Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a fundamental act of worship and an essential aspect of a Muslim’s faith and practice. It is a mandatory form of almsgiving and an important means of redistributing wealth within the Muslim community. The term “Zakat” means purification and growth, symbolizing the spiritual and material benefits it brings to both the giver and the receiver.
Zakat is the obligatory giving of a set proportion of one’s wealth to charity. It is typically 2.5% of an individual’s savings and wealth above a minimum amount known as the nisab. This act of giving is not just an economic transaction but a spiritual one, purifying the giver’s wealth and soul.
Importance of Zakat
1. Spiritual Purification and Growth: Zakat purifies the giver’s wealth and soul, fostering a sense of gratitude and humility.
2. Social Equality: By redistributing wealth, Zakat helps reduce inequality and poverty, ensuring that the basic needs of the less fortunate are met.
3. Economic Stability: It promotes the circulation of wealth, preventing hoarding and encouraging spending, which boosts the economy.
4. Strengthening Community Bonds: Zakat fosters a sense of solidarity and responsibility within the Muslim community, as those who are more fortunate support those in need.
Quranic Evidences
The obligation and significance of Zakat are underscored in several verses of the Quran:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:110)
– Arabic: وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
– Translation: “And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.”
2. Surah At-Tawbah (9:103)
– Arabic: خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
– Translation: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
Hadith Evidences
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasize the significance of Zakat:
1. Hadith from Sahih Bukhari
– Arabic: عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: “مَنْ تَصَدَّقَ بِعَدْلِ تَمْرَةٍ مِنْ كَسْبٍ طَيِّبٍ، وَلَا يَقْبَلُ اللَّهُ إِلَّا الطَّيِّبَ، فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَتَقَبَّلُهَا بِيَمِينِهِ، ثُمَّ يُرَبِّيهَا لِصَاحِبِهِ كَمَا يُرَبِّي أَحَدُكُمْ فَلُوَّهُ، حَتَّى تَكُونَ مِثْلَ الْجَبَلِ”
– Translation: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “If one gives in charity what equals one date-fruit from the honestly earned money – and Allah accepts only the honestly earned money – Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as one of you brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain.” (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book 24, Hadith 491)
2. Hadith from Sahih Muslim
– Arabic: عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ: قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَيُّ الْأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: “إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ، وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ”. قُلْتُ: أَيُّ الرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: “أَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا، وَأَكْثَرُهَا ثَمَنًا”. قُلْتُ: فَإِنْ لَمْ أَفْعَلْ؟ قَالَ: “تُعِينُ صَانِعًا، أَوْ تَصْنَعُ لِأَخْرَقَ”. قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ ضَعُفْتُ عَنْ بَعْضِ الْعَمَلِ؟ قَالَ: “تَكُفُّ شَرَّكَ عَنِ النَّاسِ، فَإِنَّهَا صَدَقَةٌ مِنْكَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ”
– Translation: Narrated Abu Dharr: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, which deed is the best?” He (ﷺ) replied, “Faith in Allah and striving in His cause.” I asked, “Which neck (slave) is best (to free)?” He replied, “That which is dearest of them in price and most valuable of them to its masters.” I asked, “If I cannot do it?” He (ﷺ) said, “Help an artisan or make something for an unskilled laborer.” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, you see if I am weak and unable to do some of the deeds?” He (ﷺ) said, “Refrain from harming people, for that is an act of charity (Sadaqah) which you bestow upon yourself.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6194).
At Masazawaq, we are dedicated to ensuring that Zakat is distributed in accordance with Islamic principles. Our team works closely with local communities to identify those most in need and ensure that Zakat contributions are utilized effectively.
Join Masazawaq today in fulfilling this noble act of Zakat. Your contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Visit our website donate your Zakat easily.