| 1. THE MEANING OF ZAKAT AND ITS IMPORTANCE Zakat is the Fourth Pillar of Islam. It is an obligation (Fard), prescribed by God on those Muslim men and women who possess enough means, to distribute a certain percentage of their annual savings or capital in goods or money among the poor and the needy. Zakat is assessed once a year on both capital and savings from income. The literal meaning of the word zakat is 'purity'. The Prophet (peace be on him) has said: "God has made zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining property ." There is no equivalent practice in other religions. Hence, while terms such as 'charity " poor-tax', 'alms-tax' and 'poor-due' have been coined by various translators, none of these terms actually conveys the true sense of the word zakat. Zakat is not a tax levied by a government, nor is it a voluntary contribution. It is first and foremost a duty enjoined by God and hence a form of worship. In Qur'an the payment of zakat is frequently mentioned in the same sentence or verse as the establishment of salat (prayers). "Lo! Those who believe and do good deeds and establish salat and pay zakat, their reward is with their Sustainer; and no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve." (2:277) "These are verses of the Book full of wisdom, a guide and mercy to the doers of good -those who establish salat and pay zakat and have the assurance of the Hereafter. These are on guidance from their Sustainer, and these are the ones who will prosper ." (31 :1-5) Thus, while salat is an act of worship through words and bodily action, zakat is a devotional act through one's wealth. Without the spirit of submission to God and love of Him, both acts are without spiritual and moral significance. From a practical point of view, it is the duty of an Islamic state to collect zakat from every Muslim who meets the requirements for paying it. The first Caliph, Abu Bakr Siddiq, declared war on those tribes which refused to pay zakat while still professing Islam and observing daily prayers.. He reasoned that the Divine law (Shari'ah) cannot be divided and that one cannot follow part of the Holy Book and cast aside other parts. However, in a non-Islamic state it is up to the individual Muslim to be. conscientious enough to voluntarily fulfil this duty to God and to his community, and it is up to his brother Muslims to remind him of this duty. |
Posted by: "er_sulthan@yahoo.com" <er_sulthan@yahoo.com>
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