The benefits of Zakaat

The wisdom behind the 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.

 

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)