Zakat (alms) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its importance
can be realized from the fact that in 82 verses of the Qur’an, Zakat is
associated with prayer (Salah), such as: “Establish regular prayer and
give Zakat; and obey Allah and His Messenger.” (Qur’an, 33:33)
If social justice and compassion to fellow humans who are disadvantaged
is one of the central themes in the message of Allah to humanity, then
it is no wonder that Zakat, like prayer and fasting, was also enjoined
upon the people of the past messengers: “And We made them (descendants
of Abraham) leaders, guiding by Our command, and We sent them
inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular Prayers and to
practise Zakat; and they constantly served Us.” (Qur’an, 21:73)
The wisdom of giving ZakatIt purifies your wealth as Allah Almighty says
in the Qur’an: “Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and
sanctify them with it and pray for them.” (Qur’an, 9:103)It reminds
Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the
blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His
commands.Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have
enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow
they will get what is necessary to help them live decently. Zakat payer
pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and
an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a
grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to
Allah.Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who
do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see
their wealth dwindling year after year due to inflation etc. Zakat helps
increase production and stimulates supply because it is a
redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real
purchasing power in the hands of poor.It keeps one away from sin and
saves the giver from the moral ill arising from the love and greed of
wealth.Through Zakat, the poor are cared for, these include widows,
orphans, the disabled, the needy and the destitute.Zakat is the right of
the poor. Zakat is not considered a favor that is given to the poor by
the rich. It is the right of the poor on the wealth of the rich. Allah
says: “(In their) wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the
destitute” (Qur’an, 70:24-25)Zakat, therefore, is unlike charity that is
given to the needy voluntarily. Withholding Zakat is considered
depriving the poor of their due share. Thus one who pays Zakat actually
“purifies” his wealth by separating from it the portion that belongs to
the poor.
Virtues of ZakatAllah says in the Qur’an: “The parable of those who
spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It
grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases
manifold to whom He pleases.” (Qur’an, 2:261)The beloved Messenger of
Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said
about Zakat:• Zakat is a (great and strong) bridge of Islam.• If a man
pays the Zakat due on his property, it causes its evil influence to
vanish.• Gains the pleasure of Allah.• Increases wealth and protects
from losses.• Causes Allah’s forgiveness and blessings.• Protection from
the wrath of Allah and from a bad death.• A shelter on the Day of
Judgment.• Security from seventy misfortunes.Alqamah (may Allah be
pleased with him) says that when a group of people visited the Prophet
(peace be upon him) he said to them, “Verily you can make your Islam
perfect by your payment of the Zakat due on your property.”The Prophet
(peace be upon him) said, “He who observes three things will taste the
sweetness of Iman (faith): One who worships Allah alone and believes
(from his heart) that there is no one to be worshipped but Allah and one
who pays the Zakat on his property, willingly, every year. In Zakaton
the animals, one should not give an aged animal or one suffering from
itch or any other ailment, or an inferior one, but should give animals
of average quality. Allah Almighty does not demand from you the best of
your animals, nor does He command you to give animals of the worst
quality.”
Do I have to give Zakat?Zakat is obligatory on an adult sane Muslim who
has wealth that reaches or exceeds a certain level called the nisab for a
lunar year. (You may contact your local scholars about the exact amount
of nisab in your local currency). Unlike tax, however, Zakat is an act
of worship for which one receives reward from Allah Almighty. Ignoring
to pay Zakat, on the other hand, is a major sin.How much do I have to
give? If you are in possession of money, gold, silver, stock in trade or
shares that amount to more than the value of nisab (at current market
rates) then you are obliged to pay Zakat. What amounts are owed by you
should be deducted from the capital amount before Zakat is calculated.
The rate ofZakat is 2.5%.The Prophet (peace be upon him said: “The upper
hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is
better than him who takes it).” (Bukhari)
• Courtesy of Jamiat.org.sa
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