In order to understand Islam it is necessary to know the meaning of certain key terms and the identity of some proper names. Most of them are in the Arabic language, and there is often no equivalent in English or in other tongues.
A
ALI
was a cousin of Muhammad and married to the Prophet's daughter, Fatima. He was elected fourth caliph of - conflict between the followers of Ali and Umayyads split Islam into the sects that exist today. His followers are called "Alids."
ALLAH
The true name for the creator of the Universe is called Allah. He is merciful, the Beneficent, the Knowledgeable, the Protector, the Mighty, the God, the Provider, the Exalted, the Lord, the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the Magnificent, the Wise, the Loving, the First, the Last, and the Eternal.
The Qur'an mentions 99 beautiful names for Allah through which Muslim do recognize Him, and His responsibilities for the whole Universe.
Many people ask why the term "Allah" is used instead of "God" and assume it's use implies that Muslims worship a separate God. There is only ONE GOD - a belief held by followers of each of the three main world religions : Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
ALLAH is the Supreme Being, the one and only God. Allah is the same God as that worshipped by the Jews and Christians, and Arabic-speaking Christians also use this name when referring to God.
Arab
Many equate Islam and Muslims to mean Arabs. Muslims may be any nationality. An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or an atheist. Arabs constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population.
AYAH
The Arabic meaning of Ayah is a miracle and a sign. The Qur'an is considered to be a miracle itself. Each verse or sentence is called an Ayah or a miracle. The plural of Ayah is called Ayat, which means miracles.
AZAN
The call for the daily prayers are called Azan. The person who calls the Azan is called a Mu'azzin. A Mu'azzin calls the Azan five times a day before Muslims are to perform their daily Salah (Prayer).
The Azan is composed of specific words and phrases to be recited loudly in the Arabic language so that the neighbors can recognize the time schedule for the prayers.
B
BIRTH
Muslim believe that people are born free of sin. It is only after they reach the age of puberty and it is only after they commit sins that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No one is responsible for or can take the responsibility for the sins of others. However, the door of forgiveness through true repentance is always open.
BID'AT
Bid'at (innovation) is something that has no Islamic basis. A thing which is not proved from the Holy Quran and Hadith, as in practice at the time of the Holy Prophet, his companions, but is now done as religious duty.
The Prophet (saw) has condemned one who indulges in innovation and called them "destroyer of the religion".
C
CALIPH
From Arabic Khalifa, means deputy or successor and is the title of the theoretical leader of Islam. see also [KHALIFAH]
E
'EID
The word 'Eid is an Arabic name to mean a festivity, a celebration, a recurring happiness, and a feast. In Islam, there are two major 'Eids namely the feast of Ramadhan ('EId Al-Fitr) and the Feast of Sacrifice ('Eid Al-Adhha). The first 'Eid is celebrated by Muslims after fasting the month of Ramadhan as a matter of thanks and gratitude to Almighty Allah. It takes place on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the lunar calendar. The second 'Eid is the Feast of Sacrifice and it is to be celebrated for the memory of prophet Ibrahim trying to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael). This 'Eid lasts four days between the tenth and the thirteenth day of Zul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the lunar calendar.
F
FESTIVITIES
Other than the two general feasts, there are few festivities that Muslims do enjoy. These are related to different activities or functions. Some of these activities are:
'Aqiqah: It is a dinner reception to be made after a child is born. Relatives, friends, and neighbors are invited for such an occasion.
Walimah: It is a dinner reception to be made after a marriage is consummated. It is offered by the parents and/or by the married couples. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are also invited.
FIQH
The meaning of the word fiqh is understanding, comprehension, knowledge, and jurisprudence in Islam. A jurist is called a Faqih who is an expert in matters of Islamic legal matters.
A Faqih is to pass verdicts within the rules of the Islamic Law namely Shariah.
The most famous scholars of Fiqh in the history Muslims are the founders of the four schools of thought in Islam: Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi'i, Imam Abu Hanifah, and Imam Ahmad.
Anything or action in Islam falls within the following five categories of Fiqh:
Fardh (Must): This category is a must for the Muslim to do such as the five daily prayers. Doing the Fardh counts as a good deed, and not doing it is considered a bad deed or a sin.
