zakah – the purification for wealth & soul · 1 contents introduction: .....4
TRANSCRIPT
ZAKAH – THE PURIFICATION FOR WEALTH & SOUL
By Farid Ahmed
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Contents Introduction: .............................................................................................................................. 4
Chapter 1: What is Zakah? ......................................................................................................... 6
Definition: ............................................................................................................................... 6
Zakah is not compulsory on poor: .......................................................................................... 6
Zakah is the 3rd Pillar of Islam: .............................................................................................. 7
Zakah is a compulsory worship: ............................................................................................. 8
When Zakah was made compulsory? .................................................................................... 9
Salah and Zakah:..................................................................................................................... 9
Zakah compliments Salah:.................................................................................................... 10
Connection in Salah and Zakah: ........................................................................................... 11
Zakah is for purification of wealth: ...................................................................................... 12
How Zakah purifies wealth? ................................................................................................. 12
Are Muslims allowed to save money (wealth)? ................................................................... 13
Zakah purifies soul: .............................................................................................................. 14
Zakah increases wealth: ....................................................................................................... 15
Zakah is a test: ...................................................................................................................... 16
Zakah and Tax: ...................................................................................................................... 17
Zakah is a training: ............................................................................................................... 18
Zakah is for own benefit: ...................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 2: Importance of Zakah .............................................................................................. 22
All Prophets taught Zakah: ................................................................................................... 22
Denying Zakah is disbelief: ................................................................................................... 23
Paying Zakah is a condition to be Muslim: ........................................................................... 24
Zakah is the criteria for Islamic Brotherhood: ..................................................................... 24
Zakah is a difference between Muslims and idol worshippers. ........................................... 25
Zakah is mercy for mankind: ................................................................................................ 26
Zakah brings success in both life: ......................................................................................... 28
Allah is guardian for those who pay Zakah: ......................................................................... 30
Zakah must be established by Islamic country: ................................................................... 30
Zakah is to test who wants Allah as guardian: ..................................................................... 31
Hard measure against those who refuses to pay Zakah: ..................................................... 33
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Punishment in this life for not paying Zakah: ...................................................................... 34
Punishment in next life for not paying Zakah: ..................................................................... 35
Chapter 3: Purpose of Zakah.................................................................................................... 37
Zakah: To remind that wealth is Allah’s gift ......................................................................... 37
Zakah: To help passing the test ............................................................................................ 38
Zakah: To make a habit of giving .......................................................................................... 39
Zakah: To make believers generous ..................................................................................... 40
Zakah: To train to give only for Allah’s sake ........................................................................ 41
Zakah: To save from being too late ...................................................................................... 42
Zakah: To teach sacrifice for the best .................................................................................. 43
Zakah: For the welfare society ............................................................................................. 44
Zakah: For removing mean mindedness .............................................................................. 45
Zakah: For solving social problems ...................................................................................... 46
Zakah: To save harm from human shortcomings ................................................................ 48
Chapter 4: Principles of charity: ............................................................................................... 50
Charity only to please Allah .................................................................................................. 50
Charity without reminding ................................................................................................... 51
Charity and kind words: ....................................................................................................... 52
Charity giving secretly .......................................................................................................... 54
Charity with the best things ................................................................................................. 55
Charity in real need only ...................................................................................................... 56
Who should not ask for charity? .......................................................................................... 58
Charity begins at home ........................................................................................................ 59
Charity with moderation ...................................................................................................... 60
Chapter 5: Facts and rules for Zakah ....................................................................................... 62
Order to pay Zakah in the Holy Quran ................................................................................. 62
Zakah from Halal Income ..................................................................................................... 62
Zakah from crops: ................................................................................................................. 62
Zakah from gold and silver: .................................................................................................. 62
Zakah for purifying wealth from sins: .................................................................................. 63
Who must pay Zakah? .......................................................................................................... 63
From which goods Zakah needs to be paid? ........................................................................ 64
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Rate for Zakah: ..................................................................................................................... 65
On what goods no Zakah? .................................................................................................... 66
Who can receive Zakah? ...................................................................................................... 67
Paying or receiving Zakah is for Muslims only: .................................................................... 69
Who are not allowed to take Zakah? ................................................................................... 69
Asking for help is not encouraged in Islam: ......................................................................... 70
Difference between welfare system and Zakah system: ..................................................... 72
Some more rules about Zakah: ............................................................................................ 73
Chapter 6: Principles of Islamic economy ................................................................................ 76
Islam is a complete code of life ............................................................................................ 76
Islamic economy is from Almighty God ............................................................................... 76
Islamic economy is based on faith and morality .................................................................. 77
Islamic economy with fairness ............................................................................................. 79
Islam does not allow poverty ............................................................................................... 80
Zakah is a part of Islamic economy: ..................................................................................... 81
Some basic principles of Islamic economy ........................................................................... 82
Conclusion: ............................................................................................................................... 89
Lessons on Zakah – Summary of Authentic Hadises ................................................................ 90
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 1 ................................................................................................ 90
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 2 ................................................................................................ 91
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 3 ................................................................................................ 92
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 4 ................................................................................................ 93
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 5 ................................................................................................ 94
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 6 ................................................................................................ 95
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 7 ................................................................................................ 96
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Introduction:
Islam stands on 5 main pillars. Zakah is the 3rd pillar. Every Muslim must have a very clear
idea about each pillar because:
Each pillar is a compulsory action on Muslims,
Failing to understand each pillar, Muslims will fail to follow them properly,
Any misunderstanding in each pillar will result ignorance and mistakes for Muslims,
Not knowing well may result wrong performance and no rewards,
If Muslims are weak on 5 pillars of Islam then they will be weak as Muslims too.
Therefore, all Muslims must endeavour to increase their knowledge about each pillar of Islam.
They must know well a few basic things about each pillar such as:
What is the pillar?
What is the purpose of that pillar?
What does the pillar teach Muslims?
What is the meaning of each pillar in a Muslim’s day to day life?
What are the rewards if Muslims follow it properly?
What is the worse thing if Muslims do not follow the pillar?
What are the rules about the pillar etc.?
Islam does not want ignorant followers. That’s why the first verse revealed of the Quran gave
the clear message, (Quran 96:1)
“Read! In the name of your Lord WHO created you.”
The message is that Islamic pillars are to be read, studied, and understood well in order to
practice. How can Muslims practice the 5 pillars without knowledge and clear understanding
about them?
Zakah is the 3rd pillar of Islam. It is prescribed by Allah Almighty for the best of Muslims. Allah
wants to purify Muslims of:
What they earn,
What they spend,
What they eat,
What they drink,
Their souls etc.
Allah wants to purify them to prepare them to be in Paradise. No one can enter into Paradise
with impurities in their souls, in their wealth, in their food, in drink or in clothes etc.
There is no washing machine available in this earth to wash and purify wealth up to divine
standard. Only Allah sent means to do that and that divine purifier is Zakah. How Zakah
purifies wealth and soul is a very important issue. Muslims must know about it.
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This book is written mainly to explain how Zakah purifies Muslims wealth and soul. It is a
noble aim and I beg Allah’s help, guidance, and granting wisdom on me to write about it
properly. May Allah grant me ability! Ameen!
I hope some tips in this book will stimulate other wiser Muslims to explain better about Zakah
for making it easy and inspiring for the other Muslims. May Allah grant huge rewards for those
who are helping in this project in different ways for the sake of Allah! Ameen!
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Chapter 1: What is Zakah?
Definition: Zakah is an Islamic term. The definition is:
“Giving away a part of wealth to deserving persons according to the rules of Islamic rulings
is called Zakah.”
What are the main aspects in this definition? Let us identify them for our better
understanding. Some aspects are:
Giving away: It means the receiver will have full ownership after he/she receives
Zakah. The giver of Zakah will not have any ownership any more. So the giver can’t
have any expectation in return.
How much: How much to give away? That is decided by Allah. So there is a fixed rule
from Allah to follow.
Who should give Zakah: Who has to give Zakah? That is also fixed in Islam. When a
Muslim has certain amount of savings after all the necessary expenses then from it a
specific rate of Zakah must be given.
Deserving persons: Who are those deserving persons qualified to accept Zakah? That
is also been prescribed by Allah.
Unqualified to receive Zakah: Who are not allowed to take Zakah? That is also decided
by Islamic rulings etc.
So Zakah includes who should pay, what is the rate, on whom it is compulsory to pay, who
should receive, and in addition all other rules involved in it. In the definition of Zakah all these
aspects must be present because Zakah is not a normal donation but it is a worship to Allah.
For any worship to Allah, there are certain rules, conditions for it to be accepted as worship.
Allah accepts the worship that is done according to His codes for HIS pleasure. So the
definition of Zakah should be very clear among Muslims to be able to perform this great
worship of Allah properly.
Zakah is not compulsory on poor: Zakah is not compulsory on those who have no capacity to pay. Zakah is compulsory on
wealthy Muslims. There is a minimum threshold, if above that amount someone has saving
for one full year, only then Zakah becomes compulsory on that Muslim. Insha Allah the details
about who must pay Zakah is coming up later in this book.
Zakah is a blessing for the needy people. It generates money to be spent for those who need
it for basic needs so that in a society everyone can eat, drink, wear clothes, have education
and health etc. Islam does not allow someone to have and other not to have. In this world,
lots of people are starving to death. Lots of people have no clothes. Lots of children and babies
are deprived from their basic needs. Lots of sick people are dying without medication because
they simply can’t afford.
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The world, with economics system that allows some to be extremely rich and others to be
extremely poor is not solving the human sufferings. Zakah is prescribed to tackle these
problems. Zakah compels the wealthy people to look after the poor people. That’s why Zakah
system is a blessing and very necessary.
Again, Zakah is not compulsory on poor people. Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that,
“Once Holy prophet (s.a.w) sent Hazrat Omar (r.a) to collect Zakah. Then Hazrat Omar (r.a)
reported to Holy Prophet (s.a.w) that (3 people) Ibn Jameel, Khalid Ibn Walid and Abbas
(r.a) did not pay Zakah.
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: Ibn Jamil is disliking to pay Zakah because he was poor, then Allah
and HIS messenger made him rich (recently)…. Khalid Ibn Walid had donated his armour
and all wealth in the Way of Allah (So he does have anything payable for Zakah)…. Then the
last person Abbas (r.a) has paid his Zakah in advance….” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
From this above hadis, it is very clear that Ibn Jamil and Khalid Ibn Walid (r.a) did not need to
pay Zakah because they did not have enough wealth with them for the whole year. That way
Islamic Zakah system is very beautiful and simple. Those who have extra wealth have to share
with those who have less than their basic needs. Islam made Zakah system to look after one
another. Alhamdulillah!
To finish, poor Muslims are not to give Zakah but to receive Zakah. Allah commanded in the
Holy Quran about who should receive Zakah and among 8 categories of receivers one
category is the poor Muslims. Holy Quran describes, (9:60):
“Charity (goods or wealth given charity in the form of Zakah) are for the poor and needy….”
Zakah is the 3rd Pillar of Islam: Islam has 5 main pillars:
1. Declaration of faith: Declaring that Allah is the only GOD without any partners and
Muhammad (s.a.w) is Allah’s servant and Messenger.
2. Salah: 5 times daily prayer.
3. Zakah: Giving charity.
4. Saum: Fasting in the month of Ramadan every year.
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Makkah.
These five pillars are recorded in a Hadis.
Hazrat Omar (r.a) said that one day a strange man in white dress (Angel Jibrael in human
form) came and sat in front of Holy Prophet (s.a.w) touching his knees with prophet’s knees
and asked, “O Muhammad! Tell me about Islam!”
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: Declaring that there is no other god but Allah and Muhammad
(s.a.w) is Allah’s messenger, establishing Salah, giving Zakah, Fasting in the month of
Ramadan and pilgrimage to Makkah if you have the ability to reach in there….is Islam.”
[Muttafaqun A’laih]
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Some people mistakenly think that Zakah is the 5th pillar but actually it is not. It is the 3rd
pillar of Islam. In the Holy Quran Allah has mentioned about Zakah after mentioning of Salah.
Therefore, after Salah the next pillar of Islam is Zakah. Holy Quran describes, (2:110):
“And establish Salah and give Zakah.”
Zakah is a compulsory worship: Zakah is a compulsory worship for wealthy Muslims. It is a very important pillar of Islam. Islam
as a complete code of life, gives policies that relates to people’s entire life such as personal
life, family life, social life, economic life and so on. Zakah system is a part of fair economy.
Allah made this system Fard (compulsory) for a stable, fair and peaceful society for reducing
hunger, poverty, crimes etc.
Allah commanded for Zakah in the Holy Quran very clearly. So every Muslim can understand
that it is a compulsory action on them. I shall cite few verses from the holy Quran as examples:
In chapter 2 verse 110, Allah commanded for both Salah and Zakah:
“And be regular in Salah and Zakah.”
In chapter 9 verse 103, Allah commanded HIS Messenger to collect Zakah from wealthy
Muslims:
“From their goods (you) take charity (Zakah), like this you might purify and cleanse them
holy; and pray for them. Surely your prayers bring peace to them: And Allah is All Hearing,
All Knowing.”
In chapter 3 verse 267, Allah commands to Zakah from goods:
“O you who believe! Give from the good things which you have earned (In Halal way), and
of the fruits of the earth which WE have produced for you.”
In chapter 6 verse 141, Allah commands to give Zakah from agricultural produce:
“And it is HE, WHO produces gardens, with trellises and without (trellises), and date-palms,
and crops with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and
different (in variety): Eat from their fruit in their season, BUT GIVE THE DUES (Zakah-U’shor)
that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered.”
Zakah was compulsory on every prophet for his followers. People of the Holy Books were
commanded to pay Zakah as well. Over time humans have changed these rules from the
original scriptures. But Allah revealed the truth about the rules in all holy Books. Allah
revealed in the Holy Quran, (98:4-5):
“The people of the Book did not make religious split until after there came to them Clear
Evidence,
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And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering HIM sincere
devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular Salah; and to practice regular Zakah: And
that is the religion right and straight.”
So, to summarise, it is clearly evident that Zakah has been a compulsory worship for all the
Muslims in all ages. Therefore, there is no room for Muslims to misunderstand about the
compulsion on Zakah for wealthy Muslims.
When Zakah was made compulsory? When the order came for Zakah as a compulsory worship? The Holy Quran took about 23
years to complete sending all the messages. In that 23 years, Holy Prophet (s.a.w) spent the
first 13 years in Makkah and then he (s.a.w) spent the remaining 10 years in Medina.
The question here is when or where (In Makkah or Medina) the order for Zakah came? In this
regard there are two opinions:
Opinion one: Some scholars think it was ordered in Makkah and
Opinion two: Other scholars think that it was ordered in Medina.
The fact is, both are correct and connected. How? The answer is that, it was ordered in
Makkah briefly but the detailed message was revealed in Medina. Let us look at a verse that
was revealed in Makkah in regards to Zakah as well as in Medina:
Verse in Makkah: Al-Quran chapter 23 and verse 4: “(Successful are) those who give the
Zakah”
Verse in Madina: Al-Quran chapter 2 verse 110: “And be regular in Salah and regular in
Zakah.”
The order in both Makkah and Medina shows the importance of Zakah in a Muslim’s life. Allah
(s.w.t) reminded Muslims to give Zakah both in Makkah and in Medina. In Makkah the practice
was an individual practice because Muslims were the minority. But in Medina the practice of
Zakah was established in the Islamic society. The Government was involved to make sure that
the Zakah system was widely and properly practiced. That’s why the detailed rules were given
in Medina.
As we know Hadis is the explanation of Quran. In Medina Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said, did or
approved many details about how to practice Zakah properly. But the fact is, those
explanations were to compliment the order that came in Makkah.
So the order for Zakah came in Makkah and was repeated in Medina.
Salah and Zakah: In the Holy Quran Allah commands to establish Salah and with that command the Zakah
follows. This sequence is not only limited to one or few verses but it is mentioned more than
80 times in different verses.
Firstly I shall quote few verses below:
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(Quran 2:110): “And be regular in prayer, and regular in charity (Zakah): And whatever good
you send forth for your souls before you (from this life), you shall find it with Allah, Allah
sees well all that you do.”
(Quran 2:43) “And be steadfast in prayer: Practice regular charity (Zakah): And bow down
your heads with those who bow down (In worship).”
(Quran 2:177) “…To spend from your wealth, in spite of your love for it, for your kin, for
orphans, for the needy, for the ransom of slaves, to be steadfast in prayer, and practice
regular charity (Zakah).”
The verses above also show that Salah and then Zakah are pillars one after another. It also
shows that Salah and Zakah have deep connections. Salah is the surrendering to Allah with
mind, emotion and body and Zakah is the surrendering to Allah with wealth. So Salah and
Zakah side by side reminds Muslims to surrender to Allah with life and wealth. In other words
Muslims should surrender to Allah with everything Allah has given to them.
Zakah compliments Salah: Why does Allah order Zakah after Salah in the Holy Quran? What is the connection between
these two pillars of Islam? Why are they so close to one another? These are common sense
questions every Muslim must ask to deepen their understanding.
The most important question is, why did Allah make Faith, Salah, Zakah, Fasting and Hajj as
compulsory worships for believers? The brief answer is, with these pillars Allah wants to train
believers to be HIS full time servants in this life and also in return Allah wants to bless them
with HIS forgiveness and Mercy. As a result HIS beloved servants will be able to pass the test
in this life and they will be successful in achieving Paradise.
Keeping the answer in mind, now let us look at a verse in the Quran to find more, (Quran
61:10-12) Allah says:
“O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from painful penalty, that
you believe in Allah and HIS messenger, and that you strive very hard in the cause of Allah,
with your wealth and your persons: That will be best for you, if you only knew!
(If you do that), HE will forgive you (for) your sins, and admit you to Paradise beneath which
rivers flow, and to beautiful places in the ‘Adn (Paradise) of eternity: That is indeed the
highest Achievement.”
In the above verse, Allah has mentioned three main important pillars for trade to achieve
paradise, because these three pillars are practiced most frequently by believers. These 3
pillars in the verse are, (1) Islamic Faith, (2) Salah and (3) Charity. Then the verse outlined the
key practice to achieve Paradise and that is to strive hard with wealth and with person.
In other words, to achieve Paradise Allah has placed two conditions for the believers. These
conditions are:
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1. Sacrificing life for Allah: That includes daily Salah. Salah requires physical work with a
disciplined mind and emotion. If a believer cannot sacrifice that daily then how he can
sacrifice life for the cause of Allah?
2. Sacrificing wealth for Allah: That includes Zakah as well as other spending in charity.
Often people are happy to give physical effort but they are not happy to give away
wealth at all. Zakah prepares believers to practice for charity giving for the sake of
Allah.
Now, we can see the connection between Salah and Zakah as mentioned in the Quran side by
side. From the above verse we found the two sacrifices are a must to achieve paradise, one
with person and another with wealth. Salah and Zakah are two pillars to prepare or to train
Muslims to be able to sacrifice the person and wealth for achieving the greatest achievement,
which is Paradise.
Connection in Salah and Zakah: There is more to the connection between Salah and Zakah. I shall only stress on one main
connection. That connection is about failing to perform Salah and Zakah despite a person has
belief. Someone may have Islamic faith but does not pray Salah regularly or does not pay
Zakah, then the end result for the both is Allah’s punishment.
Now let us look at a verse from the Quran about the end result (Punishment) for those who
do not perform Salah regularly: 74 verse 41-43
“And (ask) of the sinners: What led you into the Fire of Hell?” They will say: “We were not
from those who prayed (Salah)”
Then a verse for those who do not pay Zakah: (Quran 9:34):
“And there are those who bury gold and silver and do not spend (Zakah) it in the Way of
Allah: Declare for them a most painful punishment.”
So from the above verses, some facts becomes very clear. They are:
a. One without another: A Muslim cannot achieve success by practicing one without
another. If a Muslim gives Zakah but does not perform regular Salah then that is not
enough to save him/her from Allah’s punishment. Or if a Muslim prays regularly yet
does not pay Zakah due to stinginess then that also cannot save him/her from Allah’s
punishment.
b. Full surrendering: Allah demands full surrendering from HIS servants. Salah makes a
Muslim surrender to Allah with mind, emotion, body and spirit and Zakah makes a
Muslim surrender with wealth, selfish mind and so on. Allah promised for Paradise
only to those servants who surrenders to HIM fully, with everything they are given by
Allah.
c. Purification: Salah is to purify their bodies, to remove sins of their bodies etc. Zakah
is to purify their soul and wealth. If a Muslim does not pay Zakah despite it is
compulsory on him/her, then the wealth he/she owns will become Haram. From that
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wealth whatever he/she eats will be Haram. With Haram food if he/she prays Salah,
then how would they be accepted?
Therefore, Muslims must perform 5 times regular Salah as well as Zakah (If they are qualified
for it) for their own benefits. Allah is All Wise and very Kind and HE commanded for Muslims
Salah and Zakah side by side, so that Muslims will think about its significance and will be
benefited from it. Alhamdulillah!
Zakah is for purification of wealth: The word Zakah means “Purification”. Look at the Great Wisdom of Allah. Allah (s.w.t) has
worded it in a way so that:
a. Allah is not in need: So that Allah will give a clear message that Zakah is not a tax from
Allah. If it was a tax, fee from servants then Allah would have worded accordingly.
Allah is Independent! Unlike rulers in this world, HE does not need tax from servants
to live in luxury. The entire creation needs from Allah but Allah does not need anything
from HIS creations.
b. No burden on servants: So that Allah’s servant will know quickly that Zakah is not a
burden on them rather a means of purification of their wealth. Tax is to run the
country but Zakah is to purify one’s own wealth. Purification of wealth is so necessary
like food. We purify food from toxicity by cooking to make sure we only eat the good
part of food.
c. Servant’s own benefit: So that the message of Zakah will remind Muslims that it is for
their own benefits. Why do we cook food? We cook it to purify from toxicity. Why do
we need to purify food? We purify to make sure that we only eat the good part of the
food to remain healthy and to avoid sickness.
With the word “Zakah” Allah is giving the message of purification, the message of best
spiritual health, the message of servants own benefits and so on! Subhaanallah! Allah is All-
Wise!
How Zakah purifies wealth? Zakah means purification, cleanliness. It is a part of wealth from the wealthy given to the
poor. The reason for this giving is to purify the excess wealth the rich one’s possess.
In life everything needs to be clean for mainly two reasons:
a. To remove harmful things from it, and
b. To keep the beneficial part from it.
Like everything else, Wealth needs purification. For another example: To keep pure gold
goldsmith removes impurities from the gold.
In regards to the wealth, Allah has given wealth to people. Allah gave to some more than
another. Allah gave to some plenty and to other very less. This differences in giving is for a
great wisdom. The wisdom behind it is described in the Holy Quran, (64:15):
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“Your wealth and your children are for test: But in the presence of Allah is the Highest
Reward.”
In the wealth of rich ones, Allah has kept the share for the poor ones. Allah says, (Quran 51:19)
“And in their wealth and possessions is the right for needy and deprived.”
Basically, the fact is, in rich person’s wealth Allah has mixed the rights of poor persons. In
other words, the poor have a part of their wealth mixed with the rich person’s wealth. With
this arrangements, Allah wants to test the rich ones as following:
a. Do they accept the fact that Allah gave them wealth from the KINGDOM of Allah?
b. Do they believe that Allah has placed a part in their wealth for the needy?
c. Do they believe poor’s part are impure for them if they eat it?
d. Do they give away the poor’s part as Allah fixed the rate for them?
e. Do they give happily the part that Allah has commanded them etc.?
So, Zakah is that poor people’s part in rich people’s wealth. If rich people separate poor’s part
and give that away then their wealth becomes pure from impurities. But if they do not, then
they are mixing their parts of wealth with poor people’s part of wealth. That is illegal and
sinful. So Zakah removes others rights from one’s wealth and purify his/her wealth from illegal
consuming thus from sins.
Are Muslims allowed to save money (wealth)? The question is, can a Muslim try to be rich? Can a Muslim earn more than he or she needs
for basic living? Can a Muslim save the extra money or wealth for future? Does Zakah teach
that all Muslims should live as poor? Does Islam teach Muslims to live like a bird, going out
daily to collect food without saving any? Is saving Haram in Islam? These are some questions
I would like to discuss about in this short essay.
If some Muslims think that they have to live as poor then they are wrong. Some reasons are
given below:
a. Begging: If Islam teaches to be poor then why Islam does not allow begging? Islam
teaches to work instead of begging. It can be any kind of work. Holy Prophet (s.a.w)
advised a man to cut wood and sell it. It means living well is the inspiration of Islam. If
someone despite hard work is still not doing ok then it may mean that Allah is testing
that person for better reasons.
b. Zakah: Zakah is a part of wealth given by the rich to the poor. If Islam wanted everyone
to live poorly then why Allah made Zakah a compulsory worship? If every Muslim
becomes poor then no one need to pay Zakah. Or the Zakah practice won’t be
applicable at all. Would Allah make Zakah an invalid worship? Not at all. Therefore,
Zakah system proves that In Islam one should try in Halal way to be wealthy to pay
Zakah.
c. Charity: Allah loves the ones who is upper hand. Upper hand means the one who gives
to others. Now, how can one give to others to become an upper hand if he is not
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allowed to save or to be well off? If everyone stays poor then how he or she can pay
Sadaqah to earn lots of rewards? Therefore, again, to be able to pay charity one needs
to try to earn better and donate more.
d. Inheritance: Islam has the law of inheritance. After the death of parents who will
receive what is outlined in the Quran and hadis. If Muslims are not allowed to have
wealth or saving wealth or increasing wealth in Halal ways then how can they practice
Islamic inheritance law?
