Zakaat - Rules and modern issues

Wisdom behind obligation of Zakaat

In today’s world, various programs are conceived and developed to eradicate poverty and to better the lot of the poor people.  Instead, if the whole world understands the importance and efficacy of the system of Zakaat and implements it, then surely poverty will be eradicated from this world.  The needy folk will lead happier lives and crimes, which are a direct outcome of poverty, will be checked.

All the sections of the society can progress when wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a few and it circulates throughout the society.  It should not be that the rich folk gather and hoard wealth and the poor and needy folk perish of need.  With this end in mind, Islam has prohibited usury and made Zakaat an obligation on the rich and encouraged them to give charity.  Also expiation has been decreed for some misdemeanor.  In the war booty, a fifth part is fixed as charity.  All this is there so that some wealth comes to the needy and poor people as well and it does not remain concentrated in the hands of a few.