It is also called Wajib except for Imam Abu Hanifah who makes Wajib a separate category between the Fardh and the Mubah.
Mandub (Recommended): This category is recommended for the Muslim to do such as extra prayers after Zuhr and Maghrib. Doing the Mandub counts as a good deed and not doing it does not count as a bad deed or a sin.
Mubah (Allowed): This category is left undecided and left for the person, such as eating apples or oranges. Doing or not doing the Mubah does not count as a good or bad deed.
Intention of the person can change Mubah to Fard, Mandub, Makruh, or Haram.
Other things could also change the status of the Mubah. For example, any Mubah becomes Haram if it is proven harmful, and any necessary thing to fulfill a Fardh is a Fardh too.
Makruh (Hated): This category is a detested and hated such as growing fingernails or sleeping on the stomach. Not doing the Makruh counts as a good deed and doing it does not count as a bad deed.
Haram (Prohibited): This category is prohibited for the Muslim to do such as stealing and lying. Doing the haram counts as a bad deed and not doing it counts as a good deed.
Imam Abu Hanifah also puts another category between the Makruh and the Haram. It is called Karahah Tahrimiyyah which means hated almost to the level of Haram.
H
HADITH
Meaning communication or narrative, it is the record of an individual saying or action or approvals of Muhammad (s.a.w.) taken as a model of behavior by Muslims.
The sayings and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) are called Hadith. These are the real explanation, interpretation, and the living example of the Prophet (s.a.w.) for teachings of the Qur'an. His sayings are found in books called the Hadith books.
Some famous collectors of Hadith are Imam Al-Bukhari, Imam Muslim, Imam An-Nasa'i, Imam Abu Dawood, Imam At-Tirmizi, and Imam Majah. There are many others.
HAJJ
Hajj is an Arabic word which means the performance of pilgrimage to Makkah in Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. A Muslim is to perform Hajj at least once in his/her life, if means and health allow.
There are rules and regulations and specific dress to be followed. It is to take place during the last month of the lunar calendar called the month of Zul-Hijjah.
HALAL/HARAM
These are two Arabic words to mean lawful an unlawful respectively. The standards are based on the Qur'an and the Hadith; and Muslims are to abide in their daily life activities by the teachings of their standards.
These two concepts are very important when one talks about moral, physical, spiritual, medical, biological, and dietetic aspects of Islam. Muslims talk regularly about Halal and Haram for anything they do.
When Muslims talk about meat, for example, they use the terminology of Zabihah to mean Halal; hence be lawful to be eaten.
HIFZ
The Arabic root of this word is Hafiza which means to memorize. In the religious sense, Muslims try to memorize the whole Qur'an. Any person who achieves this task is called Hafiz. A Hafiz is recognized by his community and is given certain privileges. There millions of Muslims who make Hifz of the whole Qur'an.
I
IJTIHAD
Exerting the sum total of one's ability attempting to uncover Allah's rulings on issues from their sources (Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijma', etc.). Sometimes divided into complete ijtihad (the ability of one to independently arrive at Allah's rulings in all areas of fiqh) and partial ijtihad (the ability of one to do so only in certain areas of fiqh in which they have exerted such efforts).
IMAM
Imam is a religious leader. Any person who leads a congregational prayer is called an Imam. A religious leader who also leads his community in the political affairs may be called an Imam, an Amir, or a Caliph. However, an Imam is not infallible. He is responsible for his mistakes to all the members of the community and above all he is responsible for his mistakes to all the members of the community and above all he is responsible to Almighty Allah.
IQAMAH
Iqamah is an Arabic word that refers to the second call for the prayer which follows the first call (Azan). Iqamah means that the prayer is ready to start. It is to be recited in Arabic before every obligatory prayer. It is composed of specific words and phrases very closely related to the Azan.
ISLAM
Islam is an Arabic word the root of which is Silm and Salam. It means among others: peace, greeting, salutation, obedience, loyalty, allegiance, and submission to the will of the Creator of the Universe.
Islam is the last and final religion to all mankind and to all generations irrespective of color, race, nationality, ethnic background, language, or social position.