Now, let us look at a Hadis. This Hadis will answer our question. Hazrat Ibn Abbas (r.a) said,
when the verse of the Quran was revealed (9:34) “And there are those who save gold and
silver and do not spend (Zakah on them) it in the Way of Allah: Declare to them a most
painful penalty” --------Muslims felt it a very difficult rule. (They thought saving was made
prohibited by that verse). Seeing their distress Hazrat Omar (r.a) said, ‘I shall remove your
worries (by seeking clarification about it). Then he went to Holy prophet (s.a.w) and asked,
“O Messenger of Allah! This verse is seeming very hard for your companions (Does that
mean that we are not allowed to save any wealth?).
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Allah made Zakah compulsory so that Zakah will purify your rest
of (Saved) wealth. (If Zakah is paid then the rest of the extra wealth is pure and allowed to
be saved). Allah made inheritance compulsory, so that your wealth become beneficial for
your next generation. (If wealth cannot be saved then how one can distribute inheritance?)”
[Abu Dawood]
Zakah purifies soul: Human souls has two sides. One side contains all the impure qualities and another side
contains all the pure qualities. Among many divine medicines, Zakah is a medicine to purify
souls from impure qualities.
Those impurities in souls are impediment to become fully surrendered to Allah. Some of those
impurities in souls are for example:
a. Stinginess,
b. Selfishness,
c. Greed,
d. Slavery of wealth,
e. Obsession for possessions etc.
How these impure qualities prevent someone to become full servant of Allah? Some examples
are as below:
a. Selfishness prevents a heart from to be thankful to Allah for wealth, because the true
sign for thanking Allah is to give unselfishly. If someone is unthankful to Allah will
refuse to pay Zakah.
b. Selfishness prevents a heart from surrender to Allah, because surrendering to Allah
means giving charity as Allah commanded. Selfishness makes people’s heart very hard
and possessive and that does not allow them to follow Allah’s codes.
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c. Selfishness makes a heart to become a slave of wealth-money. That prevents one from
becoming Allah’s true servant. As a result, selfish persons take money as their gods.
Realistically they serve themselves, not Allah.
d. Selfishness prevents someone from donating, from giving charity. The result is that
they deprive themselves from Rewards from Allah. Instead they earn sins for their own
destructions and so on.
Allah Merciful wants HIS servants to remove all the impediments. So that they can become
full servants of Allah and they can achieve all the goodness in this life and in next life. That’s
why Allah has prescribed Zakah as a medicine to purify their souls from stinginess, selfishness
or possessiveness and so on.
Once a servant pays Zakah happily for the pleasure of Allah, he/she removes impure
selfishness from the soul. Then the soul becomes prepared to give and give as much as
possible to earn rewards from Allah. As a result, he/she gives other’s share from his/her
wealth and much more for extra rewards in Paradise. Through this they shut down the door
of stinginess in their souls but they open many doors of happiness for the family, neighbours,
society and most importantly the doors of Paradise is opened for them.
So purifying the soul from stinginess, selfishness is the key to the success for Muslims. Allah
says, (Quran 64.16):
“And those saved from the selfishness for themselves-they are the ones who achieve
success.”
Zakah increases wealth: Zakah increases wealth. It may sounds strange to many people because they are used to
thinking that giving away means losing it, not gaining. In normal calculation if you have $100
dollars and from it you give away $2.50 then you have lost $2.50 from your one hundred. This
calculation is with our limited day to day thinking. We are right in this thinking when we
maintain our account.
But when Allah maintains our account for sustenance, then that is totally different than our
thinking and our calculations. The reasons are:
a. Allah maintains the account of our time in this life,
b. Allah maintains the account of our death in this life,
c. Allah maintains the account of rain for our growth of corps in this life,
d. Allah maintains the accounts of our sustenance in this life,
e. Allah maintains the account about who will receive what in this life,
f. Allah maintains the account about who will lose what in this life,
g. Allah maintains everything that relates to the sustenance, happiness for HIS creations
in this life etc.
So when Allah promises to increase the wealth, Allah knows exactly in what area and how HE
would increase HIS bounties for HIS servants. You may see some people are giving yet they
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never become poor because always more and more doors for earning is opening for them.
The main reason for this is, Allah is increasing their wealth for their charity.
Allah controls all the things in the heavens and on earth. When a servant obeys HIS
commands, Allah commands the heavens and the earth to open the doors for sustenance for
HIS believer servant. Zakah or charity never decreases wealth, it rather increases. This is
Allah’s promise in the Holy Quran, (2:245):
“Who is he who will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double to his credit and
multiply many times? It is Allah WHO gives you less or plenty, and to Him shall be your
return.”
In a Hadis Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Charity never
reduces the wealth.” [Muslim]
Therefore, Muslims must believe that sustenance comes from Allah. Giving Zakah for the
pleasure of Allah is a worship they must do. Satan will scare them about loss of money but
they should not follow Satan’s idea. They must follow Allah’s promise because Allah’s promise
is always true. So Allah promises that HE will increase through Zakah. What an excellent deal
from Allah for the believers!
Besides, Allah increases the rewards for charity, Zakah in many more times. Believers will
enjoy those rewards in Paradise.
Zakah is a test: Zakah is a test for the Muslims. Allah made wealth and possessions very attractive to human
souls. Then Allah commanded them to give the poor people their share. Allah gave them
freedom either to give or not to give. This is the test.
Usually people love having things more and more. They may become old but their desires,
greed for the things in this world becomes younger and younger due to their attraction
towards things. Holy Quran describes it, (Quran 3:14):
“Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they desire: Women and children; piles of gold
and silver, heaped up; Horses branded (for their excellence); and cattle and well-tilled
land.”
Allah is testing who gives up Attractive Everlasting Paradise for the temporary possessions in
this life. Allah says further, (3: 14):
“Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in the closeness of Allah is the best of the
goals (to return to).”
In general Allah is testing people with wealth. Allah tests the rich with it and Allah also tests
the poor without it. The rich are being tested whether they give thanks to Allah for it. Or with
whether they earn or spend it according to Allah’s commands. The poor are being tested
whether they are patient with the shortness of wealth. Or whether they remain moral
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obedient servants of Allah without giving into cheating, begging, robbing, stealing, or getting
into Haram earnings and so on. Allah says, (Quran 64:15):
“Your wealth and your children are for test: But in the presence of Allah is the Highest
Reward.”
Specifically Zakah is a compulsion on rich Muslims. Allah wants to test them with Zakah as
following:
a. Do Muslims acknowledge that wealth is a gift from Allah?
b. Do Muslims believe that the actual owner of their wealth is not them but Allah?
c. Do Muslims love their wealth more than Allah?
d. Do Muslims love Allah more than their wealth?
e. Do Muslims truly believe that Allah increases wealth if they give Zakah?
f. Do Muslims feel passionate to take care of other Muslims who are needy?
g. Do Muslims feel happy in giving for the sake of Allah?
h. Do Muslims earn and spend wealth with Patience according to Allah’s rules?
i. Do Muslim practice what they believe?
j. Do Muslims sacrifice their wealth for the lofty Paradise etc?
Now, with freedom of choice the ball is in Muslims court. If they pass the test by paying Zakah
then the rewards are for them. But if they fail the test by not paying Zakah then the
punishment is their own earning. May Allah save all Muslims from HIS punishments!
Zakah and Tax: Zakah is not tax. It is totally different than tax. I shall give some points of difference in below:
Who commanded for it: Zakah is a command of Allah. It is a divine rule from God. But
tax is a rule made by human.
Who shall pay: Zakah shall be paid by rich Muslims. That is the command of Almighty
God. Tax is usually for everyone depending on their income.
Who shall receive it: Allah has fixed the recipients and they are 8 types (Coming up in
chapter later about the details of 8 types). No one is allowed to change anything in
these rules. But tax payers receive benefits from tax whether they are rich or poor and
Government can change rules about tax if necessary.
Rate of Zakah: That is also fixed by Allah Almighty. For tax men in power makes the
rule.
Zakah on capital wealth: Zakah is charged on capital wealth but tax is charged on the
profit. So if you have saved money then every year you have to give Zakah as long as
you have the threshold money or above. But for tax once you pay for it then for your
savings you do not pay tax again.
Zakah is paid by Muslims only: For non-Muslims or non-Muslims citizens Zakah is not
applicable. Tax is for every citizen whether they are Muslims or not.
Zakah is a worship: Zakah is a divine code from God on Muslims. It is compulsory on
those who has the required amount of wealth. So Muslims must do it as a worship.
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Every worship must be done exactly as Holy Prophet (s.a.w) has showed how to be
done. If not, that worship is not accepted.
Failing to do is punishable: Failing to do worship to Allah, the punishment from Allah
is in this life as well as in next life. Zakah is Allah’s command. Tax is not Allah’s
command. They are not same.
Zakah to purify wealth: Zakah is to purify wealth and to increase the wealth. Allah
increases the wealth as HE controls all the sustenance. Tax is not like Zakah and
Government depends on it. With tax wealth does not increase.
Therefore, Zakah and tax are not same at all. Zakah is to purify wealth and soul. Zakah is to
grant reward from Allah and admition to paradise. Zakah is a religious duty to Allah. Failing to
pay Zakah is punishment in Hell. Zakah means more in this life as well as in next life.
Zakah is a training: Zakah is a best form of training for Muslims. Allah wants to train Muslims to be HIS best
ambassadors (Khalifa) in this earth. Allah’s ambassadors need to follow the protocol chosen
by Allah. They have to be different than many others who refused to be Allah’s ambassadors.
Allah’s ambassadors must have beautiful moral qualities such as:
a. Knowledge about their Lord,
b. Knowledge about their ambassador duties,
c. Loyalty to their Lord,
d. Excellent moral character as Allah’s ambassadors,
e. The generous heart for sharing Allah’s gifts of wealth with others,
f. Unselfish nature towards Allah’s creations,
g. Free from narrow mindedness and so on.
Let us think! If you are chosen to be an ambassador from your Government, what does that
mean for you and for your government? It means, you represent your Government to others.
If you become a good role model than you will portray the good image of your Government.
Similarly, Allah’s ambassadors needs to follow Allah’s protocols. They need to represent Allah
in this earth. So they need to have moral qualities that Allah prescribes for them (such as)
kindness, generosity, unselfishness, compassion, caring, loving etc. Allah is complete in those
qualities and HE wants HIS ambassadors to be trained to practice those qualities as much as
possible.
For that to achieve, Allah has prescribed Zakah for HIS ambassadors. Muslims have agreed to
be the honourable ambassadors of Allah in this earth. Allah will test them whether they
honour their treaty with Allah or not. From Allah’s side, HE has introduced Zakah system for
Muslims as a training. Zakah trains Muslims to give, to share, to be kind, to be not stingy, to
be loving, to be caring, to be thankful to Allah, to be focusing in permanent Paradise rather
than focusing obsessively on temporary wealth in this life, to be passing the test rather than
failing, to understand that their wealth is a test not otherwise etc.
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Zakah is a training to spend things Muslims love (Wealth) to gain righteousness because only
righteousness with Imaan guarantees them for Paradise. Holy Quran describes, (3:92):
“By no means shall you reach righteousness unless you give of what that which you love:
And whatever you give, truly, Allah knows it well.”
Zakah trains Muslims to remove the narrowness, selfishness, stinginess from their souls
because without removing those they cannot achieve success in this life and in next life. Holy
Quran describes, (64:16):
“And those saved from the selfishness for themselves-they are the ones who achieve
success.”
Zakah trains Muslims not to stop helping even enemies when they need help desperately.
Holy Quran describes, (24:22):
“And let not those from you who are blessed with grace and abundance of means resolve
by oath against helping their relatives, those in wants, and poor and those who have left
their homes in Allah’s cause: Let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah
should forgive you? And Allah is often Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Allah trains Muslims through Zakah to give in the way of Allah both in richness and in poverty.
As a result Muslims can be mercy for others. Holy Quran describes, (3.133-134):
“Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise whose width is that
(of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous and those firm
in their faith----those who spend (freely in the cause of Allah), whether there is plenty, or
there is little; Who control anger, and pardon men: Verily, Allah loves those who do good.”
Above verses teaches us that Zakah is training for Muslims to prepare them as the best
ambassador of Allah, or as the best righteous servants of Allah by which they can receive
Allah’s love, Mercy and Paradise. The righteous ones only can be the best ambassador of
Allah. Zakah trains Muslims to be righteous ambassador of Allah.
Zakah is for own benefit: Islam teaches that Zakah is not a burden but a necessity for the payer of it. Allah created
human and HE knows human weaknesses. HE sent guidance to remove those weaknesses for
the benefit of human. If human benefit themselves then it is not a gain for Allah. Or if the
human do not benefit themselves then that is also not a loss for Allah.
In the Holy Quran, and through the teachings of Allah’s Messenger, this fact has been made
very clear that why Zakah is made obligatory on wealthy Muslims. That fact is, Zakah is for
their own benefit. Zakah is there for their own gain. Zakah is there to remove their
weaknessess. Zakah is there to purify their souls. Zakah is there for purifying their wealth.
Zakah is there for their own happiness. Zakah is there for opening their own chests. Zakah is
there to improve their own righteous qualities. Zakah is there for saving them from bad
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qualities like stinginess. Zakah is there to make their surrounding happy so that they can live
happily and so on.
Now let us look at few verses on this fact.
1. Zakah takes Muslims to the pick of virtue: Allah guides HIS beloved servants to reach
at the pick of righteousness. So that they can score high marks to receive Allah’s mercy
for the paradise. For that, giving charity is extremely necessary. Without giving for the
sake of Allah, one cannot expect Mercy from Allah. Allah made that simple deal very
clear in the Holy Quran, (Quran 3.92):
“By no means shall you reach righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which
you love; and whatever you give, truly, Allah knows it well.”
2. Zakah is for own benefits: Allah is not dependant on Muslim’s charity. Allah is
independent. HE wants Muslims to take care of one another. The wealthy should care
for the poor and the poor should be grateful to the donors. Together they should live
in happiness. When a wealthy Muslim gives lavishly, it makes the receiver happy and
the tide of that happiness comes back to the wealthy one.
Besides, all the benefits for charity in the Hereafter is only gain for a Zakah giver, not
a loss. Firstly, he does not own anything, it is Allah who gave him wealth and made
him a custodian. So if the gives then he is not giving anything of his own. He is giving
Allah’s blessing to share with Allah’s servants. Secondly, he gains huge rewards from
Allah for giving Allah’s wealth to others. It’s a win and win situation.
Allah says in the Holy Quran that giving charity benefits the givers actually. Charity for
them is prescribed by Allah for their own benefits. (Quran 2:172):
“Whatever good you give benefits your own souls, and you shall only do so hoping
for the (Divine) Face of Allah. Whatever good you give, shall be brought back to you
and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.”
3. Muslims are called to get benefits before death: Death ends the test in this life. Allah
is testing wealthy Muslims with money, wealth, gold etc. The test is whether they
become possessive with Allah’s wealth or they spend Allah’s wealth that is given to
them in charity. Giving charity when death arrives has no value because (a) test is over,
(b) during death any Muslims or non-Muslims realize the truth when they see death
angel and then they all wish for a return to give charity or to do good deeds. But then
it becomes too late.
Holy Quran reminds Muslims the call of Allah to them, (63:9-11):
“O you who believe! Let not your properties nor do your children distract you from
remembering Allah. If any act like this, the loss is their own.
And spend something (in charity) out of the sustenance that WE have bestowed on
you, before death should come to any of you and he should say, ‘My Lord! Why did
YOU not give me relief for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity,
and I should have been one of those who do good (deeds).’
And Allah grants relief to none when the appointed time (for it) has come, And Allah
knows well of (all) that you do.”
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Therefore, Muslims should feel happy to pay Zakah because it is for their own good in this life
and in next life. Why would they be careless about such a beneficial thing for them? Why
would not they look forward paying Zakah for huge rewards from Allah? What have they got
to lose by paying Zakah? Nothing at all!
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Chapter 2: Importance of Zakah
All Prophets taught Zakah: Zakah is an important worship. It is necessary for preparing Muslims as best servants of Allah.
That’s why Zakah was taught by all prophets for their followers.
Zakah is a foundation for fair economy. Economy is a part of human life in any age. Allah wants
HIS given wealth to be shared around to make every human comfortable in this earth. That is
another reason Zakah was taught by every prophet to the followers.
Islam is a complete code of life. It does not only address the problems regarding spiritual well-
being, it does address to the problems of every needs for Allah’s servants. Wealth is needed
for the survival of human and Islam has brought guidelines for wealth and its earnings and
spending. That is another reason Zakah was taught by every prophet.
I shall quote few verses from the Holy Quran that shows how Zakah was a worship for every
prophet and followers in below Insha Allah!
Allah informs mankind about Ibraheem (a.s) and all the prophets from his progeny that Zakah
was compulsory on them too. (Quran 21:73):
“WE made them (prophets) leaders, leading (men) according to OUR Command, and WE
sent them revelation to do good acts, to establish regular prayers, and to give our regular
Zakah; and they constantly worshipped US.”
Allah informs mankind about what Prophet Ismael (a.s) used to do as Allah’s messenger.
(Quran 19:55):
“And he used to bring together his people with prayer and charity (Zakah), and he was
welcome in this sight of his Lord.”
Allah informs mankind what HE commanded for the people of Prophet Musa (a.s), (Quran
7:156):
“Allah said: ‘With MY Punishment, I visit whom I will; But MY Mercy extends to all things.
That I shall grant for those who do right, and practice regular charity (Zakah), for those who
believe in OUR Signs.”
Allah informs mankind that I’sa (a.s) did preach for Salah and Zakah too. (Quran 19:31):
“(Jesus said :) And HE (Allah) has made me blessed where ever I be, and has commanded
for me Salah and Zakah as long as I live.”
Allah informs in the holy Quran about the Salah and Zakah for the last Prophet (s.a.w) and his
followers, (Quran 2-3):
“This is the Book: In it is guidance, without doubt, for those who fear Allah; who are
steadfast in Salah, who spend out (Zakah, Charity) of what WE have given them;”
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All these verses above clearly shows the importance of Zakah in Muslim’s life. It is so
important that Allah has prescribed it for every nation.
We also find another truth which is the universal message from Allah through all the prophets
are same. Allah did not send messengers to divide the mankind with different contradictory
messages. Holy Quran reveals the truth that for all people, for all prophets the teaching was
same and the religion was same. The teaching was to submit to the will of Allah fully and that
submission is called Islam.
Denying Zakah is disbelief: Zakah is pillar of Islam. A pillar mean a compulsory action. If a Muslim qualifies for paying
Zakah then it is compulsory on that Muslims to pay Zakah.
Muslim means the one who submits to the will of Allah. So whatever Allah commands, a
Muslim say, according to the holy Quran, (2:285):
“They say, ‘we hear, and we obey:”
But if a Muslim rejects to pay Zakah then he/she is not obeying Allah. Therefore, denying or
rejecting to pay Zakah is disbelief. It shows defiance not obedience.
Again, Islam means obedience to Allah and Kufr means rejecting the obedience of Allah. So
unless and until a Muslim gives up rejecting Allah’s command he or she is not true Muslim. To
have light, the darkness has to be removed. Similarly, to have Faith in Allah, absence of Faith
has to be removed completely. In other words, to be fully Muslim, any denial of Allah’s
command must be removed from that person. Holy Quran made that message very clear, (2:
256):
“Whoever rejects evil (Disbelief, transgression) and believes in Allah has held the most
trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks. And Allah is All-Hearing, Alla Knowing.”
Therefore rejecting to Pay Zakah is accepting disbelief and transgression against Allah. So how
can than the person be a true Muslim if he or she denies paying Zakah. Paying Zakah is Allah’s
order. Besides, denying to pay Zakah is denying to obey Allah. Allah commanded Muslims to
pay Zakah, (Quran: 2:110):
“And be regular in Salah, and regular in paying Zakah.”
Now if a Muslim say, “I reject Allah’s command and I will not pay Zakah” that means he/she
is doing Kufr (rejecting due to disbelief). That is not an action of true Muslims at all.
Let us make it clear, rejecting and not doing is not the same. If one rejects, denies Allah’s
command then his faith is invalid. He or she is no longer a Muslim. To come into Islam, he or
she must repent and mend the belief and must obey Allah’s command like paying Zakah.
But if someone does not pay Zakah out of negligence, or ignorance or carelessness etc then
he or she is still in faith but committing big sins. Unless they correct their duties they will be
liable to Allah for not performing their compulsory duties.
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May Allah save us from either problems! May Allah grant us ability to follow HIS commands
all the time, Ameen!
Paying Zakah is a condition to be Muslim: Muslim is an Ummah. They surrender themselves to the will of Allah. They obey Allah
according to the teachings of Allah’s messengers. As a result, these trio makes a Jama’ah
(Party). The trio is:
1. Allah: Messenger teaches followers to obey Allah all the time by surrendering
everything they have by following Allah’s commandments.
2. Allah’s Messenger: Allah’s messenger obeys Allah properly to demonstrate how
practically Muslims can obey Allah in day to day life.
3. True Muslims: Then true Muslims obey Allah’s Messenger to obey Allah perfectly.
They learn the prefect obedience to Allah from Allah’s messenger.
As a result, Allah, His messenger and true Muslims (Who obey Allah and HIS messenger)
becomes in the same mission, same motto, and same target. Allah receives obedience and
becomes their guardian. True Muslims due to their complete obedience, they find Allah as
their Wali (Protector), Allah’s Messenger in their side and the rest of the true Muslims in their
side, making a party of Allah.
But to be in Allah’s party, Faith, Salah and Zakah etc are conditions for Muslims to follow. If a
Muslim does not pay charity then he or she does not fulfil the condition and cannot qualify to
be in Allah’s party.
In other words, paying Zakah is a condition to be a true Muslim. If a Muslim does not pay
Zakah, then he or she is not a true Muslim because of disobeying Allah’s command. Whoever
does not obey the command of Zakah then he or she is not a true Muslim. Holy Quran
describes as following, (5:55-56):
“Your (real) protector (and helper) is Allah, His prophet (Muhammad), and the (company
of) true believers—those who perform regular prayer and (give) regular Zakah and they
bow down humbly (in prayer to Allah).
As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His messenger (Muhammad), and the
(company of) true believers for protections—it is the party of Allah that must certainly be
victorious (Over everything).”
Zakah is the criteria for Islamic Brotherhood: Muslims and non-Muslims have their different ways. Such as:
Their belief is different,
Their ways of life is different,
Their priority in life is different,
Their rights and wrongs has different definitions,
How their eternal salvation is attained also different,
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How they look after their faith is different,
How they promote their faith is different,
How they fight for their faith is also different and so on.
For example, Holy Prophet (s.a.w) was preaching to his people to believe in one Allah in
Makkah. Whereas idol worshippers in Makkah were maintaining their faith in many gods. So
with the faith in one Allah was not their way and they did not want to allow it to nourish
either. They wanted to kill the monotheism right in the beginning. As a result they took Holy
Prophet (s.a.w) and his companions as enemies.
Moreover they imposed illegal unfair tortures, abuse, killings and wars on Muslims. They did
not consider Muslims as their religious brothers and Muslims did not consider them as
religious brothers either. Because the basis of religious brotherhood was not in the same
religion.
But some idol worshippers were finding the truth about Islam and they were switching into
Islam. They were accepting Islamic Faith and on that basis they were praying Salah and paying
Zakah. As a result they were turning from enmity to friendly, hostility to brotherhood.
Again what was the change in them to become religious brothers? It was Faith, Salah and
Zakah etc. That’s why Zakah is also a basis on which Allah allowed to become religious
brothers. In other words, if even a born Muslim prays five times but does not pay Zakah, then
he is not truly a religious brother for other true Muslims. Zakah makes that much difference.
Allah made Zakah as one of the basis for brotherhood in Faith, if non-Muslims change their
ways, (Quran 9:10-11):
“They do not respect the ties of friendship or of promise, in a believer. It is they who have
exceeded all limits. But if they repent, perform regular prayer and give regular Zakah-They
are your brothers in Faith: (like this) WE explain the Signs in detail, for those who
understand.”
Zakah is a difference between Muslims and idol worshippers. The obvious question is what Zakah got to do between Muslims and Idol worshippers? The
answer is it refers to the difference in actions in both True Muslims and Idol worshippers.
Muslims and Idol worshippers are both Human beings. They have so much common like:
In eating,
In sleeping,
In work,
In study,
In resting etc.
