Zakat – The Purifier

There are five pillars of Islam and they are, the Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj, all of these are compulsory upon every able Muslim to complete. Each one is important and necessary for every Muslim to do, and each one has a benefit for all Muslims which Allah has discussed in the Quran.

Each pillar is important and assists a Muslim in their life in its own respect, zakat is prescribed to every Muslim who is able, as it not only teaches humans to be empathetic, but shows the importance of helping a fellow human.

Zakat is comes from the Arabic term ‘to purify’ as is evident in,

“Take from their wealth so that you might purify and sanctify them”

Quran 9:103

Zakat In Islam – Countless Benefits

When we give zakat is grants us a sense of humbleness, in which we understand that our wealth is from Allah and by giving a percentage of our money for the sake of Allah purifies our heart and soul from greed and miserliness. Zakat also assists the the Islamic economy, creating stability and prosperity.

It was narrated by Yahya bin Said, who was governor at the time of the Caliphate of Umar bin Abdul Aziz. He said: “I was sent by Umar bin Abdul Aziz to collect zakat from Africa. After collecting it, I intended to give it to the poor people. However, I did not find one. Umar bin Abdul Aziz has made all the people rich during that time. Finally, I decided to use the zakat fund to buy and emancipate slaves.” 

Al-Khalifat al-Adil Umar Ibn AbdulAziz, 1994

Every Muslim must pay a specific amount of Zakat that consists of their wealth and savings. This is referred to as Nisab, the amount is 2.5% of Nisab. Your Nisab more precisely is, cash in hand, bank or money that has been loaned to someone, shares that you own, gold and silver. However, personal items that, your home, furniture, cars, food, clothing are not considered Nisab. Zakat can be measured through gold and silver.

The Zakat that must be paid before Salat Al-Eid, must be given to eight types of people that are specified in the Quran

“Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”

Quran 9:60

8 Categories of People Specified in The Quran

  1. The Fuqara’ (the poor)
  2. Al-Maskin (the needy)
  3. Aamileen (Zakat collector)
  4. Muallafatul Quloob (poor and needy who recently converted to Islam)
  5. Ar-Riqaab (slaves; Zakat can be used to purchase their freedom)
  6. Ibnus-Sabeel: A stranded traveller in need of financial assistance.
  7. Al Ghaarimeen: A debtor
  8. Fi Sabeelillah: Those who are away from home in the path of Allah

There have been many hadiths and verses in the Quran that have been reported by the Prophet ﷺ and Allah that warn the people of their punishment in the Hereafter and in this life if they do not pay their Zakat.  

‘Abdullah bin Masud  narrated that:

the Messenger of Allah said: “There is no one who does not pay Zakat on his wealth but a bald headed snake will be made to appear to him on the Day of Resurrection, until it encircles his neck.” Then the messenger of Allah recited the following Verse from the Book of Allah the Most High: “And let not those who covetously withhold of that which Allah had bestowed on them of His Bounty (wealth) think that is good for them.”

Sunan Ibn Majah

If Zakat was implemented correctly by every Muslim it could be a method of eradication of poverty. If you do not know how to calculate your Zakat you can go to:

https://donate.humanappeal.org.uk/zakat-calculator

May Allah rewarded us for the Zakat we pay.

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