What is Zakat?
ما هي الزكاة؟
Understanding Zakat is fundamental, as it represents the core financial obligation placed upon a Muslim by Allah.
فهم الزكاة أمر أساسي، حيث تمثل الالتزام المالي الرئيسي الذي فرضه الله على المسلم.
The Definition and Evidence of Zakat | تعريف الزكاة ودليلها
1. The Definition of Zakat
Zakat is the estimated share of the money that Almighty Allah ordered to take from one’s wealth and spend on the people who are deserving of it, and also called charity. (Linguistically, the word Zakat means purification, growth, and blessing. It is the third pillar of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayer, paying Zakat, Hajj, and fasting Ramadan." Sahih Al-Bukhari 8)
1. تعريف الزكاة
الزكاة هي الحصة المقدرة من المال التي أمر الله تعالى بإخراجها وإنفاقها على المستحقين وتسمى ايضًا صدقة. (ولغوياً تعني كلمة الزكاة النماء والزيادة والطهارة. وهي الركن الثالث من أركان الإسلام، لقول النبي ﷺ: "بني الإسلام على خمس: شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمداً رسول الله، وإقام الصلاة، وإيتاء الزكاة، والحج، وصوم رمضان" صحيح البخاري 8)
2. The Quranic Evidence and Recipients
(Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy,) At-Tawba 9:60. (This verse outlines the specific categories of people eligible to receive Zakat. By legally transferring this wealth, the Muslim community ensures that money circulates to support the most vulnerable, thereby eradicating extreme poverty and fostering social harmony).
2. الدليل القرآني والمستحقون
قال تعالى ( إنما الصدقات للفقراء والمساكين… ) التوبة 9: 60. (تحدد هذه الآية الكريمة الفئات المحددة المستحقة للزكاة. ومن خلال نقل هذه الثروة شرعياً، يضمن المجتمع الإسلامي تداول المال لدعم الفئات الأكثر ضعفاً، مما يقضي على الفقر المدقع ويعزز التكافل الاجتماعي).
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
What does the word Zakat mean in Islam?
Linguistically, Zakat means purification, growth, and blessing. In Islamic law, it is the estimated share of money that Allah ordered to be taken from one's wealth and given to those who deserve it.
Is Zakat the same as a voluntary charity (Sadaqah)?
While Zakat is sometimes referred to as charity (Sadaqah) in the Quran, it is specifically a mandatory alms-tax. Unlike general voluntary charity, Zakat is obligatory, has specific thresholds, and must be distributed to specific categories of people.
Who is meant to receive Zakat?
According to Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), Zakat is primarily designated for the poor and the needy, along with other specific vulnerable categories to ensure the community's welfare.