It is incorrect and objectionable to call Muslims Muhammadans, as Muhammad is not worshipped in the way Christians worship Christ.
J
JIHAD
It is an Arabic word the root of which is Jahada, which means to strive for a better way of life. The nouns are Juhd, Mujahid, Jihad, and Ijtihad. The other meanings are: endeavor, strain, exertion, effort, diligence, fighting to defend one's life, land, and religion.
This word has been in frequent use in the Western press over the past several years, explained directly or subtlely, to mean holy war. As a matter of fact the term "holy war" was coined in Europe during the Crusades, meaning the war against Muslims. It does not have a direct counterpart in Islamic glossary, and Jihad is certainly not its translation.
Jihad is not a war to force the faith on others, as many people think of it. It should never be interpreted as a way of compulsion of the belief on others, since there is an explicit verse in the Qur'an that says:"There is no compulsion in religion" Al-Qur'an: Al-Baqarah (2:256).
Jihad is not a defensive war only, but a war against any unjust regime. If such a regime exists, a war is to be waged against the leaders, but not against the people of that country. People should be freed from the unjust regimes and influences so that they can freely choose to believe in Allah.
Not only in peace but also in war Islam prohibits terrorism, kidnapping, and hijacking, when carried against civilians. Whoever commits such violations is considered a murderer in Islam, and is to be punished by the Islamic state. during wars, Islam prohibits Muslim soldiers from harming civilians, women, children, elderly, and the religious men like priests and rabies. It also prohibits cutting down trees and destroying civilian constructions.
The term may be used for/by Muslims as well as non-Muslims.
JINN
These are spiritual beings that inhibit the world and are required to follow the orders of Allah and are accountable for their deeds. They can be good or bad, just like people. The word Jinn in Arabic means hidden, which indicates that they are invisible creatures. They were created by Allah from fire.
K
KALAM
Talk or speech as in "kalamu Allah"; has also been used through the ages to mean logic or philosophy.
KA'BA
Meaning "cube" in Arabic, is the principal shrine of Islam, located in Mecca. It is the center of the Muslim pilgrimage and the point towards which all Muslims the world over face in prayer.
KHALIFAH
The word Khalifah or Caliph is a person who is a vice gerent of someone else. Man is considered to be the Caliph of Almighty Allah on earth. He is to represent him and execute His wishes. The title Amir Al-Mu'minin is also used to refer to the Chaliph, which means the leader of the believers.
Those persons who succeeded Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) were called Caliphs. They were selected and appointed to assume the responsibility of leadership of Muslims.
The immediate Caliphs were Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, Othman Ibn 'Affan, and 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib. These were given the nickname of Al-Khulafa'Ar-Rashidun (The Guided Chaliphs).
L
LUNAR CALENDAR
In their religious duties, Muslims depend on solar and lunar calendars. The latter is shorter than the solar by twelve days. Fasting the month of Ramadhan, celebrating the two major feasts ('Eid Al-Fitr and 'Eid Al-Adhha), performing the pilgrimage to Makkah, and other religious activities depend upon the lunar months.
The names of the lunar months are: Maharrem, Safar, Rabi' Al-Awwal, Rabi' Al-Akhar, Jamada Al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadhan, Shawwal, Zul-Qi'dah, and Zul-HIjjah.
The timing of the daily prayers depend on the solar system.
M
MAHRAM
A Mahram is a man that a woman can never marry like a brother or a father. A brother-in-law is not considered a Mahram in Islam since he can marry her after the death or divorce of his wife (her sister). A man can also marry his sister-in-law after the death of his brother ( her husband) or after they get divorced. If a man and a woman get divorced because one of them accused the other with adultery in the court, without proving it ( Li'an), the man is not considered a Mahram for her, although he can never marry her again, according to Islamic law.
MAKKAH
(also spelled Mecca) is the caravan town where Muhammad was born and raised. It is near the west coast of Arabia about 45 miles (72 kilometers) from the seaport of Jiddah and about midway between the northern and southern ends of the Red Sea.
