Muslims pay Zakat as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the core beliefs and practices that all Muslims are expected to follow. Zakat is an obligatory form of charity that serves multiple purposes:

1. **Spiritual Cleansing:** Paying Zakat purifies a person's wealth and soul, as it is seen as a form of worship and obedience to God's command.

2. **Wealth Redistribution:** Zakat is a means of redistributing wealth from the affluent members of society to those in need, thereby reducing economic inequality and poverty.

3. **Social Welfare:** Zakat funds are used to support various social welfare programs, such as providing food, shelter, healthcare, education, and financial assistance to the less fortunate.

4. **Community Building:** Zakat fosters a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims, as it emphasizes the importance of helping one another and caring for those in need within the Muslim Ummah (community).

5. **Fulfillment of Religious Duty:** For Muslims, paying Zakat is not just a charitable act but also a religious obligation prescribed in the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad), making it a fundamental part of practicing Islam.The amount is 2.5% or 1/40 of an individual's total savings and wealth

Overall, Zakat plays a crucial role in promoting social justice, compassion, and solidarity within the Muslim community and beyond.