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Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
PART 12
IMPORTANCE OF ZAKAAT
Zakat is a monetary devotion and an Ibaadat that has been ordained in the Shariat of all
the Ambiya (Peace be upon them). Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Zakat literally means to increase. Technically it means to purify one's position of wealth
by distributing a prescribed amount which has to be given to the poor as a fundamental
Ibaadat. Zakat is not a governmental tax, but its main purpose is to keep those who are
wealthy clean monetarily from sins.
Zakat was made compulsory at Makkah at the same time as Salaat. This can be seen in
the Suras of the Qur'an where the laws of Zakat are mentioned. The amount,
distribution, etc. was defined at Madinah in the second year of Hijri.
THE VIRTUES OF ZAKAAT.
Allah Ta’aala says in the Qur’an;
"Allah destroys wealth obtained from interest and will give increase for deed of charity".
Surah Baqarah: 276
Rasulullah S.A.W. has said;
1.
"The nation that does not give Zakat, Allah will bring about a drought on them (i. e.
necessities of life will become scarce)"
2.
"The persons on whom Allah has bestowed, wealth, and he does not give Zakat, on the
Day of Qiyaamah, this wealth will turned into a venomous bald serpent which will wind
around his neck and, bite his jaws and,, say: "I am your wealth, I am your treasure"
Bukhari
Read also The Virtues of Sadaqa available for free from the isalmic bulletin website at
under free books.
It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived :
1.
Gaining of the pleasure of Allah.
2.
Increase in wealth;
3.
Protection from losses;
4.
A cause thus established for Allah's forgiveness and blessings are obtained;
5.
Safety from calamities;
6.
Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death;
7.
The Zakat will provide a shelter on the Day of Judgment;
8.
Security from seventy misfortunes;
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