Charity Zakat
What is Charity Zakat in Islam?
What is Zakat in Islam?
Zakat is a mandatory act of charity in Islam. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and refers to the giving of a certain portion of a Muslim’s wealth to help those in need. The word Zakat means “purification” and “growth” because giving charity purifies one’s wealth and helps it grow by pleasing Allah.
Purpose of Zakat:
- Zakat is a way to help the poor, orphans, widows, the needy, and those in debt. It helps reduce inequality and creates a sense of social responsibility.
- By giving Zakat, Muslims are reminded that everything they own is a blessing from Allah and should be shared with others.
Who Has to Give Zakat?
- Zakat is obligatory for every adult Muslim who has a certain amount of wealth. This amount is called the Nisab. If a Muslim has wealth equal to or greater than the Nisab for a full year, they must give Zakat.
- The wealth that is eligible for Zakat includes savings, gold, silver, cash, and certain assets that have been held for a year.
How Much is Zakat?
- The amount of Zakat is 2.5% of a Muslim’s eligible wealth that has been in their possession for one full year. This is the minimum amount.
- Zakat is typically calculated on the total wealth (like savings, investments, and gold) after deducting debts or liabilities.
How to Give Zakat?
- Calculate the Wealth: Add up all eligible assets that have been in your possession for a year (such as savings, gold, and investments).
- Calculate 2.5%: Calculate 2.5% of the total eligible wealth.
- Distribute the Zakat: Zakat should be given to the poor, needy, or other eligible people who fall under the categories mentioned in the Qur’an. It can also be given to charitable organizations that support these causes.
Who Receives Zakat?
Zakat can be given to the following categories of people:
- The poor: Those who do not have enough to live on.
- The needy: Those who are in financial distress but may not be poor.
- Zakat collectors: Those who collect and distribute Zakat.
- Those in debt: People who are struggling to pay off their debts.
- For the cause of Allah: People or projects that are working for the welfare of the community in line with Islamic values.
- Wayfarers: Travelers who are stranded or in need of financial help.
Why is Zakat Important?
- Purification: Zakat purifies a Muslim’s wealth by giving a portion of it to those in need. It helps clean the heart from greed and selfishness.
- Spiritual Growth: Giving Zakat is an act of worship that brings a Muslim closer to Allah.
- Social Responsibility: It helps reduce poverty and inequality in society by distributing wealth.
Conclusion:
Zakat is a key act of charity that helps those who are less fortunate and promotes fairness and equality. It is a means of purifying one’s wealth and fulfilling the social responsibility to care for the needy in the community.
Quran & Hadith References
References from the Qur’an:
- Obligation of Zakat: “And establish prayer and give Zakat and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.” (Surah An-Nur, 24:56)
- Zakat Purifies Wealth: “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)
- Recipients of Zakat: “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [Zakat] 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…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60)
- Zakat as an Obligation Alongside Prayer: “And those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give Zakat, it is they who will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:277)
References from Hadith:
- Zakat is one of the Pillars of Islam: “Islam is built upon five [pillars]: The testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger, establishing the prayer, giving the Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and performing the pilgrimage to the House [Kaaba].” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 8)
- The Importance of Giving Zakat: “On the Day of Resurrection, the one who was given wealth and did not give Zakat from it, will be made to lie on his face in Hell and a serpent will be around his neck and it will bite him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1403)
- Zakat Purifies Wealth: “The example of the one who gives Zakat is like a man who plants a seed of a tree and from it grows seven branches, and on each branch there are a hundred fruits.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1006)
- The Obligation of Zakat: “If anyone is given wealth by Allah and does not pay its Zakat, then on the Day of Judgment, his wealth will be made like a poisonous snake that will bite him. The snake will be made to encircle his neck, and it will say to him, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1412)
- Zakat for the Poor and Needy: “There is no [Sadaqah] for a rich person unless they are in debt or in need.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1417)
These references highlight the importance and obligation of Zakat in Islam, the social benefits it provides, and the reward for those who give it sincerely. It also serves as a reminder that withholding Zakat can have severe consequences in the Hereafter.
