Zakaat

Zakaat is one of the pillars of Islam. The word Zakaat comes from the Arabic triliteral root letters zaa-kaaf-yaa meaning to grow, to increase, to purify, to cleanse. Offering zakaat is a way of cleansing our wealth thereby ensuring growth in it.

o Why we should give Zakah?

Zakaat was made compulsory in the second year of Hijrah. It is an act of ibaadah (worship) and a responsibility upon the affluent in the society to share their excess wealth with the less fortunate. This ensures circulation of wealth and a fair distribution in the society.

▪ Benefits of Zakah

• Giving Zakaat is a source of attaining closeness to Allah
• Purifies and increases wealth
• Develops gratitude towards Allah
• Teaches self-discipline
• Checks against envy, greed and unnecessarily love for wealth
• Builds brotherhood
• Ensures even distribution of wealth in the society
• Liberates the society from Interest
• Prevents Recession
• Eradicates poverty
• Prevents crimes such as stealing and robbery
• Results in an environment of peace, well-being, and stability

o Who to Give?

Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentions eight categories in the Quran for those entitled to receive zakaat. It is mentioned in Surah Taubah, 9:60

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

1. The Fuqarah/Poor: a person who does not have anything.
2. The Miskeen/Needy: a person who has something, but it is not enough to meet his needs.
3. The Amileen/Collectors and distributers of Zakaat: these are the employees of the department of Zakaat.
4. Muallafatul Quloob/Those whose hearts are attracted towards Islam: the purpose is to help recent converts, to bring the disbelievers closer to Islam and to save the believers from persecution.
5. Ar-Riqaab/Freeing of the slaves(captives): as they may not have resources to ransom themselves out of captivity.
6. Al-Gharimeen/Those under debt: even a financially stable person can come under debt which may be beyond his capacity to return.
7. Fee Sabeelillah/Those in the path of Allah: the seekers of knowledge, stranded pilgrims, fighters at the frontiers.
8. Ibn al Sabeel/Traveler: even if he is wealthy at his native land but is in need or is stranded as he travels.

o Principle / how much to give

Zakaat is to be paid once a year on savings or surplus wealth at the rate of 2.5 percent. This applies to cash, savings in the bank, and gold and silver. Then there is Zakaat due on livestock such as camels, sheep, and cattle. Zakaat due on agricultural produce is called Ushr. For land irrigated by canals, rivers, and wells, it is one-twentieth of the total produce. Whereas, for land irrigated by rain it is one-tenth of the produce.