Zakat in Qur’an
Zakat is not a random form of charity or imposed tax; Zakat is not a means of giving to be generous – it is something that Allah has ordained us to do – it is an obligation. As Muslims, Zakat has been set out as one of the pillars of Islam to achieve financial and spiritual reform, eliminate greed and consolidate the Islamic economy – this, in turn, will lead to its stability and prosperity.
The Qur’an describes Zakat as: The means by which to attain Allah’s mercy
“My Mercy extends to all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who have God-consciousness and give their Zakat and those who believe in Our Signs.” (Surah Al-A`raf 7:156).
A precondition to obtaining Allah’s help
“Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause); for verily Allah is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might, (able to enforce His Will). (They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give their Zakat, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the outcome of all affairs.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:40-41).
A sign of brotherhood in religion
“But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and give their Zakat, they are your brethren in Faith.” (Surah Al-Taubah 9:11).
A distinctive feature of the faithful community
“The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, pay their Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.” (Surah Al-Taubah 9:71).
A distinctive quality of the believers who go to and maintain mosques
“The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and pay their Zakat and fear none (at all) except Allah.” (Surah Al-Taubah 9:18).
A distinctive quality of the true believers
“Who are active in paying Zakat.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:4).
And as important as Salah “And establish the prayer and pay the Zakat and bow (in prayer) with those who bow.” (Al-Baqarah: 43)
Zakat is something that has been divinely ordained and is regarded as the right of both Allah and the poor.
How many times is Zakat mentioned in the Quran?
The word Zakat is mentioned thirty-two times in the Quran. Thirty of the thirty-two are in the technical meaning of Zakat whilst two are in the linguistic meaning of Zakat.
The two places are:
- Sūrah al-Kahf (The Chapter of The Cave), verse 81 – (a reference to purity, honesty, uprightness)
- Sūrah Maryam (The Chapter of Mary), verse 13 – (purification, blessings, development, enhancement in light of what’s best and highest level of piety)
And Allah knows best!
Reviewed on 29/11/2021
Find out more about how your Zakat can help Muslims struggling through the cost of living crisis
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