What is Zakaat

What is Zakaat

 

In Islam, worship is not limited to the confines of a mosque.  Worship in this religion is not a mere ritual.  Instead, worship in Islam enables a person to come closer to the Lord Almighty and to develop cordial relations with the creation.  The Islamic forms of worship carry a profound relevancy and a deep effect.  The role played by Islamic forms of worship in bettering the society cannot be denied.

 

Be it Salaat, fast, Zakaat, Hajj, seclusion (‘Itikaaf), sacrifice of animals or other forms of charity, directly or indirectly, they benefit not only the person who performs them but also benefit the society as a whole.

 

The literal meaning of Zakaat is purity (Taharah) and to increase.  These are amply found in the wealth from which Zakaat is given.  The wealth from which Zakaat is given is pure and it does increase through it.  As given in Al Bahr Ur Raiq Sharh Kanz Ud Daqaaiq, Vol. 2, Pg. No. 352.

 

Shariah meaning of Zakaat

 

In the terminology of the Shariah, Zakaat means making a needy person who is not from the family of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) nor a slave released by them, the absolute owner of a specific part of a wealth by a person whose wealth reaches the prescribed limits of Zakaat.

 

As given in the famous book of the Hanafi school of Fiqh, Kanz Ud Daqaaiq, Kitab Uz Zakaat, Pg. No. 55)

 

The command of Zakaat

 

Zakaat is an essential obligation among the obligations of Islam.  This is the third article of Islam after the testification of the Unity of Allah Most High and the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Zakaat is obligatory on an adult, sane, free Muslim (man or woman) whose wealth reaches the prescribed limits as soon as a year passes on that wealth.

 

The person who denies the obligation of Zakaat is out of the fold of Islam.  The past Ummah of different Prophets also had this obligation.  For the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), this command was given in 2^nd Hijri before fasts were made obligatory, when the condition of the Muslims was such that they badly needed mutual help and cooperation.

 

As given in Durre Mukhtaar, Kitab Uz Zakaat.

 

Zakaat is not Compulsory on the Prophets

 

There is complete agreement and consensus that the Prophets don’t have to give Zakaat.  This is because Zakaat is a means of purifying those who can be blemished and the Prophets are free of any and every impurity.

 

As given in Durre Mukhtaar, Kitab Uz Zakaat.