Zakat and Its Importance
Zakat word is using very frequently in the Islamic religion. It is also the term of pillars in Islam. If a Muslim has the financial means and stability to pay Zakat. It is obligatory for him or her to do so.
Zakat and its importance are often misheard by people. To put it simply. Zakat is defined as a true act of worship. This task must be performed as a beautiful means of helping our less privileged Muslim brothers. ALLAH has used the term Zakat several times in the Quran. Depicting how significant of a place this act holds in the Islamic religion.
What is the importance of Zakat? What benefits come with its offering? To help you answer questions like these and more. Here is everything you need to know about Zakat and its importance in Islam.
The true meaning behind the term Zakat
The importance of Zakat relies on its ability to purify a believer’s wealth. It is an obligatory act of worship and the duty of all Muslims to help the deprived community. This is the actual purpose of why Zakat has been made compulsory for pay for Muslims.
How is Zakat paid?
Zakat is surmounted to entail 2.5% of the average Muslim’s wealth which is paid off to the poor. The act of Zakat is not a voluntary duty. It is in fact an obligation that must be fulfilled to attain the blessings from ALLAH. Zakat can be paid on the surplus of wealth under the believer’s possession. This includes stocks, pension, investment property, cash savings, money leaned to others and silver or gold jeweled ornaments.
Who is entitled to receive Zakat?
Zakat cannot be given to whomsoever a believer considers to be in need. There is a certain specified criteria enlisted for the receivers of Zakat. This includes the following:
- Al- Fuqara: Individuals who don’t have the wealth to afford basic necessities
- Al- Masakin: Individuals with no means of income or any possessions
- Zakat Collectors: Administrators or organizers that are entitled to receive Zakat donations on behalf of those in need which will later be distributed.
- Converts to Islam- People who recently converted to Islam and have no means of survival
- Slaves and captives- Individuals who are held as captive and the Zakat is used to pay for their freedom
- Debt-Ridden- Individuals who have zero means to rid off their debts
- In the cause of ALLAH- Individuals fighting in ALLAH’s path
- Wayfarer- Travelers that cannot return home due to a dire shortage of cash
Understanding Zakat and its importance
Circulation of wealth
By offering Zakat. The wealth of society and economy circulates in a healthy manner. The wealth of the rich gets distributed amongst the poor so that society as a whole can benefit.
Helping others at large
The biggest benefit of Zakat is related to society’s development. With Zakat, individuals understand and indulge in the act of sharing and helping those in need.
Understanding the act of sacrificing
The sacrificing of one’s wealth for the sake of ALLAH is an immensely bountiful benefit to attain from Zakat. It makes an individual humble and grounded. It also reminds believers to stay on the righteous path and continue to strive for ALLAH’s bounty and divine guidance.
