Zakat — Charity
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, an obligatory form of charity that purifies one's wealth and soul. Every Muslim whose wealth exceeds the nisab (minimum threshold) must give 2.5% of their total savings and liquid assets annually. The word "zakat" literally means "purification" and "growth" — the belief is that giving away a portion of one's wealth purifies the remainder and causes it to grow in blessing. The Quran specifies eight categories of recipients: the poor, the needy, zakat administrators, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage, those in debt, those in the cause of God, and travelers in need. Zakat is distinct from voluntary charity (sadaqah). It is an obligation, not a choice, and is often mentioned alongside prayer in the Quran — emphasizing that worship of God and service to humanity go hand in hand. In early Islamic history, zakat was collected and distributed by the state, forming one of the world's first organized social welfare systems.
"And establish prayer and give zakat" — Quran 2:43
The spirit of selfless service was embodied by Rufaida al-Aslamiya, who established the first military field hospital and trained the first nursing corps (al-Asiyat) during the Prophet's lifetime. She treated the wounded companion Sa'd ibn Mu'adh at the Prophet's own request during the Battle of the Trench. After the Battle of Khaybar, her nurses received pay equal to that of the male soldiers — a remarkable recognition of women's service.