Development ofZakahandZakahcoverage in monotheistic faiths

Purpose - The unity of Divine Law is reflected in monotheistic faiths having their origin with Prophet Abraham (pbuh), but later divided into three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. There is a unity of Divine practice in a variety of areas among these monotheistic faiths. One such area isZakah, in Islamic tradition, and often characterized as “the poor due” in Christianity and Judaism. By whatever name,Zakahor “the poor due,” is an important Divine institution in all three monotheistic faiths. The purpose of this paper is to trace and examine the development of theZakahinstitution andZakahtype coverage in those faiths. Design/methodology/approach - First, the paper provides a brief description of the meaning and objectives ofZakah(the poor due) and the group of people who have been described as worthy to receiveZakah. Additional sections trace the development ofZakat(the poor due) in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Finally, some conclusions are presented for the consideration of the reader. Findings - The administration and process for distribution ofZakahin contemporary Muslim states varies depending on the school of Islamic thought most prevalent in that society and the level of theocratic involvement of the government in those societies. Originality/value - This paper usefully examines the development of theZakahinstitution andZakahtype coverage in the three monotheistic faiths.