Zakāt reawakens the spirit of Humanity

 

ZAKAT REAWAKENS SPIRIT OF HUMANITY

By Moin Qazi

(Moin Qazi is an author, researcher and development professional who has spent four decades in the development sector. He worked for over 30 years in the State Bank of India)

“By no means shall you attain righteousness, unless you give of that which you love.”
— (Qur’an 3: 92)

The idea that helping others is part of a meaningful life has been around for thousands of years, Charity is an important part of Islam as it is considered a form of worship and a cardinal act of piety, allowing the rich to share their wealth with the poor

For Muslims, charity is a central aspect of their faith and practice. In Islam, a culture of giving is interwoven into the fabric of its forms of worship. Helping the poor is a religious mandate. The traditions of humanitarian stewardship and egalitarian values are at the foundation of Islamic beliefs. Governed by a worldview in which all things come from God and finally return to God, Muslims are taught to live as trustees of God’s blessings. Islam is a way of life, and one important facet is the duty to serve those who are less privileged than us. The equitable division of the wealth of society and the bounty of the earth between all people regardless of their social station through the instrument of charity is seen not just as an act of piety but a cardinal obligation for Muslims. Ramadan is the focal point of philanthropy: during this month, Islam’s obligation to give to the poor intensifies.

Muslims are taught to live as trustees of God’s blessings. Along with fasting and prayers, charity is also a cardinal act of piety. The Qur’an provides both a spiritual framework for the possession of wealth and practical guidelines for its dispensation. The Qur’an says if we believe all things ultimately belong to God, it is necessary to spend everything in accordance to the plan of God. Frugality in our own lives and generosity with others underpins the Qur’an’s message of charity.

Muslims give in the form of either zakat, which is mandatory giving, or sadaqa, which is voluntary and meant to go beyond mere religious obligations. Ramadan brings nearly 2 billion Muslims around the world together under a common tradition. This social bond is deepened in Ramadan through zakat. Zakat is more of a social contract between rich and poor societies where serving others in distress and hardship is an unconditional moral command. The idea of zakat is based on the direct, legitimate claim of the poor on the wealth of the rich. Zakat means purification and comes from the Arabic verb zaka, which also signifies “to thrive,” “to be pure” and “to be wholesome.” Muslims “purify” their wealth by giving a portion of it every year to charity. As the Qur’an says, “Of their goods, take zakat so that you might purify and sanctify them.” (Qur’an 9:103)

In the Islamic faith, five foundational goals – known as Maqasid al Sharia – include the protection of faith, progeny, life, wealth and intellect. According to the rules of the Qur’an, all Muslims, for whom zakat is mandatory, must donate at least 2.5 percent of their assets each year to poor, destitute and other underprivileged people – classified as “mustahik.” The 2.5 percent rate only applies to cash, gold, silver and commercial items. There are other rates for agricultural and mining products, and for animals.

In Islam, spending for the sake of God purifies the heart of the love of material wealth and sharpens benevolence. In a way, the man who spends his wealth reaffirms that nothing is dearer to him than the love of God and that he is entirely prepared to sacrifice everything for his sake.

The Qur’an emphasizes, “And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah.” (Qur’an 2:110)

Zakat is a right that the poor has over us for “those in whose wealth there is a recognized right for the needy and the poor.” (Qur’an 70:24-25)

Zakat is levied on five categories of property – food grains; fruit; camels, cattle, sheep and goats; gold and silver; and movable goods – and is payable each year after one year’s possession. The beneficiaries of zakat are mentioned in the Qur’an: “[Zakat] charity is only for the poor and the needy and those employed to administer it and those whose hearts are made to incline [to truth] and [to free] the captives and those in debt, and in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer.” (Qur’an 9:60)

Deeply embedded in the Islamic concept of zakat are the notions of welfare, altruism and justice which can be seen as a way of harnessing human potential to resolve insurmountable challenges to human society. In other words, charity and altruism are rooted in the basic concern for the welfare of others, while Islam has added to it the notion of justice, which is seen as a way of building a just and equitable society. In the Qur’an, the significance of zakat appears to be equal to prayer as an expression of faith. The two are often mentioned simultaneously in the symmetrical rhythm of the holy book’s verses.

A well-known saying of Prophet Muhammad illustrates the importance of every part of a person’s body performing a charity.

“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: To act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)The real magic of giving lies in the way you give. It must not be with an eye on the returns; giving with motives attached not only nullifies one’s own happiness but also burdens the receiver. After planting your seeds, you should expect absolutely nothing in return. It is nobler to follow the biblical injunction, “Let not thy right hand knows what thy left hand doeth.” When you give to someone with no strings attached you are as nourished as the receiver.

The Qur’an reiterates, “They feed with food, despite their own desire for it, the indigent and the orphan and the captive [saying]: ‘We feed you purely for the sake of God. We desire no reward from you, nor thankfulness.'” (Qur’an 8:9)

In the Islamic paradigm, voluntary charity is restricted not just to money or physical goods but covers all actions based on a simple understanding that what really ties an individual to a common humanity is compassion. A well-known saying of the Prophet captures the essence of this concept: “Charity is due upon every joint of the people for every day upon which the sun rises. Being just between two people is charity. Helping a man with his animal and lifting his luggage upon it is charity. A kind word is charity. Every step that you take towards the mosque is charity and removing harmful things from the road is charity.” The real spirit of giving lies in doing it without leaving a trace of oneself. Giving with motives attached not only nullifies one’s own happiness but also burdens the receiver. After planting your seeds, you should expect nothing in return.