Zakat means growth, blessings, purification, or appreciation. It is called zakat because one's wealth grows through the blessings of giving part of it and the prayer of those who receive it. Zakat purifies its giver of his/her sins and is clearly ordered by God. The Quran says "Take alms of their wealth and make them pure and clean " (9:103).
There are two main type of zakat:
Zakat al-fitr
This zakat is caused by breaking the fasting at the end of Ramadan. it is sometime called sadaqat al-fitr. Zakat ul-fitr is leived on individual and not on his/her wealth. Zakat ul-Fitr is mandatory for every Muslim, young, old, men, women, free and captive.
Zakat ul-mal
Zakat was instituted among Muslims to carry out a variety of objectives. Islam ordained zakat to achieve, through it, social justice and sublime moral and spiritual values. It is a criterion for the believers and a way to success in this life and the next.
Allah says, "Who establishes worship and spend of that we have bestowed upon them, these are the true believers. For them are grades of honour with their Lord, and forgiveness, and a beautiful provision". [8:3-4]
Deprived old man
Therefore Zakat is:
A transfer of possessions and not a favour or a gift, given by the owner to those who deserve it, in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
Considered In a Specified Portion of the wealth, determined according to specific principles.
Not due on all types of wealth there are certain conditions that should be fulfilled in order not to pay zakat on one's wealth.
Due on wealth that has fulfilled the nisab . Having this condition ensure social justice and reduces the differences among social classes. It also guarantees sufficient equalization.
Allah has warned those who do not give Zakat that they will face dire consequence. He says, "O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the rabbis and the monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And those who hoard up gold and silver, and spend it not in the Way of Allah-announce unto them a painful torment (Quran 9:34).
Zakat improves an individual's social spirit also give true and practical expression of Islamic brotherhood. When Muslims pay zakat, the society becomes like one family. The prophet (SAW), said, "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs is afflicted, the whole body responds to it with sleeplessness and fever".
Zakat also removes hatred and envy from the hearts of the poor for they know that their right from the wealthy is preserved. The prophet, sallallaahu alayhe wa sallam, said, "The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the brick of) a building, each strengthens the others".
It improves one's personality also helping other Muslims makes the one more comfortable with his role in the community. He feels victorious over his weakness (like greed) and Satan, who try to keep him/her away from doing good deeds.
Who is deserving of Zakat
Women breaking bricks to earn money.
The Holy Quran describes the following eight categories who are entitled to receive Zakat.
1. Fuqara: the people who have some money but not enough to meet their
needs. They live in a precarious circumstances but do not ask for help.
2. Miskins: these are a very miserable people who do not have anything for
food, clothing and shelter. The Khalifa Umar ibn al-Khattab also included in them those
who are fit to earn but do not have means to earning.
3. Aamileen (Collectors of Zakat): the officials engaged in the collection and distribution of Zakat are paid from the Zakat fund.
4. Muallafat-ul-Qulub (Those whose hearts are to be reconciled): this includes the new Muslims, to strengthen them in Islam, as well as those for whom it may be necessary to give Zakat to win their heart.
5. Fir-riqab.(Emancipation of slaves): this means the person who wants to free himself from the shackles of slavery should be given Zakat so that he can pay to this category (those persons who are imprisoned for nonpayment of fines).
6.Al-Gharimeen: this means the people who are in debt, which is more than the assets so that after paying the debt, their wealth that is left is less than the Nisab.?
7.Fi Sabeelillah (in the cause of Allah ): this is a common word used for all good deeds, but in the case of Zakat it means rendering help to an endeavor to serve Islam such as the propagation of Islam, Jihad, etc.
8.Ibn-us-Sabil (the wayfarer): a traveler, if he is in need of money while travelling , is entitled to Zakat .
Some essential Points about Zakat
1.A person who qualifies to pay Zakat is not eligible to receive.
2. It is not permissible to pay Zakat to your husband , wife, parents , grandparents, and the children and grandchildren.
3 Expenditure to Zakat fund is not permissible on the construction of mosque.
4. It is preferable to pay Zakat to deserving relatives.
5. The Zakat of every locality should be spent on the poor inhabitants of the same community except if there is a calamity in other parts of the country or the world.
6. Any one who qualifies to receive Zakat, can be given it as assistance or a gift, without telling him that it is Zakat.
7. All articles of household use and properties given on rent are exempted from paying Zakat.
8, Zakat money of a particular year could be spent during the same year in advance, could be given all at once or in instalments.
Carrying an old man
Amount of Zakat Due:
The most common zakatable wealth is cash, stocks, gold and business commodities. The amount of zakat due on these types of wealth is 2.5% of their total values. However, this rate if different for other types of wealth such as agriculture products, livestock and natural resources.
For more information about Zakat, please contact your local Imam.