But these differences does not make a person Muslim and another Idol worshipper. It is the
faith and action that separates two persons. Such as:
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a. An Idol worshiper believes that idol is his god and as a result his action is that he pays
things in the name of his idol.
b. On the other hand, a true Muslim believes that Allah is his GOD and as a result his
action is to pay Zakah in the name of Allah.
Therefore, just name, or family name, or colour, or language, or eating and sleeping are not
the basis of difference between a Muslim and an idol worshipper. It is the faith and action
that makes difference.
Again, a Muslim does not qualify Allah’s mercy to be in Paradise, if his or her name is Muslim
but actions are same like an Idol worshipper. For example, an idol worshipper does not
believe in Allah and does not pay Zakah to please Allah. But if a Muslim claims that he or she
believes in Allah yet does not pay Zakah due to Allah’s command, then he or she is same like
an Idol worshipper in terms of Action.
So Muslims have to have faith in Allah as well as actions according to Allah’s commands. If a
Muslim has only faith but actions are opposite to faith, then he or she is acting like an idol
worshipper or a non-believer. Unfortunately, this contradiction in faith and action in any
Muslim will result Allah’s punishment.
Muslim is not a name. Muslim is a character. Muslim is a person who does act as Allah orders.
Muslim behaves as Allah orders. Muslim deals as Allah orders. Muslims avoid actions that
Allah prohibits. Muslim follows the actions of Holy Messenger of Allah who came to teach
what to be acted upon and what not to be acted upon.
Zakah is one of those action a true Muslim has. If not then, in regard to that action there is no
difference between an untrue Muslim’s action and an idol worshipper’s action. Holy Quran
has placed the action “Not giving Zakah” along with those who worship idols. Besides, Allah
has warned both idol worshippers as well as those Muslims who refuse to pay Zakah, (Quran
41:6-7):
“And a warning to those who join gods with Allah, (and to) those who do not give regular
Zakah.”
Zakah is mercy for mankind: Zakah is a mercy for mankind. Allah created mankind. HE knows their inner weakness and HE
prescribed divine codes to relieve those weaknesses.
In this world, mankind has no effective solutions for their problems. Modern education,
technological improvements, spending lots of money and so on are not solving human
problems effectively. Despite all man made efforts, plans and policies we see the increased
activities such as:
Neighbours are fighting for a little piece of land,
Brothers are fighting over paternal property,
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Families are breaking over wealth disputes,
Husbands and wives are fighting over money settlements,
Officers are taking bribes,
Banks are charging interests,
Poor are getting poorer and rich are getting richer,
Countries are fighting to occupy one another,
Some people are graving too much by depriving others which is causing poverty,
Labourers are not getting enough which is causing strikes, production loss,
Oppressed people are trying to make revolutions,
The peace and harmony is disappearing despite so much efforts and so on.
What is the root of all these problems? It is greed and not sharing. Allah (s.w.t) prescribed
Zakah to remove the greed and to encourage the sharing. Zakah trains a believer as following:
a. The real owner of wealth is Allah: Allah has gifted some people wealth more than
other for a great reason.
b. Wealth is for test: That great reason is to test them whether they use their wealth as
Allah commands.
c. Serious consequences: How people are using their wealth is being monitored by Allah.
If they misuse their wealth then they will face serious consequences.
Zakah trains believers mind from within so that their thinking pattern changes. So that
whatever wealth they have they thank Allah for it and they use their wealth in a way to pass
the test. With that Zakah does give further training such as:
It removes the stinginess from believer’s hearts,
It extends believer’s hearts to be generous,
It motivates them to give from their excess wealth,
It motivates them to give even if they have a little,
It removes greed from their hearts,
It makes them feel responsible about their earning and spending,
It makes them avoid any unfair means etc.
When Zakah does all the above, then the obvious outcome will be as following:
Less greed: The greed will lessen among the believers. When greed is lessened the
problems among mankind goes significantly down,
Less fight: Due to lesser greed fight between neighbours, family members and so on
also goes down significantly,
Less war: War takes place mostly for money. Some sell weapons for war to make
money, others buy weapon to kill others to grab wealth in that country and so on.
Behind war, money is one of the biggest motivation. Zakah changes that war mentality
for money.
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Less envy: Greed makes people envious, jealous, and competitive about gains. Zakah
reduces selfishness and that reduces or removes envy etc.
So, Zakah can change the world from chaos to peace if mankind embrace it. If they take Zakah
in their economy with the teachings of it then mankind will find less and less troubles. That’s
why Zakah is truly a Mercy from Allah to the mankind.
When people do not take Zakah on board, and economic imbalance comes among mankind,
some have and some have not occurs, then mankind borrow sufferings on them in so many
ways. These personal, social, economic suffering are a kind of punishment on them.
Allah wants HIS servants not to suffer. Musa (a.s) was teaching his people to obey Allah’s
commands for peace, happiness and to be free from sufferings. For their happiness and not
sufferings one of the condition Allah prescribed for them was paying Zakah. So that some
people won’t go hungry, bitterness would not come, stealing-robbing can be avoided and so
on. Holy Quran describes about Allah’s command, (7:156):
“HE (Allah) said: With MY punishment, I visit whom I will; By MY Mercy extends to all things.
That I shall grant for those who do right, and practice regular Zakah (Charity), and for those
who believe in OUR Signs;”
Muslims should practice paying Zakah regularly. Muslim countries should establish Zakah
system to be the role model for the world. Zakah system has no harm. It is only to bring
benefits for the mankind. It is Allah’s Mercy. Whoever uses it receives Allah’s Mercy in both
life.
Zakah brings success in both life: Why did Allah send guidance in all ages for mankind? Why Allah’s guidance is the most
important necessity for mankind? What is the worst of being misguided? What is then end
result if someone did not find the right path?
The answer is very simple. Any traveller makes effort to reach to the destination successfully.
If he can’t find the right path then definitely he will be lost and unsuccessful.
In this life, human are travellers. They are travelling from this life to next life passing stages.
The creator created different stages for them to go through. At the end of their travel they
will end up either in success or in failure. That success and failure is extreme. Either the
extreme happiness or extreme sadness.
The creator wants people to succeed. That’s why HE sent guidance to succeed. Without the
guidance human journey will be full of suffering.
Zakah is one of those guidance to guide people towards success in this life and in next life.
This life is extremely important for the outcome in the next life. If anyone is lost in this life
then definitely he/she will be lost in next life. If anyone is on the right path in this life then he
or she will be on the right path in next life.
Holy Quran teaches believers to pray to Allah for the best in both life, (Quran 2:201-202):
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“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the
severe pain of the Fire!
To these (people) will be allotted what they have earned and Allah is quick in account.”
Zakah along with faith and other god actions brings success in both life for those who practice
it. One may wonder how? Well, in this world, Zakah purifies wealth and soul so that:
The wealth becomes pure from corruption,
The wealth becomes pure from sins,
The wealth become blessed,
The wealth gets increased,
The wealth become beneficial to others,
The wealth makes others happy,
Other people respect them,
Other people love them for their generosity,
Allah protect their Halal wealth,
They live with less anxiety,
They live with content heart,
They enjoy the kindness in their hearts,
They do not suffer from narrow hearts, stinginess,
They do not suffer from envy,
They do not suffer from anxiety from illegal wealth and so on.
In the next life, due to Zakah for faith and other good actions, they will enjoy more, such as:
Allah will forgive them,
Angels will welcome them through death,
Allah will keep them establish in their faith in the questioning in Grave,
Allah will provide good company for their grave life,
Allah will save them from the turmoil in the Day of Judgment,
Allah will help them crossing the bridge over the Hell Fire,
Allah will reward them the best rewards in Paradise,
They will be in Paradise for ever etc.
Therefore, Zakah does not come with any loss. It only brings happiness and success in both
life. Zakah along with faith and other good actions brings success in both life. Holy Quran
declares their success, (2:2-5):
“This is the Book: In it is guidance, without doubt, for those who fear Allah; (for those) who
believe in the Unseen, who are steadfast in prayer, who spend out of what WE have given
them (Zakah, charity); and (for those, who in their hearts) have the certain faith of the
Hereafter.
They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these (people) who will prosper.”
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Allah is guardian for those who pay Zakah: Allah created everyone and has provided for everyone. HIS fresh air, bright Sun, and rain is
being enjoyed by everyone in this earth. But all those free gifts are for testing them.
In the test, mankind becomes mainly in two groups. One group follows Allah’s commands
completely and another group does not. Allah treats both group fairly, allowing them their
basic needs for the testing period.
But the followers of Allah’s commands choose Allah as their guardian. When they choose
Allah as their guardian, they choose the best of the best guardian. Allah is such guardian WHO
controls everything. Allah is the Ruler for this universe. From Allah everything came into
existence and to Allah all must be returned. So Allah is the best guardian because only HE has
the power to fulfil all the needs for HIS creations.
To get Allah as guardian, the servant must believe in HIM, in HIS messenger’s message and
must follow the teachings of the message. Otherwise, one will not be qualified for Allah’s
guardianship. Allah’s guardianship can be earned only through belief and actions.
Salah, Zakah, Fasting etc are those actions with sincere faith. If a Muslim does not pay Zakah,
won’t get Allah as his or her guardian. Holy Quran describes, (5:55):
“Your (real) protector (and helper) is Allah, HIS prophet (Muhammad), and the (company
of) believers-those who perform regular Salah and (give) regular Zakah and they bow down
humbly (in prayer to Allah).”
Every human feels to get security, safety and support from one or from another. Human are
depending on somebody or something for support. Peoples are worshipping different gods
for shelter, protection. But in truth, who the real protector for human? Can a human who
eats, sleeps like other human be the human protector? Or can a handmade idol be their true
protector? Not really!
Therefore, the creator Allah is the real protector for human and for all other creatures. The
sooner mankind will understand it is better for them. For Muslims, they must believe that
Allah is their only and ultimate protector and to find Allah as their protector they must obey
Allah 100% including praying regularly and paying Zakah from their excess wealth and so on.
Zakah must be established by Islamic country: What is Islamic state? Islamic state is a country where the Government policy is Islamic.
Islamic state is not a Muslim country. A Muslim country is where majority Muslims live but
the Law of the country is not Islamic law. There are many Muslim countries in this world and
they are not Islamic countries because Islamic law is not practiced in those countries.
If a country practices full Islamic law then that is an Islamic country. An Islamic country has a
Government who are responsible to make Islamic practices easy to practice for the Muslim
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citizens. That Government is answerable to Muslims as well as answerable to Allah for their
duties.
Worshipping Allah can be done alone but most of the worship is communal. When the whole
society practices the worships then it becomes easier for everyone to practice. That’s why,
for best worship practice, the environment must be favourable. That’s where Islamic
Government can or have to play great role. The Islamic Government must make different
policies such as:
To facilitate Islamic education,
To encourage for Islamic education,
To create favourable environment for Islamic learning and teaching,
To monitor the education and practice,
To enforce law for making it easier to practice Islamic worship,
To enforce law to make harder for not to practice and so on.
Now, coming to the issue of Zakah, it should be a collective effort to make it easier to pay, or
to collect or to distribute etc. When a Government take initiative and administer properly the
Zakah system then the practice will be easier. A Government also can enforce law for people
who misuse Zakah system to prevent any wrong doing.
Zakah has involvement of rich, poor, collection and proper distribution. It basically engages
the whole society. It benefits everyone. Whoever pays Zakah gets benefited, and whoever
receives Zakah gets benefited and whoever collects, administers, and distributes also gets
benifited. This is the beauty of serving Allah. Whoever serves Allah with any capacity gets
forgiveness, blessings and Mercy from Allah. Thus Allah’s works is very holy.
Therefore Zakah system is a massive work and Islamic Government can manage that well with
all the trained managers. That’s why Allah made an obligation on Islamic Government to
establish proper Zakah system in that country they are ruling. Holy Quran describes, (22:41):
“Those (are the believers) who, if WE establish them firmly (in power) in the land, they
establish regular Salah and give regular Zakah, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: And with
Allah rests the end of (all) affairs.”
Zakah is to test who wants Allah as guardian: Allah is All Wise. HE created human to test who is willing to be HIS ambassador or not. The
ones truly serve Allah without any hesitation are the lucky ones. For their total devotion Allah
becomes their Wali (Guardian. Protector in both life).
But Allah has placed various tests to find out who are those people who truly and sincerely
want to serve Allah and who seriously wish Allah to be their Wali (Guardian). Some examples
of those tests are given below:
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a. Test about knowledge: Allah tests people about their uses of knowledge. Allah gave
human the basic knowledge to find their God. Human can ask basics questions like,
“Who am i? Who created me? Why created me? What is the purpose of my life in this
earth? What is my end? Etc. Human also use their common sense, they can look
around to see many Signs of GOD, they can search sincerely to find the truth, and they
can study and so on to know about the existence of Allah.
This common sense and human knowledge people use differently. Some use their
knowledge to find GOD and some do not care about finding GOD. So whoever use
their knowledge to find GOD they do find Allah. These people pass the test about the
uses of knowledge and they become qualified to receive Allah as their guardian. These
people believe in Allah and they pass their initial test.
b. Test about obedience: Human have a tendency to be like free birds flying from one
tree to another. Following rules is hard for many. So the 2nd test for human is whether
they obey Allah. This 2nd test is for those who have faith in Allah after passing the 1st
test.
In this test, Allah gives them two choices about obedience. One choice is to obey Allah
completely without obeying others or anything. The other choice is obeying others
fully or partly meaning that obeying Allah partly or not at all.
Allah made it clear with HIS divine message that HE wants HIS true servants to obey
HIS commands fully. If they do obey HIM fully, then they will pass the 2nd test and
they will qualify for Allah to be their guardian.
c. Test about physical dedication: Then comes the test whether HIS servants give up
their comfort for HIM or not. So Allah made 5 times compulsory Salah (Prayer) on him.
Or one month fasting for him to see whether he can bear hunger and thirst for the
obedience of Allah.
Some Muslims fail in these tests. They prove that their claim for Faith and Dedication
in obedience is false because in reality they are not yet ready to sacrifice their comfort
for the love of Allah.
Others do not fail at all. They are always at front in 5 times prayers and fasting. They
would give up comfort to get up early in the morning to pray or even to go to the
Mosque and pray. They would fast happily. They would look forward to 5 times
prayers and fasting etc. Anything to do for Allah, they are the front runners. In fact
without prayers or fasting and so on, these Muslims do not feel happy.
As they pass this test as well, they become even more qualified to get Allah as their
guardian.
So we see, how much Allah will be a guardian for Muslims depends the amount of
sincerity, obedience, dedication, and sacrifice for Allah from the Muslims. The more
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dedication from a Muslims brings Allah the closer with HIS forgiveness, blessings and
Mercy.
d. Test about financial sacrifice: Then comes the test for financial matter. Some people
do not mind to give some physical efforts but not the money. For testing Allah has
placed love for things in human souls. As a result, people can kill others for money or
people can take life risk for money.
Robbers for example take life risk for money. Countries go for war for money losing
many lives. Some spouses kill their spouses for insurance money. Brothers kill their
own brothers sometimes also for money. So when it comes about money, some hearts
shrinks. Satan scares them of poverty.
Therefore, some Muslims fail to open their heart and the fail in the test. But Allah
placed Zakah to test them. If they are truly obedient to Allah, and they want to work
hard to earn Allah’s guardianship then financial sacrifice like Zakah and charity is a
must. Without financial sacrifice Muslims cannot pass the test of Allah. Unless they
pass the test, they won’t be qualified to receive the guardianship of Allah.
Holy Quran confirms it, (5:55-56):
“Your (real) protector (and helper) is Allah, HIS prophet (Muhammad), and the
(company of) believers-those who perform regular Salah and (give) regular Zakah
and they bow down humbly (in prayer to Allah).”
As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, HIS messenger (Muhammad), and the
(company of) believers for protection—it is the party of Allah that must certainly be
victorious (over everything).”
Hard measure against those who refuses to pay Zakah: Muslims obey Allah’s orders. If any Muslim rejects to obey Allah’s order then that is not the
character of Muslim. Islamic Government should help that Muslim to be corrected and obey
Allah’s order. If necessary, hard measure should be taken to help that Muslim to follow Allah’s
order like paying Zakah.
For example, in a boat in the sea if a naughty person start making hole to allow water coming
in then the rest must stop him by force if necessary to save all in the boat. Similarly, if some
Muslims do not want to pay Zakah, everyone else including Islamic Government must help
them even by force for saving the rest from misguidance as well as from Allah’s punishment.
Hard measure was taken by the 1st Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a) against those who refused to
pay Zakah. He stopped that bad precedent for saving other Muslims from misguidance. Let us
go through a Hadis on this issue:
The Hadis is long, narrated by Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) and I shall cite briefly the summary of
it.
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Some Arabs refused to pay Zakah and Caliph Abu Bakr (r.a) decided to fight them. Hazrat
Omar (r.a) asked the Caliph about how he could justify fighting against people who accepted
Islam, had faith, practiced regular Salah etc. Omar (r.a) heard from holy prophet (s.a.w) that
once someone accepts Islamic Faith then his life and wealth must be safe from other
Muslims.
Caliph said, “By Allah! Surely I shall fight against those who separate Salah from Zakah
(Accept Salah but reject Zakah) because Zakah is rights on wealth.”
At last Hazrat Omar (r.a) understood the reasons for fighting.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
In the Hadis we notice some facts such as:
a. Salah, Zakah. Fasting etc all are Allah’s worship,
b. Allah prescribed all of them for Muslims,
c. Muslims have to take all prescription as a whole,
d. Muslims are not to take one and reject one, if they do it then they are no longer
Muslims,
e. But more than that, by taking and leaving they create confusion for many naïve
Muslims,
f. That confusion leads many naïve Muslims to be misguided as well,
g. So Islamic Government’s duty to stop this confusion right at the beginning,
h. Therefore hard measure was necessary from Caliph Abu Bakr (r.a).
Allah commanded for Salah as well as Zakah. How can a Muslim take one and reject another?
What kind of obedience of Allah was that? How Allah would accept this half-hearted faith and
obedience? These people in Muslim names like to damage Islamic teachings. Therefore, for
the best of Islam and Muslims, Islamic Government must take actions to discipline the
naughty ones.
Punishment in this life for not paying Zakah: Zakah on rich Muslims is not a choice but a compulsion on them. Allah made that compulsion
to make a fair society. But if a Muslim does not pay Zakah, then Allah’s punishment comes in
many ways. If a Muslims society, or country do not practice paying Zakah, then punishments
from Allah come on them.
Punishment for not paying Zakah comes in this world and in next world. But in this world,
punishments are not severe as in next life. In this life punishments come as warning for
Muslims to learn and to be corrected. Punishments such as:
Calamities,
Draught,
Flood,
Earthquake,
Natural disasters,
Grief,
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Anxiety,
Fear,
Loss,
Loss of peace,
Lack of blessings in health,
Lack of blessings in wealth,
Losing unity,
Losing power,
Increase of crimes,
Increase of corruptions,
Increase of murders,
Increase of fights,
Instability in family, society and so on.
Moreover, the punishment in this life can be in many ways and forms. Allah punishes the
disobedient people in this life in lesser degree but in next life in severe degree. Holy Quran
describes, (30:41):
“Calamities has appeared on land and on sea because of what men have earned by their
(own) hands, thus (Allah) gives them the taste of some of their actions: This way they can
come back (to HIM).”
Disobedience of Allah is sin and sin removes blessings from Allah. When Allah’s blessings are
removed then it is replaced by calamities, problems, scarcity and sufferings. If Muslims
practice paying Zakah then Allah will save them from sufferings, Allah will open the doors of
blessings of the heaven and the earth.
It should be noted, that time to time righteous Muslims also suffer, Holy Prophets also
suffered. That suffering is not a punishment for sins. All prophets are sinless. For them the
suffering is for trials, for education, for example as role model and for those trials Allah grants
them higher status in HIS Sight and in Paradise.
Punishment in next life for not paying Zakah: Punishment in next life for any sins is more severe. For not paying Zakah, punishment in next
life is terrible indeed. In this essay I shall give few examples of punishment for not paying
Zakah in the light of Quran and Sunnah Insha Allah!
In the Quran, Allah warns Muslims about the punishment of not paying Zakah. If Muslims piles
up Gold, Silver, money, wealth and so on without paying Zakah then for them is waiting
punishment. Holy Quran describes, (9:34-35):
“And there are those who saves (Bury) gold and silver and do not spend it in the Way of
Allah: Declare to them a Most Painful Penalty-
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On the Day when heat will be produced from that (very wealth) in the Fire of Hell, and with
it will be burned on their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (And will be said) “This is
the (wealth) which you buried for yourselves then you taste, the (wealth) you buried!”
Holy Quran also warned for those Muslims who grow agricultural produce yet do not give
Zakah on those produce, a severe penalty. (Quran 3.180):
“Let not those who greedily hold back the gifts which Allah has given to them from HIS
Grace, think that it is good for them (to hold back): No, it will be worse for them: Soon shall
the things which they greedily withheld will be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on
the Day of Judgement.”
There are so many Hadis about the punishment for not paying Zakah. I shall cite only couple
of Hadis Insha Allah!
Hadis 1: Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Every owner of
Gold-Silver who do not pay its rights (Zakah), in the Day of Judgment will be made many
Iron plates for them, then those plates will be heated up in the Fire of Hell (to make them
really Hot), and then with those plates will be burnt their flanks, foreheads and backs. When
those plates will cool down then again they will be heated up (to continue the punishment)
in the Day which will be similar length of 50,000 years. (This punishment will continue) until
Judgment is done. After that they will be either sent to paradise or Hell.”
He (s.a.w) was asked, O Messenger of Allah! What will happen if camels Zakah is not given?
He (s.a.w) said: “If a camel owner does not pay its rights (Zakah) -----------------------. When
the Day of Judgment will come, he will be thrown in a barren field on face, ---------------------
and his camels ----- will hit him with hoofs and will be biting them with mouth. -----------.”
Then he (s.a.w) was asked, O Messenger of Allah! What will happen if cattle (Cow-Bull) and
goat (Buffalos and sheep are in this group) Zakah is not given? He (s.a.w) said: “In the Day
of Judgment the owner will the thrown on barren filed on face, the cattle and goats will
continue hitting them with their horns, and will be hitting them with their hoofs---.”
[Muslim]
Hadis 2: Hazrat Ibn Mas‘ud (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: Whoever will not
pay Zakah for his/her wealth, surely Allah will make it (unpaid wealth) as a snake on his/her
neck in the Day of Judgment.” [Tirmidi. Nasaee. Ibn Maazah]
Therefore, not paying Zakah is punishable. Every Muslim must be careful about Zakah. They
must not mix their wealth with Zakah because the Zakah wealth will contaminate their
original wealth as poison contaminates milk. We find this fact in the following Hadis.
Hadis: 3: Hazrat Ayesha (r.a) said that she heard Holy Prophet (s.a.w) saying, “The wealth is
mixed with Zakah, surely (Zakah will) destroy it (His Halal wealth).” [Shafee]
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Chapter 3: Purpose of Zakah
Zakah: To remind that wealth is Allah’s gift Allah is All Wise. HE prescribed Zakah for the best purposes. One of those best purposes is to
remind Muslims that their wealth is a gift from Allah.
In human there is a negative trait called “Possessiveness.” The result of that possessiveness
is not good at all. Some results are as following:
They feel they own it,
They feel that they deserve it,
They feel they have absolute right to use it as they like,
They feel proud about it,
They may misuse it thinking that it is their freedom,
They refuse to share it with others,
They may fight to get it illegally or
They may fight to keep it illegally,
They may involve in corruptions for the wealth and so on.
As a result, wealth becomes a cause of corruption, greed, fight and unhappiness in this world.
Allah All-Wise prescribed Zakah to remove that possessive feeling from Muslim’s minds. Allah
wants them to know that giving Zakah is not from their own wealth rather Zakah giving is
from the wealth that Allah has given them as gifts. Once this notion is implanted in the mind
of a Muslim, then his or her attitude towards wealth changes dramatically.
From the moment a Muslim believes that his or her wealth is Allah’s gift, then the attitude is
likely that:
a. I am not the real owner of my wealth,
b. Allah is the real owner of my wealth,
c. The real owner has absolute right on my wealth,
d. The real owner will prescribe me how to use HIS wealth,
e. I am just a custodian for HIS wealth,
f. I am responsible to manage HIS wealth in HIS way,
g. If I fail to manage HIS wealth in HIS ways then I will be responsible for my actions,
h. I must avoid misusing wealth to be saved from HIS punishment etc.
That is how, Allah teaches Muslims through Zakah to change their attitude from horrible to
noble. So with that noble attitude Muslims can use their wealth for the best for themselves
and for the mankind. Therefore, the purpose of Zakah is truly noble.
In the Holy Quran, Allah says that Zakah is given from the wealth that Allah has given to HIS
servants, (2:3):
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“(Quran is a Guidance for those) who believe in the Unseen, who are steadfast in prayer,
who spend out of what WE have given them.”
