Charity and Fasting
Charity
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Zakat is an obligatory, annual 2.5% wealth tax for eligible Muslims a pillar of Islam.
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Sadaqah is voluntary, anytime charity stemming from faith and efforts to do good deeds.
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In the quran charity is said to increase our blessings because Allah alone is the provider of wealth and sustainer (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:245)
Fasting
Ramadan and Eids
- Ramadan is the holiest month where Muslims worldwide fast from dawn-to-sunset (sawm) for 29-30 days.
- The ultimate goal is to obtain taqwa (God-consciousness), increase our graditude and empathy, and we hope for forgiveness.
- The end of the Ramadan is the holiday Eid al-Fitr, where muslims typically celebrate with food, family and friends, and give gifts.
- The second muslim holiday is Eid al-Adha. It is highly recommended (Sunnah) to fast on the day before Eid al-Adha, which is known as the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah).