The Mention of Zakat in the Holy Quran
The concept of zakat and its obligatory nature is highlighted in several verses of the Holy Quran. Here are some notable references:
- The Almighty says: (And establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow).
- The Almighty states: (Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow).
- The Almighty mentions: (And give the due on the day of its harvest).
- The Almighty also says: (Men whom neither commerce nor sale diverts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving zakat; they fear a Day when hearts and eyes will tremble).
Distribution of Zakat in the Holy Quran
Zakat is designated for eight categories as clarified in the Holy Quran. The Almighty says: (Zakat is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect it, and to attract the hearts of those who may wish to come to Islam, and for freeing the captives, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the traveler in need; an obligation from Allah, and Allah is Knowing and Wise). These categories are as follows:
- The Poor
These are individuals without sufficient financial means or a profession to support themselves.
- The Needy
The needy are those who possess some financial resources or a profession, but it is insufficient to meet their own needs or those of their dependents.
- Those employed to collect zakat
This refers to individuals appointed by the leader or their representative to collect and distribute zakat; they receive a portion of it as compensation for their efforts, regardless of their wealth.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
This group includes sinners and the poor from non-Muslim communities; providing them with zakat could potentially guide them towards repentance and Islam.
- For freeing captives
This refers to slaves or captives who can be purchased and set free.
- The in-debt individual
This designation pertains to those who have incurred debts without committing acts of disobedience.
- In the cause of Allah
This comprises those striving for the sake of Allah and those pursuing Islamic education.
- The traveler in need
This refers to travelers who have lost their means and have no resources or family to rely on, and they should receive aid to return to their homeland.
Rules Regarding Zakat in Islamic Jurisprudence
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, defined as a specific right on a person’s wealth when it reaches a certain threshold (nisaab). A portion of this wealth must be given to those entitled to receive zakat, as indicated by the Almighty’s words: (Zakat is only for the poor and the needy, and those employed to collect it, and to attract the hearts of those who may wish to come to Islam, and for freeing the captives, and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the traveler in need; an obligation from Allah, and Allah is Knowing and Wise).
The Wisdom Behind Zakat
Allah Almighty created human beings with varying degrees of wealth; some are blessed with abundance while others face limitations. This disparity serves as a test of one’s gratitude or ingratitude. The obligation of zakat is intended to assess whether those who possess wealth will be grateful and fulfill their duty to purify and share their wealth or if they will neglect their responsibilities. This act of giving helps to correct and balance socioeconomic inequalities.
Furthermore, zakat provides support for the poor, fosters love and unity within the community, nurtures the souls of the wealthy, guards them against greed and hoarding, and serves as a reminder that wealth is ultimately a blessing from Allah – the Almighty, not solely a result of one’s efforts.
Conditions for the Obligation of Zakat
For zakat to be obligatory upon a Muslim, certain conditions must be met:
- Freedom; zakat is not obligatory upon slaves.
- Islam; zakat is not required of non-Muslims.
- The wealth must be of a type that is subject to zakat.
The categories of wealth that are subject to zakat are five: gold and silver, cash that is considered permissible by Islamic law, commodities prepared for trade, agricultural produce, and livestock that graze, such as camels, cattle, and sheep.
- The wealth must reach the nisaab.
The nisaab is defined as 85 grams of gold, 595 grams of silver, 653 kilograms of grains and fruits, 40 sheep, 5 camels, and 30 cattle.
- The wealth must be fully owned.
For instance, a debtor does not owe zakat on a debt owed to a creditor.
- A lunar year must pass on the wealth, meaning it has been a full year since it reached the nisaab.
- The zakat-payer should not have outstanding debts.
The individual should settle any debts before calculating their nisaab, as debts take precedence.