Zakat (regular charity) is a beautiful loan to Allah

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The fifth ritualistic duty that every believer owes to Allah is zakat, which means alms giving or charity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Every good, done for the rich or the poor, is charity." It is Muslims duty to assess and pay their Zakat during the month of Ramadan.

In the Qur'an, zakat is joined with prayer (salat), and this joining has led to a tradition in Islam that the two are equivalent in importance. The Quranic revelation demand that each person give up a certain amount of material wealth to support the poor, the indigent, the sick, and the suffering. This is the zakat.

The institutionalisation of the zakat makes Islam the first welfare state in history in which redistribution of income and wealth was a foundation of state and government. Zakat (alms) is the name of what a believer returns out of his or her wealth to the neediest of Muslims for the sake of the Almighty Allah. The word zakat means, to increase, purify and bless.
Imam Ibn Hazim said that every Muslim young or old sane or insane needs to cleanse his or her wealth with zakat because of generality of the evidence. Anas bin Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "Trade with the money of the orphan, lest it is eaten up by zakat." --(At-Tabraani)
According to the Qur’an and Hadith, zakat is a beautiful loan to Allah. So we all should pay the zakat regularly.Zakat is very much important --From the view of The Al-Qur’an :

In Surah Al-Baqarah verses no. 43, 83, 110, 177, 270, 271, 273, 274, 277, Allah says:

2.43. And be steadfast in prayer; practise zakat; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).

2.83. And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allah. treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practise regular charity. Then did ye turn back, except a few among you, and ye backslide (even now).

2.110. And be steadfast in prayer and regular in zakat: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah. for Allah sees well all that ye do.

2.177. It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice zakat; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah. fearing.

2.270. And whatever ye spend in zakat or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrongdoers have no helpers.

2.271. If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove from you some of your (stains of) evil. And Allah is well acquainted with what ye do.

2.273. (Zakat is) for those in need, who, in Allah’s cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking (For trade or work): the ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. Thou shalt know them by their (Unfailing) mark: They beg not importunately from all the sundry. And whatever of good ye give, be assured Allah knouted it well.

2.274. Those who (in zakat) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

2.277. Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and zakat, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

In Surah An-Nisaa verses no. 77, 162, Allah states:

4.77. Hast thou not turned Thy vision to those who were told to hold back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend in regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they should have feared Allah. They said: "Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not Grant us respite to our (natural) term, near (enough)?" Say: "Short is the enjoyment of this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: Never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!

4.162. But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what hath been revealed to thee and what was revealed before thee: And (especially) those who establish regular prayer and practise zakat and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: To them shall We soon give a great reward.

In Al-Maidah, verses no. 12, 55 Allah mentions:

5.12. Allah did aforetime take a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we appointed twelve captains among them. And Allah said: "I am with you: if ye (but) establish regular prayers, practise zakat (regular charity), believe in my apostles, honour and assist them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you your evils, and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but if any of you, after this, resisteth faith, he hath truly wandered from the path or rectitude."

5.55. Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers, - those who establish regular prayers and zakat, and they bow down humbly (in worship).

In Surah Al-A’raf verses no. 156 Allah announces:

7. 156. "And ordain for us that which is good, in this life and in the Hereafter: for we have turned unto Thee." He said: "With My punishment I visit whom I will; but My mercy extendeth to all things. That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who do right, and practise regular charity, and those who believe in Our signs;-

In Surah At-Tauba, verses no. 5,11, 18, 71, 103, Allah states:

9.5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, an seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent, and establish regular prayers and practise regular zakat, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.

9.11. But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practise zakat (regular charity)- they are your brethren in Faith: (thus) do We explain the Signs in detail, for those who understand.

9.18. The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and practice regular charity, and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.

9.71. The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.

9.103. Of their goods, take zakat, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf. Verily thy prayers are a source of security for them: And Allah is One Who heareth and knoweth.

In Surah Maryam verses no. 31, 55 Allah announces:

19.31. "And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and zakat as long as I live;

19.55. He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and zakat, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.

In Surah Al-Anbiyaa, verses no. 73 Allah mentions:

21.73. And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practise zakat; and they constantly served Us (and Us only).

In Surah Al-Hajj, verses no. 41, 78 Allah says:

22.41. (They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give zakat, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.

22.78. And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and ye be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector - the Best to protect and the Best to help!

In Surah An-Nur, verses no. 37, 56 Allah states:

24.37. By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practise of regular Charity: Their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new),-

24.56. So establish regular Prayer and give zakat; and obey the Messenger. that ye may receive mercy.

In Surah An Naml verses no. 3 Allah tells:

27.3. Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, and also have (full) assurance of the hereafter.

In Surah Ar-Rum, verses no. 39 Allah says:

30.39. That which ye lay out for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah. but that which ye lay out for zakat, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase): it is these who will get a recompense multiplied.

In Surah Luqman verses no. 4 Allah remarks:

31.4. Those who establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity, and have (in their hearts) the assurance of the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Ahzab verses no. 33 Allah tells:

33.33. And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former Times of Ignorance; and establish regular Prayer, and give regular Charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.

In Surah Fussilat verses no. 7Allah remarks:

41.7. Those who practise not regular Charity, and who even deny the Hereafter.

In Surah Az-Zariyat, verses no. 19 Allah mentions:

51.19. And in their wealth and possessions (was remembered) the right of the (needy,) him who asked, and him who (for some reason) was prevented (from asking).

