The Impact of Zakat on Society

on Monday, June 4, 2012

The topic of Zakat and its impact on society would be a matter of high interest for those looking to learn Islam. Zakat is the second pillar of Islam having great significant to ensure the equality in Muslim society. Allah mentioned Zakat about twenty times in the Holy Qur’an combined with Salah that is prayer. The Arabic word for Zakat has multiple meanings that are Wealth extension, growth as well as purification. In simple words, the Zakat is an amount given by “Sahib-El-Nisab” (a person fulfills all the conditions for paying Zakat) to someone who is in need.

The Zakat system makes sure the wealth circulation in Society is fair. The Zakat also allows an individual to purify and grow his wealth. The main reason of poverty in any society is the concentration of wealth is limited to a very few number of people.

The Zakat system of Islam targets this root cause of poverty. In order to explain the concept and causes of Poverty, an example from India is the most appropriate one that is only thirty six families have the wealth of 191 billion dollars in India that equals one fourth of India’s GDP that is the reason why the common man in India is that much poor.

The numerous benefits and advantages of Zakat for society would also be a matter of high concern for those looking to learn Islam. So, let us have a quick look over the advantages of Zakat for Society. The first and foremost advantage of Zakat is the increased production volume.  When the Zakat is distributed to those who are poor and those who are in need from that money that they are used to spend on buying different consumer items that results eventually in the increase of production volume.

The increased production volume gives rise to numerous economic activities. The unemployment level also tends to decrease resulting in overall of growth of a country. Similarly, another significant impact of Zakat on society is that it discourages the Hoarding. Likewise, the Zakat also results in the increase in overall savings of people. The increased income level is also a significant consequence of Zakat system, as the wealth starts circulating in the society the income level also starts increasing.

Those looking to learn Islam would also love to know that the Zakat system also decreases the probability of recession in the economy. As the equal distribution of wealth is ensured with the help of Zakat system, it decreases the recession chances. The Zakat system also avoids the wealth inequality problems in society by reducing the gap between the poors and rich class. The Zakat system also results in the increased living standard.

As the inequality and poverty problems in any society tend to reduce, the crime rate and other social evils also tend to reduce. This is how the Zakat system can make a difference in any society. This was a brief account of the Zakat impact on any society. Hopefully, it would prove quite beneficial for those looking to learn Islam.



View the Original article

0 comments: