Zakaat - Rules and modern issues

Zakaat and other charity – A means of deliverance from hell

On the Day of Judgment, when there will be nothing between the Lord and the slave and the slave will face hell, there will be hellfire all around and the slave will be searching for means of deliverance.  In such a time what will save him/her from punishment?

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that in such a time Zakaat and other forms of charity will be a means of safety.  As given in this Hadith of Sunan Ibn Majah:

Translation:  It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat ‘Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  There is none among you who will not talk to the Lord Almighty.  There will be none between him (or her) and the Lord.  When he looks in front, fire will be coming towards him.  When he looks to the right side, he will see what he has done (in life) and when he looks to his left side, he will see what he has done.  Thus, any one of you who can save themselves from fire (of hell), be it through a date only, should do so.  (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1916)