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| Malachai 3 is cited by Christians and Jews in support of the tithe. |
Generous giving is an important obligation in all major world religions. In the Koran, almsgiving is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, next in importance only to their practice of daily prayer.
In addition to their regular giving, Muslims with a net worth of over a certain specified amount, the nisab, are to contribute 2.5% of the value of their possessions to needy causes each year. This is typically done during the month of Ramadan (April 12 to May 12 this year), and in some countries is collected as a tax.
This annual percentage is based on the total value of the following:
current checking and savings accounts
shares and stocks
investments
gold and silver
money on loan to others
For most of us, 2.5% of that total would represent a significant contribution, and in my case one considerably greater than my federal income tax for 2020 and more than a tenth of my annual earnings last year. Of course being semi-retired means my income is less and my deductions are greater than during most of my working years.
The Biblical tithe was never meant to be the only guide for giving among devout Jews, many of whom would have contributed a total of 30% or more through other offerings and expected gifts outlined in the Torah. Not all Christians see tithing as being an obligation, but only that we are to give generously, "as the Lord has prospered." As a result, many Jesus followers give far less than a tithe, and much less than is expected of faithful Muslims.
Zakat means "that which purifies," and is seen as a way of purifying one's assets. Here's a link to how it is calculated:
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