Author: Sayyed Musleh Uddin
Alms (Zakat) [part One]
«فإن تَابُوا وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ فَإِخْوَانُكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ»
Translation: But if they repent, establish prayer, and give Alms (Zakat), then they are your brothers in religion. (1)
Abstract
Islam is the most complete and superior divine religion that provides a comprehensive program for both the material and spiritual aspects of human life. By carefully examining the laws and rulings of Islam, we realize that this religion does not focus solely on one aspect of human life or a single need but rather considers the various needs of people throughout their lives and establishes extensive rulings for them. Alms (Zakat) is one of the economic pillars of Islam and one of the branches of the religion. Alms (Zakat) is a prominent form of charity that serves as a financial support system for social programs, playing a crucial role in reforming society, purifying life, refining the soul, and fostering unity among people.
The diverse and insightful expressions regarding Alms (Zakat) and charity—such as protection from calamities, a cause for divine mercy and blessings, a means of prolonging life and expanding sustenance, direct trade with God, and practical remembrance of Him—highlight the significance of this divine obligation. These concepts are clearly reflected in Quranic verses, hadiths, and the deep-rooted beliefs of devout individuals and society, emphasizing the necessity of paying attention to this social act of worship.
Introduction
Human beings are the most honored creation of the Merciful God, and to attain perfection and happiness in both this world and the hereafter, they require a complete program that addresses all their material and spiritual, physical and emotional needs, providing the necessary guidance and instructions.
Islam, being the most complete and superior divine religion, has presented a comprehensive program for human life and has introduced precise and wise rulings in all aspects. For example, regarding an individual’s relationship with God, it has made prayer and fasting obligatory.
Regarding a person’s duty toward others and how they should interact, Islam has made enjoining good and forbidding evil an essential duty.
To preserve the unity of the Muslim community, Islam has prescribed the political-spiritual duty of Hajj, made Friday and congregational prayers obligatory to strengthen the bonds among believers and their collective connection with God.
In terms of business and trade, Islam has explained the rulings on transactions, distinguishing between lawful and unlawful trades. Regarding the income people earn, Islam has made Alms (Zakat) obligatory.
Thus, by carefully examining Islamic laws and its comprehensive programs, we understand that Islam does not focus only on one part of human life but, with full consideration of different human needs, has established extensive rulings.
It is clear that following these laws and programs, beyond the importance of obedience to God’s commands, brings various benefits for individuals in both this world and the hereafter. Alms (Zakat), as one of the branches of Islam, has numerous rulings, and it is essential for every Muslim to strive in reviving and implementing its rulings. Those upon whom Alms (Zakat) is obligatory must learn its rulings correctly and precisely. If we pay attention to and act upon Islam’s economic laws—especially those concerning Alms (Zakat)—their positive effects will soon manifest in our lives, and the consequences of neglecting these divine duties will be removed from our religious society.
The Relationship Between God and His Servant, and the Love, Sincerity, Generosity, and Selflessness It Entails
When a person reflects on the unique and unparalleled relationship between the Lord and His servant, they realize that this bond is profound, expansive, and all-encompassing, fundamentally incomparable to any other relationship. The least that can be said about this connection is that it is the relationship of the Creator with His creation, the Sustainer with the sustained, the Owner with the owned, and the Sovereign with the ruled. It is the relationship of a noble Lord and a compassionate Master with a needy and humble servant. The absolute perfection of God, His unparalleled actions, His wise and merciful lordship, and His precise and gracious attention demand that He alone be worthy of pure love and that the heart be devoted to Him. A true servant does not only sacrifice their wealth and possessions in His way but also their very life.
The Manifestations of God’s Lordship and His Care for Humanity:
If one contemplates the vast manifestations of divine lordship, the encompassing guidance, and God’s immense attention to humanity within the universe, they will realize that God is the One who has granted existence to human beings. He has wisely and precisely prepared them to benefit from the earth’s resources, wealth, treasures, tools, and energies. He has instilled in them the desire to seek and acquire these provisions and the knowledge to use them, organize them, and exchange them through cooperation with their fellow humans.
The attribute of divine lordship and guidance is reflected in all kinds, species, groups, and creations.
«الَّذِي أَعْطَى كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلْقَهُ ثُمَّ هَدَى»
Translation: [Our Lord] is the One who has given everything its form and then guided it.(2)
In this regard, the primary position and the greatest share belong to humankind, who has been appointed as Allah’s vicegerent on earth.
«وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ وَحَمَلْنَاهُمْ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ وَرَزَقْنَاهُم مِّنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَفَضَّلْنَاهُمْ عَلَى كَثِيرٍ مِمَّنْ خَلَقْنَا تَفْضِيلاً»
Translation: And indeed, We have honored the children of Adam and carried them on land and sea, and provided them with good and pure sustenance, and favored them above many of those We have created with a marked preference. (3)
He has leveled the vast expanse of the earth for them and inspired them to discover and utilize its treasures, hidden resources, and abundant provisions.
«هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولاً فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِن رِزْقِهِ»
Translation: “He is the One who made the earth manageable for you, so walk in its vast expanse and eat from His provision.(4)
He has subjected and provided for humankind the sources of sustenance, food, and the essentials of life—such as animals, water, fire, and more—which not only fulfil the primary, innate, essential, and fundamental needs of early life but also serve as the foundation for advanced civilization.
«أَفَرَأَيْتُم مَّا تَحْرُثُونَ (۶۳) أَأَنتُمْ تَزْرَعُونَهُ أَمْ نَحْنُ الزَّارِعُونَ (۶۴) لَوْ نَشَاء لَجَعَلْنَاهُ حُطَامًا فَظَلْتُمْ تَفَكَّهُونَ (۶۵) إِنَّا لَمُغْرَمُونَ (۶۶) بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُومُونَ (۶۷) أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ الْمَاءِ الَّذِي تَشْرَبُونَ (۶۸) أَأَنتُمْ أَنزَلْتُمُوهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنزِلُونَ (۶۹) لَوْ نَشَاء جَعَلْنَاهُ أَجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُونَ (۷۰) أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ النَّارَ الَّتِي تُورُونَ (۷۱) أَأَنتُمْ أَنشَأْتُمْ شَجَرَتَهَا أَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنشِؤُونَ (۷۲) نَحْنُ جَعَلْنَاهَا تَذْكِرَةً وَمَتَاعًا لِلْمُقْوِينَ(۷۳)»
Translation: Have you considered what you sow? Is it you who cause it to grow, or are We the Grower? If We willed, we could reduce it to dry debris, and you would be left in wonder, saying, ‘Indeed, we have suffered loss; rather, we are deprived.’
Have you considered the water that you drink? Is it you who bring it down from the clouds, or are We the One who sends it down? If We willed, we could have made it bitter—so why are you not grateful?
Have you considered the fire that you kindle? Is it you who produce its tree, or are We the Producer? We have made it a reminder and a provision for those who travel in the wilderness. (5)
Continues…
[1]. Surah At-Tawbah, verse: 11.
[2]. Surah Taha, verse: 50.
[3]. Surah Al-Isra, verse: 70.
[4]. Surah Al-Malik, verse: 15.
[5]. Surah Al-Waqiah, verses: 63 to 73
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