Islam does not just encourage charity, but it also obliges every financially secure Muslim to pay zakat. To give alms to the needy is a characteristic feature of a Muslim, as well as the fulfillment of one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat is considered as an “obligatory charity” – a duty of those whom Allah has endowed with wealth. Some, devoid of universal love, can only save wealth, and lend only when they see the benefits for themselves. Islam also calls for sharing with others and helping to become an independent and successful member of society.
In translation from Arabic zakat means “purification” – purification of the heart of greed. The love of wealth is quite natural, and therefore, one must have a strong faith in God in order to be ready to part with his property. Zakat is paid from various types of property – gold, silver, money, livestock, agricultural products, merchandise, and is given once a year, provided that the person owned this property throughout the year. Generally speaking, zakat is 2.5% of personal wealth.
READ MORE: Recipients of Zakah
Like prayer, zakat is worship. According to Islamic dogma, the true possessor of things is the Lord, and not man. Religion Islam condemns the accumulation of property only for the sake of increasing its status or significance. The mere acquisition of wealth will not add to the person’s worth in either this or the next life. Islam teaches that the accumulated must be spent on one’s own needs or the needs of others.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The son of Adam says:” My wealth, my wealth! “- but does it belong to you, O son of Adam, except what you ate, destroying it, or The clothes that you wore, worn to the limit, or what you gave as alms, leaving it (for yourself forever) ?! “
Money and Property in general is regarded as a gift from God. The Lord has endowed man with wealth and defined a portion of this wealth for the poor, so the poor have a right to their share.
Zakat reminds a Muslim that his whole possession belongs to the Lord, and frees his heart from the love of money. It is important to remember that the believer pays zakat not because the Almighty needs it – He is beyond all need! The Gracious Allah promises a reward for helping the needy on the condition that the zakat will be paid in his name. When giving zakat, a person should not expect anything in return, he should not demand any worldly goods for himself, nor should he strive to be known as a patron and defender of the poor … He has no right to hurt someone’s feelings by providing material assistance, and also in no way The case can not be reminiscent of the assistance provided, forcing a person to feel humiliated.
Money given as zakat can only be used for certain purposes: to support the poor and needy, to free slaves and to help debtors, as the Holy Quran says (9:60). Arising more than 14 centuries ago, zakat and to this day is a form of social protection in Islamic countries.
Neither Jewish nor Christian writings elevate the liberation of the slave into the rank of worship. Among all religions, only Islam encourages believers to materially help slaves to regain their freedom, and if it is done for the sake of Allah – exalts liberation from slavery to the degree of worship.
During the caliphate, the collection and expenditure of zakat were the task of the state. In the modern Islamic world, this basically remains a matter for certain people; In only a few countries, to some extent, the state deals with zakat issues. Muslims of other countries distribute zakat through Islamic charity centers, mosques, or hand directly to those in need. Money is not collected during religious service and trays for offerings are not used; In some mosques there is a donation box. Anyone who wants to pay zakat can use it. Generally, it is preferable to engage in charity in secret, in order to keep the purity of intention – only for the sake of the Lord.
In addition to zakat, the Qur’an and the Hadiths (statements and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) pay great attention to another kind of charity – “sadaka”, voluntary alms to the needy. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, help the needy – it’s all sadaqah. The more we help, the more God helps us. The more we give, the more the Lord will grant to us. When someone cares for others, the Lord takes care of him. Second Pillar Of Islam ;Prayer (Solat