MALA'IKAH
These are the angels of Allah. They are strict followers of the commands of Allah. They have specific jobs to do, and they do not commit any sins at all. They are not at all the females that some of the unbelievers thought them to be. They were created by Allah from light .
MASJID
The place of worship for the Muslims is called in Arabic a Masjid; the plural of which is called Masajid. The English meaning is a Mosque. Muslims can pray to Allah anywhere; however, they are demanded to establish mosques in their neighborhood. The mosques are for the five daily prayers, for the weekly Friday prayer, and for other social, cultural, educational, and religious purposes.
There are three holy mosques in the world that Muslims are asked to visit and to pray in. These are Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah, Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah, and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem (Palestine). The first one has Al-Ka'bah, and the second one is the Mosque of the Prophet.
The third one was the former Qiblah of Muslims, and the sight where Allah took Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) by night from the Sacred Mosque in Makkah. Muhammad (s.a.w) was then raised to Heaven from that place and brought back to Makkah, all in one night. The dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem, was built a few decades after the death of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
MUHAMMAD (s.a.w.)
The last and the final prophet and messenger of Allah to all mankind is called Muhammad (s.a.w.) and at the age of forty he received the message of Islam from Allah through angel Gabriel (Jibril).
He was the last of a line of prophets like Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus).
The message of Islam was revealed to him in Makkah and Madinah in Arabia. He died at the age of 63 (lunar years) and his grave is in his house, which happened to be his Masjid in Madinah (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi).
Muhammad (s.a.w.) lived as an honest man, and he practiced the teachings exactly the same way he preached. He was a prophet, a messenger, a husband, a father, a religious leader, a political leader, and a reformer. He is the summation, the culmination, and the purification for all the previous prophets that came before him. He is the most influential man in the history of mankind.
He was born in Arabia about 570 and died in 632.
MUSLIM(S)
(also spelled Moslem) is based on the same Arabic root as Islam (s-l-m) and means one who submits to God, that is, a believer in Islam. Any person who believes in the creed and the teachings of Islam is called a Muslim. More than one billion Muslims are found in different parts of the world. They are not to be confused with Arabs, as the latter may include Christians, agnostics, or other non-Muslims.
the word Mohammedans is a misnomer to the believers in Islam. It is incorrect and objectionable to call members of this religion Muhammadans, as they do not worship Muhammad in the way Christians worship Christ. The followers are called Muslims, i.e. those who believe in Allah and submit to His Will.
The word Muslim in some places in the Qur'an is also used to refer to all the ones who believed in Allah and his messages and submitted to Him, even before Muhammad (s.a.w). Many prophets, like Nuh (NOah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), are called Muslims in the Qur'an.
N
NABI
The meaning of the word Nabi is a prophet. To be a prophet he should receive a revelation from Allah that does not necessarily mean a revealed book. When a prophet is instructed to deliver his message to a certain group of people, he is a messenger. It is stated in the Qur'an that there are no more prophets and messengers after Muhammad.
NAMES
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recommended that Muslims should be selective in the names of their children as part of the identity of a Muslim. He recommended that the most beautiful names are those which give servitude or praise to Allah.
Combinations of various names is a matter of personal liking and choice. Names of Allah should never be used alone. These should always be preceded by Abdul or should be combined with another name in such a way that the final name does not remain a specific attribute of Allah.
Q
QUR'AN
(also spelled Koran, Coran, Alkoran, etc.) is the holy scripture of Islam revealed by Allah to Muhammad. The word Qur'an means readings or recitations.
The holy book of Qur'an is called the Qur'an. It was revealed unto Muhammad (s.a.w) from Allah through angel Gabriel (Jibril) for a period of 23 years. There is only one Qur'an in the whole world and it is in Arabic language. The Qur'an has one text, one language, and one dialect. It has been memorized by millions of Muslims in different parts of the world.
The Qur'an is composed of 114 Surah (chapters). It is to be read and recited with rules and regulations. When to be touched and to be recited, a Muslim to be in a state of cleanliness and purity.
The authenticity and the totality of the Qur'an have been documented and recognized. The Qur'an can not be translated at all as the Qur'an is the exact words of Allah. Any translation is considered to be the explanation to the meaning of the Qur'an.