Zakah: To help passing the test Zakah is a real help to pass the test in this life. Allah created mankind for only worshipping
HIM in this life. So this life is a test for worshipping Allah. The result of this life test will be
given in the next life.
Worshipping Allah mean serving Allah with self, and wealth etc. A servant must surrender
everything to the command of Allah for that worship. He or she must obey Allah at all times.
That includes prayer, charity, and best moral character, learning and practicing Islamic rules
in all aspects of life.
Wealth is subject to test as well. With wealth people can do so many good or bad things. For
earning people can do so many bad things such as:
a. Take bribe,
b. Give bribe,
c. Steal,
d. Robb,
e. Kill,
f. Cheat,
g. Fight and so on.
With each wrong things, some people suffer or the whole society suffers. With wrong
practices the society is filled up with crimes, safety is lessened, peace is disappeared.
Besides, the more suffering is caused by one’s wrong dealing with wealth, is more failing in
the test of Allah. Eventually, life will end and the failure in the test will brings endless suffering
and punishment of Allah in the next life.
Allah wants HIS servants to be saved from that failure in test and from HIS punishment. That’s
why Allah sent guidance and Zakah system to the whole mankind. But only some people
responded to Allah’s Guidance and for them Zakah is a great reminder to pass their test in
this life.
With wealth Allah will test Muslims in so many ways. Some examples are given below:
Do they feel arrogance with wealth?
Do they compete for wealth in Haram ways?
Do they surrender to bribe, stealing or robbing for gaining the wealth?
Do they spend money in Haram things?
Do they support wrong doings with their wealth?
Do they make money their god by making them slave of money?
Do they compromise their morality for money?
Do they sell their Faith for little money?
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Do they injure people with tongue or hands after helping others?
Do they spread corruption in this earth for money?
Do they surrender to Allah with their money and so on?
In the Holy Quran Allah says about wealth as a test for human. If they fail in wealth-test then
bad consequences is waiting for them. If they pass the test in regards to wealth then best
consequences is waiting for them in the next life. Holy Quran clearly describes, (64: 15):
“Your wealth and your children is a trial, but in the presence of Allah is the Highest Reward.”
Zakah: To make a habit of giving Human are weak. There is a saying, “Human are slaves of their habits.” What is habits? Habit
is a regular practice. It means:
a. Tendency to do something regularly,
b. Enjoyment in doing something,
c. Happy in doing something,
d. Hard to give up that practice.
After doing a certain practice for a while, then it becomes easy to continue. The mind accepts
it. The emotions feels comfortable with it. The body responds automatically in doing it. Then,
it becomes hard to give up. That’s why the saying is, “Human are slaves of their habits.”
There are good and bad habits. Good habits are best for the person and bad habits are
harmful for the persons and surroundings. Zakah is one of the best habits. Zakah is giving
away wealth for the pleasure of Allah to the poor and needy. It is to build up a habit of giving.
Zakah is a giving once a year or in seasons. Allah wants Muslims to give all the time as much
as they can. The ultimate target is to get servants used to giving. To start with giving begins
with Zakah from the wealthy. But the target is that wealthy people will give all the time as
much as they can afford. That’s why Allah made Zakah compulsory so that rich Muslims can
start building habits of giving.
Then with that habit they can feel hard of giving up the “Giving Practice.” They can
continuously give for their lofty goal of Paradise. Even if any time they don’t have enough to
give Zakah, out of habit they continue giving even a little. Zakah receivers also has to learn
from Zakah that giving even a little is the best practice to go into Paradise.
Allah made an important practice for the Paradise achiever and that is giving for Allah’s sake
even a little. Giving in richness and in poorness is a habit that leads to receive Allah’s Mercy
and towards Paradise. So every Muslim needs that giving habit. Zakah giver and receiver both
are reminded by Zakah that they must have a giving habit for their eternal salvation.
Holy Quran reminds, (3:133):
“Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise whose width is that
(of the whole) of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the righteous and those firm
in their faith-
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Those who spend (freely in the cause of Allah), whether there is plenty, or there is little;
who control anger, and pardon people:-Verily, Allah loves those who do good deeds.”
Zakah: To make believers generous The opposite of generous is stingy. Generous people are respected in any society. On the
other hand stingy person is looked down upon in any society. People may have different
belief, or from different culture or they may speak different languages but some tendencies
are common everywhere in this earth. For example, kind people are liked by most people
anywhere regardless of their culture or nationality.
Similarly, hard hearted people are disliked by most people in this world in every society. One
may ask, why this similarity? Why every society appreciate love and hates cruelty? Why it is
so common? Why is it all same?
The answer is, this commonality shows that the creator Allah is one for All the human. It also
shows, deep down every human understands what is good and what is bad. It proves that fact
that the creator Allah has given a quality in human mind to know the right and wrong. If
human could follow that natural instinct then it could have been easier for them know the
truth about Allah and HIS guidance. Allah’s guidance only commands people to do the right
things, honest things, kind thing, and generous things. Zakah is a practice of generosity. Zakah
represents so many best qualities such as:
Appreciation to Allah’s gift,
Thankfulness to Allah,
Feeling to be responsible of the wealth given by Allah,
Discharging the trust placed on his or her by Allah,
A caring heart that likes sharing,
A kind heart towards the needy,
A loving heart that wishes best for others as well,
A humble heart that does not feel arrogant with wealth,
A generous heart that loves giving,
A heart free from stinginess and meanness etc.
So, Zakah is such practice that implants so many best traits in a true Muslim. As a result that
Muslim becomes a mercy for others by the command of Allah. Allah is the Merciful for all HIS
creations. Then Allah sent HIS messenger Muhammad (s.a.w) as a mercy for the worlds. Then
Allah wants HIS true believers to act with mercy towards their family, neighbours, society and
the world by practicing Zakah and charity etc.
We began the essay with the terms generous and stingy. One is opposite to another. Two
cannot coincide. One has to leave for another to come. Stinginess must be removed for
generosity to come in. Stinginess is meanness of the heart, selfishness of the heart, greed in
the heart and so on. With it a Muslim cannot pass in the test in this life. With stinginess a
Muslim will lose all the goodness because it would block so many good windows for him or
her.
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For that reason, Allah prescribed Zakah for believers so that with it either giver or receiver
will learn to open their hearts for generosity and will close their hearts for stinginess. That
way they can earn all the goodness and they can give for the sake of Allah for earning eternal
happiness in paradise. Holy Quran reminds that, (64:16):
“So fear Allah as much as you can; listen and obey; and spend in charity for the benefit of
your own souls! And those saved from the selfishness (Stinginess) for themselves—then
they are the ones who achieve success.”
Zakah is to make Muslims kind, benevolent, considerate, and caring person towards others.
Zakah trains a Muslim to feel responsible to remove the suffering of others. It motivates
Muslims to create a better world by sharing and caring. The world need that sharing and
caring to remove poverty, class struggle, exploitation and all kind of socio-economic suffering.
Zakah is to increase benevolence to make a society happier and better.
Zakah: To train to give only for Allah’s sake Usually people give to others with condition. Conditional giving is very common among
human. Most people give as a bargain. They give something to get something back. It is
common in people such as:
Parents spend for children hoping to be looked after by them in future,
Husband spend for wife hoping to receive more love,
Businessmen donate money for advertisement for more business,
Leaders spend money to get popularity,
Rich spend for the sick poor to receive loyalty from the family in fight etc.
Often people give charity for the name, fame and gain. That kind of giving does not purify the
soul nor does it purify the wealth. Expecting something back is a spiritual sickness and most
people are suffering from it. This expectation is causing unhappiness in human. How?
Well, suppose when someone give in order to gain, most often the person does not gain
anything as expected. That causes disappointments in them. It goes deeper in to anger,
bitterness, heartaches, hatred etc. The giver with expectation suffers from those mental
emotional problems. Then one day, that inner bitterness comes out as abrupt talk, telling off,
abuse and fight with further mental emotional pain.
Whereas, Zakah giving is for opposite reason. Zakah giving is to bring peace in the heart, not
the disappointment. Zakah giving is to remove greed and jealousy not to inflict greed and
jealousy in people’s heart. Zakah giving is to purify the heart from worry, anxiety, fear and
meanness. How Zakah can do that?
Zakah is training to give for the sake of Allah. It prepares Muslim mind from the scratch such
as:
It trains Muslim to think that their wealth is belong to Allah,
It trains Muslim to feel thankful to Allah for their wealth as Allah’s gift,
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It trains Muslim to spend Allah’s gift as Allah wants,
It trains Muslims to try to pass the test in life,
It trains Muslims to give Allah’s gift only for HIS pleasure,
It trains Muslims not to expect anything in return for their giving,
It trains Muslims that if they expect anything for their giving then their good deeds will
be cancelled,
It trains Muslims to give for Paradise,
It trains Muslims to give happily for the Paradise,
It trains Muslims to give without any expectation as a result they do not suffer from
disappointment, selfishness, greed, anger, bitterness, anxiety and worry.
When they give they feel, they are giving Allah’s gift in Allah’s way to help Allah’s creations.
They never think it is a loss for giving but they think they have not lost anything rather they
gain Allah’s protection for their loyalty to Allah.
Therefore, giving for the sake of Allah is healthy giving. It brings peace, comfort, inner
satisfaction. But people who give for other reasons does not give that much peace in their
hearts. That’s why “Giving for the sake of Allah” is a big secret for a peaceful heart and Zakah
exactly trains Muslims to achieve that intention. So they will give happily, they won’t feel
disappointment from it and they feel further happy for the promise of Paradise for them from
Allah Merciful.
Holy Quran gives example of Muslims who used to give Charity only to please Allah, not for
any return, so the rest of the Muslims will follow that example when they give, (76:8-9):
“And they feed for the love of Allah the needy, the orphan, and the captive and the needy,
(saying), ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone, no reward do we want from you, nor
thanks.”
Zakah: To save from being too late Normal charity is not compulsory. If one gives, gets reward but if one does not give does not
earn sins. That’s why many Muslims are not regular in giving charity. Some are not giving years
after year. Often they don’t give because:
They spend more than their needs,
They always choose luxury items,
They often spend much in competition with others,
They think they have never enough,
They choose a lifestyle for which they will never have enough and they will never be
able to give others.
As a result two things happens in them. They are:
a. Habit of not giving: They develop a habit of not giving in the cause of Allah.
Remember! In Quranic term “Stingy” means who do not spend in the way of Allah. But
they may spend for luxury holiday, for party, for showing off, for to be famous, for
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getting a name in the society. These people spend a lot when they like it but they do
not like to spend in the way of Allah for needy people or in the service of Deen. They
have wealth but they do not want to sacrifice their life style to accommodate other’s
needs.
True Muslims are opposite. They make a habit of giving in richness or in hardship. Allah
praised them for this habit and has promised Paradise for them in the Quran (3:133-
134):
“Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a Paradise whose width
is that of the heavens and of the earth, prepared for the God Fearing people-those
who spend (freely in the cause of Allah), whether there is plenty, or there is little;
who control anger, and pardon men: - Verily, Allah loves those who do good deeds.”
b. Giving when too late: So they use their wealth for their comfort and hobbies. Time
goes hardly they give charity for earning Paradise. Sometimes, if any calamity comes
they plan to give but because of the absence of habit they can’t. That’s how life goes
on and one day death overcome them. Then at the last moment when they realize
they may not survive, they start thinking to give but Alas! It is by then too late!
Allah says in the Quran that Muslims must give before death, before it is too late,
(63.10):
“And spend something (in charity) out of the sustenance that WE have bestowed on
you, before death should come to any of you and he should say, ‘My Lord! Why did
YOU not give me relief for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity,
and I should have been one of those who do good deeds’.”
Allah prescribed Zakah to save Muslims from both bad habits, the habit of not giving and the
habit of leaving the giving until too late. Zakah is compulsory on wealth, on animals stocks,
on gold and silver, on agricultural produce etc. This compulsion makes them to spend EVERY
YEAR or EVERY SEASON. With that regularity they get reminded to donate all the time and not
to leave the donating until it is too late. That reminder is a Mercy of Allah for the believers. It
saves them from falling into selfish attitude without sharing.
Zakah: To teach sacrifice for the best In this life people know that nothing comes easy. The more precious thing one wants the
more sacrifice he or she has to make. Suppose, if a student want to be a high earner in job.
What does he/she has to do to become a high earner in a best job. That student can’t sit down
doing nothing and expect the dream come true like fairy tale. For achieving a best well paid
job that students has to sacrifice time, energy, effort and money etc.
So it is a universal norm that to gain something one has to sacrifice something. Islam teaches
that fact to the Muslims. Islam reminds:
Do Muslim sacrifice their selfish desires for Allah’s Mercy?
Do Muslim sacrifice their comfort to obey Allah?
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Do Muslim sacrifice their life for the pleasure of Allah?
Do Muslim sacrifice their money to follow the command of Allah?
Do Muslim surrender their money, wealth to the will of Allah as well?
Because unless, they sacrifice everything for the obedience of Allah, Allah will not give them
the smell of Paradise. When a Muslim declares every day, “Ash hadu Allah Ilaaha Illallah!” (I
testify that there is no other gods worthy to be worshipped except Allah), he or she comes
into a contract agreement with Allah.
What is that contract? That contract is like selling and buying agreement. In buying and selling
agreement, you give something away to receive something. For example, you sacrifice your
hard work in return for some money. Similarly, with the contract with Allah, the believes
agrees to give up, or sacrifice his/her everything to the obedience of Allah and in return Allah
agrees to give paradise for that dedicated believer. The sacrifice includes life and wealth.
In other words, if the believer does not sacrifice wealth along with life and everything, then
he or she does not qualify to get Paradise. It is simple. There is no room for misunderstanding
in the contract between Allah and HIS servants. Allah never promised to grant Paradise for
people to believe only and not performing their duties as they should. If we ask ourselves a
simple question. If we make a contract with some people that they do not fulfil their duties,
then do we have to fulfil our part?
Allah (s.w.t) has also made the contract very clear that what a believer must give for Allah
(Sacrifice) and in return what exactly Allah will give. So believers must honour their
commitment in order to receive Allah’s commitment to them. Holy Quran describes that
contract, (9:111):
“Verily, Allah bought from the believers their persons and their wealth for (the price) that
for them (as a return) shall be the Paradise.”
In other words, believers has to sacrifice whatever Allah wants from them in return for the
Paradise. Sacrificing wealth for the happiness of others is a sacrifice Allah wants from the
believers to attain Paradise. Allah prescribed Zakah for the believers to teach them to sacrifice
from their wealth. Zakah teaches them that every cent they spend for the pleasure of Allah
will be the best investment for them in this life and in next life.
Zakah: For the welfare society What is a welfare society? A welfare society may mean the following:
Where everyone has basic needs,
Where every life is respected,
Where everyone cares for everyone,
Where everyone has right to earn,
Where the poor ones are supported to earn,
Where the unable earners are supported to live comfortably,
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Where 5 basic needs are provided such as, food, accommodation, clothes, education,
and health,
Where fairness, justice, equality, safety etc are taken care of etc.
Now, look at Zakah system! Zakah is collected from the wealthy to share it with the needy
people. Zakah is to remove poverty. Zakah is to provide food, shelter, clothes, jobs, and
education etc for those who either have nothing or whoever is struggling. Zakah is to make
poor rich with support and facilities.
Why Allah prescribed that beautiful system like Zakah? One of the answer is that Allah guides
mankind to establish welfare society. Allah wants mankind to be living in peace and
happiness. On the other hand, human selfishness destroys the happiness in human in any
given society.
Interestingly, Zakah has been a prescription from Allah on every prophets for their people.
One should wonder why? Some of the facts for it is as below:
It means, Islam prescribed for welfare society at first,
Islam introduced welfare system from the first man and prophet Hazrat Adam (a.s),
So welfare system was at first prescribed by Allah and was taught by HIS messengers,
It also means, Islam prescribes for a fair economy,
It means, Islam does not prescribe for too rich and too poor,
It means, Islam never allows one group of people to have too much and other to be
deprived,
It means, Islamic economy is very fair with moderation etc.
If we look at the Quranic verse about who shall get the Zakah, then it will clearly indicate how
Zakah aims for a welfare economy to look after the vulnerable in a society. Holy Quran
describes, (9:60):
“Charity are for the poor and needy, and those employed to manage the (funds): for those
whose hearts have turned (to belief recently); for those in slavery and in debt; and for the
cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (it is so) ordered by Allah and Allah is All Knowing, All
Wise.”
Now if we think again, how Islam teaches Muslims to look at poor and needy ones in the
society! Islam teaches to feel paying Zakah as a duty to Allah. Islam teaches to look after one
another as Allah’s creations without selfishness. Islam teaches to make a society happy and
healthy in all respect. That makes Zakah system very beneficial system for the society.
Zakah: For removing mean mindedness Human are in a constant battle. This battle is not with weapons to kill one another. This battle
is an inner battle in human souls. Human souls have two different elements. One is exactly
opposite to another. For example, selfishness and generosity.
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Selfishness is trying to enslave a person all the time. Even though selfishness has no guns to
force the person to be selfish but it has enough power to motivate the person towards it. On
the other hand, generosity is also present in a soul which is trying to dominate the person to
follow its way.
Therefore, two different trains in a soul are constantly in battle. That inner battle is always in
human souls. How one becomes winner? The winning depends on few things such as:
Faith: Faith in Allah makes the soul surrender to Allah. Faith makes a mind to obey
Allah’s commands. Faith makes the person feel satisfied following Allah’s code. Faith
motivates the person to follow Allah’s order for huge benefit such as paradise etc.
Allah’s Guidance: After Faith a person finds Allah’s guidance to follow. In that
guidance one finds which trait is good for him and which trait is bad for him. For
example, Allah’s guidance tells him that generosity is best for his own soul and
selfishness is worst for his own soul. Faith provides him an inner satisfaction in the
soul to be happy with Allah’s guidance. Then the faithful soul develops a love towards
the generosity and a disgust towards the selfishness.
Allah’s commands: Then a faithful one faces Allah’s order to pay Zakah, to pay charity
to make a habit of generosity through practical actions. Then faith joins with actions.
Or actions becomes a regular manifestation of the inner faith. As a result, the believer
gets used to giving with generosity and avoids selfishness.
Society: Then an Islamic society makes rules to pay Zakah on every wealthy Muslim.
This rule encourages a believer further to pay regularly without mistakes,
forgetfulness and carelessness. When there is a law and everyone else is paying, then
it becomes a motivation to be generous and to avoid selfishness etc.
These above factors make a person winner to be generous. But in the absence of the above,
one may find reasons to be selfish and selfishness will be winner in him or her.
Now, if we look at Zakah system in Islam, it comes with all the factors above to make a
stronger mind nourished with faith where the soul surrenders to the code of Allah and feels
satisfied to do what Allah recommends for it. Besides, that soul looks forward Paradise from
Allah for practicing the generosity. Also, that soul avoids selfishness from the fear of Allah’s
punishment should it practice selfishness.
Therefore, one of the objective of Zakah is to remove selfishness or mean mindedness from
Muslim’s hearts to achieve great success in Paradise. Holy Quran reminds that (64:16):
“And those saved from the selfishness for themselves; then they are the ones who achieve
success.”
Zakah: For solving social problems Allah merciful created human with good and bad in them for test. Then Allah did not leave
them in the darkness to hover around to destroy each other. Instead, Allah gave them
guidance.
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Allah’s guidance is a boundary between right and wrong, between fair and unfair, between
what is beneficial and what is harmful for the human. Holy Quran is a guidance for Human
welfare in this life and in next life. Holy Prophet’s teaching is also for the same reason. Allah
never charges money, nor HIS Messenger charged money for the guidance.
That guidance of Allah and teachings of Allah’s messenger is to solve human problems in every
aspect in their life. It solves their problems like:
It solves their identity crisis: It informs them their true origin, their creation process,
their identity (Men or monkeys), their status (Allah’s Ambassadors), their high honour,
what they should expect and what not etc.
It solves their problems with debate of purpose: Why they have been created, what
is the purpose of their creation, what are their duties in this life etc has been included
in Allah’s guidance to solve their inner confusions, doubts and uncertainty.
It solves about their job descriptions: Allah’s guidance dictates them what exactly
they should do, what exactly they should avoid, what action is good for them and what
action is bad for them and so on.
It solves their wrong guesses about future: Allah’s guidance informs them that there
is a next life, there is coming a Day of Judgment where they will be judged by Allah
about their actions in this life. It saves mankind from so many guesses about present
and future and put them into the right tract to act good deed and to be successful in
the life test and so on.
Mankind is given freedom to choose Allah’s guidance or not. Most people have rejected
Allah’s guidance and they are working very hard to solve their socio-economic problems in
their own ways. At present if we look at the world problems we see some of the followings:
Selfishness is being practiced widely,
Selfishness in marriage is breaking the marriages,
Selfishness in families are breaking the families,
Selfishness in jobs are encouraging people to take bribe and depriving consumers from
receiving their rights,
Selfishness in politics are destroying the fairness. Only those who are in power are
getting more depriving the rest,
Selfishness in banking has established complex interest system to make some very rich
and other very poor or bankrupt,
Selfishness in economic system has established capitalism by which wealth are
captured by only a few and the poverty is increasing day by day,
Selfishness in countries are pushing towards wars to capture other wealth and as a
result hunger, sickness, killing, refugees etc are increasing,
Selfishness is making everyone hungry to grab from others like robbing, hooliganism,
terrorism, mutiny, riots etc.
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Zakah is to solve human problems especially socio-economic problems. Zakah purifies human
mind from harmful traits and encourages human mind to share and care. When selfish
mentality changes into generous mentality then good things comes out like beautiful springs
by which social or economic problems gets washed away. Otherwise if people don’t share
then destruction is an obvious result as it is happening all over the world. Holy Quran warns,
(2:195):
“And from your wealth spend in the cause of Allah (Allah’s prescribed way), and make not
your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good (giving more generously to
empower the society): Because Allah loves those who do good deeds.”
Zakah: To save harm from human shortcomings What is human shortcomings? Human shortcoming is their inability to see far-reaching result
for getting what is best for them. Some of human shortcomings are like as below:
Human often has tunnel vision,
Human like to see what is close not far,
Human are hurried to get everything at once,
Human are impatient,
Human want to be rich overnight,
Human feel naturally generous to spend for own hobbies,
Human feel aversion to spend where Allah prescribes,
Human expect something in return when they give,
Human look for excuses for not to give in the ways of Allah,
Human have weak mind and Satan scare them when it comes to the giving in Allah’s
ways to the poor and needy etc.
For those shortcomings, human don’t want to give to the needy and the result back fires them
directly or indirectly. For example, when a person enjoys the whole cake alone, he or she
suffers from diarrhoea and others feels jealous, angry, hatred towards the eaters.
Similarly, in a society, when rich people do not give, then the number of poor increases giving
more stealing, robbery, occupation by force, bribery, anti-social activities increases, crimes
increases, and peace goes away.
So if Allah had left human to guide themselves with their own shortcomings, then they would
have looked everything with their narrow mindedness for their own destructions. But Allah
wanted to save the mankind from suffering caused by their own shortcomings. One of those
guidance is Zakah.
With Zakah Allah gave solutions in regards to money and wealth. Money is a powerful double
edged sword. If it used with right guidance then it brings enormous benefits for people but if
it is used with evil mind then it brings destruction and unhappiness among human. Zakah is
about money or wealth sharing. The solutions by Zakah are for example:
Zakah reminds Muslims that they are not owner of their wealth,
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Zakah removes selfishness from believer’s hearts,
Zakah cleans the giver and nourishes the receivers,
Zakah brings happiness in society and it brings joy in Paradise,
Zakah
Besides, Allah taught Muslims to help the poor, to share their wealth to the poor to improve
the society with a promise that Allah will give them best return for their giving. With that best
rewards Allah removes the short-sightedness in Muslims so that Muslims can come out of
their shortcomings. Allah’s promise in the Holy Quran is, (2:274):
“Those (who in charity) spend of their goods by night and day, in secret and in public, have
their reward with their Lord: On them shall there be no fear, and they shall not grieve.”
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Chapter 4: Principles of charity:
Charity only to please Allah Zakah is also a charity which trains Muslims to give charity in other forms as much as possible.
In fact, Islam teaches that every good deed is a charity for example:
Smiling when talking (without rudeness) is a charity,
Loving and caring is a charity,
Giving money is a charity,
Helping with work is a charity,
Building Mosque is a charity,
Advising the right is a charity,
Forbidding the wrong is a charity,
Removing a thorn from pathway is a charity,
Spending for own family is a charity,
Loving own husband or wife is a charity,
Reconciliation is a charity,
Teaching others Quran is a charity and so on.
In a word, every good deed is a charity or for every good deed the reward is like charity.
Hazrat Zabir (r.a) and Huzaifa (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Every good deed
is a charity.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Again what is the specialty in Islamic charity? What are the criteria about Islamic charity? Is
charity mentioned in the Quran or Hadis is same as charity known in the humanity? The
answer is, Islamic charity has conditions attached to it. Any giving or any good deed is not a
charity in the light of Quran. Islamic charity has special rewards as well for example:
Allah blesses on the one who gives charity or does good deeds,
Allah purifies the soul, attitude, character, and morality for those who gives charity,
Allah increases HIS bounties for those who gives charity,
Allah removes sins rom those who gives charity,
Allah grants Paradise for those who gives charity and so on.
