Author: Sayyed Musleh Uddin
Alms (Zakat) [Part 13]
The Reformative Role of Islam
Islam introduced several fundamental reforms concerning Alms (Zakat) that had a revolutionary impact on the overall system of Alms (Zakat) and the morality of society. Among these reforms, the following can be highlighted:
1. Eliminating Religious and Class-Based Monopolies
One of the major reforms of Islam was the abolition of religious monopolization and familial exclusivity regarding Alms (Zakat). This monopolization caused harm in two ways:
• On one hand, it corrupted the moral character of those who hoarded Alms (Zakat), turning them into an idle and dependent class that lived in comfort solely through these donations, without making any effort to earn a lawful and pure livelihood. Their sustenance was guaranteed merely because they were descendants of the Prophet, belonged to his family, or inherited religious positions, even if they failed to fulfill the responsibilities of those positions.
• On the other hand, this class-based monopoly deprived the needy and destitute, who were the rightful recipients of these funds. Those giving Alms (Zakat) often preferred to donate to individuals with religious status or lineage rather than to the truly impoverished. This reality is clearly evident in Indian society, where the “Brahmins” and temple servants monopolize charitable donations, leaving nothing for the truly needy. Many poor individuals, who do not belong to the Brahmin caste or hold religious service positions, are deprived of basic necessities and suffer due to the greed and privilege of the Brahmins and temple caretakers.
Contrary to this harsh reality, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) permanently closed the door to such religious and familial monopolization. He prohibited Alms (Zakat) for the “Bane Hashim,” the family of Prophethood, despite their significant role in early Islamic history and struggles. The Prophet (PBUH) clearly stated: “Alms (Zakat) is not permissible for us.”
He himself refused to consume any charity. Abu Huraira (MABH) narrated: “Whenever food was brought to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), he would inquire about it. If he was told it was a gift, he would eat from it. If he was told it was charity, he would not eat from it and would instruct his companions: ‘Eat from it yourselves.’”
The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized this prohibition so that his family would never become accustomed to consuming Alms (Zakat), ensuring that Muslims would not use this as a justification to favor them over other needy individuals.
Abu Huraira (MABH) also narrated: “Hasan bin Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) took a date from the charity collection and put it in his mouth. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Throw it out! Do you not know that we do not consume charity?’”
This ruling remained effective throughout his lifetime and beyond. He further declared: “These alms (Zakat funds) are the impurities of people’s wealth and are not lawful for Muhammad and his family.”
This principle has consistently been upheld in Islamic jurisprudence and society, ensuring that Alms (Zakat) remains open for all Muslims, especially the poor and destitute, without being monopolized.
The conduct of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his household exemplified this principle. Their expenditures were minimal, and their share in benefits was even less. When he prohibited interest (usury), he started with his own family. When he nullified past blood feuds, he began with his own tribe. In his Farewell Sermon, he stated:
“All matters of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) are abolished and trampled under my feet. The blood feuds of the past are nullified, and the first blood feud I abolish is that of Ibn Rabi’ah bin Harith, who was nursed in the Banu Sa’d tribe and was killed by the Hudhayl tribe. The usury of Jahiliyyah is abolished, and the first usury I abolish is that of Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, which is entirely annulled.”
Similarly, when Alms (Zakat) was legislated as a continuous means of sustenance for the poor, the Prophet (PBUH) prohibited its consumption by his own family, the Banu Hashim. This is a noble tradition of the prophets and messengers, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) held the highest status among them.
2. Eliminating Intermediaries in the Distribution of Alms (Zakat)
Another fundamental reform Islam introduced regarding Alms (Zakat) was the removal of intermediaries between those paying Alms (Zakat) and those entitled to receive it. Before Islam, intermediaries—such as religious scholars and temple priests—controlled the distribution of charity, ensuring that no Alms (Zakat) could be given without passing through them. This system fostered excessive love for wealth among religious elites and often led to misappropriation, as these intermediaries would use Alms (Zakat) for personal gain while depriving the truly needy.
Regarding this, the Quran states: «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِنَ الأَحْبَارِ وَالرُّهْبَانِ لَيَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ النَّاسِ بِالْبَاطِل وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللهِ وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ» Translation: “O you who believe! Indeed, many of the Jewish scholars and Christian monks wrongfully consume people’s wealth and hinder them from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah—give them the tidings of a painful punishment.”
This system of intermediaries, monopolization, and hoarding led to greed, dominance over people’s wealth, excessive accumulation, and wealth hoarding beyond limits.
Allah Almighty abolished priestly mediation in the matter of Alms (Zakat), just as He abolished it in all acts of worship and religious obligations. Therefore, every Muslim can independently perform prayer, pay Alms (Zakat), fast, and perform Hajj without needing an intermediary or a formal religious class—only the knowledge of rulings, the right intention, and fulfilling the necessary conditions are required. If these conditions are met, there is no need for any intermediary.
3. Granting Ownership and Full Control of Wealth to the Deserving
Another reform introduced by Islam was granting full ownership and control of Alms (Zakat) funds to those who were entitled to them. In previous religions, some Alms (Zakat) funds were restricted by conditions and could not be freely used by the recipients. For example, certain funds were allocated exclusively for feeding and hosting the pilgrims of the Jerusalem Temple.
However, Islamic law places these funds directly in the possession of the needy and destitute, allowing them to use the funds however they wish—to meet their needs, benefit from them, and fulfill their desires. This principle is evident from the use of the Arabic letter “ل” (lam) in the word “للفقراء” (for the poor) in the verse: «إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاء وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا» Translation: “Indeed, alms are only for the poor, the needy, and those employed to collect them.”
Continues…
By admin2