Insights into Zakat: Exploring the Profound Significance of Islam’s Third Pillar

quranmualim

10 months ago

Insights into Zakat: Exploring the Profound Significance of Islam's Third Pillar, Zakat, Charity, Beliefs, Faith, Pillar of Islam

A Journey of Reflection – Understanding the Spiritual, Social, and Economic Dimensions of Zakat in Islamic Practice” We all want to be heard and be heard. I’m not an exception. If life were a stage, I’d be dragged off with hooks!

Opinions are abundant within the Ummah regarding any variety of topics. A lot of it is shouting.

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Let’s be real.

In conclusion, I am humbled and grateful to have the chance to speak to the people of this size through the people here on “About Islam”.

But this piece differs from one I would have composed on my own.

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I was tasked with writing an article about a commonly overlooked topic; however, it is a vital aspect of living as a Muslim, and that includes “Zakat”.

I’m no scholar. I’m no jurist. I certainly am not an Angel.

I am also sure that anyone reading this isn’t just a more tolerant Muslim than me but perhaps an even better human being.

I’m referring to, I mean.

So, I’m not here to lecture, scold, rule, or mock…

I want only to bring back the Quran. May Allah keep us safe and allow us to comprehend. When I decided to return to Islam, My siblings and brothers were fast and eager to accept me into Islam.

When my Shahadah was performed, I was taught to conduct the ablution and pray properly.

The finer points of ghusl were discussed, as were the things to expect in Ramadan (which was, at the time, about six months from now).

The trials and the adventures during the Hajj were discussed, such as how I could alter my identity if I wanted to enter Makkah (nonsense! ).

Reflections on Zakat, the third pillar of Islam Islam

Everyone shared treasures from the Quran, the splendour of the personality of the beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace be with him), the sagacity of the companions, and the victories of Islam in the last 1400 years.

I can remember everything everyone ever told me (I’m an avid learner of our Islam, which we call our own, Alhamdulillah! )… as well. I’m also able to remember everything that everyone did not say.

No one has ever spoken about “Zakat”. In Islam, the term is rarely described this way; however, aren’t “Zakat” part of the “Five Pillars”? Doesn’t it appear before “fasting” and “pilgrimage”?

It is.

After a brief look, I didn’t consider it for too long because I was trying to get by… surely making a financial contribution to anyone else at that moment would have been a barrier to making ends meet.

Ultimately, the law concerning this important subject was incredibly flexible and accommodating. In my case, I didn’t have to provide “charity”.

However, more than a decade later, I realize that I’ve been not paying attention and ignoring this completely. Most certainly, we have. May Allah forgive us all.

According to Islam, “Zakat” is more than “charity”. It is a term used in English; one can often translate and interpret “charity” to mean an act of kindness.

In Islam, there are a variety of levels and types of charitable giving. Some are involuntary (sadaqah), and some obligatory (Zakat).

Other types of “charity” are intended to compensate for certain crimes.

The obligatory charity shouldn’t be viewed as a type of “tax” also… Again, the finest lessons and nuances of Islam can only be comprehended by examining the depth and beauty of the Arabic language.

The roots of “Zakat” roughly translates to “cleanse” as well as “growth” and is taught and believed to be a cleanse of sinning, excessive wealth, and even “fortune” as well as other things and an opportunity of “grow” your fortune and standing in this world and the “world to in the future”.

Surah Al-Layl informs us that when we show kindness, Allah Almighty will facilitate our needs, while those who don’t face a certain amount of difficulty (92:5-11).

The Creator has stated that offering an extra portion of your earnings for Allah’s Sake of Allah can be an opportunity to purify (92:17-21).

Islam is believed to be an “easy religion”, and what we observe of “distributing surplus wealth” ought to be viewed and kept in mind as Allah “desiring ease over the hardship”.

Allah has a lot more to say in the Quran concerning “Zakat” than I’ve covered (2:43 2, 2:83, 2:110and 2:177, 2;277, 4:77, 4:162and 5:12 5, 7:156, 9:5, 9;11, 9:18 9.71, 21.73, 22:41, 22.78, 23:4 24:37, 24.56, 27:3, 30:39, 31.04 33:33. 41:7. 38:13, to mention some!)

Again, I’m not a jurist or scholar and, therefore, if you want to educate, you can know how to distribute your money, who and exactly how much, and if it’s specific to you, in light of your particular situation, I encourage you to “ask people who are knowledgeable” This article is not intended to be a thorough examination that is part of Fiqh (jurisprudence).

I have heard that those “financially incapable” are still obliged to “give the amount they can afford according to financial resources” (65:7).

It is apparent that a “monetary donation” isn’t necessarily obligatory if it’s not something you could manage or afford.. but it is important to “ask knowledgeable people”.

In the end, it is possible to ALL surely follow the guidance given to us by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be on him) and even smile further… since, in the end, it’s seen as an act of “charity”!

May Allah allow us to make fasting this Ramadan simple and our way of offering a simple, clear, and simple, and as always, it will lead us all to the truth.