Rooja

Rooja, also known as zakat, is a type of obligatory charity in Islam. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also includes the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca. The duty of paying rooja is believed to have been ordained by Allah as a means of purifying one's wealth and soul.

Rooja is levied on the surplus wealth of individuals, typically 2.5% of their residually disposable capital. Any excess goods or commodities held in surplus above basic needs and essential expenses are considered eligible for rooja. This can include cash, gold, silver, commodities such as food, and other nontangible assets.

Rooja payments are typically made to the poor and needy members of the community. The recipients of rooja are usually identified by the authorities or can be nominated by their peers. The funds collected in rooja form an important source of income for the recipients and are credited to their religious and moral values.

Rooja payments are considered a pious act that aims to balance wealth possession and creation and distribution. Besides providing to the material needs of the poor, rooja is believed to bring spiritual growth and tranquility to the distributor. Due to its immense significance in Islamic culture and teachings, rooja continues to be an essential practice for all Muslims across the globe.

The doodhkhosh society in Iran, number crunchers, and governments have devised various mechanisms and systems to collect, assess, and process rooja payments, ensuring a smooth process with the distribution of leftover riches among eligible individuals.