WHY SHOULD I GIVE ZAKAT?

Why Should I Give Zakat?


Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted- Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) commands in the Quran, “Take alms out of their property, you would cleanse them and purify them thereby, and pray for them; surely your prayer is a relief to them; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” [Al-Quran 9:103]

Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) says in the Quran: “And keep up prayer and pay the poor-due (Zakat) and obey the Messenger, so that mercy may be shown to you.” [Al-Quran 24:56]

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle; to offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly; to pay Zakat (i.e. alms); to perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca), and to observe fast during the month of Ramadan. (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.1, Book 2, No.7)

At-Tabarani relates, on the authority of ‘Ali, that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has enjoined upon rich Muslims a due to be taken from their properties corresponding to the needs of the poor among them. The poor will never suffer from starvation or lack of clothes unless the rich neglect their due. If they do, Allah will surely hold them accountable and punish them severely.” (related by At-Tabarani in Al-’Aswat and as-Saghir)
Who Receives Zakat?

“The alms are only for the Fuqara’ (the poor), and Al-Masakeen (the needy) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveler who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” [Al-Quran - 9:60]

The eight categories mentioned in the verse above are:

•Fuqaraa: Those who own property in excess of basic necessities but below the value of Nisab

•Masakeen: Extremely poor who possess no wealth whatsoever

•Aamileen: Those persons who are appointed by an Islamic Head of State or Government to collect Zakat; this person does not have to be a needy person to qualify for Zakat
•Muallafatul Quloob: Those poor and needy persons who may have recently converted to Islam; Zakat is given to them with the intentions of solidifying their hearts or to bring them closer to Islam

•Ar-Riqaab: slaves whose masters have agreed to set them free on a payment of a fixed amount; Zakat may be used to purchase their freedom

•Al Ghaarimeen: A person whose debts exceed his assets; to qualify, his/her net assets (after deducting liabilities) must be below the Nisab limit

•Fi Sabeelillah: Those who are away from home in the path of Allah

•Ibnus-Sabeel: A traveler, who, whilst wealthy at his residence, is stranded and in need of financial assistance