Zakat is an obligatory sadaqah (charity) due on wealth; given under certain conditions to specific persons at a specific time. Zakat, almsgiving, is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part of one’s service to God; the obligatory act of zakat enshrines this duty.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran
وأَقِيمُوا ال ه صلاةَ وَءَاتُوا الهزكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا الهرسُولَ لَعَلهكُمْ ت رُْحََُو ن
( النور: 56 )
Meaning in English:
So establish salaah and give zakaah and obey the messenger; that you may receive mercy
[Surah An-Noor (24):56]
Definition of Zakat
Zakat is an obligatory sadaqah (charity) due on wealth; given under certain conditions to specific persons at a specific time.
Benefits of Zakat
- Above all it is an act of obedience to Allah.
- Helps the poor and needy.
- Purifies a person from greed; and teaches generosity.
- Purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy
- Against the rich.
Forms of Wealth
- Gold / silver / money.
- Trade goods for sale: (ex. Vehicles, land, animals, food, etc..)
- Sheep / cows / camels.
- Certain produce of the earth: (ex. Wheat, corn, dates, etc..)
Recipients of Zakat
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
إِهنََّا ال ه صدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِيِ وَالْعَامِلِيَ عَلَيْ هَا وَالْمُؤَلهفَةِ ق لُُوبُُُمْ وَفِِ ال رِقَابِ وَالْغَارِمِيَ وَفِِ سَبِيلِ ا ه للَّ وَاِبْنِ ال ه سبِيلِ فَرِيضَةً مِنَ ا ه للَِّ وَا ه للَُّ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ
( التوبة: 60 )
Zakat Meaning in English:
Verily, sadaqah (charity) are for the poor, and the needy, and for those employed to collect it, and for those whose hearts are to be won over, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and in the cause of Allah, and for a stranded traveler. this is an obligatory duty imposed by Allah, and Allah is all-knowing, all-wise) [Surah At-Tawbah(9):60]
May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) accept all our good deeds and help us in the cause, forgive our mistakes and make us amongst the Muntaqeen & By His Mercy make us all Inhabitants of Jannah. Ameen ya rabbal’alameen.
Jazakkallahu khairan!
