(3:96 &97) Pilgrimage to Mecca is full of unforgettable experiences.

(3:96 &97) Pilgrimage to Mecca is full of unforgettable experiences. Perhaps among them, the most outstanding are selflessness, brotherhood, equality and simplicity. Every year millions of Muslims from different continents leave their home, family, business and whatever is dear to them, and set out on their journey towards Mecca, located in a desert. Everyone is asked to be present there in the same places at the same time all wearing the same clothes and performing the same rites.

The rich and the poor, the king and the ordinary man, the elite and the layman should all stand shoulder to shoulder and wear two pieces of white cloth. This is something that every one should experience At least once in his lifetime, and then try to implement it in his day to day life. Almsgiving Giving charity is highly recommended in the Qur’an and Sunnah and the reward for charitable acts are great.

Although everything including one’s financial possessions belongs to God, the Qur’an presents giving charity as giving a loan to God: Who is the one that lends to God a good lending so that God may give him double? (57:11) In addition to voluntary charities, there are certain types of charity that are obligatory. For example, one type of almsgiving is zakat, a wealth tax of a small percentage (usually 2.5%).

Paying zakat is not a gift for the poor but rather is a right for them that must be observed: And in their properties is the right of the beggar and the destitute. (51:19) Imam Ali also said: God the Glorified has fixed the livelihood of the destitute in the wealth of the rich. Consequently, whenever the destitute remains hungry, it is because some rich persons have denied him his share.

^4 Those whose possessions of certain amounts of wheat, barley, dates, raisins, gold, silver, camels, cows and sheep surpass certain quantities must pay zakat on a yearly basis to the less fortunate amongst one's relatives, the orphans, the needy, the wayfarers and etc. Zakat may be spent for food, shelter, education, health care, orphanages and other public services.

It is noteworthy that in many verses, paying zakat is mentioned next to saying one’s prayers (Allah) and as a sign of faith and belief in God. Paying zakat is an act of worship, so it must be performed for the sake of God. Therefore, not only does it help the needy and contribute to the establishment of social justice and development, but it also purifies the soul of those who pay from miserliness and greed.