Zakat is a form of alms-giving treated in Islam as a religious obligation or tax. In accordance with the Quranic ranking, zakat is next after prayer in importance. Zakat is a religious duty for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. All Muslims who reach the minimum threshold of wealth must pay zakat.

Donating money through zakat to the poor is said to purify income and increase wealth and blessings. This is a mandatory practice for Muslims.

Sadaqa is charity which is given voluntarily in order to please God. Sadaqa also describes a voluntary charitable act towards others, whether through generosity, love, compassion or faith. Sadaqa can also be given in memory of a loved one.

Sadaq Jariah is recognised as alms and is voluntary charity which is given long term. Alms means money or food which is given to poor people.

This literally means a form of charity which is given for Allah. It comprises any form of charity which is given on a purely voluntary basis. Such a contribution is made through the goodwill of Muslims who give solely for the pleasure of Allah.

Fitrana is the donation which is made by Muslims who have completed their Ramadan fast and have food in excess of their needs. This donation is payable by each member of every family, including the children. In the case of children, the head of the family makes this payment on their behalf. There is no limitation on the amount of Fitrana that can be donated on behalf of each member of the family.

The payment of Fitrana is obligatory after the sunset of the evening of the last fast upon sighting of the moon of Shawwal and must be paid before Eid day.