Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligatory act of worship for all Muslims who meet the criteria. Zakah is a form of charity in Islam, which is intended to help those who are less fortunate and in need. Here are some details about Zakah in Islam:

  1. The Obligation of Zakah: Zakah is obligatory upon all Muslims who have reached puberty, are mentally and physically able, and have wealth that exceeds a certain amount known as the nisab.
  2. The Purpose of Zakah: The purpose of Zakah in Islam is to purify one’s wealth and to help those who are in need. It is a means of ensuring that wealth is distributed fairly in society.
  3. The Calculation of Zakah: Zakah is calculated at a rate of 2.5% of one’s wealth that exceeds the nisab. The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth that one must have before Zakah becomes obligatory. The nisab is based on the value of gold and silver.
  4. Who Receives Zakah: Zakah can be given to a number of categories of people, including the poor, the needy, those in debt, those who are stranded or travelling, and those who are working to establish the religion of Islam. Zakah cannot be given to one’s own family members or used for personal expenses.
  5. Benefits of Zakah: Zakah has many benefits, including helping those who are in need, purifying one’s wealth, and promoting social justice and equality.
  6. The Collection and Distribution of Zakat: Zakah can be given directly to those in need or it can be given to a charity organisation or mosque, which will distribute it to those who are eligible to receive it.

In summary, Zakah is an important part of Islam and is an act of worship that helps to purify one’s wealth and support those who are less fortunate. It is an obligation upon all Muslims who meet the criteria and can have many positive benefits for both the giver and the receiver.

Zakah with Reference to Quran and Ahadees

Here are some references from the Quran and Ahadees regarding Zakah in Islam:

Quran:

  1. “And establish prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.” (Quran 2:110)
  2. “And those within whose wealth is a known right for the petitioner and the deprived.” (Quran 70:24-25)

Ahadees:

  1. Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good (halal) earnings – for Allah does not accept anything but that which is good – Allah will take it with His right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as one of you tends his foal until it becomes like a mountain.” (Bukhari 5034)
  2. Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.” (Muslim 2588)
  3. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “No Zakat is due on property until a year passes over it.” (Bukhari 1395)

These references highlight the importance and benefits of Zakah in Islam. The Quranic verse emphasises that Zakah is one of the acts of worship that Muslims must establish, along with prayer. It also emphasises that giving Zakah is an act of putting good forward for oneself, as Allah will reward those who give from their good earnings. The Ahadees further explain that Zakah does not decrease wealth, and that Allah increases the honour of those who forgive and raises the status of those who humble themselves for His sake. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught that Zakah is due on property only after a year has passed over it, highlighting the importance of calculating Zakah accurately and ensuring that it is given in a timely manner.