The Qur'an is so rich and comprehensive in matter that it can easily guide men and women in all works of their life. It is the ultimate source of guidance for people in all aspects of their spiritual and material lives.
The names and attributes that are given to the Qur'an in the Qur'an speak for themselves. The Qur'an is also described to be bounteous, glorious, mighty, honored, exalted, purified, wonderful, blessed, and confirming the truth of previous revelations. The Qur'an has practically proved the truth and effectiveness of all of its names and epithets in the life of all true believers, who practiced its teachings sincerely and devoutly.
The Qur'an has a Universal appeal, regardless of people's color, creed, nationality, and geographical divisions of the world. The goal of life, as addressed in the Qur'an, is to live according to what Allah has created us for, which is to worship Allah, and to obey his commandments in this life, which are of course, in the interest of people, and to gain going to Heaven and escape going to Hell in the hereafter. The real success is going to Heaven and the real failure is going to Hell, as the Qur'an states.
Those who are entirely lost in their material gains and luxury, without cultivating their spiritual and moral qualities, are declared by Allah (s..w.t.) to be like animals, rather worse than them. The ones who do not believe in Allah or follow His commandments are also described in many places of the Qur'an to be dead, deaf, mute, and blind. The real living, hearing, speaking and seeing are caused by the true belief in the heart. So our need for learning, studying, and following the Qur'an should come before our need for breathing, drinking and eating to survive, because life without such guidance is a miserable life that leads to eternal punishment.
R
RASUL
The meaning of the word Rasul is a messenger. Allah sent many prophets and messengers to mankind. Amongst them, the names of twenty-five are mentioned in the Qur'an. From within the list, the Qur'an states the names of five Rasul who are the Mighty ones. These are: Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (s.a.w.).
RUKU'
The root of this word is Raka'a which means bow down. During prayers (Salah), a Muslim is to make Ruku' in respect to Allah.
While in a position of Ruku' a Muslim is to glorify Allah three times.
S
SALAH
Salah is an Arabic word to mean a spiritual relationship and communication between the creature and his Creator. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam. A special communication (Salah) is to take place five times a day for a Muslim: Fajr (Dawn), Zuhr (Noon), 'Asr (Afternoon), Magrib (Sunset), and 'Ishha' (Late Night).
Salah is to be performed with mental concentration, verbal communication, vocal recitation, and physical movement to attain the spiritual uplift, peace, harmony, and concord. There is a congregational prayer on Friday noon (Salatul Jumu'ah) with a sermon (Khutbah) to be delivered by a religious leader (Imam) called Khatib.
To perform Salah, a Muslim has to have ablution (Wudhu'). He/she should make sure that cleanliness of body, clothing, and place are attained before performing Salah.
Salah is not to be confused with prayer; the latter could be interpreted as supplication (Du'a).
SAWM
Sawm or Siyam is to mean total abstinence of food and liquid fro dawn to sunset for one whole lunar month. For those who are married, they are to abstain from sexual relations during that time too.
Sawm (Fasting) takes place during the ninth month of the lunar calendar called Ramadhan. Sawm is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Total fasting is also a training process to attain self-restraint, self-control, self-discipline, self-obedience, self-education, and self-evaluation.
Few people are excused from fasting during Ramadhan. Some are required to make up later for the days they did not fast such as the travelers (over 50 miles by any means), sick, pregnant women, women nursing babies, and women during their periods. Other excused people are required to feed a poor person one meal for each day they do not fast if they can afford it, such as the elderly people and the ones who have permanent diseases like ulcers.
SHAIKH
The word Shaikh is a title or a nickname for an elderly person or a religious leader in a community. This title is also given to a wise person.
The meaning of the word Shaikh has been distorted, misused, and abused by some mass media to reflect the wrong meanings.
SHAITAN
Shaitan (Satan) is the source of evil in the world. The plural name is Shayatin. He always tries to misguide and mislead people. The Qur'an states that Satan is not an angel but a member of the Jinn. His other name is Iblis.
