MCQ Detailed View

The term Khums (خمس) in Islam literally means one fifth (1/5). It refers to an obligatory share of wealth that must be given in the way of Allah. This financial duty is mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Anfal (8:41), where Allah commands that one-fifth of certain types of wealth should be allocated for specific purposes.

Khums is different from Zakat, although both are forms of obligatory charity. While Zakat is generally applicable to wealth, trade, livestock, and agricultural produce, Khums is specifically related to spoils of war and certain categories of surplus income. Historically, it was collected from war booty during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The share was distributed among Allah, His Messenger, the relatives of the Prophet (ﷺ), orphans, the needy, and travelers in difficulty.

In some Islamic schools of thought, particularly in Shia jurisprudence, Khums is also applied to annual savings and profits after necessary expenses. It plays an important role in maintaining religious institutions, scholars, and supporting the welfare of the Muslim community.

The meaning of “one-fifth” highlights the principle of sharing wealth for the benefit of society and the religion of Islam. It ensures that resources are not concentrated in the hands of a few but are circulated for collective benefit.

Key Facts:

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  Khums literally means one fifth (1/5).

  
  


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  Mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Anfal (8:41).

  
  


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  Applied originally to spoils of war in early Islam.

  
  


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  Distributed to Allah’s cause, Prophet (ﷺ), relatives, orphans, poor, and travelers.

  
  


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  In Shia fiqh, it also applies to annual savings and income surplus.

  
  


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