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Zakat is a purification of the wealth ALLAH (Subhanahu wa
ta'ala) has entrusted us with. Every Muslim who has exceeded a minimum
quantity of wealth is required to pay Zakat. The Quran discusses Zakat in
over 80 ayat (verses), and it is frequently in combination with Salat. The
Quran also discloses the qualifying recipients of Zakat.
Zakat is not a charity. Rather it is the right of the needy upon those who
are not needy. When one gives their Zakat, they are grateful to find someone
willing to accept it. The latter has done a favor for the giver by accepting
their Zakat. With this attitude, Zakat is the mechanism by which poverty is
eliminated. It is preferred that the Zakat be given directly by the giver to
the receiver, rather than through an intermediary. By this method, the
wealthy interact with the needy, they see their condition and they feel some
of the hardship. This should soften their hearts and encourage them to give
charity as well. Zakat does not replace or eliminate charity. On the
contrary, it encourages charitable contributions, especially when it is
given directly to the receiver. For more information on Zakat or any other
aspect of Islam, please contact the Islamic Foundation at (314)-394-7878. |
