Title: Correct way to give Zakat and Sadqah Question: What is the correct way to give Zakat and Sadqah ? People give sadaqah for saving their skin from misfortunes and mishaps etc. Is this practice right? Syed Hassan Subzwari United States of America Answer: Unfortunately, I could not understand what you imply by 'correct way to give Zaka'h and Sadaqah '. For all practical purposes, the correct method of paying Zaka'h is to calculate the amount of Zaka'h that one is liable to pay and then to pay it. There is nothing more to it than that. However, if one is living in a Muslim state which collects Zaka'h from its Muslim citizens, as the obligatory tax imposed upon them, then the tax levied by the state should be paid to the state's treasury. As for the second part of your question, it should be remembered that supererogatory charity - money or in kind - which is generally called Sadaqah , is also a form of worship. In all forms of worship, we can invoke God's to help us in our difficulties and to keep us steadfast in His ways in such times. One may also give charity to invoke God's mercy and forgiveness and for helping us in hard times. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad April 23, 2003