Zakat
- Home
- Zakat
What Is Zakat?
Zakat is the concept of obligatory charity in Islam where an annual payment is paid by qualifying adult Muslims whose wealth exceeds the Nisab value for one Islamic (lunar) year. It’s how we give back, out of our own wealth, to those less fortunate. The word ‘zakat’ comes from the Arabic ‘to purify’, Allah swt says in the quran: “take from their wealth so that you might purify and sanctify them” (9:103). By recognizing that one’s wealth is a gift from Allah (SWT) and giving away a portion of it to others, a Muslim purifies the rest of his or her wealth from greed and miserliness.
In a world of gross social and economic inequality, it is vital for Muslims to uphold the tradition of Zakat. Zakat is a right which the poor have over the wealthy; it is the duty of every wealthy muslim to fulfil this responsibility to those who are less fortunate.
Since its inception we have used zakat to distribute food and water to the most needy. We have used it to support poor villages, provided people with the means to improve their living conditions and attain their basic needs.
What Is Sadaqah For Most Needy Families:
Sadaqah is a voluntary charity in Islam. It is a virtuous deed in Islam. This can be given in the form of monetary or an act of kindness given at anytime of the year.
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three.
- A continuing charity
- Beneficial knowledge
- A righteous child who prays for him in Sahih Muslim
Sadaqah is a voluntary form of charity that we, as Muslims, give unconditionally to help those who need it most and relinquish our sins. Sadaqah charity is given for the love of Allah (SWT) and out of the goodness of our hearts. “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give freely of that which you love, and whatever you give, Allah knows it well.” [Qur’an 3:92] This verse highlights a very essential principle for Muslims. We cannot attain true and genuine righteousness until we prefer others over ourselves. And the most powerful method of preferring others is by parting from our wealth for the sake of others.
Prophet Muhammed (saw) was known to be ‘more generous than the blowing wind’. [Bukhari]. He (SAW) would give all that he had to the poor and even let himself go hungry to feed someone in need. Sadaqah has an unusual power that affects the quality of life directly. Whenever we are in difficult situations in life, it is recommended by the Prophet (SAW) to give Sadaqah. It is proven that Sadaqah removes difficulties. Any calamity bothering us can be wiped off by giving charity. The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly emphasize the importance of giving sadaqah regularly and Allah has promised many benefits to the person who does.
Sadaqah & Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah is the act of giving short-term charity, such as donating a food pack for a needy family which will see them through in the short term. Sadaqah Jariyah is the act of giving long-term charity, such as donating a water well to a community that lacks access to clean water which will support them for months and years to come. Sadaqah Jariyah is an ongoing form of charity that has long-lasting effects that benefit people on multiple occasions. It is one of the most rewarding acts we can do in our lives as the benefits of giving this type of charity can be reaped in this lifetime and long after we have passed. The Prophet pbuh said: When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them – Sahih Muslim. Therefore, many Muslims are eager to give charity which will continue to have benefit to people after their death, and continue to earn them reward.
Need Any Help?
