Understanding the importance of Zakah in Islam
Zakah, stands as the third pillar of Islam and is obligatory for every financially capable Muslim whose income meets or exceeds the prescribed amount by Sharia (Nisaab), in addition to their essential expenses.
Zakah is a fundamental pillar of Islam, representing the act of giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need, aiming to promote social justice and compassion within the community. It serves as both a religious duty and a means of fostering solidarity among believers.
The literal meaning of Zakah is 'Taharah [purity]', and 'increment and blessing'. Since, in reality, Zakah becomes a cause of Taharah, increment and blessing for the remaining wealth [although it may not be apparent], this is why it is called Zakah. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Rad-dul-Muhtar, Kitab-uz-Zakah, vol. 3, pp. 203; summarised)
The purpose of Zakah is to ensure that wealth doesn't only circulate among the rich, and needy individuals can fulfill their needs through Zakah. This fosters balance in society and gradually eradicates poverty. However, it is essential for the wealthy not to consider Zakah as a favor to the poor; rather, they are merely fulfilling their obligatory duty as commanded by the Allah Almighty.
The Messenger of Mercy and the Intercessor of the Ummah (Peace Be Upon Him), has emphasized these principles, stating:
"The foundation of Islam is on five acts: To testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah Almighty and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is His Rasool; to offer Salah; to pay Zakah; to perform Hajj; and to observe the Siyam [fasts] of Ramadan."
(Sahih Bukhari, vol. 1, pp. 14, Hadees 8)In the mentioned Hadith, Zakah is highlighted as an act of worship placed after Salah. Zakah, being the 3rd pillar of Islam, involves a monetary form of worship. The Holy Quran praises those who perform Zakah donation and condemns those who do not in several blessed Ayahs. To fully appreciate the merits and advantages of giving Zakah and to avoid its potential harms, it is crucial to acquire a thorough understanding of the Shari laws governing Zakah.
The significance of Zakah becomes evident from the fact that Salah and Zakah are mentioned together 32 times in the Holy Quran (Rad-dul-Muhtar, Kitab-uz-Zakah, vol. 3, pp. 202). Additionally, the fortunate individuals who give Zakah receive abundant blessings and benefits in this world and the Hereafter (as mentioned in later pages of Rad-dul-Muhtar, Kitab-uz-Zakah, vol. 3).
Giving Zakah reflects a believer's willingness to share their wealth and blessings with the less fortunate in society. It is not merely an act of charity but a divinely ordained duty, reminding Muslims of their responsibility towards the underprivileged members of their community.
Through Zakah, the wealthy members of society are reminded that their prosperity is a blessing from Allah, and they have a responsibility to use a portion of it to uplift the less fortunate and promote the overall welfare of society.
There are two types of Zakah:
There are further two types of Zakah of wealth:
Zakah is a fundamental Islamic practice involving giving a portion (usually 2.5%) of one's wealth to specific categories of individuals in need, as outlined in the Quran and Hadith. Obligatory for Muslims possessing a certain threshold of wealth (nisab), Zakah is calculated annually and requires a sincere intention. It's distinct from Zakah al-Fitr, a separate form given during Ramadan's end.
Zakah aims to promote social welfare and spiritual growth by sharing wealth with those less fortunate, with distribution generally encouraged within the local community. Variations in interpretation exist across Islamic schools of thought, necessitating consultation with knowledgeable sources to ensure proper adherence to Zakah guidelines.
The obligatory nature of Zakah is established through evidence from the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Allah Almighty has explicitly stated in the Holy Quran: "And keep Salah (obligatory prayer) established and pay Zakah (obligatory charity)." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 1, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 43)
In the Tafseer Khazain-ul-Irfan, Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi (May Allah Almighty Have Mercy Upon Him) (who passed away in 1367 Hijri) explains that This Ayah is regarding Salah and Zakah being Fard.
"O Beloved, take Zakah from their wealth, by which you may cleanse them and make them pure." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 11, Surah At-Taubah, Ayah 103)
In Tafseer Khazain-ul-Irfan, Maulana Sayyid Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi (May Allah Almighty Have Mercy Upon Him) has explained that the word صدقہ ('Sadaqah') mentioned in the Ayah has various interpretations according to different Mufassireen (Quranic exegetes).
One opinion suggests that 'Sadaqah' was not Wajib and was given by the individuals mentioned in the previous Ayah as expiation. The second opinion is that this 'Sadaqah' refers to the Zakah that was compulsory upon them, and upon repentance, they attempted to pay it, leading Allah Almighty to command its collection. Imam Abu Bakr Raazi Jasaas (May Allah Almighty Have Mercy Upon Him) has given preference to the view that 'Sadaqah' refers to Zakah (as mentioned in Khaazin and Ahkam-ul-Quran).
Let's explore the wonderful virtues and benefits of Zakah in Islam. Zakah is not just about giving money to help others; it holds great spiritual and social rewards for both the giver and the receiver. By understanding the importance of Zakah, we can see how it brings blessings in this life and the life to come.
