Secret Church

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Turkey and the 5 Pillars of Islam: Pillar 3 Posted: 02 Mar 2014 10:01 PM PST Our prayer focus for Secret Church 14 is the Peoples of Turkey. Leading up the Secret Church on April 18, we'll be sharing information about the Turks and Kurds of Turkey, including their religious beliefs, their lifestyles, and their culture. Our hope is that as we learn more about who these people are, our burden to pray for them will increase, and that by the time May rolls around (a month we're challenging people to devote to prayer for the Turks and Kurds), we'll be so acquainted with them that all we'll have to do is continue praying for the people we've grown to love – people who desperately need to know the love of Jesus. Find out more at HopeforTurkey.com. “The poor” Pillar 3: Zakat (Giving Alms/Charity) What is Zakat? The term "zakat" is mentioned more frequently in the Qur'an than any other of the five pillars. In fact, over 80 verses in the Qur'an mention the requirement to give charity and alms to the poor. One verse says, "Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and give zakat, will have their reward…” (Qur'an 2:277). Based on this verse and others in the Qur'an, all Muslims are expected to give zakat, which is 2.5% of one's accumulated wealth (not annual income) to the poor and needy in their community. If a particular family is poor they can offer food or something else as a replacement for money. Zakat is a system established for equitable distribution of wealth in Muslim societies. The background for this practice is the Islamic understanding that Allah as the creator is the rightful owner of all things. He alone determines the religious tax and implemented zakat as a way to care for the needs of the poor and destitute in the community. Therefore the giving of zakat is considered an act of worship to Allah. Zakat is intended to serve as a simple reminder to Muslims that everything they have ultimately belongs to God. Some Muslim nations require zakat by law and zakat stamps can be purchased from local post offices. In other countries, giving zakat to the mosque or to the poor is a voluntary activity. Many mosques will have a metal zakat box near the entrance that Muslims can place their monies into as they exit the mosque. The month of Ramadan is the time when most Muslims will pay the zakat. According to Islamic theology, those who give the zakat will receive rewards, be assisted in their journey towards paradise, and perform an act that is pleasing to Allah. A common mantra is that zakat is not just charity, but also duty, worship, and purification. Zakat is a central tenet to Islamic theology and something that Muslims all around the world practice annually. What is the significance of the Zakat in Turkey? In Turkey, many of the Muslims will at least claim and likely give the zakat in some form or fashion on an annual basis. A common occurrence in Turkey and other Muslim countries during Ramadan is for beggars and the needy to go door to door in apartment complexes asking for food and charitable gifts. This practice is not discouraged and serves as a way for the poor and needy to receive food and gifts from the Islamic community. As a country, Turkey does not have an official government run zakat system. Prior to Atatürk's reforms in the 1920's, the state collected the zakat, but it now has largely become a matter of individual responsibility. Therefore, the practice of zakat by Muslims in Turkey will differ from person to person throughout the country.

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