Allah exalted be He, in the noble Quran Has joined zakat (obligatory alms) with the performance of prayer in 82 positions. This signifies the great status of zakat in Islam. The basis for zakat is indicated in the Sunnah and the Noble Quran. The first caliph after the prophet (SAW), Abubakar (RA) in Saheeh Bukhari (1399) said “By Allah, I will fight those who differentiate between prayer and zakat”. Quran 2: 41 “Establish prayer and give zakat”. Allah, exalted be He, also says: “… but if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakat, then let them go on their way…”. Quran (9:5).
Our beloved prophet (SAW) said: “Islam has been built on five (pillars): testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the Zakah…”. (Bukhari and Muslim). And besides Muslim scholars have unanimously agreed that zakat is an obligatory act and that it is the third pillar of Islam, and he who denies this is considered a disbeliever, and whoever refrains from giving it is to be fought.
Allah says: “Take O Muhammad, from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase and invoke Allah’s blessings upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is hearing and knowing”.
Hence zakat purifies the soul from stinginess and avarice, and it is also a trial for the rich person since he approaches Allah by giving some of his property that he likes.
Zakat plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation and addressing social inequalities in both Islamic and non-Islamic societies. Here are some contributions of zakat towards poverty alleviation:
Redistribution of Wealth: Zakat serves as a mechanism for redistributing wealth from the affluent to the less fortunate. It ensures that those who have the means to do so provide financial support to those in need, thereby reducing income inequality and poverty.
Direct Assistance: Zakat funds are typically given directly to individuals and families facing financial hardship. This assistance can cover basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare, helping alleviate poverty at the grassroots level.
Safety Net: Zakat acts as a social safety net for vulnerable segments of the population, including the poor, orphans, widows, and those with disabilities. It provides a means of support for those who may not have access to other forms of assistance.
Community Development: Zakat can also be used for community development projects as it is done with Waqf (endowment fund), such as building schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in impoverished areas. These initiatives can have a long-term impact on poverty reduction by improving access to education and healthcare.
Economic Empowerment: By providing financial assistance to individuals or small businesses, Zakat can enable recipients to become financially self-sufficient. This empowerment can lead to long-term poverty alleviation.
Fulfilling Religious Obligation: Muslims believe that giving Zakat is a religious duty, and fulfilling this obligation fosters a sense of social responsibility and empathy for those in need, which can lead to a more compassionate society.
Collective Responsibility: Zakat is not solely the responsibility of the individual but also the Muslim community as a whole. Islamic organizations and institutions and Islamic banks often collect and distribute Zakat funds, ensuring that it reaches those who need it most.
Emergency Relief: Zakat can be used to provide immediate relief in times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics. For example, zakat can be used to ameliorate the tragedy that happened in Libya and Morocco and help them recover and rebuild their lives.
It’s important to note that Zakat is calculated as a specific percentage (usually 2.5%) of one’s accumulated wealth and assets over a given year. The distribution of Zakat is subject to certain guidelines and should be administered through reputable channels to ensure it reaches the genuine recipients mentioned in the Quran (9:60).
In a nutshell, Zakat plays a significant role in poverty alleviation by addressing both the immediate needs of the poor and the structural issues contributing to poverty and income inequality. All praise is due to Allah, in whose favour good deeds are accomplished. (Ibn Majah: 3803). And Allah knows best!
YAHAYA ILIASU MUSTAPHA
The writer is an Islamic Banking and Finance patron and advocate in Ghana.
Email: yahaya0246873726@gmail.com
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