Author: Sheikh Al-Faqih Ibn Uthaymeen (May Allah have mercy on him)
Zakat is the third fundamental pillar of Islam. Those who properly deliver Zakat to its rightful recipients obtain the following individual and collective wisdom and benefits:
Completion and Perfection of One’s Islam:
Since Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam, there is no doubt that it is a significant goal for every Muslim. Every Muslim strives for the perfection of their religion.
Proof of Sincerity and Faith:
Wealth is dearly loved by hearts, and a beloved thing is only spent when something equally or more beloved is desired in return. Zakat is called "Sadaqah" because it indicates the true desire of the giver to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Refinement of the Giver’s Character:
It removes the giver from the category of the miserly and places them among the generous. When a person becomes accustomed to spending—whether it be knowledge, wealth, or influence—it becomes a habit and nature. They feel distressed if they do not spend daily, much like a hunter who feels frustrated if they do not hunt.
Brings Peace to the Heart:
Spending, especially money, brings satisfaction and peace to the heart. Ibn Qayyim mentioned in "Zad al-Ma'ad" that generosity brings expansion of the chest and tranquility of the heart. This benefit is only realized when spending is done with generosity and cheerfulness.
Connects with Complete Believers:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
(Bukhari: 13; Muslim: 45)
Means to Enter Paradise:
Paradise is for those who speak kindly, spread greetings, feed others, and pray at night while others sleep. (Mustadrak 1/321, Hadith 1200; its chain is good, with supporting evidences)
Creates a Family-like Islamic Society:
The capable person helps the weak, and the wealthy helps the poor. This fosters a sense of brotherhood and kindness.
Reduces Rebellion Among the Poor:
When the poor see the wealthy living comfortably while they struggle, it can create feelings of rebellion. By spending on the poor, the wealthy can cool their anger and foster love and affection.
Prevents Financial Crimes:
Regular giving of Zakat helps meet the needs of the poor, reducing the likelihood of thefts, robberies, and kidnappings.
Relief from the Heat of the Day of Judgment:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Every person will be under the shade of their charity on the Day of Judgment."
(Musnad Ahmad 4/148, Hadith 17333; its chain is authentic)
Aids in Understanding Allah’s Limits and Laws:
One must learn the rulings of Zakat, its eligible assets, and recipients to properly fulfill this obligation.
Increases Wealth Tangibly and Intangibly:
Spending in charity can protect wealth from calamities and sometimes even opens doors of provision.
Brings Down Blessings:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"No people withhold Zakat except that they are deprived of rain from the sky."
(Mustadrak 4/540, Hadith 8623; its chain is authentic)
Cools the Anger of the Lord:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord." (Though the chain of this narration is weak, it has been supported by other evidence.)
Protects from a Bad Death:
Repels Calamities from Descending:
Extinguishes Sins:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire."
(Tirmidhi: 614; its chain is good)
By fulfilling the obligation of Zakat, a Muslim not only benefits individually but also contributes to the betterment and harmony of the entire Muslim community.
Zakat is the third fundamental pillar of Islam. Those who properly deliver Zakat to its rightful recipients obtain the following individual and collective wisdom and benefits:
Completion and Perfection of One’s Islam:
Since Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam, there is no doubt that it is a significant goal for every Muslim. Every Muslim strives for the perfection of their religion.
Proof of Sincerity and Faith:
Wealth is dearly loved by hearts, and a beloved thing is only spent when something equally or more beloved is desired in return. Zakat is called "Sadaqah" because it indicates the true desire of the giver to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Refinement of the Giver’s Character:
It removes the giver from the category of the miserly and places them among the generous. When a person becomes accustomed to spending—whether it be knowledge, wealth, or influence—it becomes a habit and nature. They feel distressed if they do not spend daily, much like a hunter who feels frustrated if they do not hunt.
Brings Peace to the Heart:
Spending, especially money, brings satisfaction and peace to the heart. Ibn Qayyim mentioned in "Zad al-Ma'ad" that generosity brings expansion of the chest and tranquility of the heart. This benefit is only realized when spending is done with generosity and cheerfulness.
Connects with Complete Believers:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
(Bukhari: 13; Muslim: 45)
Means to Enter Paradise:
Paradise is for those who speak kindly, spread greetings, feed others, and pray at night while others sleep. (Mustadrak 1/321, Hadith 1200; its chain is good, with supporting evidences)
Creates a Family-like Islamic Society:
The capable person helps the weak, and the wealthy helps the poor. This fosters a sense of brotherhood and kindness.
Reduces Rebellion Among the Poor:
When the poor see the wealthy living comfortably while they struggle, it can create feelings of rebellion. By spending on the poor, the wealthy can cool their anger and foster love and affection.
Prevents Financial Crimes:
Regular giving of Zakat helps meet the needs of the poor, reducing the likelihood of thefts, robberies, and kidnappings.
Relief from the Heat of the Day of Judgment:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Every person will be under the shade of their charity on the Day of Judgment."
(Musnad Ahmad 4/148, Hadith 17333; its chain is authentic)
Aids in Understanding Allah’s Limits and Laws:
One must learn the rulings of Zakat, its eligible assets, and recipients to properly fulfill this obligation.
Increases Wealth Tangibly and Intangibly:
Spending in charity can protect wealth from calamities and sometimes even opens doors of provision.
Brings Down Blessings:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"No people withhold Zakat except that they are deprived of rain from the sky."
(Mustadrak 4/540, Hadith 8623; its chain is authentic)
Cools the Anger of the Lord:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord." (Though the chain of this narration is weak, it has been supported by other evidence.)
Protects from a Bad Death:
Repels Calamities from Descending:
Extinguishes Sins:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire."
(Tirmidhi: 614; its chain is good)
By fulfilling the obligation of Zakat, a Muslim not only benefits individually but also contributes to the betterment and harmony of the entire Muslim community.