Zakaat - Rules and modern issues

Zakaat purifies faith

The one who gives Zakaat is purified and cleaned.  The heart of that person is rendered free of the love of material wealth.  By giving Zakaat, body, soul, faith, all are rendered pure and are refreshed.

As given in this Hadith of Mustadarak ‘Alas Sahihain:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Anas bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased with him) that one person requested the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  I have much wealth and also have a family.  In what way should I spend?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Give Zakaat, it is purifying.  It will purify you.  Treat your relatives nicely.  Realize the rights of those who ask, of neighbors, of the needy folk and the travelers.

That person said:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  Please make some concession for me!

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Give the rights due to relatives, give the rights due to the needy folk and travelers and don’t be extravagant.

That person said:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  If I give the Zakaat to the representative of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), then have I given Zakaat as per the orders of Allah and His Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Yes.  If you give the Zakaat to the representative, then indeed you have given the Zakaat and there is reward for you for it …….  (Mustadarak ‘Alas Sahihain, Hadith No. 3331)