But unless someone has fulfilled some conditions, it won’t be a charity in the Sight of Allah
and Allah won’t grant the reward either. What are those conditions involved with the charity?
Some of them are such as:
One must believe in Allah and everything else Allah commands to believe in,
One gives charity only to please Allah, not for any other intention,
One gives to get rewards from Allah only,
One gives according to the teachings of Allah’s messenger,
One gives only with Halal income, in Halal method etc.
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In this essay, the emphasis is given in one of the most important condition of giving for the
giving to be considered as charity in the Sight of Allah, and that one aspect is that charity (Or
Zakah) must be given to please Allah only. If the giver has any other intention apart from “For
the pleasure of Allah” then that giving won’t be accepted by Allah as charity and Allah won’t
grant any reward for that either.
Men can give for many other reasons such,
May give for own name,
May give for some kind of return,
May give in the name of Allah as well as in the name of a holy man,
May give get vote,
May give to advertise for business to get more customers,
May give for showing off,
May give for family pride,
May give to control others and so on.
So, unless Muslims give only to please Allah, it won’t be charity. If they give to please Allah
only then Allah has promised to grant them proper reward. Holy Quran confirms that, (2:272):
“Whatever good you give benefits your own souls, and you shall only do so hoping for the
(divine) Face of Allah (Allah’s pleasure). Whatever good you give, shall be brought back to
you and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.”
Charity without reminding Just think of a story. A man is picking fruits and putting them into his basket. But he did not
sew his bottom of basket. So he is working very hard to pick fruits but all the fruits are
dropping down resulting bruising and rotting. His hard work is ending in zero as a result.
Similarly, charity is like earning huge rewards but unless one makes sure that he or she
blocked all the holes then the charity rewards will be lost.
Therefore, any wise businessman would earn money and to secure that earning he would
avoid anything such things that would make his money to be lost. In charity Muslims have to
be wise because it can’t be taken for granted. Wrong actions with charity will make his/her
rewards of charity to be lost.
Allah Merciful has given full guidelines in the Holy Quran and then sent a Holy Messenger to
explain the Holy Quran. Why is that? That is to make sure, Muslims do not become bankrupt
businessmen (or Businesswomen). If they lose all rewards after giving charity then they will
be like bankrupt business people. They will become sad, losers and will borrow nothing but
sufferings. Allah wants them to avoid sufferings. That’s why in the Quran Allah included the
tips about what will make Muslim charity givers gainers as well as what will make Muslims
charity givers loser.
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So, Muslims must learn about what makes their charity or good deed rewards cancelled. If
they know, then they can avoid those wrong actions to avoid loss. At the end of the day, it
will be sad that they will give charity and they would receive nothing as reward from Allah
Merciful.
In this essay, I have chosen one of the bad habit that cancels the rewards of the charity. Allah
has made it very clear to the believers in HIS Quranic message. Allah has particularly called
HIS true believers with profound love and care to advise this most important piece of action
in their charity. So that believers could not say in the Day of Judgement “O Allah! We did not
know, no one told us.”
Allah called believers in the Holy Quran, (2:264):
“O you who believe! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity, or by injury-
Like those who spend what they own to be seen by men, but believe neither in Allah nor in
the Last Day.”
In the above verse, Allah has included couple of more bad habits that cancel the reward of
the charity such as:
After charity reminding the receivers like, “Hay! I gave you this or that! I want your
respect, help, loyalty etc”
After charity injuring the receivers like, “Verbal injury-abuse, inflicting suffering on
them for not supporting in giver’s bad deeds etc.”
Charity given to show off has no reward from Allah at all,
Charity given without true faith in Allah or Day of Judgment, may be for business gain
or to be famous etc.
Therefore, Muslims must be careful in their charity. For example a father earns Halal money
and spends for the necessary things for his children and his wife. If he does spend to please
Allah only and expects rewards from Allah then that spending becomes charity.
Hazrat Abu Mas’ud Ansari (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “When a Muslim
spend for his own family and expected reward for that spending from Allah, then it becomes
charity for him.” [Muttafaqun A’Laih]
But on top of it if he reminds his children harshly for his spending, beats his children and wife
for his help, forces them to do wrong or asks them to support his wrong just because they
depend on him financially then his deed of charity does lose the rewards of it.
Charity and kind words: Muslims may think about charity is different ways. Some ways are wrong and other ways are
right. Satan work hard to inject wrong thinking about charity or any other good deeds into
Muslim’s mind to destroy their rewards. Holy Quran describes wrong and right feeling about
charity, (Al Quran 2:268):
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“The Satan causes you to fear poverty and makes you act in a selfish way. Allah promises
you HIS forgiveness and (HIS) bounties, And Allah is Enough, All Knowing.”
In the verse above, we find how Satan injects wrong feelings about charity in Muslims. If they
take that satanic inspiration then they may feel wrongly about the charity as following as
example:
If I give charity, I might be poor,
If I give then how can I enjoy more,
If I give my family will have less,
If I give other will enjoy with my money or help,
Charity is a burden on me,
Why should I give others by cutting down my facilities etc?
On the other hands, in the verse above, we find how Allah guides Muslims to feel right feeling
about the charity for example:
Charity is a blessing on me not a burden,
Charity is a prescription of my Allah that I must obey,
Charity will give me forgiveness from Allah which is the best reward for me,
Charity will not reduce my things rather Allah will increase HIS bounties for me for my
charity,
I should give charity for Allah because HE is ENOUGH (Al-Waasi’) for granting
everything I need etc.
Now, how Muslims behave when they give charity depends on those inner feelings they have.
For example, if they have wrong feelings about charity then they behave wrongly following
their charity. But if they have right feeling about charity, then they behave rightly after their
charity. These inner feelings are most important and are called “Aqaed-The strong inner
faith”. If a true Muslim has strong inner faith then his/her charity must be with good manners
for rewards.
Therefore, the feeling (Inner faith) about the charity and the actions after charity both must
be in parallel according to the code of Allah. If there is contradiction, then one must be
alarmed that something is wrong. Often Muslims behave wrongly due to their ignorance of
Allah’s codes. They believed but did not equip them with right knowledge. Then Satan or
wrong tradition takes the opportunity to inject wrong feelings in them and as a result they do
wrong actions.
So, whether Muslims give charity or can’t afford, in both cases they must maintain nice,
gentle, kind manner to make sure that they are not hurting the feeling of the receivers by
their harsh, abusive talks and gestures.
Islam teaches Muslims to change their feeling and attitudes completely. It teaches that charity
is not just giving but charity is sometimes without giving. Such as behaving good, smiling when
talking, talking gently and nicely, wishing well for the poor ones, giving advices to needy,
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giving encouragement to the help seekers, and so on to make the help seeker’s life better, or
to make the help seeker feel happy.
Therefore, Muslim’s feelings must be sympathetic towards others. Out of that sympathy
Muslims must be kind in talking, must be smiley in talking, and must be positive in their
manner to others and so on. Besides, these good feeling and behaving saves their charity
rewards from lost. (2:263):
“Kind words and the overlooking of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah
is Free of all wants, (and HE is) Most Forbearing.”
Charity giving secretly Charity can be given openly as well. But charity given secretly is the best option. Why is it the
best option? The reason is as following:
For the acceptance of the charity there are some very important conditions we have already
discussed in the essays above. Some of those conditions are:
a. Charity must be given only for the pleasure of Allah: Open charity may allure Muslims
to show favour to others, or others may praise him/her for the charity and as human
there might come some ego, pride for giving which will cancel the rewards of charity.
So if one gives secretly, then no one knows and no other trials come on his/her way.
Therefore giving charity secretly is safe as far as securing reward concern.
b. Charity not for showing off: Open charity may in case bring a feeling to be seen by
others that I am giving charity. Showing off feeling burns the rewards down. Open
charity may bring the issue of name and fame, or expecting respects from others etc.
Those expectations cancels the rewards for the charity. On the other hands, charity in
secret has none of those risk involved. If I give secretly then no one will know and I
won’t be subjected to the trial of showing off, name or fame or rest etc. Again, it is
safer as far as securing reward concern.
c. Charity without reminder and injury: Reminding the receiver of charity or causing
injury to the receiver after giving charity usually happens when the giver knows to
whom he/she is giving and also the receiver knows from whom he or she is receiving.
That happens if the charity is given openly. But with secret charity the chance of those
wrong behaviour after charity is rare. Therefore, secret charity is the best options to
secure the rewards of charity.
In the Holy Quran, Allah has recommended secret charity as better option and that option is
the best for the charity giver as far as reward concern. Allah says in the Glorious Quran,
(2:271)):
“You may mention the (acts of) charity, however, it is better, if you do not talk about them,
and make them reach those (who are really) in need: That is best for you; It will remove
from you some of your (stains of) evil, And Allah is well Informed of what you do.”
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It should be noted, in this verse Allah did not prohibit giving charity openly but Allah said that
secret giving is better.
In a Hadis, we find that Allah loves three types of persons. (One of those types are):
“The person donates with right hand keeping it secret from the left hand.” [Tirmidi]
This Hadis also supports the Quranic verse above. Some Muslims are so secretive about their
charity because they want to avoid any little chance of name or fame or showing off etc in
their charity. They want not to take any risk and they want to do it only for the pleasure of
Allah so that they can expect its rewards from Allah only.
Charity with the best things Satan inspires people not to give charity at all. Satan inspires them to be selfish and stingy.
But when Muslims do not listen to the satanic inspiration and they give charity then Satan
comes with different tricks. Satan is a master of tricks, lies, and deception.
So he comes with another idea which is, “Ok you give! But keep the good stuff for yourself
and give the bad stuff for others. That way your charity is done and your comfort is secured.”
Some Muslim might fall into this trap. They may start thinking, such as:
I will give away old clothes as charity,
I will give away my unused goods as charity,
I will give low quality food as charity,
I will give fatty part of the meat as charity, keeping the best meat for myself,
I will give away stale rice which I or my family should not eat as charity,
I will give expired food items as charity,
I will give the low quality agricultural produce as charity, keeping the best produce,
fruits for my family etc.
This mentality has been injecting into human mind by Satan for all the time. Some took it and
some true Muslims rejected it. For example, two sons of Adam (a.s) namely Habil and Qabil
were commanded to present sacrifice. Habil presented a best sheep for sacrifice for the sake
of Allah and Qabil presented the worst produce as sacrifice. Allah accepted Habil’s sacrifice
but did not accept Qabil’s sacrifice. Holy Quran describes this true story for lessons, (Quran
5.27):
“Read to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. When each presented a
sacrifice (to Allah): It was accepted from one, but not from the other.”
So, one of the main lesson from charity is to remove selfishness (stinginess) from Muslim’s
mind. But if they give charity with low quality goods then their minds are still polluted with
selfishness and stinginess. So what have they learnt from charity then?
Allah does not take the charity. Allah looks at the heart of the charity giver whether that heart
loves for others what he or she loves for himself or herself. Allah accepts charity from the
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righteous hearts and righteous hearts are free from narrow mindedness, selfishness and
stinginess.
In other words, charity must be given from the best stuff one has, not the low quality stuff. If
one gives charity from fruits, he should not keep the best fruits for himself by giving the worse
fruits to others. Muslims gives charity for the pleasure of Allah. So would they give worse stuff
to Allah? Would they aspect best Paradise from Allah with their worst stuff as charity? Does
giving worst stuff in charity sounds good or rude? It sounds very mean manner towards Allah,
in the name of Allah and with the creation of Allah. It is not good at all.
That’s why Allah calls HIS true believers to give charity with the best things and from the Halal
things. (Al-Quran 2:267):
“O you who believe! Give from the good things which you have (honourably) earned, and
of the fruits of the earth which WE have produced for you, and do not even receive anything
bad (or dishonourable), in order that you give away a part of it; something, when you
yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes, And know that Allah is Free of all
wants, and Worthy of all Praise.”
So Muslims must give the things they love most as charity for the best rewards from Allah.
Holy describes, (3: 92):
“By no means shall you reach righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love;
and whatever you give, truly, Allah knows it well.”
Allah even knows the feeling in the heart whether one gives charity from his best things with
happy heart or not. Therefore, for Muslims own good, they must give anything as charity with
the best. For example:
If anyone seek advice give best advice,
If anyone learns from you give the best knowledge possible,
If anyone needs help give the best help you can,
If anyone come for a feed, give the best food possible,
If you help flood victims with clothes give the best clothes possible,
If you want to give gift to anyone give best according to your affordability,
If you pray for anyone, make best dua from your heart and soul,
If you deal with anyone give the best deal possible,
If you have a family give your best manner to them,
If you support a good cause give best support possible etc.
All the good deeds are sadaqah (Charity). That’s why give best and expect best rewards from
Allah. That’s the simple message from Allah All Wise.
Charity in real need only Who deserves to receive the charity? That is the issue in this essay. Charity is for the ones
who are in need. What it means? It means some of the following:
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Receiving for luxury is not considered as real need,
Receiving for wasting is not called real need,
Receiving to be spoiled is not real need,
Needing charity to do wrong things is not real need,
Receiving charity to support Haram actions is not real need,
Receiving charity to help anti-Islamic actions is not real need,
Rich people are not in need for charity,
Receiving charity for indulging drugs, alcohol is not real need etc.
If the charity is given where there is no real need then that charity is not accepted. Therefore,
charity giver must be careful to whom they are giving charity. Are they in real need or are
they not. Charity is pure giving and pure giving is not allowed to be used in sinful things.
Charity is given to help someone with basic needs. If charity is given to promote sinful things
or to support sinful things then the giver will be judged by Allah for misusing the charity. For
example,
A man earns money for his family in Halal way,
Then he spend his money for his family for the pleasure of Allah,
Then he expects rewards from Allah as well,
But he overspends for his family by which his family members waste money, lead a
luxurious life, becomes arrogant with money, squanders money in un-necessary
things, use money for drugs, use money for giving bribes to occupy other’s land etc,
Then his money won’t be considered as charity. Even though his intention is good, his
expectation for rewards is good and his earning is good still it is not a charity and he
won’t receive charity reward. The main reason for that is, his charity is not used in real
need but it was used to promote sinful Haram actions like extravagance, waste, drugs
etc.
For example, Allah has prohibited Muslims to spend more than necessary as extravagance
because extravagance is Haram, sinful. So spending in sinful thing is not considered as charity.
Allah commands in the Holy Quran, (17: 26-27):
“And give the relatives their due rights, and (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer:
But do not waste (your wealth) like an extravagant person. Surely, wasters are brothers of
the Satan’.”
Charity is a noble act. It is done in the name of Allah, to the pleasure of Allah and to receive
rewards from Allah. Charity is to promote all the righteous actions not to promote all the
sinful actions. Charity is to purify the moral character of the people not to pollute their
character. Allah never accepts satanic characters to be promoted with charity. Therefore,
charity must be given where and when exactly is it needed within the code of Allah in a
righteous way.
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That way, one can make sure that his spending is real charity and he is going to get reward
for it Insha Allah. So Muslims must not think that they can give their charity anywhere they
like. No! It has to be given according to Islamic guidelines.
Because, Allah will judge everyone about what they are given by HIM. Allah gives money,
capacity or ability as a test. With it Allah tests people whether they spend those things
according to HIS prescription or not. If they follow their own selfish desires, or satanic
inspiration or their father’s wrong ways then they fail in the test.
So even though, charity is a good thing, but charity given in wrong ways will have bad
consequences in the Day of Judgment. Allah will question about HIS blessings and Muslims
must act rightly to avoid the questioning.
Who should not ask for charity? Muslims also have to be careful before asking for charity whether they are qualified for it or
not. Charity sounds free and anyone may ask for it but that asking is not free from
consequences in the Day of Judgment. For example, Muslims are not allowed to take charity
for following reasons:
Deliberately to stay unemployed to take charity,
Lie about their health to get the charity,
Hide true information to get the charity,
Declare false financial condition to qualify for the charity,
Like to take charity as part of the greed,
Like laziness despite the ability and opportunity of working and earning for receiving
charity,
Like to depend on family earners to do nothing and squandering money with charity
he receives from earning member of the family,
Wants to use charity money for crime, drugs, alcohol drinking and so on.
For sinful reasons, for cheating, for becoming lazy and irresponsible one must not take charity.
Because taking charity for bad reasons is a serious crime in the court of Allah. For example, I
shall cite few hadis in below:
1. Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Whoever asks for
help from others (Charity) to increase wealth (Not due to real basic needs but for
more), surely that person asks for burnt charcoal (Fire). Whether he asks for little or
more.” [Muslim]
2. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Omar (r.a) narrated that holy prophet (s.a.w) said: “People will
always ask from others! As a result the Day of Judgment will come, when they will
have no flesh in their faces.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
3. Hazrat Ibn Omar (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “The upper hand is
better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the donor and the lower hand is the
receiver.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
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4. Hazrat Hunshee Ibn Junaadah (r.a) narrated that Holy prophet (s.a.w) said: “Asking
(Charity) is not Halal for the persons who have no poverty, nor for the non-disable
able men except the two types: (1) Very much in poverty and (2) Burdened with
humiliating debt.” [Tirmidi]
5. Hazrat Haqeem Ibn Hijaam (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) told him:
“Haqeem, remember! This wealth (charity) is like green sweet grass. Whoever will
take it without greed, blessing will be given to him, but whoever will take it with
greed, blessing will not be given for him and he will be like that person, who eats yet
never gets satisfaction.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
So Muslims should not be greedy for free money. It may be free money in this life, but it is
not free from Allah’s Judgment in the next life. Muslims should not lie, cheat, manipulate,
falsify, make false declarations and so on for money because Allah will Judge them about it.
Charity begins at home Muslims are supposed to be mercy for the mankind. They should be sympathetic towards
every creation of Allah including animal, insects etc. Their kindness should reach everyone
who deserves help. But the question is where should they begin giving their charity? Which
sequence should they follow in charity giving?
For example, should they keep their family hungry for giving food to others? This question
was raised to the Holy prophet (s.a.w). It was a very important question to find out the proper
system Islam has introduced about charity. Let us look at that question from a long hadis. I
shall mention only the relevant part.
Hazrat Zainab (r.a) narrated, once I and an Ansari woman sent Hazrat Bilal (r.a) to holy
prophet (s.a.w) to say, ‘Two women are waiting at the door and asking that, would that be
considered as charity (Sadaqah) if they give it to their husbands (Poor husbands) and their
adopted Orphans?’
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Yes, for them double rewards. One reward for looking after kin
and another reward for Sadaqah (charity).” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
With this teaching, we find that Islam is actually teaching to begin charity from home. Islam
made a nice system by which one can practice charity as priority basis. For example:
The able one is made responsible for his or her close ones,
The unable one is given a right on the close able ones,
Helping the poor family is given higher status of charity with double rewards,
Islam encouraged family units as important, if every human is taking care of his or her
own family then any society can combat poverty and hunger,
After fulfilling the family need, then relatives, neighbours, community, society and
then the whole word needs to be looked after. Islam gave a beautiful priority list to
combat the needs of total society.
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Holy Prophet (s.a.w) taught to begin charity from home.
Hazrat Abu Huraira and Haqeem Ibn Hijaam (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“The best charity (Sadaqah) is which is given with affordability (One should not beg, steal,
rob to give or one has to beg if gives everything) and you should begin giving (Sadaqah)
from the dependant family members.” [Bukhari]
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) taught that spending for own family is also considered charity (sadaqah).
Hazrat Abu Mas’ud Ansari (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“When a Muslim spends for his own (dependant) family and hopes the rewards for it from
Allah, then that spending becomes Sadaqah (Charity) for him/her.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Holy prophet (s.a.w) taught that spending for dependent children is also Sadaqah.
Hazrat Umme Salama (r.a) was a widow with children. Then later she married Holy Prophet
(s.a.w). Once she asked, O Messenger of Allah! If I spend for the children of Abu Salama
(Her martyred Husband), will that be rewarding? These are my children anyway. Holy
Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“Spend for them! Whatever amount you will spend for them the reward will be
accordingly.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) explained about the charity given to the poor and relatives as following.
Hazrat Sulaiman Ibn Aamir (r.a) narrated that Holy prophet (s.a.w) said:
“Charity to the poor is only charity, and giving charity to the relatives is charity as well as
maintaining kinship.” [Ahmed. Tirmidi. Nasaee. Ibn Maazah. Daremy]
Holy prophet (s.a.w) taught even who from the neighbour should be given priority.
Hazrat Ayesha (r.a) narrated, once she asked, O Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbours.
From them to which one I should give gift to (As priority)? He (s.a.w) said: “The neighbour
whose door is closest to you (start giving from there)” [Bukhari]
Charity with moderation In Islam everything has to be in moderation. For example, in charity one has to remember the
following:
That he is not giving excessively resulting he will suffer,
That he is not giving excessively resulting his family will suffer,
That he is not giving excessively resulting he has to beg,
That he is not giving excessively resulting his family has to beg,
That he is not giving excessively resulting his wife and daughter must turn to bad guys
for help,
That he is not giving excessively resulting his freedom of religious action has to be
compromised for working for anti-religious employer,
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That he is not giving excessively resulting humiliation, sadness, poverty, losing peace
in prayer and worshipping Allah etc.
On the other hand, about charity, one has to remember the following:
That he is not feeling stingy about giving charity,
That he is not feeling selfish about giving charity,
That he is giving charity reluctantly,
That he is giving charity with conditions that suits him,
That he is not giving charity at all,
That he is not possessive about wealth which stops him giving charity,
That he is not giving worst produce in charity,
That is he is not neglecting his duty in giving charity,
That he does not have a habit of giving little or more according to his affordability etc.
Therefore, in charity giving too less or giving too much is not right. It has to be moderate
depending on capacity. This moderation is the teaching is Islam. This moderation is
emphasized in the Quran and hadis. I shall just refer to couple of verse from the Holy Quran,
(17: 29):
“And do not make your hand tied to your neck (like a miser), nor push it out to its longest
reach, so that you become worthy of blame and being penniless.”
So in the verse stinginess and extravagance both extreme has been condemned. Then in
another verse Allah makes the moderation rule very clear, (Quran 25: 67):
“And those who, when they spend are not wasteful and not miserly, but hold a fair (Balance
with moderation) between those (Limits).”
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Chapter 5: Facts and rules for Zakah
Order to pay Zakah in the Holy Quran Zakah is a very important worship. Allah (s.w.t) commanded in the Quran to pay Zakah. In this
essay we shall look at few verses from the Holy Quran in regards to the commands of Allah
about Zakah Insha Allah!
Zakah from Halal Income Zakah is to purify the pure wealth. Haram wealth is like coal, you can’t remove the colour of
it no matter how many times you wash it. From a white cloth if you remove stain then the
original whiteness comes back. Similarly, not paying Zakah on Halal income is a stain which
must be removed by Zakah. Therefore, Zakah is on Halal income. Islam neither allows haram
income nor allows Zakah on Haram income.
Besides the Halal income, Zakah must be given with the best things. For example, if you have
Nisaab amount of fruits, then you are not allowed to give the rotten ones as Zakah keeping
the best ones for yourself. Zakah must be with the best produce whether it is vegetables,
fruits and so on that grows on the land. Allah commands Muslims about this fact in the Holy
Quran 2:267:
“O you who believe! Give (Zakah) from the good things which you have earned, and of the
fruits of the earth which WE have produced for you, and do not even receive anything bad,
in order that you may give away a part of it; something, when you yourselves would not
receive it except with closed eyes, and know that Allah is Free of all wants, and Worthy of
all Praise.”
Zakah from crops: Any crops grows in the land has Zakah on it. For crops one year staying with owner is not
applicable. This Zakah is seasonal. Whenever the crops is harvested if the amount of crops
reaches to Nisaab amount, then Zakah must be paid on that. Holy Quran describes as follows
(5.141):
“And it is HE, WHO produces gardens, with trellises and without (trellises), and date-palms,
and crops with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and
different (in variety): Eat from their fruit in their season, but give the dues (Zakah) that are
proper on the day that the harvest is gathered.”
Zakah from gold and silver: Zakah is compulsory on gold and silver if they reach Nisaab amount. Gold and silver can be in
ornaments, or saved, or on goods-furnitures, or in minerals and so on. Holy Quran describes
(9:34):
“And there are those who bury gold and silver and do not spend it in the Way of Allah:
Declare to them a most painful penalty.”
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Zakah for purifying wealth from sins: Zakah is not a burden but a beneficial thing for the believers. With Zakah a believer pay:
Allah’s rights on his wealth,
Allah’s servant’s right on his wealth,
Own rights to be blessed, purified for Paradise etc.
Allah (s.w.t) commands HIS holy prophet to collect Zakah (to teach them) so that they and
their wealth become purified from filth. (Al-Quran 9:103):
“From their goods (you) take charity (Zakah), like this you might purify and cleanse them
holy.”
