Zakat is an important pillar of Islam. In the Quran, after faith, prayer, and mentions with it is the mention of Zakat. The literal meaning of Zakat is to purify, grow, and prosper. It is a financial worship. It is not just the distribution of funds and the caring of institutions, but it is also a kind of worship that purifies the heart and soul.
It makes a person a sincere servant of Allah. Zakat is the best way to acknowledge and thank Allah for His countless blessings and gifts. Paying Zakat is obligatory, and today, it is a matter of great importance for Muslims. Many Muslims are unaware of the obligation of Zakat, and many people are constantly looking for ways and excuses to avoid paying Zakat. Some Muslims pay Zakat but do so without proper calculation or just take out some money in the name of Zakat without proper accountability, even though this is a great shortcoming. Before paying Zakat, proper calculations should be done to determine the actual amount of Zakat, and then a plan for its payment should be made.
There are many instructions and guidelines about Zakat in the Quran and Hadith, and severe warnings have been given for not paying Zakat. All these arrangements have been made for people like us, who, under the influence of desires and Satan, stray away from Islamic laws. It is the guidance of God. “Establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Surah Al-Baqarah)
Islamic laws consist of two types of actions, apparent actions, and internal actions, and then there are two types of apparent actions, physical worship, and financial worship. Now, three categories have been formed: (1) Physical worship, (2) Financial worship, (3) Internal actions. Allah has mentioned the important details of these three categories in the above verse, mentioning prayer in the context of physical worship.
In the context of financial worship, the mention of Zakat has been made, and in the context of internal actions, the mention of humility and modesty has been made. It is well understood that just as prayer is the foremost and most important in physical worship, so is Zakat the foremost and most important in financial worship. Allah (SWT) says, “And my mercy encompasses all things.” So, I will write it for those who have piety and pay Zakat and have faith in Our verses. (Surah Al-A’raaf)
Allah (SWT) says, “And what you give for interest to increase within the wealth of people will not increase with Allah. But what you give in zakat, desiring the countenance of Allah – those are the multipliers.” (Surah Ar-Rum) It is the guidance of Allah (SWT) that if you give Allah a loan, then strive for the perfect thing, He will double it for you and will forgive you. And for those who do not pay Zakat, the guidance of Allah (SWT) is, “Those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, ann…