The importance of Zakat in Islam

on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The importance of Zakat in Islam

Zakat is a beautiful concept that is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. In terms of meaning, the word Zakat is taken as “purification” and “growth”. However if one wants to look at the actual definition of Zakat in light of Islamic teachings then it is defined as an obligatory act for every wealthy Muslim in which he or she has to give a calculated amount of his/her wealth to needy people that have been described by the teachings of Holy Quran and hadith. The amount that has to be given has also been told and those who are the worthy receivers of Zakat have been pointed out too. Zakat is regarded as a means of purifying one`s belongings or wealth. According to the teachings of Holy Quran, giving of Zakat is very important, and those who don’t follow the commands of Allah Almighty related to Zakat will have to face serious consequences. The importance of Zakat can be judged by the fact that in Holy Quran at numerous locations it is mentioned that

“…..and establish regular Salah and GIVE regular Zakat…..”

At 70 places in the Quran, Allah Almighty the commands that Salah and Zakat co-exist. Both Salah and Zakat are different forms of worships in Islam. The former has to be done physically while the latter has to be performed financially. Those Muslims who are alert towards this duty have been promised great outcomes, but those who show negligence towards it will have to suffer heavy losses. In the case of Zakat, clear instructions have been provided about the people upon whom the observance of this duty has been made compulsory. Below mentioned are the qualities, which if present in a Muslim, make him eligible to give Zakat.

The Muslim man or woman has to be adult, fully conscious and in his senses.

He should be free, not a slave.

He or she has to own a specified amount of wealth that has been described by the Holy Prophet PBUH. A thing that needs to be mentioned is that Zakat is not considered for items that are required for personal needs like clothes, furniture etc.

At the end of every year Zakat has to be given means the person should be possessing that specified amount or property equal to it for at least a year.

If a person has Gold 87.48 Gram or Silver 612.36Gram, then it becomes compulsory for him to pay Zakat. The next important thing is that to what kind of people Zakat should be given. This has also been explained in detail by Allah almighty. In the Quran it is mentioned that:

“Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.”

The importance of Zakat in Islam can never be underestimated, so it is best that every wealthy Muslim should fulfill this duty.



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