Culturally Appropriating Zakat

One of the Five Pillars of Islam could help catalyze a welfare Renaissance in the West. It differs greatly from the idea of paying taxes and expecting the world to right itself.

Vahid Mazaheri

With thanks to Noaman Sharif, who inspired this post.

Compassion is a practice, not a policy. Western societies would benefit enormously by adopting a principle similar to Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Zakat is an annual almsgiving practice where Muslims are obligated to donate a portion of their wealth—often 2.5 percent of accumulated wealth and assets—to support the needy, foster community development, and build social infrastructure.

But it is not just charity.

It is considered a duty, a sacred practice, and a form of social security that provides for human development without dependency. Unlike coercive state welfare systems that redistribute largesse as if by algorithm, Zakat is a practice that nourishes the spirit and requires individual discernment.

Here’s how Westerners would benefit from this brazen act of cultural appropriation:

1. Social Cohesion. Mandatory annual giving can bring communities together. People would feel a stronger sense of social responsibility towards each other, strengthening the social fabric and institutions of mutual aid.

2. Financial Responsibility. Zakat encourages financial discipline and responsible management of one's resources. Knowing that a portion of one's wealth will be given away helps people make more thoughtful decisions.

3. Recipient Responsibility. The discerning giver will insist that the recipient become more responsible as a condition of the gift. The recipient will ideally build his or her own wealth to give away in the future.

4. Holistic Welfare. Zakat funds are used not just for immediate relief but also for long-term development projects such as schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. This holistic approach is more effective than blanket welfare.

5. Universality. Of course, giving is universal across many religions and cultures, but institutionalizing it as a practice ensures that it becomes a societal norm, rather than an occasional act of kindness.

6. Ethical Framework. Adopting a practice like Zakat would also include adopting its ethical framework, which involves careful consideration of where the money goes and whether it is being used responsibly and effectively.

7. Reduced Dependency on Authorities. With a reliable source of welfare, taxpayers could allocate wasteful welfare resources to other pressing needs, reducing tax burdens.

Of course, implementing a practice similar to Zakat in Western contexts would require cultural and legal reforms. However, if adopted and adapted— intelligently and respectfully—the principles underlying Zakat could offer a humane, decentralized way to address some of our biggest social and economic challenges.

The practice of Zakat in Islam is not merely a financial transaction; it requires thoughtful discernment on multiple levels to ensure it aligns with religious teachings and has a meaningful impact.

Here are some areas in which discernment is required:

Eligibility

• Who Should Pay. Generally, adult Muslims who possess wealth above a certain threshold (Nisab) are obliged to pay Zakat. The financial situation has to be evaluated each year to determine whether one can pay or be exempt.

• What to Pay On. Not all types of wealth are Zakatable. Primary residences and personal vehicles, for example, are usually not considered in the calculation. In contrast, savings and investments are subject to Zakat.

Amount

• Calculations. Careful calculation is required to determine the amount due, generally 2.5% of accumulated wealth above the Nisab, and has been held for a lunar year. Errors in calculation can result in either underpayment, which doesn't fulfill the obligation, or overpayment, which is unideal.

Distribution

• Who Should Receive. The Quran outlines eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat, including the poor, the needy, those employed to administer Zakat, those whose hearts can be won over, slaves, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the wayfarer.

• Direct vs. Organizational Giving. Some may give Zakat directly to those in need, while others use organizations to disburse their Zakat. Discernment is needed to ensure the organization is reputable and uses the funds appropriately according to Islamic guidelines.

• Local vs. Global. Some scholars recommend giving Zakat within one's local community to strengthen immediate social ties, while others see the benefit of giving globally, especially in cases where the need may be greater.

Intention

• Niyyah (Intention). Zakat should be given with the pure intention of fulfilling an obligation, not for show or to gain social favor.

• Timing. While Zakat is generally calculated and paid annually, discernment may be required to determine the most impactful timing for disbursement, especially in cases of immediate need or disaster relief.

Ethics

• Transparency and Accountability. Those who collect and distribute Zakat are subject to high ethical standards, including transparent accounting and reporting mechanisms.

• Sustainability and Impact. While immediate relief is vital, many also employ discernment in allocating Zakat for long-term sustainable projects that uplift entire communities, such as education and healthcare.

Zakat isn't simply a matter of giving away a portion of one's wealth. It is a complex practice requiring reflection, ethical responsibility, and deeper engagement in one’s family and community.

---

---

This is very different from—and far superior to—the idea of paying your taxes and expecting the world to right itself.