Zakat, one of the pillars of Islam, is an obligation Allah has prescribed for His servants. Zakat is not personal charity or voluntary generosity, but a mandatory financial act of worship prescribed by Allah for the wealthy.
In this brief article, we will focus on two main aspects of zakat. The first relates directly to the giver and receiver of zakat, while the second concerns its universal human, social, and economic significance.
The significance of zakat among people
We can understand the paramount importance of zakat from the fact that in the Qur'an it is primarily mentioned together with salah (prayer), the second pillar of Islam.
Paying zakat purifies the giver's heart from the maladies of selfishness and attachment to wealth, while strengthening mercy and goodwill toward the poor. At the same time, the one who pays zakat fulfills the obligatory act of worship and thereby protects their wealth from loss, and their heart and body from the torment of the Hereafter.
Zakat purifies the heart of its recipient from envy and malice toward the giver, and strengthens mutual respect and brotherhood in society.
The human and social significance of zakat
History shows that the fair distribution of wealth in any society has been the guarantee of its social stability, economic development, and the high bonds of affection among people.
The Islamic economic system, the oldest among all organized economic systems, advocates eliminating poverty entirely and creating an economic society where the basic needs of all people are met. Zakat is a precious system given by Allah to achieve this goal. Below we list the significance of zakat and its benefits to society.
• Social harmony and justice. Zakat is a bridge between the poor and the rich. In modern economies, wealth accumulates in the hands of a few, while the material conditions of the poor worsen. One of the aims of zakat is to prevent such social inequality.
• Social protection. Zakat is a means of social protection. Today those who have sufficient means help those in need. If tomorrow the situation changes and those same people need financial assistance, they can receive the means necessary to live from others.
• Best means against hoarding wealth. Zakat is taken from monetary funds and accumulated wealth. Therefore, a person who pays zakat every year strives to increase their wealth through trade or business activity. The zakat payer seeks to grow their wealth so it does not diminish year after year. As their wealth grows, they pay more zakat, fulfilling their obligation and benefiting society. Thus the literal meaning of "zakat" — growth — becomes clear.
• Circulation of wealth in society. Through zakat, wealth does not accumulate in one place but flows as circulating capital benefiting the whole society. Zakat significantly reduces poverty. If the zakat system is properly implemented, poverty can be completely eliminated in society.
• Human brotherhood. Zakat strengthens bonds of affection and the spirit of brotherhood among people.
• Fulfilling one's duty and self-respect. Zakat is an obligatory act for the wealthy. This does not mean they are being charitable to the poor; rather, it means they are striving to protect themselves from Allah's wrath in the Hereafter by fulfilling the duty prescribed by Allah.
• Curbing begging. If everyone capable of paying zakat fulfills their duty, there would be no poor or needy people reduced to begging. While Islam requires the wealthy to extend help to those in need, it has also discouraged the poor from begging.
• Peace and progress. Zakat ensures social justice by maintaining financial balance among various strata of society. As a result, the crime rate also decreases. In this way, the whole society advances and develops together. The fair distribution of material wealth reduces unemployment and prevents economic crises.
If those capable of paying zakat sincerely and fully fulfill this obligatory act, then alongside state social programs, zakat can transform the economic, social, and spiritual state of an entire society for the better.
Surah At-Tawbah, verse 103:
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Take from their wealth charity that purifies and cleanses them, and pray for them. Indeed, your prayer is a comfort for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
Surah Maryam, verse 31:
وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ وَأَوْصَانِي بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ مَا دُمْتُ حَيًّا
And He made me blessed wherever I am, and enjoined upon me prayer and zakat as long as I live.