Page 4 - Obligatory Zakat Made Easy

THE OBLIGATION OF ZAKAT

The Meaning of Zakat

In terms of language, zakat means purity, fertile and growing.
However, in terms of Islamic jurisprudence, zakat is giving
out a portion of certain properties to certain groups when
the conditions have been met. Examples of the types of
zakat are income zakat, business zakat, savings zakat,
share zakat, gold zakat, silver zakat, livestock zakat, crop
zakat and fitrah zakat.

The Postulate on Obligation
of Zakat

Zakat is one of the five Pillars of Islam. It is compulsory
based on the saying of Allah (SWT):
“And be steadfast in prayer; give Zakat, and bow down
your heads with those who bow down (in worship).”
Al Baqarah: Verse 43

Zakat is a process to purify one's property. Allah (SWT)
said:

“Of their wealth take alms, 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.”
At Taubah: Verse 103

“Purification” means ridding a person of stinginess and
greed, while from the perspective of the poor, it is the
cleansing of envy and hatred for the rich.
Cleansing oneself means restoring the rights of the poor
embedded in one's property or income. This is enjoined by
Allah (SWT) in this verse:

“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).”
Adz-Zaariat: Verse 19

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