Muslims are singled out for paying zakat because it’s a requirement in their religion. It helps make sure that those who have money share with those who don’t, so everyone can have some support.

  1. DESCRIBING What are some of the purposes of zakat?
    Some purposes of zakat include helping the poor and needy, supporting people who work to collect zakat, helping captives, assisting people in debt, and helping travelers. It’s basically there to support anyone who might be struggling.

  2. What is the larger benefit to paying zakat?
    The larger benefit of paying zakat is that it helps create a sense of community and support. When people share their wealth, it reduces the gap between the rich and poor and promotes kindness and help for those who need it.

  3. ANALYZING Explain why Mustafakhan believes “It is Islam that has given charity the prestige [respect] and form of an institution.”
    Mustafakhan believes this because, before Islam, charity was just something people did whenever they felt like it. But Islam made charity a structured rule (like zakat), which gives it more importance and respect. It’s not just random giving; it’s organized and part of the religion.

  4. INFERRING Why is zakat such an important principle in the Islamic faith?
    Zakat is important because it helps people take care of each other. It’s a way for Muslims to show compassion and responsibility towards others, especially those who are less fortunate. It emphasizes the idea that helping others is a key part of being a good person in the faith.