Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat is mentioned together with Salah in eighty two (82) verses of the Qur'an. Allah says: “And perform Salah and give Zakat.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Islam is based on five pillars: “The testimony of Faith, the performance of Salah, the payment of Zakat, the performance of Hajj, and the fasting of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Whoever denies that Zakat is a pillar of Islam is considered to have renounced Islam and become an apostate. The importance of Zakat in Islam is undeniable and should not be underestimated. The Arabic word “Zakat” literally translates as “Purity” and it is known that giving Zakat purifies excess wealth. The Islamic meaning of Zakat is that a certain percentage of excess wealth is taken from the rich Muslims and given to the poor Muslims. It bridges the gap between the rich and the poor Muslims, and fosters brotherly love among them. Zakat is obligatory: It is incumbent upon every Muslim who owns nisab (minimum amount) of wealth to pay its Zakat. The nisab (minimum amount) and the percentage of Zakat to be taken from different types of excess wealth is clearly defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah. For example, when a quantity of 85 grams or more of gold or 595 grams of silver or their equivalent of cash are held in possession for one year, Zakat of 2½ percent becomes due upon it, once the nisab has been reached. Who receives the Zakat: The eligible recipients of Zakat are clearly mentioned in the Qur'an: “The Zakat is only for the poor, and the needy, and for those employed for collecting it, and those whose hearts are made to incline towards Islam, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and in the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarer as a duty imposed by Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.” (9:60) Why pay Zakah? A man said to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) “Tell me about a deed which admits me to heaven.” He said: “Worship Allah ascribing no partner to Him, perform Salah, pay Zakat and maintain good relation with your kinfolk.” (At Tabarani) Warning against withholding Zakat Allah Almighty says: “And let not those, who withhold out of stinginess what Allah has given them from His bounty, think that it is good for them; nay, it is evil for them. They shall have what they withhold out of niggardliness made to cleave to their necks on the Day of Resurrection.” (3:180) Zakat ul-Fitr This is a special kind of Zakat that is due at the end of the month of Ramadan. Allah the Exalted has instituted Zakat ul-Fitr as a means of purification from idle talk that one may have uttered during this month, as well as a food gift to the needy to save them the embarrassment of asking for it on the Day of Eid, thus the poor may celebrate the joy of Eid along with the rich.Brief note on Zakat Al-Fitr 1. Consists of a “sa'a” (measure of about 2.5 kgs) of rice, wheat, dates or similar types of food. 2. Zakat Al-Fitr should be given on Eid day, and it can be paid a day or two before Eid. 3. It is not proper to give the Zakat Al-Fitr in the form of money or clothes or any other articles other than food. 4. It is not permissible to delay in giving Zakat Al-Fitr after the Eid prayers, with the exception of some valid reasons. 5. Zakat Al-Fitr should be given on behalf of every adult, minor, male or female Muslim.
