ZAKAT Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and it is an obligatory form of charity for Muslims who meet certain criteria. It involves giving a portion of one's wealth, typically 2.5% of one's assets, to help the poor and those in need. Zakat is considered a form of purification and a way of showing gratitude for one's blessings, as well as a means of promoting social justice and solidarity within the community. It is mandatory for all Muslims who meet certain conditions, such as being of sound mind and possessing wealth above a certain threshold known as the nisab. Zakat can be given directly to the poor and needy or through charitable organizations and institutions that specialize in distributing zakat. It can be given in various forms, including money, livestock, crops, and other assets. In Islam, zakat is considered a spiritual obligation and a means of strengthening one's faith and connection with God. It is also seen as a way of fulfilling one's duty to
UMRAH Umrah (also spelled as Umra) is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that can be performed by Muslims at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, which is a mandatory pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, Umrah is a voluntary pilgrimage and can be performed by Muslims at any time of the year. Umrah involves a series of rituals that are similar to some of the rituals performed during Hajj, but on a smaller scale. The main rituals of Umrah are: Ihram: Before entering Mecca, pilgrims must enter a state of purity called Ihram. This involves dressing in simple white garments, abstaining from worldly activities such as sex, fighting, and shaving, and reciting specific prayers. Tawaf: Pilgrims circle the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure located in the center of the Grand Mosque, seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Sa'i: Pilgrims walk or run seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Grand Mosque. Halq or Taqsir: Pilgrim