**Zakat – The Pillar of Purification and Social Justice**
**What is Zakat? Its Purpose, Benefits, and Impact – Explained through Quranic Verses and Authentic Hadith**
---
### Introduction
Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is not just a charitable act but a spiritual obligation that purifies wealth and nurtures a compassionate society. Derived from the Arabic word meaning "purification" and "growth," zakat ensures wealth circulation, uplifts the poor, and reduces economic inequality among Muslims.
---
### Quranic Verses on Zakat
> **“And establish prayer and give zakah and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.”** – (Surah An-Nur, 24:56)
> **“Take, \[O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke \[Allah’s blessings] upon them.”** – (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)
> **“Indeed, those who give zakah and those who give charity – they will have their reward with their Lord.”** – (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:277)
---
### Authentic Hadith on Zakat
> Prophet ﷺ said:
> **“Whoever gives in charity the equivalent of a date from lawful earnings – and Allah only accepts what is pure – Allah will accept it with His Right Hand and nurture it until it becomes like a mountain.”** – (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1410)
> **“Zakat is a right of the poor upon the wealth of the rich.”** – (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1846)
> **“Protect your wealth by paying zakat, heal your sick by giving charity, and prepare for calamities with dua.”** – (Tabarani, Hadith: Hasan)
---
### Who Must Pay Zakat?
1. Adult Muslims of sound mind
2. Owning the minimum Nisab (wealth threshold) for one lunar year
3. Wealth should be zakatable (cash, gold/silver, trade goods, etc.)
---
### Zakat Categories (Recipients)
> **Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)** lists 8 eligible categories:
* The poor
* The needy
* Zakat collectors
* Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
* To free captives/slaves
* Those in debt
* In the path of Allah
* The wayfarer
---
### Benefits of Zakat
* **Spiritual purification:** Cleanses the soul from greed
* **Wealth blessing:** Increases barakah (blessings) in earnings
* **Social equity:** Narrows the gap between rich and poor
* **Economic circulation:** Boosts productivity and consumption
---
### Consequences of Neglecting Zakat
> **“And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment.”** – (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:34)
> Prophet ﷺ said:
> **“Wealth that is not purified by zakat will be made into plates and burned on the Day of Judgment.”** – (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 987)
---
### Practical Zakat Tips
* Calculate your zakatable assets annually
* Use authentic calculators or consult scholars
* Give locally and to verified causes
* Don’t delay; give during Ramadan or sooner
---
### Conclusion
Zakat is not just about giving – it's about healing hearts, uplifting communities, and fulfilling the rights of the needy. It is a test of faith, sincerity, and responsibility. Let us revive this pillar in our lives and purify our wealth for the pleasure of Allah.
---
📖 **Sources:**
* Quran:
* Surah An-Nur (24:56)
* Surah At-Tawbah (9:34, 9:60, 9:103)
* Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277)
* Authentic Hadith:
* Sahih Bukhari (Hadith: 1410)
* Sahih Muslim (Hadith: 987)
* Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith: 1846)
* Tabarani (Hadith: Hasan)