Khums
“Know that whatever of a thing you acquire, a fifth of it is for Allah, for the Messenger, for the near relative, and the orphans, the needy and the wayfarer”
Holy Quran (8:41)
Islamic Obligation
What is Khums?
Islam is a holistic religion. Along with spiritual responsibilities, every Muslim also has financial responsibilities. One of these financial responsibilities is Khums.
Khums is a twenty per cent obligatory Islamic tax on some items that we own, payable under specific conditions.
This is referenced in Holy Qur’an, verse 8:41, where it states: “Know that whatever of a thing you acquire, a fifth of it is for Allah, for the Messenger, for the near relative, and the orphans, the needy and the wayfarer”.
Khums, which literally translates to “one-fifth”, is an annual tax that is a form of charity parallel to Zakat. Khums is part of the Islamic economic system that aims to bring justice to society and strengthen humanity by requiring Muslims to donate 20% of their excess wealth, or savings.
Sehme Imam · Sehme Sadaat
How does it work?
This is split into two portions, Sehme Imam and Sehme Sadaat. The Sehme Imam portion of Khums is delivered to projects approved by Maraja. The Sehme Sadaat portion of Khums is delivered to Sadaat (descendants of the Prophet (saw)) in need.
The Zahra Trust has permission to collect Khums from most of the leading Maraja including Ayatullah Sayed Ali al-Sistani, allowing us to distribute Khums funds towards our welfare projects and Sadaat in need.
Sehme Imam may go towards our Water Aid programme, our country-based appeals (such as Afghanistan and Yemen), our Orphans, Widows & Vulnerable Children programme or other humanitarian projects. Sehme Sadaat will often be delivered to Sadaat orphans, widows and vulnerable children.
Fulfil Your Khums Today
Pay your Sehme Imam and Sehme Sadaat with The Zahra Trust — distributed in line with the rulings of the leading Maraja.
Khums — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about paying Khums with The Zahra Trust.
Our Permissions
Marja Approved · Your Ijaza Covered
The Zahra Trust holds permission to collect and distribute Khums from most of the leading Maraja.
Not sure how much is due? Use our Khums Calculator.