Zakah from other things are mentioned in Hadis. For example, hidden treasures, minerals,
sheep, goats, cattle, buffalo, camel etc.
Who must pay Zakah?
We know that Zakah is not compulsory (Fard) on everyone to pay. It is compulsory on certain people. Zakah becomes compulsory if certain conditions are fulfilled. To understand those, let us break things down to make is easier Insha Allah!
Zakah: It is a charity (almsgiving) for worshipping Allah for those who have Nisaab amount of wealth.
Nisaab: It is the minimum amount of wealth which makes one liable to pay Zakah. The details about Nisaab on different things are coming up later. But for example, Nisaab amount (minimum) for gold is 85 Gram. The Nisaab amount (minimum) for silver is 560 Grams.
Zakah on excess: After all the expenses, debt if one has Nisaab amount or more saving then Zakah must be given on that and,
One whole year saving: If the Nisaab amount or more is saved with the person for whole year then Zakah must be paid. But if the savings was for a part of year then Zakah is not compulsory. Hazrat Ibn Omar (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Whoever earned wealth, no Zakah will apply on it until one full year is passed.” [Tirmidi]
But one year does not apply on agricultural produces, minerals or hidden treasures. When they are received, Zakah must be paid if it has Nisaab amount in it. Besides, Zakah is compulsory on the basis of following conditions:
He/she is a an adult-sane-Muslim,
Wealth is fully owned by him/her
Wealth is same as Nisaab amount or more (Clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars, business equipment, machineries are not in Nisaab. These are basic needs. But rental income, business income will be calculated for Nisaab)
Possessed for a full Lunar year (Except minerals or crops, they are seasonal)
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Wealth that increases. For example, if a car for personal use—no Zakah, but if the car is used for business then Zakah is from that earnings. [Taken from Mishqat, Baab- Zakah]
From which goods Zakah needs to be paid? On 6 types of goods Zakah is applicable. They are as following:
Food stuff: It includes all the crops that grows in land such as fruits, rice, vegetables etc.
Domestic animals: They are goat, sheep, camel, cattle, buffalo etc.
Gold stuff: Row gold or ornament or any type of gold product etc.
Silver stuff: Silver, silver ornament, silver product etc.
Minerals: Any minerals from under the ground (Rikaaj).
Business incomes: From business income.
Following are some Hadises about the above goods. I shall only mention one hadis on each
good to keep the size of this essay short Insha Allah!
Hadis on food stuff: Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Omar (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“The land that grows crops with rain form sky, running water from well or water from canal
(river), from that produce (Zakah) is 1/10th (once the produce has minimum Nisaab
amount), but if the owner has to water it (by irrigation) then the Zakah is 1/20th.” [Bukhari]
(Hanafi thought is, any crops grows in land is either 1/10th or 1/20th whether longer lasting
produce, vegetables or not. But Shafi thought is, no Zakah on temporary shorter lasting
vegetables=Mishqat)
Hadis on silver: Hazrat Ali (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Then you must pay
Zakah on silver.” [Tirmidi. Abu Dawood]
Hadis on minerals: Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “In Rikaaj
Zakah is 1/5th” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
(Imam Abu Hanifa’s opinion is any mineral or treasure is Rikaaj. But other Imam’s opinion-
hidden treasure is Rikaaj. So Hanafi thought is from anything under the ground 1/5th but the
only exception is gold and silver 1/40th=Mishqat)
Hadis on gold-silver ornaments: Hazrat Zainab, wife of Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (r.a) said, Once
Holy Prophet (s.a.w) advised us and said: “O women! Give Sadaqah (Zakah) even though
from your ornaments.” [Tirmidi]
(Hanafi thought is, Zakah must be given on ornaments as soon as it reaches the Nisaab
amount. Imam Shafi and Ahmed thought is, no Zakah on used ornaments=Mishqat).
Hadis on business goods: Hazrat Samura Ibn Jundoob (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w)
used to advise us to pay Zakah on whatever we prepare for sale (Business).” [Abu Dawood]
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Quran on Gold and Silver: (9:34): “And those who bury gold and silver and do not spend it
in the way of Allah (Zakah): Declare to them a most painful penalty.”
Hadis on domestic animal: Hazrat Anas (r.a) narrated, Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a) instructed the
Governor for Bahrain: (I shall cite the relevant parts from this long Hadis):
Zakah on camel,
Goat,
Sheep. [Bukhari]
Cattle [Au Dawood. Tirmidi. Nasaee. Daremy]
Note: Any point in which Imams have different opinions, please talk to experts in Fiqh if you
are not sure about it. My opinion is, we should follow minimum mentioned in hadis for Zakah
for two reasons: (a) to be on the safe side, and (2) to earn rewards from Allah.
Rate for Zakah:
Who fixed Zakah rate? The answer is, Allah fixed the Zakah rate. Allah informed HIS Messenger Muhammad (s.a.w) through Angel Gabriel and holy messenger (s.a.w) taught the rate of Zakah to his companions. So let us go through the rate of different goods in below: For Silver: Hazrat Ali (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Give Zakah on silver from 40 Dirham just one Dirham” [Tirmidi. Abu Dawood] 1/40th is 2.5%. So for Silver, Gold, or money, Zakah is 2.5%. For Mineral: Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “1/5th (20%) Zakah is in Rikaaj.” [Muttafaqun A’laih] For mineral 1 year period does not apply. According to Hanafi thought, for any mineral or hidden treasure 20% but the only exception is Gold or Silver which is 2.5%. [Mishqat] For sheep and goat: According to Hadis narrated by Hazrat Anas (r.a) the rate is as following:
For 40-120= 1 animal to pay as Zakah. Less than 40 no Zakah to pay
121-200=2 animal to pay
201-300=3 animal to pay,
thereafter for every hundred 1 animal to pay
No Zakah below 40 goat or sheep. [Bukhari]
For camel: According to Hadis narrated by Hazrat Anas (r.a) the rate is as following:
For 4 camel no Zakah, (5 is Nisaab)
5-24 camel=1 goat or sheep for every 5 camels
25-35 camel=a female camel age 2 years
36-45 camel= a female camel age 3 years
46-60 camel= a pregnant female camel age 4 years
61-75 camel=a female camel aged 5 years etc. [Bukhari]
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For cattle (Cow, Bull, Buffalo): Holy Prophet (s.a.w) instructed Mu’az Ibn Zabal when sending him in Yemen as Governor (as following):
Every 30 cattle=one year old cattle male or female,
Every 40 cattle=2 year old cattle male or female. [Abu Dawood. Tirmidi. Nasaee. Daremy]
For crops or vegetables: Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Omar (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said (the following):
Crops, Vege produced with (Without irrigation) rain, running well or river water=1/10th (10% U’shor)
But with irrigation half of U’shor =1/20th (5%) [Bukhari] For crops 1 year period does not apply. Once it is gained Nisaab amount, then Zakah must be paid on that. Imam Shafi school of thought: Only to pay for longer lasting produce, not for temporary. Imam Hanafi school of thought: Must pay for both temporary and permanent produces. [Mishqat].
On what goods no Zakah? There are few things that Zakah is not on them. Allah has excused Muslims from those things.
Some of those things are listed below:
Food less than 5 Awsaq: 5 wasaq is roughly 750kg. So for food, rice, crops, fruits, and
vegetables the Nisaab (Minimum amount for Zakah) is 750 kg. For example, Hazrat Abu Saeed
Khudri (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “No Zakah on less than 5 Awsaq dates.”
[Muttafaqun A’laih]
In another Hadis it includes any agricultural produce. Hazrat Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a) narrated
that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “No Zakah on any crops and dates until the amount reaches
5 Awsaq.” [Nasaee]
Silver less than 5 Awaaq: 5 Awaaq silver is roughly minimum 560 grams. Less than that
amount has no Zakah. Hazrat Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“No Zakah on less than 5 Awaaq Silver.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Based on Silver calculation, the gold Nisaab is minimum 85 grams. Less than that amount has
no Zakah.
The Nisaab for Gold and Silver is as in the following chart:
Nisaab Grams (Hanafi) Gram (Shafi) Gold 87.48 85 Silver 612.36 560
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Camel less than 5: For less than 5 camel Zakah is not applicable. Hazrat Abu Sayeed Khudri
(r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “No Zakah on less than 5 camels.” [Muttafaqun
A’laih]
Horse for transport: Horse as a transport has no Zakah on it. It is considered as a basic needs.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “No Zakah on Horse for a
Muslim” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Camel or cattle for work: If camel or cattle are used for work, or cultivation then they are for
basic needs, not for business. On them no Zakah. Imam Abu Hanifa, Shafi, Ahmed (r.a) said:
Cattle or camel for agricultural work or transportation has no Zakah. [Mishqat] According to
a Hadis narrated by Haris A’war from Hazrat Ali (r.a) that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “There is
no Zakah on cattle or camel for work.” [Abu Dawood]
Sheep or goat less than 40: The minimum number of Nisaab for sheep or goat is 40. Hazrat
Anas (r.a) narrated Hadis that Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a) instructed the Governor for Bahrain, that
“Zakah for sheep or goat, for every 40-120, one goat is Zakah.” [Bukhari]
Cattle less than 30: If cattle or Buffalo numbers are less than 30 then no Zakah because Nisaab
number is 30. Holy Prophet (s.a.w) instructed Hazrat Mu’az Ibn Zabal (r.a) to take Zakah if
“For Cattle Zakah in each 30, one year old calf.” [Abu Dawood. Tirmidi. Nasaee. Daremy]
Machineries in business: No Zakah on furniture, machineries, tools etc in a business. But
income from those has Zakah on it if the income reaches the Nisaab amount profit. [In
Mishqat from Nizam e Zakah]
Not matured child: Zakah is not Fard on immature child. It is not essential for the child’s
guardian to pay Zakah on his or her behalf. [Mishqat form Hidaya]
House, clothes etc: House for living, furniture, clothes, working tools, cattle for farming etc
has no Zakah on them. Because they are included in the basic needs. [Mishqat from Shamee]
Business building, ship, trucks etc: For business buildings, ships, boat, cars, etc has no Zakah
on them. From those whatever income comes, if the income reach Nisaab amount then Zakah
is payable on the income. [Decision of Ulema in Cairo 1385, Mishqat]
Who can receive Zakah? Who can receive Zakah? Who determines about the receivers of Zakah? The answer is that
Allah has decided to who Zakah can be paid. There is no room for any Muslims to change the
rules about it. Because it is already fixed by Allah Almighty.
In the Holy Quran, Allah ordered about the type of receivers. Holy Quran describes: (9:60):
“Charity (Zakah) are for the poor (Fuqaraa) and the needy (Masakeen), and those employed
to manage the fund (A’amileen); for those whose hearts have turned to faith (Muallafatul
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Quloob); for those in slavery, and in debt; and for (fighters in) the cause of Allah; and for
the wayfarer: (It is so) ordered by Allah.”
So according to this verse above, there are 8 categories of people eligible to receive Zakah.
One can pay Zakah to any one of the 8 categories or more. Little more description about them
is given below:
1. Poor (Faqeer): One who has not enough for basic needs like food, clothes, living
arrangements etc. Even to the point that he or she has to beg for living.
2. Needy (Miskeen): Also has not got enough but out of gentleness does not ask any one
for help. From outside you would not notice that they are really struggling. Zakah giver
should look for these people and give Zakah to them because they do not express their
neediness.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“That person is not a Miskeen, who goes door to door and returns home if he/she
gets one or two morsel of food or one or two dates. The real Miskeen is he/she, who
has not enough means, yet not known (for his/her silence), so that no one gives
his/her charity and he/she does not beg (ask) others for help.”[Muttafaqun A’laih]
3. Employees of Zakah department: Islamic state need to employ Muslims to collect and
manage Zakah funds. These employees are eligible to receive Zakah as salary. So their
salary would come from Zakah fund.
4. New Muslims: New Muslims break their ties with Non-Muslims which put them into
disadvantageous situation sometimes. Some may suffer financially, job loss, business
loss etc. They need help. From Zakah money help can be given to them. After Hunain
battle Holy Prophet (s.a.w) gave help to new Muslims from war booty.
5. Freeing slave: In this age there is no slavery but some scholars say, if someone pay fee
freeing the innocent people placed in prison from Zakah money, it can be given so.
6. Paying for the one who is in debt: If the person has no money to pay the debt then
Zakah can be given to pay off the debt. But if someone has money and borrows more
to make money Zakah is not for them. Also, scholars say, if some is in debt for sinful
reasons, or has borrowed money for sinful reasons then Zakah is not for that person.
Zakah is pure and it is not to encourage people to continue committing sins with Zakah
money.
7. In the Way of Allah: It has very wide meaning. But it applies especially for the fighters
in Holy Battles.
8. Wayfarer: During travelling or journey someone has lost money and has become poor.
Even though that traveller is rich at his or her home but suddenly in trouble abroad.
In this case they can get Zakah money to overcome their problem.
All these 8 categories are eligible to receive Zakah. So if any Muslim needs to pay Zakah, look
for these categories. You can pay all your Zakah to one category or you can divide your Zakah
money to pay to more than one category.
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Paying or receiving Zakah is for Muslims only: Why Zakah is for Muslims only? Some reasons are given below for our easy understanding:
a. 3rd pillar: Islam has 5 pillars and Zakah is the 3rd pillar of Islam. 5 pillars are only for
those who accepted Islam, surrendered themselves to the will of Allah. Non-Muslims
do not believe in Islam. Therefore Zakah rule does not apply on them.
b. No compulsion: Islam never impose its rules on non-Muslims. People come into Islam
voluntarily and once they come in, they chose to follow the rules of Islam like Zakah.
But for Non-Muslim, as they are not in Islam, therefore Zakah rule does not apply on
them. Holy Quran describes, (2:256):
“Let there be no force (or compulsion) in religion.”
c. Only Muslims pay Zakah: Zakah is compulsory on Muslims who have required amount
of wealth. It is not on the non-Muslims. Allah ordered HIS Holy Messenger to collect
Zakah from Muslim’s wealth to purify them. Holy Quran describes, (Al-Quran 9:103):
“From their goods (you) take charity (Zakah), like this you might purify and cleanse
them holy.”
d. Zakah is paid to Muslims only: For Non-Muslims poor persons, Sadaqah (donations,
charity) can be given and should be given. But for Zakah the rule is, that it can be given
to Muslims only.
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “------------ If
they accept that then tell them that Allah made Zakah compulsory on them, which
will be collected form their rich ones and will be given to their poor ones.”
[Muttafaqun A’laih]
Who are not allowed to take Zakah? There are prohibition about who can take Zakah. Even though they are poor but still they are
not allowed to take Zakah. Who are those special groups? We shall go through some of them
here in this essay Insha Allah!
a. Holy Prophet (s.a.w) and his family: Zakah was not for Holy Messenger of Allah. He
did not take Zakah. Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that once Hazrat Hasan Ibn Ali
(r.a=he was the grandson of Prophet S.a.w) put a date from Zakah in his mouth. Seeing
that Holy prophet (s.a.w) said: Kho, Kho, for which he (child Hasan) dropped that date.
Then he (s.a.w) said:
“Grandson! Don’t you know! We do not eat Zakah.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Hazrat Abdul Muttalib Ibn Rabia (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“This Zakah is nothing but the dirt of people’s wealth; so it is not Halal for
Muhammad and Muhammad’s family.” [Muslim]
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b. Holy prophet’s tribe: Bonu Hashim is Holy prophet’s tribe. They are also not eligible
to take Zakah. Hazrat Abu Rafe’ (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“For us (Bonu Hashim tribe) Zakah is not Halal.” [Tirmidi, Abu Dawood, Nasaee]
Note: This is an excellent example from Holy prophet (s.a.w) and his family. He taught
that charity was allowed for all others except him and his family-relatives. It shows, he
was not after money, selfishness, greed and so on. If he wanted money then through
Zakah he (s.a.w) could have become very rich. May Allah send HIS Mercy and Peace
on Holy Prophet (s.a.w) who left the best ideal example for the entire mankind!
c. Rich and healthy: If Muslims have enough or have the health to earn, then they should
not take Zakah or Zakah should not be given to them. Hazrat Abdullah Ibn A’mr (r.a)
narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“Zakah is not Halal for wealthy person nor is it Halal for those who are healthy (Not
disabled).” [Tirmidi. Abu Dawood. Daremy. Ahmed. Nasaee]
Note: Hanafi School of thoughts is: not best to take Zakah for healthy Muslim who can
work but can be given if there is no work and they are suffering. But Shafi School of
thoughts is: Healthy person who is capable to earn, not Halal to receive Zakah.
d. Dependants of rich people: For example, own dependent children, parents, sisters,
brothers are not eligible to receive Zakah because this rich person has responsibility
for these dependant people. [Sharhe Kanz, Ainee from Mishqat]
But adult married brothers or sisters, who are no longer rich man’s responsibility, and
they live with their own separate families, and they are poor, in that case Zakah can
be given to them.
Asking for help is not encouraged in Islam: Even though Islam prescribed Zakah or charity for better off Muslims, but it does not give
licence for Muslims to be purposely poor for receiving help form others. Zakah is not
prescribed to make Muslims:
To be lazy,
To be dependant,
To stay out of work,
To beg from others,
To be unemployed purposely,
To be irresponsible etc.
Even if a Muslim has rich guardian, then he or she must study hard, or work hard to become
financially independent, to be able to help others. In Islam a giving hand is better than a
receiving hand. Hazrat Ibn Umar (r.a) narrated that once Holy Prophet (s.a.w) stood up in the
Mimbar, and said about to avoid asking for charity or help:
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“Upper hand is better than the lower hand. Upper hand is the giver and the lower hand is
the receiver.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Zakah is to stimulate money circulation between rich and poor, and to give the poor chance
to come out of the poverty. So the poor one must work hard to get out of the poverty as much
as possible.
But those who purposely remain poor to beg, to seek hand-out to live on others and they do
not try hard to earn, Islam gives them bad news. Islam does not allow Muslims to stay poor
purposely to live on others handouts. Let us look at Islamic teaching from few Hadis below:
Don’t ask for help except 3 people in real need:
Hazrat Qabisa Ibn Mukhariq (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said to him:
“Remember O Qabisa! Asking for money is not Halal except 3 people:
(1) A person who bailed for a debt, until he gets the money to pay the debt he is allowed
to ask for help. After paying debt he will avoid asking for help.
(2) A person due to calamity his wealth is destroyed, he is allowed to ask for help until his
necessity is met, and
(3) A person who has become poor, even 3 wise neighbours give witness that that person
has become poor, he is allowed to ask for help until he gains means to manage.
Except these three conditions, asking for help is Haram, the seekers eats Haram (Unless
absolute necessity).” [Muslim]
Asking for greed means asking for Fire of Hell:
If a Muslim asks for help, or beg from others not to fulfil the basic needs, but to increase
wealth, then that kind of asking is Haram. Hazrat Abu Huraira (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet
(s.a.w) said:
“Whoever asks money/wealth from others to increase his/her wealth, he/she surely seeks
Fire of the Hell.” [Muslim]
Professional beggars in the Day of Judgment:
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
“People who will always ask from other people! In the end he will arrive in the Day of
Judgment, when he will have flesh on the face.” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
Any work or business is better than asking for help:
Hazrat Jubair Ibn Awwam (r.a) narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said:
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“Some of you will take your rope in hand, with it will tie goods to carry on back. Then will
sell it and with that (Little income) will maintain own needs---it is better for him, than asking
help from others.” [Bukhari]
Above Hadis are clear proof that Islam never encourages Muslims to be beggars, or to be lazy,
or to be dependent on others. Islam encourages everyone to be active, energetic, motivated,
good learners of skills, hardworking, generous givers and overall contributors to the family,
relatives and to the society. But if any misfortune strikes them, and they become helpless
then they are allowed to ask for help. But they should try hard to get out of the poverty.
Therefore, Allah made Zakah system to help the ones who are really in need. Also Allah made
work to earn to be independent, a duty for every able person. That way the balance in a
society can be achieved. Islam is a complete and balanced guidance from All Wise Allah.
Difference between welfare system and Zakah system: One may ask, why do we need Zakah system over welfare system? Welfare system provides
basic funds for every citizen in a given society. Whereas Zakah is also in place to fund the poor
and needy in a society. So what are differences in between these two?
I shall give few reasons to explain why Zakah system is better than welfare system in below:
a. The payers: In welfare system who pays for the poor? Everyone pays tax including rich
and poor and then from that tax help is given to the poor and needy. But in Zakah who
pays? Zakah is only paid by those who have more than their all basic needs. So in Zakah
poor people are not paying anything at all. They only receive.
b. Welfare dependency: In welfare society often some beneficiaries become welfare
dependants. They try to avoid work, they try to appear sick and often they have a
tendency not to be well off because they think work is hard. It is happening in many
welfare societies. Governments are finding it a big challenge in motivating people to
be off from welfare help.
Zakah is different in that regards. Zakah has strict rules about the eligibility. Zakah has
religious, moral and spiritual obligation involves. Zakah comes with teaching to fear
Allah’s Judgment. Therefore, Zakah has a balance of giving as well as moral training
with it for the both giver and receivers. Therefore, with that teachings one cannot lay
back to be dependent on Zakah system.
c. Displeasure: In welfare society the good earners often are unhappy that they pay
more tax and beneficiaries get benefits without work. From that displeasure even
Government changes. One party may favour the beneficiaries for vote and another
party comes up with tougher policies against beneficiaries. So always this struggle
between two wings are found in many welfare society.
Zakah is different. It is compulsory on rich people to purify their wealth. They pay
Zakah to obey Allah. Similarly, receivers of Zakah are 8 categories are fixed by Allah as
well. So for Zakah no politics comes in and for Zakah no Government changes.
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d. Stability: In welfare system if at some stage the country has not enough money, of if
majority people vote against it then any democratic Government is bound to cancel
the welfare system. Therefore, it depends on majority people and it does not have
universality or stability.
But Zakah is different. In any society, always there will be some rich people and some
poor people. Allah has fixed the Zakah and its rate on rich people. So rich people must
pay Zakah. No voting can change the Zakah system.
e. Paid to the righteous actions only: In welfare system, money is given to do anything.
So the receiver may use it for gambling, for alcohol, for illegal drugs and so on. There
is no specific rules on where the receiver will or will not spend his or her money. As a
result welfare hand out is not free from non-righteous harmful actions. A society got
to spend money on righteous things to make sure that righteous actions benefits the
society directly and indirectly for happiness and peace.
Zakah is prescribed by Almighty Allah. HE wants Zakah to be a purifying agent for both
giver and receiver. Zakah cannot be given to promote sinful actions like drinking
alcohol, taking drugs, spending in gambling and so on. Because if money is allowed to
be spent in sinful activities then the whole society goes down with immorality, with
Allah’s punishments.
f. Purpose: Welfare system is for the purpose of keeping every human happy in this life
as much as possible. The purpose of it is to supply every basic needs for the citizens.
That is off course a noble purpose.
But Zakah has the noblest purpose. The purpose of Zakah is to keep human happy in
this life and in next everlasting life. Zakah purifies the wealth of rich people to open
the window for them towards paradise. Zakah purifies rich people’s hearts to be kind,
generous and so on and as a result they gain respect, blessings, increase in wealth,
peace of mind etc in this life, and for their generosity Allah will grant them happiness
in Paradise.
As for the receiver of Zakah, they eat pure wealth that Allah made Halal for them, with
Halal eating their morality increase, their peace of minds comes, and they feel
attracted to stick to the Faith and righteous actions. As a result they enjoy this life and
they also earn lots of rewards to be in Paradise as gift from Allah.
With the above analogy, one can see how Zakah system is better than any welfare system.
Allahu Akbar! How best Allah’s policy is! No creation of Allah can give a wise policy like Allah
gives!
