Zakah
(Charity)
What is it?
Zakah (zakat or zakaah) is the third pillar of Islam, this indicates that it is obligatory for muslims. It means "that which purifies" because by giving charity-almsgiving to those in need throughout their lifetime muslims can cleanse their wealth. Every sane adult Muslim who owns money above a certain amount (known as Nisab), must pay 2.5% of that wealth as Zakat.
Why is so important?
Muslims believe that wealth ultimately belongs to Allah, and giving Zakat helps people to be more equitable. Helping one another is also considered a way of helping Allah. Zakat alms helps Muslims purify their souls by not being greedy. It is mentioned that whoever gives money will receive a hundredfold in the afterlife. God created everyone equally. If a Muslim chooses not to fulfill the pillar of Zakat, this can affect how they will be judged in the life after death. This could make it more probably that they will be sent to Hell (Jahannam) rather than Paradise (Jannah).