Zakaat - Rules and modern issues

Giving Zakaat protects wealth

Every person desires to protect his/her own wealth.  They try various methods for it.  In spite of all protective measures, safety of wealth can’t be guaranteed.  Some natural calamity might strike.  A tornado might ruin it or an earthquake might bury it in the very bowels of the earth.  However, when Zakaat is given on the wealth, it is as if the wealth has been placed in safety in a strong fort.  The Hadith tell us this:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Give Zakaat and ensure safety of your wealth in strong forts.  Cure your diseased ones through charity and supplicate when in any difficulty. (Mo’jam Kabeer Tabarani, Hadith No. 10044)

On the contrary, if Zakaat isn’t given on wealth, difficulties strike it.  There is a Hadith in Kanz Ul ‘Ummal:  No wealth is ruined on land or at sea but it is because of withholding Zakaat.  (Kanz Ul ‘Ummal, Hadith No. 15807)