Literally: Zakat means growth, baraka (a concept that means great blessing and fruition), increase, and the abundance of good.

The word zakat also means purity for Allah (G. B. H) says: {Truly he succeeds that purifies it,} [Al-Shams: 9] that is to purify it from baseness and filth.

It is also used in the meaning of praise, for Allah (G. B. H) says:

{Therefore praise not yourselves. } [Al-Najm: 32].

Legally: Zakat is the name of a sum of money or an amount of property taken out of collected personal assets, within certain conditions and designated to specific recipients.

It is called zakat because wealth grows by virtue of giving it away and

because it purifies one who donates it from sins and shows his increase in good.