Some more rules about Zakah: In this essay we shall go through few more rules about Zakah on special circumstances. Islamic
scholars have done more studies and agreed upon Zakah rules on different specific
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circumstances. Knowing more is beneficial for us. That’s why I like to include few more rules
about Zakah in below:
1. Things made out of gold or silver, partly or fully, used or unused, Zakah is Fard on them
if that reaches Nisaab amount. [In Kanz from Mishqat]
2. Silver or gold price is looked at for the calculation of Nisaab. Always use the cheaper
one for calculation. That will help giving more people paying Zakah which is beneficial
for poor people. [In Durre Mukhter from Mishqat]
3. In a country money notes, if one has Nisaab amount, has to pay 2.5% Zakah from it.
[In Shamee from Mishqat]
4. If in ornaments, coins gold or silver amount is maximum, Zakah is Fard if Nisaab
amount is present. [In Durre Mukhter and Shamee from Mishqat]
5. When lent money is returned to the lender, if it reaches Nisaab amount then Zakah
has to be paid. [In Amdadul Fatwa from Mishqat]
6. When provident fund money is paid, if it reaches Nisaab amount then Zakah must be
paid. [In Nizam-e-Zakah from Mishqat]
7. Share value, if reaches Nisaab amount, Zakah has to be paid. [In Nizam-e-Zakah from
Mishqat]
8. If different good (Like gold, cash money, share value) all together makes Nisaab
amount, then Zakah must be paid. [Mishqat]
9. If one pays Zakah in advance before the year is completed, that is ok. [Mishqat]
10. To pay Zakah making intention is Fard [Mishqat]
11. If you pay Zakah through 3rd person, until the 3rd person pays it to the eligible
persons, Zakah won’t be paid. [Mishqat]
12. Zakah can be given to one person or few persons. But give a person reasonable
amount. [In Nizam-e-Zakah from Mishqat]
13. You don’t have to say to the receiver that you are giving Zakah to him or her. Enough
is to keep the intention in your mind. [Mishqat]
14. Once the year is over, paying Zakah without delay is Wajib. If you die without pay, the
responsibility will be on you. [In Durre Mukhter from Mishqat]
15. Zakah calculation is after deducting debt, fees, tax etc (All expenses). If after deducting
expenses, still one has Nisaab amount wealth, then Zakah is Fard. [In Durre Mukhter
from Mishqat]
16. If someone saved money for Hajj or paying Kaffara and that amount is Nisaab amount,
then Zakah is Fard on it. [In Durre Mukhter from Mishqat]
17. No Zakah on immature owner. [In Hidaya from Mishqat]
18. House for living, or renting, clothes, furniture etc has no Zakah. But if the rental income
reaches Nisaab amount then Zakah is Fard on it. [In Shamee from Mishqat]
19. For business buildings, tools, machineries has no Zakah but from business income if
Nisaab amount is earned, then Zakah is Fard on that. [World Ulema decision in Cairo
1385 from Mishqat]
20. A trade person has tools, no Zakah on tools but Zakah from Income [In Nizam-e-Zakah
from Mishqat]
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21. If a father pays his Zakah to his dependent child, that won’t be accepted because
looking after this child is father’s responsibility. But if the son is adult, and poor, father
can give Zakah to the poor son. (because adult son is no longer father’s dependant,
not father’s responsibility) [In Nizam-e-Zakah from Mishqat]
22. Zakah given to Non-Muslim is not accepted, but other charity is ok. [Mishqat]
23. If a poor person owes you money. If you forgive him with the intention that you gave
him the money as Zakah then it is not accepted. But if you pay Zakah to that poor
person and then he pays your owing back, that is ok. [In Durre Mukhter from Mishqat]
24. Zakah is giving complete rights of your giving to the receiver. If you call poor and feed
them with Zakah money, or build a Madrasa for them, that is not accepted. You got to
pay the money to the poor so that poor can spend with freedom. [In Nizam-e-Zakah
from Mishqat]
For any detailed rules or for any specific queries, I advise the readers to talk to any scholar
near to them. May Allah guide us!
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Chapter 6: Principles of Islamic economy
Islam is a complete code of life If anyone thinks that Islam is a mere spirituality with few rituals then that person is very
wrong. Islam means achieving peace in both life through surrendering to the creator Allah.
Without economy no one can be in peace in this life. The creator never gives few policies in
spirituality leaving the vast area of this life. That is not logical.
Almighty creator Allah is complete, that’s why HIS Guidance for mankind is also complete. In
HIS policy for human happiness HE does not guide mankind partly. HE Guides them fully.
Allah’s policy is holistic in every creation. Allah created human but before even creating them
HE presented every needs for their needs. Some examples are:
a. Allah created the ingredients to made first man long before he was made,
b. Allah created the destination (Hell and Paradise) before creating human,
c. Allah created the world before sending human in this world,
d. Allah facilitated the Sun, Moon, Air, Food, Water etc as necessary things for human
well before HE sent them in this earth,
e. Allah created mind, will power, wisdom in human for thinking and understanding to
make them a superior being,
f. Allah created human body to act according to their decision,
g. Allah sent Holy Book and Holy Messengers for Guidance,
h. Allah gave human ability to do either good or bad to test them and so on.
The point here is that Allah did create human with holistic approach and Allah gave them
holistic guidance as well. That’s why there is nothing absent in Allah’s guidance that mankind
need. Because economy is a vital part in human life, Allah also has given guidance about
Islamic economy. So that HIS servants can follow HIS guidance in economy and they can enjoy
peace and happing by following HIS guidance.
Thus Islam guides mankind with a complete guidance. It includes their food, drinks, basic
needs like shelter, work, earning, spending, business, dealing and so on with fairness
prescribed by Allah. Holy Quran describes Islam as a complete code of life, (Quran 5.3):
“This day I have prescribed your religion for you, completed MY favour upon you, and have
chosen Islam as your religion for you.”
Islamic economy is from Almighty God The greatest point about Islamic economy is that it is from Almighty God. The facts about it
is:
Allah created human,
Allah gave human the sense of basic needs,
Allah provided all the basic needs for human in the nature,
Allah gave them guideline to use those providence in the nature,
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Therefore, the guidelines for using Allah’s provision is called Islamic economic policies.
In the Holy Quran Allah mentions about all the provisions for human, (Quran 17:70):
“And indeed, WE have honoured the children of Adam; And WE have provided them with
transport on land and sea; And WE have provided them with good and pure things for
livelihood; And given them Special favours, over and above a great part of Our Creation.”
After providing the provisions, Allah has given guidance such as:
What is pure and what is impure for them,
What is beneficial and what is harmful for them,
What is basic human rights,
What rights they have on each other,
What responsibility they have on each other,
What they should earn and eat,
What they should not earn and eat,
How to distribute wealth fairly,
How to deal with one another with honesty and sincerity,
How to learn skills, how to work, how to do business,
How to eradicate poverty,
How to think of wealth to achieve Paradise in next life and so on.
With all the guidance, then Allah assures mankind, that if they follow Allah’s guidance, then
they will be happy in both life. Holy Quran describes, (2:38):
“There comes Guidance to you from ME; those who follow MY guidance, for them there
shall be no fear, and they shall no suffer.”
Again, it is very clear that Islamic economic principles are not from men. It is not the result of
human research. The fundamental principles of Islamic economy has come from Allah. The
boundary or the borderlines are from Allah and the nitty gritty policies are to be followed
according to the guidance within borderlines. That way, Islamic economy is not biased to
favour a group or party but it is fair for every human.
Other economic rules can be changed by Government, majority votes of voters and so on. But
Whatever Allah has fixed in the principles of Islamic economy, no one is allowed to change.
Muslims obey Allah’s rules, not human rules against Allah’s rules. Therefore, Islamic economy
has stable policies, fair rules from All-Wise, All-Fair Allah Almighty.
Islamic economy is based on faith and morality Islam gave an economic policy that stands on Faith. Faith helps to practice morality and
morality offers fairness, rights, responsibility and so on. The main reason for it is that, Islamic
guidance is from Allah.
The foundation of Islamic economy is Faith on Allah such as:
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Allah created Human,
Allah provided everything for human,
Allah provided rules how to earn, share, spend etc,
Allah will test human in this world whether they follow Allah’s rules in economy,
Then Allah will judge human in the Day of Judgment,
Then those who will fail will face bad consequences and those who will pass the test
will enjoy good consequences and so on.
For example Allah says in the Holy Quran, (64:150) ‘Your wealth and your children are for
test.”
This Faith makes a true believer a moral person. He believes strongly that Allah is testing him
with money, wealth, business, property etc. He believes that Allah is recording all his dealings
to judge him fairly in the Day of Judgement. He believes strongly that should he fails in the
test, Allah will punish him. So he fears Allah’s punishment and avoids anything immoral in
dealing with wealth.
When in a society so many people becomes strong believers of Allah’s punishment for
wrongdoing, then they avoid immorality in economy. So faith makes them moral and they
deal with their economy morally. To avoid Allah’s punishment they follow fairness in their
economy, they follow Allah’s guidance in their economy, and they make a fair economy.
Without strong faith, it is difficult to turn a society moral, to save them from greed, to prevent
them from widespread corruption. That’s why without strong practice of Faith, Islamic
economy is unimaginable just like a house without foundation.
That’s why Islamic economy is holistic. It works from the mind and ends in action. It prepares
a mind to be a moral citizen of a country who contributes honesty, fairness in wealth sharing,
in wealth earning and spending etc.
For economic stability, prosperity, happiness, Allah made the faith and morality as a
fundamental condition. Allah says in the holy Quran, (16:97):
“Whoever works morally (righteous), man or woman, and has Faith, surely WE will give a
good life, a life that is good and pure,”
Allah will bless on economy if they have pure Faith and moral actions (Righteous and fair
without corruptions), it is Allah’s promise, (7:96):
“And if people of the towns had only believed and had righteousness (From fear of Allah’s
punishment), certainly WE should indeed have opened out to them blessings from heavens
and earth.”
Allah then guarantees the economic prosperity to those who avoid corruptions, immorality
and unfairness in the Quran, (65:2-3):
“And for those who fear Allah, HE (always) prepares a way out and HE provides for him by
(means that) he could never imagine.”
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Therefore, Islamic economy is not only about money but it includes Faith, Morality to prepare
people to follow fairness in wealth sharing to live peacefully.
Islamic economy with fairness What is fair? The definition of fairness can be different depending on people’s own culture,
traditions and belief. Some belief could be right and some could be wrong. Some culture can
be good for every human and some may be suitable only for a class, race and country.
So if we borrow definition of fairness from human then the answers will be many. Some may
agree and some may disagree. Islam calls fair whatever Almighty God says fair. Islam
surrenders to the definition of fairness given by Most Fair Allah.
Therefore, when we say fair, we mean what Allah says fair. When we say fair economy, we
mean what Allah orders to do fairly with economy. If the whole world surrender to Allah’s
code then the whole world will see Islamic economy is as fair economy.
What makes an economy fair? Some requirements for a fair economy is:
Economy that looks after everyone,
Economy that has no discrimination,
Economy that gives everyone a right that he or she deserves,
Economy that is based on morality,
Economy that looks after all Allah’s creation with love and respect,
Economy that is run with one single fair rule from Allah,
Economy that does not disadvantage one from another,
Economy that does not make some people gods and others slaves,
Economy that does not promote class struggles, strikes, boycott, wars etc,
Economy that does not suppress human being,
Economy that does not make class of have’s and haven’t,
Economy that helps human to fulfil their purpose of life which is to serve Allah only
etc.
When human make economic policies, it is never fully fair. In manmade economy some
people make sure that they get the larger part of the cake. Manmade economy swings to
either extreme. One takes away people’s right to own wealth except working like in
communism. In it the elite, the leaders becomes the masters of common people. This is one
extreme, not fair.
On the other extreme, only few big fishes swallow the most, leaving so many fishes hungry.
Few fishes control the economy making sure that they make more wealth every time. That
extreme is capitalism. With it few rich people are controlling the economy, executing policies
for their benefits. As a result only few people are becoming extremely rich and the vast
majority are struggling. It makes so many people to live beyond their means. Hunger, poverty
thrives out of it.
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Islam on the other hand, guides mankind to the moderation. It guides people to work hard to
earn rewards. It encourages to donate to the less privileged ones for rewards. It gives rights
of poor on rich ones and the rights of rich ones on the poor. Everything involves in the Islamic
economy ends up with fair rewards from Allah. Whoever will be most fair will receive most
reward in Paradise. It does not disadvantage anyone in terms of rewards in next life.
In Islamic economy, if someone gives charity, does it for a fair reward, not for any loss. But
someone without faith, looks at no benefit of giving to the poor except losing the bank
balance. That’s why they look at getting more and more is a gain for them even by depriving
the other human.
So all economic policies from Allah is based on fairness and justice and Allah commands
Muslims to fulfil the justice, (Quran 4:58):
“Allah commands you to fulfil your trusts to those to whom they (your trust) are due; and
when you judge between man and man, that you judge with justice. Surely how excellent
is the teaching that HE gives you! Surely, Allah is All Hearing, All seeing.”
Islam does not allow poverty Poverty is a manmade thing. Allah never wants poverty. Allah provided more than enough as
sustenance for the entire mankind. But it is people who are depriving one another. Because
some people:
Want more and more out of greed,
Some people want to compete with others by getting more,
Some people feel proud if they have more so they grab more,
Some people grab more to gain more power to control others,
Some people want more to become masters of other people,
Some people want to lead a luxury life with getting more,
Some people want to bring other nation into slavery so they capture other’s wealth
by force,
Some people want to rule others so they make others poor to rule them etc.
As result, some gets more and other suffers from poverty. So poverty is a manmade problem.
Imagine! If every human wanted to share with another, then do we have shortage of food
anywhere? Not really! Food is enough in this world but sharing mentality is not even near
enough.
This manmade discrimination in food or wealth distribution comes from human when they
do not surrender themselves and their all belongings to the will of Allah. So without following
Allah’s fair rules, they follow their own selfish desires, arrogance, power and they gain more
by depriving others. But when men surrenders to the will of Allah, then they become bound
to share fairly. They also then take responsibility for one another. They then start thinking
that each human is like their own brother and sister. They then use their wealth for the
welfare of mankind to receive paradise in next life.
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Islam does not tolerate that some will go hungry and other will enjoy and relish nice food.
Islam declares that one cannot be a true Muslim (Surrendered to Allah) if he eats with satiety
knowing that his neighbour is hungry. That neighbour can be any human or animal. Islam
encourages every able one to work hard for rewards and then share with others also for
rewards.
Islam teaches, looking after the poor ones are the responsibility of the rich ones. They shall
get the proper reward from Allah for taking that responsibility. Islam teaches that loving the
poor and needy is the best quality and neglecting them is the worst quality. Islamic Zakah and
charity system is to bring out those poor ones from poverty. The government along with rich
people have that responsibility. Islam teaches if the rich one do not take that responsibility
then Allah will punish them in this life and next life. All these rules are there because Allah
does not like poverty among human.
Why poverty would come if everyone is fairly looking after another? Why poverty would come
if people are unselfish and kind to one another? These fairness, kindness to look after is the
commandment of Allah. If people follow Allah’s commands then there won’t be any poverty
in this world.
If rich people follow Allah’s commands, then instead of becoming proud and arrogant they
would be humble and thankful to Allah for giving them wealth and they would lavishly help
others for Paradise. They would take their richness as an opportunity to give more and to earn
more reward in Paradise.
Couple of verses from the holy Quran will show, how the less privileged ones has rights on
the rich one. (Quran 51:19):
“And in their wealth has right of those who are needy and deprived.”
Islam makes everyone responsible for looking after their family, relatives, neighbours and
even the travellers if they are in trouble according to their affordability to make sure no one
goes hungry. (Quran 17:26):
“And give the relatives their due rights, and (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer:”
If that does not meet the needs then Islam teaches to pay more charity to share with the
needy and poor people to combat the poverty.
Zakah is a part of Islamic economy: Islam is a complete code of life. Islamic economy is part of that complete code. Allah is All-
Sufficient, HIS guidance for mankind is complete. That’s why to lead a life, a person or
community or a country etc Islam offers economic guidelines.
Human life and its needs are created by Allah. Therefore, Allah sent guidelines for every needs
for human. Food, drinks, money, sustenance, wealth, possessions, produce, minerals and so
on are very vital for human survival. For these needs people sometimes cheat one another,
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or harm one another, or fight with one another, or even kill one another. Human sometimes
for their needs, for their wants becomes worse than animals.
As Allah created human, it is impossible to even think that Allah would not send guidance for
their every needs. Allah did so. Islam is a guidance from GOD, and one of the proof of it is that
Islam is a complete guide. If any guide is not complete, than that is not a guide from GOD,
because True GOD can’t send incomplete guidance. Islam is the guidance from GOD and that’s
why it is complete.
Zakah is not the whole Islamic economy, it is just a part of economy. An Islamic Government
is bound to collect Zakah among few other collections such as:
Collection of Zakah: It covers wide range of collection from Money, Gold, Silver,
Agricultural produces, Mineral, domestic animals etc. The collection is used to look
after 8 types of people including poor, needy, wayfarer and so on. This collection is
from Muslims only.
Collection of Zizia: It is a minimal tax from non-Muslims. They are not liable to pay
Zakah. So to build a safer country they contribute something namely as Zizia. That
money is spend for defence, education, justice, non-Muslim poor and needy etc.
Collection of Heirless property: All the unclaimed property goes into this fund. The
collection from this fund is used mainly unclaimed children, disabled persons, road
constructions etc.
Collection of Khomos: Khomos mean 1/5th. This type of collection is from war bootee,
from hidden treasure that is found, and from minerals etc. From this fund orphan,
needy and wayfarer are helped. This fund is used for both Muslims and Non-Muslims.
Tax if necessary: After all the above, if money collection is not enough to run the
country then Islamic Government can introduce other taxes. [Taken form Mishqat]
As Zakah is part of the Islamic economy, Allah made it a compulsory action for the believers.
So whoever is eligible, must pay it to strengthen the Islamic economy for the happier society.
Allah commanded believers to pay Zakah if they are eligible for it, (2:110):
“And be regular in prayer, and regular in charity: And whatever good you send forth for
your souls before (from this life), you shall find it with Allah: Surely, Allah sees well all that
you do.”
Some basic principles of Islamic economy This book is mainly to explain about Zakah, not about Islamic economy. Because Zakah is a
part of Islamic economy, a brief outline for Islamic economy is intended to be written here.
Every economy has some fundamental principles. Islam also has it but Islamic principles are
not manmade. Islamic economic principles are sent from Allah All-Wise. Islam has given a
boarder lines and then within these borders allowed Muslim scholars to work on the nitty
gritty methods according to Islamic guidelines in every ages, in every circumstances.
So, I shall list some of the main principles of Islamic economy in this essay InshaAllah!
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1. Money for need but not to live for money: Islam teaches the main purpose of
mankind in this life. The main purpose is to achieve best moral character in this life
and to achieve Paradise in next life by following Allah’s code in using money, health
etc. Islam teaches, to live happily money is necessary but men do not live for money.
Money is a test from Allah. Allah testes people who uses money according to HIS code
and who do not. Allah says in the Quran, (64:15):
“Your wealth and your children are for trial.”
2. Allah provided every necessity for economy: Islam teaches that all economic needs
are provided by Allah because Allah is the creator as well as the Sustainer. Human
being cannot create anything, they only discover what Allah has given them. Besides,
Allah gave knowledge to human to search for the sustenance, to use different ways to
earn, spend and to manage it. Allah wants mankind to accept the fact that it is Allah
who provided for them everything. Islam teaches mankind to accept Allah as their
Sustainer for economy and everything. Allah says in the Holy Quran, (14:32-34):
“It is Allah who created the heavens and the earth and sends down the rain from the
sky, and with it (HE) brings out fruits to feed you: It is HE WHO has made ships to
serve you that they may sail through the sea to HIS Command; And HE has made the
rivers as well, to serve you.
And HE has made the sun and the moon to serve you, both truly following their
courses (orbits): And HE has made the Night and the Day (also) to serve you.
And gives you from what you ask for. But if you count the mercies of Allah, you will
never be able to number them. Truly, man is used to being unjust and ungrateful.”
3. Allah gave some more and some less: It is Allah’s wise distribution to make some
depend on the others. With this distribution Allah wants to test human how do they
use their wealth if they have more and how human deal with when they have less.
With less do they remain patient or do they give in to corruption and so on. Holy Quran
describes, (29:62):
“Allah expands the sustenance to whomever of HIS servants HE pleases; And HE
(also) grants by (true) measures, (as HE pleases): Verily, Allah is All Knowing of all
things.”
4. Personal freedom: Islam gives importance on personal freedom. Everyone is
responsible of his/her actions. Everyone is bound to discharge duties. Everyone is
responsible to earn and to spend etc. Allah says in the Holy Quran, (17:15):
“No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another.”
5. Freedom within limit: Islam does not give freedom to do anything in economy. It gives
certain limit. Those limits are fixed by Allah and those limits are for their own good.
With these limits Allah testes people and Allah guides them to be saved from disasters.
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For example, Islam does not give freedom to be over spenders nor to be stingy. Both
overspending and misery are not freedom but misuse. Allah commands to exercise in
between with moderation, (Quran 17:29):
“And do not make your hand tied to your neck (like a miser), nor push it out to its
longest reach, so that you become worthy of blame and being penniless.”
6. Islam prohibits interest system in economy: Interest system always disadvantages a
party which is not fair in the Sight of Allah. Allah allowed business, loss and profit
sharing but not interest to deprive someone from fair shares. Holy Quran describes,
(2:275):
“Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury.”
7. Allah forbids corruption in economy: Allah does not permit people to grab each
other’s property by force or by cheating, manipulating with tricks or bribes etc. Islam
gives this limit to make sure the economy is managed with best morality by cutting
down corruption, chaos and deception etc. Holy Quran describes, (2:188):
“And do not eat up one another’s property among yourselves for show or pettiness,
and do not use it as bribe for the judges, with intent that you eat up wrongfully and
knowingly (even) a little of (other) people’s property”
8. Allah forbids immoral earnings: Islam allows and forbids some occupation. Everything
good for morality is allowed but whatever is bad for morality are forbidden. Let us
look at some hadis in brief:
Hadis: Allah and HIS messenger prohibited selling alcohol, dead meat, swine and
idols. [Muttafaqun A’laih=Mishqat]
Hadis: Holy prophet (s.a.w) prohibited to accept money from dog, body, fortune
telling trade. [Bukhari, Muslim-------Mishqat]
Hadis: Holy prophet (s.a.w) prohibited income from singing. [Shorhe Sunnah----
Mishqat]
Hadis: Holy prophet (s.a.w) prohibited selling or buying fruits before they are ripen.
[Bukhari and Muslim----Mishqat]
Hadis: Holy prophet (s.a.w) said, whoever occupies one inch of land (from others)
unjustly, that person will made to wear 7 layers land on the neck (as punishment).
[Bukhari, Muslim---Mishqat]
Hadis: Holy prophet (s.a.w) said, that body will not enter into Paradise which is
nourished with Haram earnings. [Shu’abul Imaan--------Mishqat]
Hadis: Once a Zakah collector said, O Messenger of Allah! This is for you (Zakah fund)
and that is given to me as gift. Holy prophet (s.a.w) said listening that, “Whoever say
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like this, should sit at home and see whether people give them gift or not. (Gift on
job is bribe). [Bukhari, Muslim------Mishqat]
Hadis: Holy prophet (s.a.w) said, “Whoever does Ihtekaar is a sinner. (Ihtekaar is
storing goods of people’s basic needs to increase price for making more profit).
[Muslim----Mishqat]
9. Extravagance or waste of wealth is prohibited: Islam categorically prohibits
extravagance. Extravagance is one of the reason for poverty, socio-economic injustice
and chaos. Some people will have too much and others nothing is not tolerated in
Islam. Islam wants proper uses of wealth. Allah commands in the Holy Quran, (7:31):
“Eat and drink, but waste not by excess: For Allah does not like the wasters.”
Waste in anything or everything is prohibited. Holy prophet (s.a.w) saw Hazrat Sa’d
(r.a) was using much more water for ablution and said: Why this waste? Sa’d (r.a) said:
Is there waste in ablution O Messenger of Allah? Holy prophet (s.a.w) said then: “Yes!
Even if you were near the running water. (Using running water like river, more than
necessary is also prohibited). [Ahmed and Ibn Maazah----Mishqat]
10. Using gold, silver for furniture and men’s ornaments are waste: Islam does not allow
waste in anything. Using gold or silver for furniture is for pride and arrogance and for
showing off. That is not necessary. So many people can’t afford 3 times meal and if a
society allows rich people to waste so much money on extravagance then how a
balanced economy will come in place? Hazrat Hudaifa (r.a) said that holy Prophet
(s.a.w) prohibited us from eating or drinking on gold or silver cup and plate. [Bukhari
and Muslim----------Mishqat]
Islam does not allow to build unnecessary high buildings, palaces. Islam considers
them as waste. Holy Quran describes, (26:128-129):
“Do you build an important place on every high place to bring joy to yourselves? And
do you get yourselves fine buildings with the hope of living in there (for ever)?
11. Islam made Halal earning obligatory on everyone: Islam encouraged every Muslims
to work hard for earning. Holy Quran placed Prayer and work side by side showing the
importance of spiritual and material necessity. Quran describes, (62:10):
“Then when the (Friday) prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land,
and seek of the Grace and Bounty of Allah: And celebrate the Praises of Allah much
and often (Follow Allah’s code): That you may be successful.”
Holy prophet (s.a.w) advised Muslims to earn own bread and butter without
depending on others. He (s.a.w) said: “There is nothing else best than food that is
earned through one’s own hands. Messenger of Allah Dawood (a.s) used to eat his
earning with his own hands.” [Bukhari--------Mishqat]
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12. Islam prohibits leaving wealth lazy: Islam encourages to circulate the money and
wealth for the benefit of everyone. Leaving money in savings without using it for
making more profit, is not encouraged in Islam. More investment means more work,
more growth and more circulation of the money. Similarly Islam does not allow to
leave lands without cultivation because that is also a waste.
