10 Importance Of Zakat In Islam - Hadith And Quran Best References

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Asmaa Tech Content

2/3/2024

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Importance Of Zakat In Islam: Zakat, often translated as "charity" or "almsgiving," is far more than a simple act of kindness in the Islamic tradition; it is one of the Five Pillars that form the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice. As an obligatory form of giving.

Zakat serves multiple purposes: from purifying one's wealth and soul to fostering a sense of community and social justice. Understanding its significance is crucial not only for individual spiritual growth but also for the well-being of the Muslim community as a whole. In the following sections, we will delve into the 10 key aspects that underscore the importance of Zakat in Islam, exploring its profound impact on both personal and communal levels.

Zakat is integral to Islam for multiple reasons. It fulfills a religious duty, aids the less fortunate, promotes social justice, and purifies wealth. Additionally, Zakat fosters gratitude, community unity, and accountability to Allah. Its significance is underscored in the Quran and Hadith, reflecting core Islamic values of compassion and social responsibility.

Importance Of Zakat In Islam:

Zakat is a basic pillar of Islam, and its benefits are numerous. Here are ten remarkable reasons why Zakat is essential in a Muslim’s life:

1. Fulfilling a religious obligation

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it an obligatory act of worship for all Muslims who meet certain eligibility criteria.

This obligation is not just a spiritual duty but also a social contract, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and the Quran.

2. Helping those in need

Zakat helps to provide financial assistance to less fortunate individuals, helping them meet their fundamental necessarily and live with dignity.

This extends beyond immediate relief and aims for long-term sustainability, such as funding for education and job training.

3. Promoting social justice

Zakat plays a considerable role in promoting social justice and reducing revenue inequality in society.

That is by encouraging people to care for each other and fostering a sense of community and cohesion. Besides, it ensures everyone can get necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

This creates a more equitable distribution of resources, thereby reducing poverty and social tension.

4. Purifying one's wealth

Paying Zakat purifies one's wealth and removes any ill-gotten gains that may have been acquired during the year.

It serves as a form of spiritual cleansing, ensuring that one's assets are earned and spent in accordance with Islamic principles.

5. Strengthening community bonds

Zakat is a communal obligation that strengthens the ligament between Muslims as they work together to help those in need.

This collective action not only helps the recipients but also fosters unity and mutual respect among community members.

6. Fostering gratitude

Paying Zakat encourages gratitude by reminding individuals of the blessings and abundance Allah has given to them. That makes them more appreciative of what they possess.

This heightened sense of gratitude often leads to a more content and fulfilling life.

7. Encouraging charitable giving

Zakat forms a precedent for charitable giving and encourages Muslims to give generously and regularly to those in need.

It serves as a model for additional voluntary donations, known as Sadaqah, which can be given at any time and in any amount.

8. A Way Of Earning Rewards From Allah (SWT)

Zakat is considered a righteous deed and a means of getting rewards from Allah (SWT) in life and hereafter.

These rewards are not just spiritual but also promise better social harmony and personal satisfaction.

9. Balancing Spiritual And Material Well-being

Zakat provides a balance between spiritual and material well-being by emphasizing the importance of both.

It teaches that material wealth is not an end but a means to achieve spiritual and social harmony.

10. Being accountable to Allah

Paying Zakat is a form of accountability to Allah (SWT), reminding Muslims that their wealth is a trust from Allah and must be used wisely and ethically.

This sense of accountability extends to how one earns and spends money, ensuring ethical financial practices.

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Importance Of Zakat In the Quran

The importance of Zakat is emphasized in both the Quran. Here are some examples:

1. Surah Baqarah:110

Surah Baqarah:110 emphasizes the fundamental practices that every Muslim should adhere to. The verse serves as a reminder of the integral role that both Salah (prayer) and Zakat (charity) play in a Muslim's life.

Allah says:

Establish Salah (prayer) and give Zakat (charity), and whatever good you put for yourselves - you will find with Allah. Indeed, Allah of whatever you do, is Seeing." (Surah Baqarah:110).

This verse underscores the importance of establishing regular prayers and giving Zakat as acts of worship. The Verse also assures believers that their good deeds are not in vain; Allah is fully aware of them and they will find their rewards with Him.

2. Surah At-Taubah:103

Surah At-Taubah:103 provides guidance specifically to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on how to utilize the wealth of the community for the greater good. It outlines the purifying and enriching power of charity.

Allah says:

"Take, (O, Muhammad), from their wealth a charity that purifies and causes them to increase, and invoke (Allah's blessings) upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing." (Surah At-Taubah:103).

The verse highlights the transformative power of Zakat, not just as a financial obligation but as a means to purify one's wealth and soul. It also emphasizes the role of the Prophet's blessings in providing reassurance to the believers.

Importance Of Zakat In the Hadith

The following Hadith, narrated by both Bukhari and Muslims, lays down the foundational pillars upon which Islam is built. It encapsulates the essence of being a Muslim and outlines the core practices that define Islamic faith.

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: "Islam was built on five pillars: To attest that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, perform Salah, pay the Zakat, make the pilgrimage to the House (Hajj), and Sawm in Ramadan." (Bukhari, Muslim).

The Hadith serves as a comprehensive guide to the basic tenets of Islam, highlighting the importance of Zakat alongside other pillars like Salah, Hajj, and Sawm. It reiterates that Zakat is not just a charitable act but a fundamental pillar that supports the structure of Islamic faith.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, Zakat stands as a vital pillar of Islam, embodying principles of compassion, justice, and communal solidarity. Its significance extends beyond religious obligation, encompassing social welfare, wealth purification, and spiritual growth.

By fulfilling Zakat, Muslims not only fulfill their duty to Allah but also contribute to the well-being of society and foster a sense of collective responsibility. In essence, Zakat serves as a tangible manifestation of Islamic values, promoting charity, equity, and accountability in the lives of believers.