Why Zakat Is Called Charity in the Quran

Paying zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In the Quran, this practice is sometimes referred to as sedekah (charity).

Indeed, Imam al-Mawardi (972–1058) stated, “Charity is zakat. Zakat is charity. Both are names for the same thing” (see Al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyah, Chapter 11).

Why is zakat called charity? An explanation on this matter can be found in the book Fiqh Az-Zakah by Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradhawi.

Allah the Almighty says:

“Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you cleanse them and purify them” (Quran 9:103).

In the same chapter, Allah the Almighty also says:

“And among them are those who criticise you concerning [the distribution of] the charities (zakat or war booty)” (Quran 9:58).