Give a detailed account on Zakat. Also explain it's benefits.
Zakat is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. Zakat is derived from the word, ‘Zaka‘, which means to increase, bless or purify.
Importance and obligations of Zakat
Zakat was imposed on Muslims after the Hijra. This is a financial worship obligatory on Every Sahib Nisab (i.e. 7.5 tolas of gold or 52.5 tolas obligatory on all adult rich muslims to give zakat which they’ve had in their possession for more than one calendar yearI ts rate on annual savings is 2.5%. Zakat is important as it is a true attribute of a believer. This is because the Holy Quran and Hadith have repeatedly stressed almsgiving.
In the Holy Quran, Salah along with Zakat have been mentioned about 700 times.
Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran,
"If you lend, lend well to Allah, He will double it for you and forgive you. " (64:17)
Zakat is the best way to acknowledge the incalculable blessings bestowed by Allah and to express His gratitude. On the contrary, those who do not pay Zakat earn the displeasure of Allah.
Allah says in the Qur'an.
" Those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, give them the glad tidings of a painful chastisement."(9: 34)
According to these verses, the payment of Zakat is a way to earn the blessings of this world and the Hereafter and escape from the punishment of Hell
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"By giving charity, wealth does not decrease, but increases."
The Prophet PBUH said,
"Every morning, two Angels of Allah come down and pray. O Allah, give more to the spender. The other one prays, O Allah, destroy the one who does not spend."
(Agreed upon)
Muslims agree that the religion and faith of the one who leaves Zakat is incomplete.
The Messenger of Allah, PBUH, said that "Zakat is Burhan" that it is a proof , a proof of the faith of the giver of Zakat.
Muslims ensure those who don’t have the means to thrive are given so that they can survive and enjoy the luxuries of the life too.
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) commands:
“It (Zakat) should be collected from the well-to-do and distributed among the poor.”
*Individual and collective benefits of Zakat*.
Zakat is financial worship and the most appropriate process of supporting the poverty stricken citizen. Zakat blesses the giver and the receiver with various benefits.
*Personal Benefits*
1.By paying Zakat, many religious and worldly blessings are obtained and numerous calls and troubles are avoided and prayers are accepted.
2.The reward and reward of the giver of Zakat keeps increasing. By paying Zakat, the servant is counted among the *thankful and pious servants of Allah.
3.Purification of wealth .
Through the payment of Zakat. The wealth becomes clean. This is because, when an individual spends in the way of Allah, he acknowledges Him as the provider of all sustenance. Allah purifies his wealth bestow him with more bounties.
4. Purification of heart.
Zakat cleans the heart of both the giver and the receiver. It purifies the heart of the giver from the love of wealth, selfishness and envy.In the same way, it cleans the heart of the receiver from jealousy and hate from all those who are well-off .
5. Zakat magnifies the wealth of a believer. Allah almighty promises that when someone spends generously in His way, He provides him more than his imagination.
Collective/Social benefits.
Zakat is the welfare tax. It is the backbone of a society.
1. Circulation of wealth.
It prevents the accumulation of wealth in a few hands due to a uniform distribution of wealth the entire can be transformed.
2.To empower the poor and weak. The deprived communities feel valued and the difference between haves and have nots would be reduced through transparent distribution of Zakat.
3.Unity and brotherhood .
The sense of brotherhood develops between rich and poor .It encourages a bond of social responsibility .This brings the s People closer and develop unity in society.
4.To eradicate beggary.
When Zakat is Justly given to the deserving people,then they would not ask for their needs by compromising their self esteem. This helps to eradicate the menace of begging from the society.
5. Helps in reduction of crime rate .
A society where a transparent system of zakat is practiced, i.e. projects related to education and employment are made for the youth and the unemployed along with helping the needy, then there *crime rate can be reduced* .
Zakat is an important pillar of religion and it is not a tax but in fact a test of faith.
Alhamdulillah, we have a properly developed system of Zakat in Pakistan. It is our duty to give all possible support for its success so that with its blessings the entire society can become an ideal society for the world.