Holy prophet (s.a.w) said: “Whoever has become a guardian of wealthy orphan, he
should invest that wealth for business and does not leave it so that the wealth
finishes by paying Zakah (and other expenses).” [Tirmidi-------Mishqat]
13. Islam does not allow few people to hold all wealth: If only a few people control all
the wealth in a country, then they do whatever they like by monopoly. That is not an
ideal economy. Islam encourages the wealth to be expanded to as many people as
possible so that there is fair competition in the society. Islam wants money and wealth
to be circulated around to benefit everyone. (Quran 59:7):
“So that it may not (merely) be circulated between the wealthy among you.”
14. One will eat while another is hungry: Islam does not allow that situation. Simply that
is not acceptable in Islam. Food is for everyone and Allah provided food for everyone.
It is human’s mismanagement and unfair distribution that makes one eats and wastes
whereas others go hungry. Some people will end up in the Hell Fire because they did
not feed the poor while they had plenty. Holy Quran describes their own admission
on their crime in the Hell Fire, they would say, (Quran 74:42-44):
“What led you into the Fire of Hell?” They will say: “We were not from those who
prayed, nor were we from those who fed the poor.”
Holy prophet (s.a.w) said: “he is not a true believer who eats with full belly whereas
his neighbour starves.” [Shu’abul Imaan ---------Mishqat]
15. Looking after needy is compulsory: If a person can’t manage basic needs despite all
efforts, then Islamic state must look after that person. If state has not enough fund
then it is obligatory on rich people to help the needy. Holy Quran describes Allah’s
command, (17:26):
“And give relatives their due rights and also to those in need, and to the wayfarer.”
Allah commands again in the Quran (4:36):
“And be nice to parents, relatives, orphans, those in need, close neighbours and
strange neighbours, the companion by your side, the wayfarer and what your right
hand possess.”
16. Rights of desperate ones: If the hungry, homeless people are in a desperate situation,
then for saving their life, they have right to eat haram food just enough for their
survival. Holy Quran describes, (5:3):
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“But if anyone is forced by hunger, without any wish to disobey, Allah is truly Often
Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
17. Personal ownership: When a person earns within Islamic laws and principles then his
earning becomes his, not anyone else’s. From his own possession then he gives charity
as he wishes, he spends for his family, and he distributes inheritance etc. Holy Quran
describes, (36:71):
“Do they not see that it is WE WHO have created from the (many) things that OUR
hands have fashioned for them-(it also) cattle, for which they are the owners?”
18. Natural gift is owned by everyone: The essential things for the survival of human or
animals in natural gifts are owned by everyone in Islam. Such as fire, water and grass.
Islam does not give ownership in such things for the benefits of human and animals
etc. Holy prophet (s.a.w) said: “In 3 things Muslims are shareholders to one
another—on water, grass and fire.” [Abu Dawood and Ibn Maazah-----Mishqat].
Similarly, on air, light no one has ownership, they are for everyone.
19. Wealthy people are Allah’s representatives: Islam teaches that Allah is the owner of
all wealth because HE has provided everything for human as sustenance. Then it is
Allah who made some people wealthy and some people with less. So that wealthy
ones would represent Allah in looking after then less privileged ones. It is a high
responsibility on rich people and also a great honour given by Allah. Wealthy people
are liable to Allah to share according to Allah’s codes which is namely “Islamic
economic guidelines.” Holy prophet (s.a.w) said, “The life of this world is like sweet
grass, and Allah has granted you to represent it, to see what you do.” [Muslim------
Mishqat]
20. Can’t enjoy wealth alone: Islam allows a person to earn as much as possible in
legitimate way but does not allow him/her to use the earning alone without sharing.
Islam places responsibility on the earners to look after those who are dependent like
spouses, children, parents, poor family members and so on. Allah commands in the
Quran (4:36):
“And be nice to parents, relatives, orphans, those in need, close neighbours and
strange neighbours, the companion by your side, the wayfarer and what your right
hand possess.”
Besides, once after all the expenses if the savings reaches up to a certain amount then
Zakah must be paid on that extra savings. We must remember here that Zakah is not
the favour from the rich one to the poor one, but it is the right of poor ones on the
rich ones.
21. Islamic economy aims to implant morality on people: Islam does not only ask the well
of people to pay Zakah as a duty and then relax. But Islam teaches them to be faithful
in Allah and represent Allah’s wealth in a moral way. So that Zakah will train them to
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come forward with a moral responsibility to share and care for making the mankind
happier. Islam trains people to feel for the needy and to come forward with own
passion to stand side by side with the rest of human. In the Holy Quran Allah calls
Muslims to give in a passionate way, (Quran 2:177):
“It is not rightful conduct that you turn your faces towards East or West; But it is
righteousness—to believe in Allah, and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book,
and the messengers; to spend from your wealth, in spite of love for it, for your kin,
for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom
of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity (Zakah);”
Allah made the charity as a means of salvation for the next life. (Quran 2:254):
“O you who believe! Spend from (the gifts) WE have given to you, before the Day
comes when no bargaining, no friendship, no intercession (will be useful).”
22. Employee and employer both are responsible: Islam teaches employees to take care
of their work fairly and responsibly and employers to take care of the employees fairly.
Both will be questioned by Allah in the Day of Judgment should they do wrong to one
another.
About employee Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Best earning is the earning of employee
if he/she works with the intention of the welfare to the employer.” [Musnad Ahmed]
And about employer Holy prophet (s.a.w) said: “Never put an employee to work until
determining the wages/salary for the employee.” [Bayhaki]
It also insists that employer pays wages/salary in time. Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Pay
the wages/salary of employees before their sweat dries (in time).” [Bukhari]
23. Remuneration for Leaders: In Islamic state leaders take responsibilities to serve
people. If they are wealthy then they should not take remuneration from state fund.
But if they are poor then they are allowed to take remuneration from state fund
according to the current need to lead a moderate living, but not for extravagance.
These leaders are like the guardians of orphans on whom applies the same rules. Holy
Quran describes, (4:6):
“If the guardian is well-off, let him not receive payments, but if he is poor, let him
have for himself what is just and reasonable.”
On that basis the first Caliph of Islamic state Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a) received
remuneration (6,000 Dirham per year). It was not a lavish payment, it was just to live
comfortably. Caliph Usman (r.a) was rich and he did not take anything for himself from
the state fund.
24. Islamic economic policies are applicable in all ages: Islamic codes are from Allah. HE
sent HIS last messenger with the final code for the mankind. So that code can be
applicable in all ages until the end of this world.
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25. Rights of Islamic state: With Islamic economy if someone still owns huge wealth,
Islamic state has right to restrict the limit for the welfare of the country. Caliph Omar
(r.a) did take measure on this principle.
26. Islam prescribes interest free banking: Islam prescribes profit and loss sharing
banking. In terms of capital, Islam allows money as well as labour as capital. So with
profit and loss sharing investment everyone wins. For interest system if investor lose
money then that is his responsibility, he has to pay interest to the bank. That makes
many businesses bankrupt.
27. Islamic Government doesn’t control market price normally: Islam teaches morality
and trains people to do fair business. In normal situation Islam does not control the
market price, rather sellers and buyers do it. But if sellers and buyers create abnormal
market price then Islamic scholars can advise the Government to control the market
price for fair trade. [Dur-re Mukhter--------Mishqat]
Some of those above principles are the boundaries in Islamic economy. They are taken from
Mishqat transliteration in Bengali. For details knowledge about Islamic economy there are
lots of study materials available.
Conclusion:
Alhamdulillah! All the praise to Allah for giving me ability to put down some explanations
about Zakah in this small book. I wish I could do more. But that did not stop me from trying
as much as I could. I hope, this book will benefit many learners and teachers in deeper
understanding Allah’s code about Zakah as it has benefited me.
Zakah is a code of Allah in economic field. Allah’s wisdom is the most superior wisdom and
Zakah is from Allah’s wisdom. It has morality, duty, responsibility, humanitarian, character
training, God Fearing, purifying spirit and wealth, and the benefits in this world and in next
life. Zakah has every goodness for a person or persons for ultimate success in the purpose of
this life.
Zakah is for Muslims to practice. If they practice, then the benefits is for them. If they do not,
then it is a loss for them. May Allah guide Muslims to understand the value of Zakah and grant
them ability to practice Zakah in their life for their own benefits, Ameen!
I have done my best. May Allah forgive my shortcomings in it and grant me beneficial
knowledge about it, Ameen!
May Allah grant high rewards for those who helped me in this work directly or indirectly,
Ameen!
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Lessons on Zakah – Summary of Authentic Hadises
Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 1 1. What is Zakah?
Ans: It is a charity (almsgiving) for worshipping Allah for those who have Nisaab amount of wealth. Zakah is the one of the 5 pillar of Islam.
2. What is Nisaab? Ans: The certain amount of wealth which makes one liable to pay Zakah is called Nisaab.
3. What amount is Nisaab in terms of gold or silver? Ans: The Nisaab is the wealth equivalent to Gold or silver as follows:
Nisaab Grams (Hanafi) Gram (Shafi)
Gold 87.48 85 Silver 612.36 560
4. What are the main conditions about Zakah? Ans: If a Muslim has 2 following conditions then must pay Zakah otherwise not: If the excess wealth after all cost, debt is same or more than Nisaab amount and If the Nisaab wealth is with you full one Lunar year then got to pay Zakah [Tirmidi]
5. What is the rate of Zakah? Ans: The rate was revealed from Allah on prophet (s.a.w) to teach Muslims: For silver: 2.5% per year [Abu Dawood] Note: Same for Gold or money For mineral: (Rikaaj) 1/5th [Muttafaq A’laih] Note: Hanafi-any mineral (Except Gold or Silver=2.5%) Crops or Vegetables: Received without irrigation-10% (U’shor) but with irrigation 5% (Half U’shor) [Bukhari] Note: Shafi=only to pay for longer lasting produce not for temporary but Hanafi=Must pay for both. For sheep and goat: [Hadis from Bukhari] 40-120= 1 animal to pay as Zakah. Less than 40 no Zakah to pay 121-200=2 animal to pay 201-300=3 animal to pay, thereafter for every hundred 1 animal to pay For cattle: [Hadis from Abu Dawood] Every 30 cattle [1 year + age] = 1 from them as Zakah Every 40 cattle [2 years+ age]= 1 from them as Zakah
6. What are the main purposes of Zakah? Ans: Two main purposes: To receive rewards from Allah [Quran 2.110] (b) To clean heart and wealth [Quran 9.103]
7. Which number of pillar of Islam is Zakah? Ans: The 3rd. (the 1st declaration of Islamic Faith, the 2nd Salaah, 4rth Fasting in Ramadan, the 5th is hajj).
8. Since when Zakah began compulsory worship? Ans: From Mecca but the detailed rules came in Medina. But Zakah was also for other Prophets and their followers [Quran 2.83]
9. Is intention for Zakah essential? Ans: Yes. Intention should be, “I am giving this as Zakah”.
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Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 2
1. On whom Zakah is Fard (compulsory)? Ans: The following criteria for compulsory Zakah: He/she is a an adult-sane-Muslim Wealth is fully owned by him/her Wealth is same as Nisaab amount or more (Clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars, business equipment, machineries are not in Nisaab. These are basic needs. But rental income, business income will be calculated for Nisaab) Possessed for a full Lunar year (Except minerals or crops) Wealth that increases. For example, if a car for personal use—no Zakah, but if the car is used for business then Zakah is from that earnings. [Taken from Mishqat, Baab- Zakah]
2. To whom Zakah can be given? Ans: The following 8 categories of people can receive Zakah. Allah has fixed it in Holy Quran 9.60: Fuqaraa: Poor people who has less than Nisaab wealth Masakeen: Extremely needy Al ‘Alameen: Persons appointed for Zakah collection Muallafatul Quloob: Persons who needs financial help as encouragement to Islamic faith Ar Riqaab: Freeing the sufferers or slaves Al Ghaarimeen: Persons burdened with debt Fee Sabeelillah: Not in common charities but helping out someone who has to perform a Fard deed but he can’t afford Ibnus Sabeel: Travelers who lost money even though back home they are well of
3. Who among relatives we can give Zakah to? Ans: The following relatives may receive our Zakah: [Mishqat, Baab- Zakah] Brother or sister Nephew, niece Uncle, aunt Step-grandfather/mother Father in law/mother in law/---If they do not possess Nisaab amount of wealth
4. Who cannot be given Zakah? Ans: (a) Members of Holy Prophet’s family [Muslim] (b) Parents, grandfather, own husband or wife, own children, grandchildren because feeding them is one’s responsibility. [Mishqat, Baab- Zakah] (c) Non-Muslims (but Nafil Sadaqah can be given to non –Muslims) [Mishqat, Baab- Zakah]
5. What is Sadaqatul Fitr? Ans: (a) It is called Zakah for fasting in Ramadan. It purifies the fast. [Abu Dawood] (b) Everyone has to pay including children before Eid prayer [Muttafaqun A’laih] (c) The amount is “One S’aa food” [Muttafaqun A’laih]. How much in dollars per head?--Find out from your nearest Mosque in your country.
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Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 3
1. What is the punishment if a Muslim does not give Zakah? Ans: Not giving Zakah is a great sin. Some punishment for that sin is below: Zakah wealth will be burnt in the Hell Fire then with that will be burnt their foreheads, flanks and their backs [Quran-9:35] With Zakah wealth angels will make Iron Plate, and then they will heat it in Hell Fire then with that will burn their foreheads, flanks and backs for 50,000 years in the Day of Judgment alone. After judgment they may further be punished in Fire. [Muslim] If Zakah not paid for animals, on the Day of Judgment those animals will injure them with feet, hoofs or with horn etc. [Muslim] Zakah wealth will turn into a snake and it will keep biting the person on the Day of Judgment [Bukhari]
2. What is the difference between Zakah and Tax? Ans: Some differences are below: Zakah is worship of wealth; Allah has decided its rate and no one can change it. Tax is decided by Govt. and the rate may go up or down Zakah is payable only from the excess money, but tax from any income Zakah can be given only to 8 kinds of people [Lesson-26, Question-4] but tax is spent for roads, bridge etc.-for everybody Zakah is charged on capital wealth, but tax is charged on the profit In Islamic country non-Muslim don’t pay Zakah, but they have to pay tax like everybody.
3. Write some principles in Islamic economy. Ans: Islam decided some boundaries for economy. Some of them are below: Money is not the purpose of life but necessary for comfortable life. But in earning and spending if one follows Islamic faith and good deeds will receive ultimate success [Quran 103. 1-3] Wealth [Sustenance] comes from Allah [Quran 11.6] as a test to see whether people earn or spend it according to Islamic rules. Part of the test is Allah made some earning and spending Allowed (Halal) and some prohibited (Haram). Some prohibited are: Interest [Quran 2.275], Bribe [Quran 2.188], business with alcohol-pork-dead meat, idols [Bukhari-Muslim], Stocking good to increase price [Rajeen], wasting-extravagance [Quran 7.31] etc. Work or business is compulsory if one has capacity. [Quran 52.10] Rich are required to donate to look after poor [Quran 2.254] (Also Zakah) Besides, Islam places responsibility to look after family, relatives and inheritance etc. [Quran 2.177, 280].
4. How bad begging is in the sight of Islam? Ans: Some Hadis about it: Whoever ask for help for increasing wealth, seeks the fire of Hell [Muslim] Giving hand is better than receiving hand [Bukhari & Muslim] Holy prophet (s.a.w) said, if you guarantee me that you will not beg from others, then I will guarantee you for the paradise [Abu Dawood & Nasaee]
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Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 4
1. What is better than begging wealth from others? Ans: Hadis: Carrying loads and selling for sustenance is much better than asking other’s help [Bukhari]
2. Which wealth receives Allah’s blessings? Ans: Hadis: If it is received without greed Allah will bless in it but if it is received with greed Allah will not bless in it [Muttafaqun A’laih]
3. Which Sadaqah is best to receive? Ans: Hadis: Patience is the best Sadaqah one can receive. Whoever wants to live on begging, Allah allows that for him but whoever wants to live without begging Allah makes the way for him [Muttafaqun A’laih] Note: So make the right choice
4. Who should we beg to relieve our wants (financial problems)? Ans: Hadis: If anyone beg to others will never relieve poverty, but whoever beg to Allah, surely Allah will be sufficient for him [Abu Dawood. Tirmidi]
5. If we have to seek help, who should we seek help from? Ans: Hadis: In case you are bound to seek help, seek help from righteous people (They don’t take advantage on you) [Abu Dawood. Nasaee]
6. Can we take something if someone gives us without we asked for it? Ans: Hadis: Without asking if you are given something, eat it and share with others [Abu Dawood]
7. What is the real want (Poverty)? Ans: Hadis: The greed [Rajeen]
8. What is called Sadaqah? Ans: Sadaqah means Zakah or any other donation to please Allah. It can be money, time, energy, advice etc. for the help of Allah’s creations for Allah’s sake. Here Sadaqah means voluntary donation not compulsory Zakah.
9. What cancels the rewards for Sadaqah? Ans: (a) Reminding the receiver about your generosity and (b) causing any injury to the receiver [Quran 2.264]
10. In what situation one can ask for donation? Ans: (a) If someone has debt and can’t afford to pay (b) Lost wealth due to calamity (c) Person really is poor and neighbors witnesses it. [Muslim] Note: As soon as money comes the person must not seek donations from others.
11. What angels pray daily for a donor or stingy person? Ans: Hadis: Every morning 2 angels come to this earth. One of them prays, “O Allah! Give reward to one who donates” and the other one prays, “O Allah! Destroy the one who is stingy” [Bukhari & Muslim]
12. What Allah says to people about donation? Ans: Hadis: O children of Adam! You donate, and I will donate to you [Muttafaqun A’laih]
13. What stinginess does to people? Ans: Hadis: Stinginess destroys them, encourage them for shedding blood and making things Halal that Allah made haram for them [Muslim]
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Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 5
1. Which donation is most rewarding? Ans: Hadis: When you are healthy, you feel greedy for wealth, and you fear for poverty and you hope to be rich----donation in that time is best (for you) in terms of rewards. Don’t wait till your soul is about to come out during death---and then you say, this is for that person and that is for this person (I am donating) ------whereas already by then that wealth has become allocated for that person anyway [Muttafaqun A’laih]
2. Who are really losers? Ans: Hadis: those rich people who do not donate [Muttafaqun A’laih]
3. Who is dearer to Allah? Ans: Hadis: A foolish donor is dearer to Allah than a stingy pious person [Tirmidi]
4. Who are nearer to Allah and paradise? Ans: Hadis: The donor is nearer to Allah, Paradise and the people, but far from the Hell Fire [Tirmidi]
5. When is the best time to donate for high reward? Ans: Hadis: Donating 1 dirham during lifetime is better than donating 100 dirham during death. [Abu Dawood]
6. Which 2 things cannot be together in a believer? Ans: Hadis: Stinginess and bad manner [Tirmidi]
7. Who cannot enter into Paradise? Ans: Hadis: Cheat, miser and reminder after donations---can’t enter into Paradise [Tirmidi]
8. What dream a man had after donating a thief, prostitute and a wealthy man? Ans: Hadis: He was told in dream, “May be with your donation the thief will give up stealing, prostitute will give up prostitution and the wealthy man will learn that he should also donate”. [Bukhari and Muslim]
9. A man heard voice from the cloud, “Shower rain in that garden”. Why? Ans: Hadis: Because the gardener used to donate one third of fruits [Muslim]
10. How Allah tested 3 men? Ans: Hadis: 3 men (Leprosy, Bald headed and blind) were tested; they were sick and very poor. An angel came to them prayed for them and they got healed. Then gave them animal to grow. They became rich again. After some time angel came as a poor man—reminded them Allah’s help on them and asked for donation. 2 men denied Allah’s help and did not donate and the blind one remembered Allah’s kindness and he donated happily. As a result 2 men became sick and poor again and Allah increased health and wealth for the man for his donation for Allah’s sake [Muttafaqun A’laih]
11. Who is the worst person? Ans: Hadis: Person doesn’t donate even when asked in the name of Allah [Ahmed]
12. What removes danger from our lives? Ans: Hadis: Donating to the cause of Allah [Rajeen]
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Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 6
1. Does donation reduce wealth? Ans: Hadis: Donation doesn’t reduce wealth, Allah increases honor for those who seek forgiveness from Allah and Allah increases status for those who are humble for Allah’s sake [Muslim]
2. Who will surely go to Paradise? Ans: Hadis: If some good qualities are in a person like: Voluntary fasting, attending funeral process, feeding poor, visiting sick (etc.) [Muslim]
3. Apart from money what other things are Sadaqah? Ans: Some Hadis: Every good work is Sadaqah [Muttafaqun A’laih] Meeting your (Muslim) brother with smiling [Muslim] Work with hand to benefit others, physical help to oppressed, giving good advices, or at least staying away from wrong deed are Sadaqah [Muttafaqun A’laih] Doing fair solution between two party, giving a free ride, helping to carry other’s goods, speaking nice, every step for salaah and removing hurtful dirt from road also Sadaqah [Muttafaqun A’laih] Saying Subhaanallah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaaha illallaah, giving advice for good work, forbidding from bad work, intimacy with wife are also Sadaqah [Muslim] Planting tree, vegetables and from that birds, animals and human get benefits are also Sadaqah [Muttafaqun A’laih]
4. Why Allah forgave a prostitute? Ans: Hadis: She kindly collected water to make the dog drink. The dog was about to die due to extreme thirst. Allah forgave her for helping an animal [Muttafaqun A’laih]
5. Why Allah punished a woman? Ans: Hadis: She did not feed her cat and the cat died out of hunger [Muttafaqun A’laih]
6. Why Allah gave someone Paradise? Ans: Hadis: Because he removed a tree-branch from pathway to remove suffering from Muslims [Muttafaqun A’laih]
7. What 2 things (Benefits) Sadaqah does especially? Ans: Hadis: (a) it cools down Allah’s anger and (b) Prevent bad (painful) death [Tirmidi]
8. What is best Sadaqah on behalf of a dead relative? Ans: Hadis: Water (Well, water pump, tube well etc for people) [Abu Dawood. Nasaee]
9. What is the reward if we help other Muslims? Ans: Hadis: If a Muslim provides cloth for a naked Muslim—Allah will provide 2 green clothes for him/her In the Day of Judgment. If a Muslim feed another hungry Muslim—Allah will feed him/her with fruits in Paradise. If a Muslim relieves thirst from another Muslim with water—Allah will provide sealed drink bottle of water for him/her in the Day of Judgment [Abu Dawood. Tirmidi]
10. How do we know that Sadaqah is not Zakah? Ans: From a verse in Quran 2.177. Allah mentioned Sadaqah separate to Zakah.
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Lesson on Zakah/Sadaqah: 7
1. Which 3 persons Allah loves? Ans: Hadis: (a) Who gives Sadaqah secretly [For the love of Allah] (b) Traveler pray Tahajjood prayer instead of rest at night for the [Love of Allah] (c) Someone never run away from Islamic war and gives life [For the love of Allah] ------------[Tirmidi. Nasaee]
2. Which 3 persons Allah is angry with? Ans: Hadis: (a) Who is old yet adulterer (b) Faqeer (Poor) yet arrogant (c) Rich yet oppressor [Tirmidi. Nasaee]
3. What will be the shade for believer in the Day of Judgment? Ans: Hadis: His/her Sadaqah (Whatever donated will turn into shade) [Ahmed]
4. What 3 things make a donation best? Ans: 3 factors are: Condition of donor: Such as donor is poor yet donates—that is a best donation Condition of receiver: Such as a dying receiver, any donation to him is best Where donated: Such in the struggle in Allah’s path [Mishqat]
5. What is the best donation (Sadaqah)? Ans: Hadis: Best donation is within one’s affordability (without causing suffering on himself or family etc.) and donating begins from those dependents on you [Bukhari]
6. Is spending for own family is Sadaqah? Ans: Hadis: Yes, if a Muslim Spends with the hope of receiving rewards from Allah [Muttafaqun A’laih] Note: This spending is for basic needs not for luxury
7. Which Sadaqah has double rewards? Ans: Hadis: Sadaqah to poor relatives. One reward for Sadaqah and another reward for looking after relative [Muslim] Note: This Sadaqah is not Zakah
8. What should we do if someone does give us something? Ans: Hadis: You should give something in return, if you can’t afford at least make dua for them [Ahmed. Abu Dawood. Nasaee]
9. Which donation is most rewarding? Ans: Hadis: according to Quran 3.92 “You can’t receive reward until you donate something you really love” [Muttafaqun A’laih]
10. Will the dead person receive rewards if someone donates on his/her behalf? Ans: Hadis: yes [Muttafaqun A’laih]
11. How much reward wife gets donating husband’s wealth? Ans: Hadis: Full same reward as husband if donated with his permission, half reward if donated without his permission [Muttafaqun A’laih]
12. Why we should not take our donation back? Ans: Hadis: Taking donation back is like a dog eats own vomit [Muttafaqun A’laih]
13. Can we fast or do Hajj on behalf of dead person? Ans: Hadis: Yes [Muslim] Note: Imam Ahmed follows this Hadis and says, fasting ok on behalf of dead people. Other Imam’s opinion is different: They say according to another Hadis that salaah and fasting can’t be done as donation for dead people. Instead to pay Fidya-feeding poor [Mishqat]