1. Islamic Almsgiving - Zakat
Giving to charity is one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims who have wealth remaining over the year, after paying for their own basic needs, must pay a certain percentage to help others. This almsgiving is called Zakat, from an Arabic word which means both "to purify" and "to grow." Muslims believe that giving to others purifies their own wealth, increases its value, and causes one to recognize that everything we have is a trust from God.

2. Paying Zakat is required of every adult Muslim man or woman who possesses wealth of a certain minimum amount.

3. How Much to Pay in Zakat:
Zakat is only required of those who have wealth beyond a certain amount to meet their basic needs. The amount of money paid in Zakat depends on the amount and type of wealth one possesses, but is usually considered to be a minimum of 2.5% of a person's "extra" wealth. The specific calculations of Zakat are rather detailed and dependent on individual circumstances, so zakat calculators have been developed to assist with the process.

4. The Qur'an specifies eight categories of people to whom Zakat may be donated (in verse 9:60):
1. Poor people -- who have few belongings
2. Destitute people -- who have absolutely nothing
3. Zakat collectors -- for their work in collecting and distributing the zakat.
4. Muslim converts -- who may be estranged from their families and in need of help
5. Slaves -- to free them from slavery in times/places where slavery has existed
6. Debtors -- to help free them from insurmountable debts
7. Those working in the path of Allah -- soldiers fighting a just war to defend the Muslim community
8. Wayfarers -- who are stranded during their travels

5. When to Pay Zakat:
While Zakat can be paid anytime during the Islamic lunar year, many people prefer to pay it during Ramadan.