Zakat “It is the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam”
Zakat is an obligatory form of almsgiving in Islam. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered a religious duty for all financially capable Muslims. Zakat is typically calculated as a percentage of a person’s accumulated wealth, including cash, savings, investments, and business assets, and is distributed to specific categories of recipients, such as the poor, needy, debtors, travelers, and those working in its collection and distribution. It serves as a means of purifying one’s wealth and providing for the less fortunate in society.
** The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided guidance and teachings regarding zakat. Here are some important sayings (hadith) related to zakat:
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.” (Muslim)
“The upper hand (the one that gives) is better than the lower hand (the one that receives).” (Al-Bukhari)
“Allah, the Mighty, and Exalted, has said, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.'” (Al-Bukhari)
“When a person gives in charity from his lawful earnings, and his wife also does likewise, and then they both raise their children in that state (of giving), then on the Day of Judgment their charity will become a screen for them.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
These sayings emphasize the virtues and rewards of giving in charity, the blessings it brings to both the giver and the recipient, and the importance of maintaining a spirit of generosity and giving in one’s life.
** Zakat offers several benefits, both on an individual and societal level. Here are some key benefits of zakat:
Spiritual purification: Zakat is a means of purifying one’s wealth and attaining spiritual purification. By giving away a portion of their wealth to help others, Muslims purify their souls and develop a sense of gratitude and humility.
Wealth redistribution: Zakat helps to redistribute wealth and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. It ensures a more equitable distribution of resources within the society, reducing poverty and addressing economic disparities.
Alleviating poverty: Zakat plays a crucial role in alleviating poverty by providing financial support to the poor and needy. It helps meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Social cohesion and solidarity: Zakat fosters a sense of solidarity and compassion among members of the community. It encourages individuals to care for one another and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.
Economic stimulation: The collection and distribution of zakat contribute to economic stimulation. It injects funds into the economy, especially through investments in entrepreneurship and job creation, which can lead to economic growth and development.
Personal growth and humility: Giving zakat cultivates personal growth by instilling qualities such as generosity, selflessness, empathy, and gratitude. It helps individuals develop a sense of responsibility towards society and a deeper understanding of the blessings they have been bestowed with.
Divine blessings and rewards: Muslims believe that giving zakat brings numerous blessings and rewards from Allah. It is considered an act of worship and obedience to God, which leads to spiritual elevation and the potential for forgiveness of sins.
Overall, zakat serves as a mechanism for social welfare, poverty alleviation, and individual spiritual development, while promoting a just and compassionate society.
** To pay zakat, follow these general steps:
Calculate your zakat: Determine the total value of your eligible assets, including cash, savings, investments, gold, silver, and business assets. Deduct any outstanding debts, loans, and essential expenses. The remaining amount is called the “net zakatable assets.”
Determine the zakat rate: The standard zakat rate is 2.5% (1/40) of the net zakatable assets. This means you would give 2.5% of the total value as zakat.
Choose a lunar Islamic calendar date: Select a specific date in the Islamic calendar to mark the beginning of your zakat year. This date is important for tracking your zakat payments annually.
Distribute your zakat: Identify eligible recipients for your zakat. Common categories include the poor, needy, debtors, those in financial hardship, travelers, and zakat administrators. It’s recommended to distribute zakat locally, but you can also contribute to credible zakat organizations or projects globally.
Pay zakat directly: Personally deliver the zakat to the recipients or relevant organizations, ensuring it reaches the intended beneficiaries.
** To pay zakat, follow these general steps:
Calculate your zakat: Determine the total value of your eligible assets, including cash, savings, investments, gold, silver, and business assets. Deduct any outstanding debts, loans, and essential expenses. The remaining amount is called the “net zakatable assets.”
Determine the zakat rate: The standard zakat rate is 2.5% (1/40) of the net zakatable assets. This means you would give 2.5% of the total value as zakat.
Pay zakat directly: Personally deliver the zakat to the recipients or relevant organizations, ensuring it reaches the intended beneficiaries.
** Zakat is intended to benefit specific categories of people who are considered eligible recipients. According to Islamic teachings, the following groups have a need for zakat:
The Poor (Al-Fuqara’): These are individuals who are unable to meet their basic needs due to extreme poverty. They lack sufficient income or resources to support themselves and their families.
The Needy (Al-Masakin): This category includes individuals who are in need but may have some means to cover their basic needs. However, their resources are still insufficient, and they require assistance to improve their living conditions.
Zakat Administrators: These are individuals or organizations responsible for the collection, management, and distribution of zakat. They ensure that zakat funds are properly allocated to eligible recipients.
Those whose hearts need reconciling (Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum): This category encompasses individuals who may be non-Muslims or new Muslims who require support and assistance. Zakat can be given to them to strengthen their faith or to foster goodwill and reconciliation.
Freeing slaves or captives (Fi Riqab): Zakat can be used to help free slaves or captives who are held unjustly or to support initiatives that work towards their release and rehabilitation.
Debtors (Al-Gharimin): Individuals who are in debt and are unable to repay their debts can benefit from zakat. Zakat funds can be used to help them settle their debts and relieve their financial burden.
Wayfarers or stranded travelers (Ibnus-Sabil): This category includes individuals who are traveling and may face financial difficulties or be stranded without sufficient resources to continue their journey or return home.
****************Quranic verses about zakaat*****************
The Quran contains several verses related to Zakat Al-Fitr, which is a charitable contribution that Muslims are required to give during the month of Ramadan.
Some of the relevant verses include:
Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: “For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow: let them not dispute with thee on the matter, but do thou invite (them) to thy Lord: for thou art assuredly on the Right Way.”
Surah At-Taubah, verse 60: “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise.”
It’s important to note that there are different opinions among scholars on how to calculate the amount of Zakat Al-Fitr, but it is generally a small amount of money or food that is given to the poor at the end of Ramadan.