Paying Zakah is considered a means of completing one's Iman, as stated by the Beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him): The completion of your Islam is that you pay Zakah of your wealth. (Attargheeb Wattarheeb, Kitab-us-Sadaqaat, vol. 1, pp. 301, Hadees 12)
The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has stated: He who believes in Allah Almighty and His Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him), it is compulsory for him to pay Zakah of his wealth. (Al-Mujam-ul-Kabeer, vol. 12, pp. 324, Hadees 13561)
The one who pays Zakah receives the mercy of Allah Almighty. As mentioned in Surah Al-Araf: "And My Mercy encompasses all things, so I shall soon decree favours for those who fear and pay Zakah." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 9, Surah Al-Araf, Ayah 156)
Zakah leads to the attainment of Taqwa. This is one of the signs of the Muttaqeen (pious people) mentioned in the Holy Quran. It is stated: "And spend in Our path from the sustenance We have bestowed (upon them)." [Kanz-ul-Iman] (Part 1, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 3)
The one who gives Zakah becomes counted among the successful, as the Holy Quran includes Zakah among the deeds of successful individuals. It is stated: "Undoubtedly, the believers reached their goals. ...And who are active in the payment of Zakah." [Kanz-ul-Iman] (Part 18, Surah Al-Muminoon, Ayah 1-4)
The one who pays Zakah receives the help of Allah. It is stated: "And undoubtedly, Allah Almighty will definitely help the one who helps His religion. Indeed, Allah Almighty is surely All Powerful, Ever Dominant. Those people that, if We give them control in the land, would keep Salah established and pay Zakah, and command virtue and forbid evil, and only for Allah Almighty is the end of all matters." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 40, 41)
Paying Zakah is among the characteristics of those who frequent the houses of Allah Almighty, i.e., the Masajid. It is stated: "Only those uphold the Mosques of Allah Almighty, who believe in Allah Almighty and the Last Day and keep Salah established and pay Zakah and fear none except Allah Almighty; so, it is imminent that they will be amongst the people of guidance." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 10, Surah At-Taubah, Ayah 18)
By paying Zakah, the needs of poor Islamic brothers are met, and their hearts are filled with joy and contentment. This noble act of giving not only addresses their material needs but also provides them with a sense of hope and happiness. Through Zakah, a harmonious and caring society is built, where the less fortunate are supported, and the overall welfare and well-being of the community are upheld.
Giving Zakah exemplifies the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, as it encourages a financially capable Wealthy Muslim (Ghani) to support his poor Islamic brother, allowing him to live with dignity in society. This act also safeguards the heart of the needy Muslim from negative emotions like ill-will and jealousy, as he recognizes his rightful share in the wealth of his Wealthy (Ghani) Islamic brother.
Consequently, he prays for blessings in his brother's life, wealth, and children. The Beloved Rasool has beautifully expressed this bond, stating, 'Indeed, a Mu`min is like a building for a Mumin; one strengthens the other.' (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-us-Salah, vol. 1, pp. 181, Hadees 481)
Zakah plays a vital role in strengthening the brotherhood among Muslims, fostering a sense of unity in the Islamic society. Through mutual assistance, Muslims exemplify the profound saying of their beloved Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him): The example of mutual friendship, mercy, and affection of Muslims is like a body; when any part of the body is not well, the entire body joins [i.e., affected by] it in fever and sleeplessness. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Birr, pp. 1396, Hadees 2586)
Giving Zakah purifies wealth, as narrated by Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (May Allah Almighty Be Pleased With Him) that the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Give Zakah of your wealth as it is the one that purifies, it will purify you." (Al-Musnad Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal, vol. 4, pp. 274, Hadees 12397)
Giving Zakah is a transformative act that helps a person overcome negative attributes like greed and miserliness while fostering the positive quality of generosity. It instills a sense of compassion and empathy, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with others. By using their resources to help the less fortunate, individuals find fulfillment and purpose in their lives, making Zakah a powerful tool for soul purification.
The wealth of the Zakah giving person not only remains intact but also increases in both this world and the Hereafter. Allah Almighty has assured: "And whatever you spend in the path of Allah, He will give more in return. And He is The Best Provider." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 22, Surah Saba, Ayah 39)
At another place, it is stated: "The example of those who spend their wealth on the path of Allah is similar to a grain which has sprouted seven ears (of wheat) and each ear contains a hundred grains, and Allah may increase this many a time for whomsoever He desires, and Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the path of Allah, and after spending they do not boast of their favour nor taunt; their reward is with their Lord; they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve." [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 3, Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 261, 262)
The Zakah-giving person should offer their Zakah wholeheartedly, firmly believing that Allah Almighty will grant them something even better in return. The beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) has affirmed, "Wealth does not decrease by giving Sadaqah." (Al-Mujam-ul-Awsat, vol. 1, pp. 619, Hadees 2270)
The one who gives Zakah finds protection from evil, as the Beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) has stated, "He who has paid Zakah of his wealth, indeed, Allah Almighty has removed evil from him." (Al-Mujam-ul-Awsat, vol. 1, pp. 431, Hadees 1579)
Giving Zakah acts as a safeguard for one's wealth, as the Beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) has advised, "Bring your wealth into strong fortresses by giving Zakah and treat your sick people with charity." (Maraseel Abi Dawood ma Sunan Abi Dawood, pp. 8)
Allah Almighty will meet the needs of those who give Zakah, as the Beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) has conveyed, "He who fulfills the need of any person, Allah Almighty will fulfil his needs in the religion and the world." (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-uz-Zikr wad-Dua, pp. 1447, Hadees 2699)
At another occasion, the Beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) has conveyed, "He who relieves the worldly suffering of any Muslim, Allah Almighty will remove the trouble of the Day of Judgement from him." (Sunan-ut-Tirmizi, Kitab-ul-Hudood, vol. 3, pp. 115)
The poor pray for the Zakah giving person, and as a result, the mercy of Allah Almighty descends upon them, and they receive the help of Allah. The Beloved Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him) has affirmed, "You receive the help of Allah Almighty and sustenance because of the blessing of the old and their Duas." (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Jihad, vol. 2, pp. 280, Hadees 2896)
Initially, the Quran outlined 8 categories of Zakah recipients, yet one group, those with inclinations towards Islam (مولَّفة القلوب), was later excluded based on the consensus of the Sahabah, resulting in seven remaining beneficiary groups for Zakah:
Nonetheless, in contemporary times, the fourth group, pertaining to slaves, is no longer applicable.
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