Zakat: An Act of Devotion and Worship [NZF]

The objective of Zakat, as emphasised in the Qur’an, is a glorious objective of purification and upliftment (Surah Al-Taubah 9:103). In that sense, Zakat washes away sins and impurities in the same way that Salaah washes away sins and impurities. This is why it is mentioned in the sayings that Zakat carries the “dirt” (awsakh) of people.

The inner intention when discharging Zakat should be based on the fulfilment of the Commandments of Allah. The objective is to engage in a specialised form of worship, solely for the pleasure of Allah. The individual who sincerely dispenses his Zakat most definitely becomes the recipient of the promised rewards and benediction of Allah. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:276) tells us that: “Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He does not love the one who is ungrateful and wicked.”

The Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him) enunciates this concept very beautifully: “When a slave of Allah pays Zakat, the Angels of Allah pray for him in these words: “O Allah! Grant abundance to him who spends (in Your cause) and destroy him who does not spend and restricts to himself his wealth.”” (Bukhari)

When a Muslim pays Zakat, Allah increases his sustenance. (Bukhari) Although at a human level it may seem that giving of wealth means reduction of wealth, in reality it is not. At a metaphysical level, Allah blesses the giver of Zakat to an extent that is beyond human perception. This is very well-defined by the following Hadith: “Charity does not diminish wealth.” (Muslim)

I'm a firm believer in the principle that charity begins at home and although I'm aware of poverty within Britain, particularly as a result of the pandemic, I was still surprised to learn just how many mu'mins are desperate for financial assistance and have applied for emergency funding to help make ends meet. 

The National Zakat Foundation work extensively to help those who are struggling in this country via our zakat donations. They ensure those who are eligible to receive financial assistance through our zakat do and in the last 30 days (at the time of writing), they distributed £261,584 of our zakat to help 1003 Muslims. 

I urge you to consider donating some, if not all, of your zakat to help those who are less likely to receive aid here in England. May your efforts be rewarded and your zakat accepted } Ameen.

To calculate your zakat and for further information on where your zakat will be spent, you can copy and paste the following links:

https://nzf.org.uk/zakat-calculator/ 

https://nzf.org.uk/your-impact/zakat-in-numbers/

Barak Allahu Feekum.

Khadijah