In Surah Al- Mujadila verses no. 13 Allah explains:

58.13. Is it that ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If, then, ye do not so, and Allah forgives you, then (at least) establish regular prayer; practise regular charity; and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do.

In Surah Al-Muzzammil, verses no. 20 Allah states:

73.20. Establish regular Prayer and give zakat; and loan to Allah a beautiful loan. And whatever good ye send forth for your souls ye shall find it in Allah.s Presence, yea, better and greater, in Reward and seek ye the Grace of Allah. for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

In Surah Al- Baiyina verses no. 5 Allah mentions:

98.5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.

More Hadith about Zakat  (alms-giving):

1.Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle Prophet (SAW) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

a. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle.

b. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.

c. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).

d. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)

e. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. -- (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 2, Number 7)

2.  Narrated Omar (RA) Said the Prophet (SAW): One day while we were sitting with the messenger of Allah there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: "O Muhammed, tell me about Islam". The messenger of Allah said: "Islam is to testify that there is no Allah but Allah and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadhan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so." He said: "You have spoken rightly", and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: "Then tell me about eman. "He said:

"It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof." He said: "You have spoken rightly". He said: " Then tell me about ehsan." He said: "It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you". He said: "Then tell me about the Hour". He said: "The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner." He said: "Then tell me about its signs." He said: "That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings." Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: "O Omar, do you know who the questioner was?" I said: "Allah and His messenger know best". He said: "He was Jebreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion."
-- (Muslim)

3. On the authority of Ibn Omar, the son of Omar bin Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with both, who said: I heared the messenger of Allah say :"Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no Allah but Allah and that Muhammed is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan." – ( Bukhari and Muslim)

4. Abdullah bin Omar narrated that the messenger of Allah said:"I have been ordered to fight against people until they testify that there is no Allah but Allah and that Muhammed is the messenger of Allah and until they perform the prayers and pay the zakat, and if they do so they will have gained protection from me for their lives and property, unless [they do acts that are punishable] in accordance with Islam, and their reckoning will be with Allah the Almighty." – (Bukhari and Muslim.)

5. On the authority of Muadh bin Jabal, who said: I said: "O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an act which will take me into Paradise and will keep me away from Hell fire." He said: "You have asked me about a major matter, yet it is easy for him for whom Allah Almighty makes it easy. You should worship Allah, associating nothing with Him, you should perform the prayers, you should pay the zakat, you should fast in Ramadan, and you should make the pilgrimage to the House." Then he said:" Shall I not show you the gates of goodness? Fasting [which] is a shield, charity [which] extigueshes sin as water extebgueshes fire; and the praying of a man in the deapth of night."

6.When one gives Zakat with one hand the other hand should not know.

7. Ali and Abu Hurayrah (RA) reports that the Prophet (SAW)said, "When Zakaat is looked upon as a penalty (i.e., people will pay Zakaat with a heavy heart, as though it is a penalty), then look for violent windstorms, earthquakes, men being swallowed by the earth, metamorphosis, stones being pelted from the skies, and calamities following one another in rapid succession, like beads of rosary falling one after the other when its string is cut."

8. When people stop giving Zakat the rain stops coming down. The only reason it still rains however is because of the animals.  

9. Said the Prophet (SAW): ‘The most meritorious form of Almsgiving is the effort to help a poor man, made in secret, by one who is himself of little means.’ -- (Ahmad).

10. Seven will Allah shade on the day when there will be no shade but the shade of His Throne: one of them is a man who offers Alms without his left hand knowing what his right hand has given. -- (Bukhari, Muslim).

11.Blessed is the servant who spends out of the wealth he has earned without sin. -- (Ibn Adi, Bazzar).

12. The Prophet (SAW) said, "The best charity is to feed an empty stomach."

13. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "…wealth is (like) green and sweet (fruit), and whoever takes it without greed, Allah will bless it for him, but whoever takes it with greed…will be like someone who eats but is never satisfied…The upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (receiving) hand."

14. The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, "A man giving in alms one piece of silver in his lifetime is better for him than giving one hundred when about to die."

15. The Prophet Muhammad, as reported by Abu Hurairah. Every morning two angels come down from the Heaven. One says, "O Allah! Reward all those who give in Your cause," while the other says, "O Allah! Uproot every miser who withholds."

16. Money is only yours when you spend it in Allah`s way.

17. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) assured us, "Charity does not diminish wealth." (Look at how quick it was replaced for the sister from Africa…ahhhh…but with more!)

18. Once there was a Muslim king. He was very wealthy, and one day he told his advisers that when he is buried he would like them to have his hands stick out of the grave. When inquired on why he would make such a peculiar request. He said he wanted to show the people that he had so much money in this world, but now that he is dead he cant take a single penny of it to the next.

19. There was a rich Muslim woman, who one night had a dream about her house with filth covering all the walls and ceilings. She would try to clean it but it wouldn't get clean. The next morning she went to the Imam of the Masjid and related her dream to him. The interpreted her dream to mean the filth was her money. Thereupon she gave her money to charity.

(This article have published in the

--‘Editorial page’ of ‘The News Today’ on May 26, 2006.

-- Weekend magazine ‘Escapade’ of ‘The News Today’ on October 13, 2006).