❀ Intention is Essential in the Payment of Zakat ❀
Written by: Imran Ayub Lahori
❖ Intention is Essential in the Payment of Zakat
The requirement of intention (niyyah) at the time of giving Zakat is an established principle in Islamic jurisprudence.
✔ Ibn Qudāmah رحمه الله also holds this view.
[al-Mughnī: 4/88]
This is based on the well-known statement of the Prophet ﷺ:
إنما الأعمال بالنيات
“Actions are judged only by intentions.”
[Bukhārī: 1, Kitāb Badʾ al-Waḥy]
✿ Key Point:
Just as intention is necessary in other acts of worship like Salah, Fasting, and Hajj, similarly Zakat must be given with a conscious intention. Without it, the act may not be considered valid in the sight of Allah ﷻ.
