The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity. It purifies the property of the people and clears it from the shares which do not belong to it any more. When Zakah is payable, a certain percentage of the wealth should be distributed immediately in the right manner, because the owner no longer has moral or legal possession of that percentage. If he fails to do so, he is obviously retaining something which does not belong to him. This is corruption and plain usurpation from every point of view, moral and spiritual, legal and commercial.
It does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth. In return, it purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness; and it fosters in his heart; instead, goodwill and warm wishes for the contributor. As a result, the society at large will purify and free itself from class warfare and suspicion, from ill feelings an distrust, from corruption and disintegration, and from all such evils.
Zakah is an act of worship in which eligible Muslims pay a specified amount of money as a tax to be used to assist poor and needy persons in society. The annual payment of zakah “purifies” one’s income and wealth by reminding Muslims that their possessions are in reality a trust and a test from God, to be used not only for personal benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.
What is the rate of Zakah on your cash savings?
The rate of Zakah on our cash savings is two and a half per-cent. This rate applies to cash bank savings and gold and silver, jewellery. The rate for cattle and agricultural product is different.
Who are the due recipients of Zakah?
Zakah is compulsory payment and is neither Charity nor a Tax. Charity is optional and taxes can be used by the State for any purpose. But Zakah has to be spent under fixed headings as follows:
1) The poor Muslims, to relieve their distress;
2) The needy Muslims, to supply them with means whereby they can earn their livelihood;
3) The new Muslim converts, to enable them so settle down and meet their unusual needs;
4) The Muslim prisoners of war, to liberate them by payment of ransom money;
5) The Muslims in debt, to free them from their liabilites incurred under pressing necessities;
6) The Muslims in service of the cause of God by means of research or study.
What lessons do we get from the payment of Zakah?
a) The Payment of Zakah is means of keeping our wealth clear from greed and selfishness.
b) Zakah is a Compulsory Payment.
c) Zakah is an act of “Ibadah” (Worship and Obedience). It includes all activities of life if we do them to please Allah. We pay Zakah to gain Allah’s favour.
d) Zakah is one of the basic principles of economy in muslim society, based on Social-Welfare. Muslims are encouraged in the Qur’an to make voluntary contributions to help the poor and the needy.
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