Paying Zakat is a duty on Muslims who have a set amount of wealth that has been in their possession for a whole lunar year. The Quran explicitly mentions the importance of giving Zakat:
In chapter 9 verse 60, Allah states about Zakat:
This Ayah means, `O you who believe! Pay your due obligatory Zakat and submit yourselves to Allah.’ In this manner, Allah clarifies to you that this law was not just sent down for the Messengers but also for you. Therefore, you too are bound by it, and there will be a painful torment for those who disbelieve in it. Paying Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim, and only those who avoid it will be considered out of the fold of Islam.
In chapter 24 verse 34, Allah states:
This Ayah means, `Those among you who have wealth should not refuse to give Zakat when they are asked for it.’ To receive blessings from Allah, one must pay his due as per His orders. Paying Zakat is how we show our gratitude to Allah for all the favours he bestowed upon us. Those blessed with food and clothes need to appreciate their Lord by paying what is incumbent upon them. Paying Zakat symbolises a relationship between an individual and their Lord, just as it does between a child and their parents. Paying Zakat is not just an act of worship, but it also lifts Society’s morale. The Quran has clarified that those who have accepted Islam should Pay Zakat to purify themselves spiritually by obeying Allah’s Orders.
Paying Zakat purifies one’s heart from greed because whatever one gets as a result of producing it will be purely for the sake of Allah alone. Keeping this in mind, Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab writes:
“Allah has obligated us to pay 2 1/2 % out of our wealth as Zakat so that we can gain His Pleasure.” Paying Zakat ensures protection against powerlessness and poverty, for if one is unable to earn a living, they will not get any Zakat. Paying Zakat also purifies one from being stingy and from greed. The money paid for Zakat enables them to have a clear conscience of the blessing Allah bestowed on them. Paying Zakat gives a sense of independence and dignity to a poor person because of their honourable right to be fulfilled by the rich.
Paying Zakat means carrying out Allah’s commandments and obeying His orders for one to achieve success in this life and hereafter. In addition to Paying, Zakat ensures its giver against anxiety on the Last Day. Paying Zakat prevents people from feeling inferior to others who may be more prosperous than them. Paying Zakat purifies one’s wealth by freeing it from worshipping other than Allah. Paying Zakat is an act of worship that brings an individual close to their Lord, just as Salat does spiritually. Paying Zakat also enables people who receive it to spend their wealth for the sake of Allah alone, and he will significantly reward this on the Last Day.
Paying Zakat has many benefits for mankind in general; firstly, the Prophet said:
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) went out along with a group of his Companions toward ‘Ukaz Market. At that time, a slave-trading centre had sprung up around it. The Companions of the Prophet asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What benefit can there be for us by going to this market?” He said: “You will soon know what you get from it.” The Companions were hoping to get some merchandise from the market. But when they reached the trading centre, the Prophet faced the east and began to pray a two-Rak’ah prayer. When he was done, he asked his companions to announce that all types of trade were forbidden in front of him until the end of that day. On hearing this news, Khalid bin al-Walid went to one of his friends who had set up a shop in that area and whispered to him: “This man appears to have no authority over; so, do me a favour and sell all the merchandise you have without mentioning my name.” His friend did as he was asked.
