Pathway to Paradise — Page 11
PATHWAY TO P ARADISE 11 Holy Qur’an was first revealed to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). The Holy Qur’an allows exemption from fasting to the elderly, the chronically sick and children. They may make up for fasting by feeding the poor. Temporary exemption is permitted to those traveling, the sick, pregnant and nursing women and menstruating wo men. They are expected to make up the fasts at a later time. As an additional effort, Muslims devote as much of their time as possible to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and reflecting upon its meanings. 4. Tax on Wealth (Zakaat) Zakaat is the fourth pillar of Islam, which can more appropriately be called the purification of wealth. It is a kind of tax which requires a Muslim to give up a certain amount of his possessions (2% rate on a yearly basis) for the upkeep of the poor and t hose who have no earning capacity; for the destitute; for travelers in need; for those serving in the way of Islam, for those fighting in the way of Allah; for slaves to buy their freedom; and for benevolent works. The amount varies according to the type o f property owned. The tax can be levied on land, livestock, and liquid assets (gold, silver, stocks, and bonds etc. ). 5. Pilgrimage (Hajj) Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is the pilgrimage to Mecca which a Muslim who is able bodied and has the means is required to perform at least once in his lifetime. It is an elaborate series of religious rites which extend over several days for their