- The fundamental tenet of charity is strong in Islamic faith. As a religion, Islam stresses equality and compassion between people. Zakat is a compulsory act meant for charity. Every Muslim adult male or female has to pay annual Zakat, the amount of which is 2.5 percent of total wealth. Likewise, Khums is also the giving away of 20 percent of a Muslim's final profits on earnings, calculated at the end of a year. Although varying in details, both serve the same purpose.
- The levying and payment of Khums is slightly different than that of Zakat. While Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman, regardless of sect, Khums is essentailly meant for and paid by the descendants of the Prophet Mohammed, the Shi'ite Muslims. Khums has been validated by the Quran, and its perimeters of payment and who deserves it are clearly indicated. It is called the Islamic Tax on Shi'ite Muslims -- the Prophet's direct descendants.
- Zakat is paid once a year on the total calculated wealth of a Muslim adult. The percentage is extricated from the wealth (which includes jewelry and property) and distributed among the poor. There are Zakat Foundations or organizations that help in the distribution of the money to the deserving poor. Islamists believe that the payment of Zakat from one's wealth purifies it and makes it blessed. There are specified conditions for the payment of Zakat and for those who may be considered eligible.
- In both Zakat and Khums, the idea is to assist the poor and needy. This is separate from income tax or the money you pay to government bodies and institutions. This money goes directly to those in need and it has nothing to do with material or physical uplift of a Muslim's society. It is instead a social cause, considered an act of worship. Khums is also a way of legitimizing illegal wealth -- it makes money gained through illicit means "clean."
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