In Islam, Zakat is an obligatory act ordained by Allah (swt).
Surely they who believe and do good deeds and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate (Zakat) they shall have their reward from their Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve." [Al-Quran 2:277]
In Islam, Zakat is an obligatory act ordained by Allah (swt) to be performed by every Muslim who is able to. It is an important pillar of Islam; one that carries immense significance. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, Zakat is the act of giving a part one’s wealth and property to help the poor of the community. It is essentially the process of the Muslim community looking out for it’s poorest and neediest.
The Meaning of Zakat
The literal meaning of Zakat is purification. Therefore, by giving Zakat, a Muslim is essentially purifying his soul and his wealth. This word is mentioned in many instances in the Qur’an alongside Salaat (prayer).
How much Zakat
Zakat is levied at 2.5% of all Zakat-able assets after deducting specific liabilities for the year. The annual payment of Zakat is done according to the lunar calendar. Items like jewellery and gold are Zakat-able items and their worth should be factored in when calculating totals.
Who to give Zakat
The Qur’an is very specific about who should benefit from Zakat donations. The sole purpose is to help only those who cannot help themselves; people living in poverty, those who are disabled or elderly and those who are incapable of supporting themselves. Consider this verse from Surah At- Tauba:
Zakat is for the poor, and the needy and those who are employed to administer and collect it, and the new converts, and for those who are in bondage, and in debt and service of the cause of God, and for the wayfarers, a duty ordained by God, and God is the All-Knowing, the Wise.
The Muslim population is growing rapidly. As such, there is immense potential to collect sizeable Zakat donations that can be used for the betterment of humanity. Your Zakat donation will ensure no child goes to bed hungry; the elderly get their medicine on time and widows get the financial assistance they need to support their families.
Giving (infaq) is a defining characteristic of Muslims.
Whatever you give or spend in the way of Allah will be returned to you in manifold increase. Allah, the most Bountiful and the most Loving, commends:
Lend unto God a goodly loan. Whatever good you shall forward on your behalf you shall find it with God, as better and richer in reward. [al-Muzzammil 73: 20.]
Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: A generous person is close to Allah, close to Paradise, close to people, and far from Hell. However, a miserly person is far from Allah, far from Paradise, far from people, but close to Hell. Allah loves more an ignorant man who is generous than a worshipper who is miserly. (Tirmidhi.)
Increase your rank in the sight of Allah (SWT)
Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “This worldly life is for four categories of people: a man to whom Allaah has given wealth and knowledge, so he fears his Lord, maintains ties of kinship with this money, and he knows the rights of Allaah regarding it, this one is truly in the best rank ...” [At-Tirmithi]
Increase your Wealth
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and knowing.” This is the nature of making business with Allah (Qur’an 61:11), up to 700 times reward and the return is guaranteed.
Wipe out your Sins
“If you disclose your charity, it is well; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, that is better for you. [Allah] will expiate some of your sins. And Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (Surah al-Baqarah:271)
