There is great importance of those who spend in the path of Allah with sincerity. Allah Most High accepts their charity. Be it even only a small date, with Allah Most High it is as great as a mountain. There is a Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi:
Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Sa‘eed (May Allah be well pleased with him) that he heard Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) say that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: None of you gives any charity from pure (lawfully earned) wealth but that Allah Most High accepts it in His hand (shows special favor to it).
Allah Most High accepts only pure wealth even though it may be only a single date. Then it grows in the hand of Allah Most High, so much so that it becomes bigger than a mountain, the way any of you rears a calf. (Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 663)
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 is 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)