Understanding Zakat from Quran and hadith
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a fundamental act of worship.
It is a form of obligatory charity that has been prescribed by Allah (SWT)
for eligible Muslims to purify their wealth and help those in need.
In this blog post, we will delve into the importance and significance of Zakat
as described in the Hadith, Quran, and Sunnah.
1. The Divine Order of Zakat in the Quran: Understanding Zakat
Allah (SWT) has made Zakat mandatory for those who can afford it in the Holy Quran. Verse 156 of Chapter 2 (Surat Al-Baqarah) states:
‘And establish prayer and give zakāh, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—
you will find it with Allah (SWT).’
Here, the Quran emphasizes the importance of giving Zakat alongside offering prayers,
showcasing the significance of this act of worship in a Muslim’s life.
2. The Benefits of Giving Zakat in the Hadith:Understanding Zakat
Numerous hadiths narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) speak of the benefits and rewards of giving Zakat. According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurairah narrated:
‘Whoever is made wealthy by Allah (SWT) and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth,
then on the Day of Resurrection, his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake
with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.”
The hadith underlines the importance of distributing wealth among those less fortunate
and the severe consequences that await those who fail to do so.
3. The Wisdom of Zakat from Sunnah:
In the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we find many instances highlighting the wisdom behind the practice of Zakat.
For example, Sahih Bukhari narrates that when a companion, Abu Dharr
asked the Prophet about the best form of wealth, he replied:
‘The best of deeds is the belief in Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (PBUH),
and the establishment of regular prayers, payment of Zakat, and the bond of kinship.’
This hadith emphasizes that the act of giving Zakat is a noble deed
that strengthens one’s faith and brings one closer to Allah (SWT).
In conclusion, Zakat is a divine act of worship that holds immense significance in the lives of Muslims.
By referring to Quranic verses, Hadith, and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH),
we can appreciate the importance and wisdom behind this act of charity.
Giving Zakat purifies our wealth, strengthens our faith, and helps alleviate the suffering of those in need.