When Allah created Adam, He ordered the angels as well as Iblis to prostrate for Adam. They all obeyed the order of Allah except Iblis. His argument was that Allah created Adam from clay and Iblis from the flame of fire. Accordingly, Iblis thought that he was better than Adam. Hence, Allah told him that he will dwell in Hell. Iblis asked Allah for a postponement until the hereafter. Allah granted his request. Iblis swore that he would mislead and misguide all the people except those sincere and devoted worshipers of Allah. Allah told him that only the misguided ones would follow him and that He would fill Hell with him and his followers.
SHI'A
(adjective Shi'i or Shi'ite) is the minority division (10 percent) of Islam, consisting of scores of dissident sects opposed to Sunni Islam and to one another. The name means "party" in the political sense and comes from "Shi'at Ali, the party of Ali." In reality, they are a different religion.
SHARI'AH
The root of this word is Shara'a; and some other names of it are Shar', Shir'ah and Tashri'. The Shari'ah is the revealed and the canonical laws of the religion of Islam.
The legislative power in the government lies in the hands of legislative assembly. The legislators are to make rules and regulations within the scope and dimensions of the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.). These rules constitute the Shari'ah.
SHIRK
It is to attribute Allah's qualities to someone else. This is called Shirk because Allah's qualities are unequaled by any of His creatures, be they angels, prophets, Auliya, martyrs, Imam or other devoted person. Their qualities cannot match that of Allah.
SIN AL-BULUGH
This is the age of maturity and puberty. It is the age at which the Muslims are considered an adult and becomes accountable for his/her duties in Islam. There is no fixed age for that in terms of years and it is decided by three signs: having a menstruation, period or pregnancy for girls, and being physically mature or having a wet dream for boys, growing pubic hair, or reaching the age of fifteen, whichever comes first.
SIN AT-TAMYIZ
This is the age of distinguishing. This age is used in Fiqh to decide the age before which the mother has the right to keep the child after divorce. It varies from one person to another. The age is reached when the child can take care of himself or herself and no longer needs an adult to help him eat, get dressed, and clean himself or herself. In the school of thought of Abu Hanifah, it is seven years for the boy and nine years for the girl. The girl is given longer time so that she can learn more of the habits of women.
SIRAH
The writings of the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.) about him, his personality, his life story. and his ways of handling different situations is called Sirah. The famous collections of the Sirah are At-Tabari, Ibn Ishaq, and Ibn Hisham.
The Sirah is a source of reference that Muslims rely on in their daily life situations and problems.
SUJUD
The root of those word is Sajada which means that a person makes prostration to Allah in his daily prayers. While in the position of Sujud, a Muslim is to praise Almighty Allah and glorify him.
During the position of Sujud, a Muslim is to make sure that his/her forehead , nose, hands, knees, and toes, are all touching the floor.
SUNNAH
In general, the word Sunnah means habit, practice, customary procedure, or action, norm and usage sanctioned by tradition. In specific, any time the word Sunnah is mentioned, it is to refer to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.). Here it means his sayings, practices, living habits. The Hadith of the Prophet (s.a.w.) is part his Sunnah.
The two major legal sources of jurisprudence in Islam are the Quran and the Sunnah.
The Sunnah may confirm what is mentioned in Qur'an, interpret and explain it, specify what is meant by some general verses, limit and restrict the meaning of some verse in it, or may explain something that has been revealed in Qur'an.
The Sunnah has a high authority in Islam; and Allah in many places in the Qur'an orders the Muslims to follow the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.).
Sunnah (adjective sunni or sunnite) also denotes the mainstream or "orthodox" body of Muslims as opposed to Shi'a.
SURAH
The Qur'an is composed of 114 chapters, each of which is called a Surah. The plural of Surah is called Suwar, which means chapters.
Z
ZAKAH
One of the five pillars of Islam is Zakah, which means purification and increment of one's wealth.
A Muslim who has money beyond a certain quantity is to pay the Zakah. It is also called the alms due or poor due. It is to be used in eight categories for welfare of the society that are mentioned in the Qur'an, namely: the poor, the needy, the sympathizers, the captives, the deptors, the cause of Allah, the wayfarers, and for those who are to collect it.
The amount collected is 2.5% (and up to 10%) of the assets that have been owned for over a year
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