THE BASIC QURANIC CONCEPT OF ZAKAT
THE CONCEPT OF ZAKAT IS NOT THE NORMALLY ASSUMED ONCE A YEAR MEAGRE PAYMENT TO MUSLIMS ONLY
Misconception: Zakat is once in a year meagre payment to be taken from Muslims only and given to the 8 categories of Muslims only. First and foremost, the referred Ayat refers to Sadaqat and not Zakat. Secondly no-where in Quran does it mention only Muslims
The word Zaka is used in Quran in means of purifying or cleansing of something or someone. It’s also used in Quran in meanings of nourishment, and development for instance in ayah 18:19, in the phrase Azka T’uaman, the word Azka is used in meanings of the food that is most nutritious. In ayah 18:81, the word Zakatan is used in the meanings of abilities, qualities and faculties- In ayah 19:19, the word Zakiyya is used in the meanings of purity, faultless or innocence. Therefore, the word Zakat means to be clean, to be better in purity, to be nourished and nurtured; to be better in terms of abilities, qualities and faculties; to be clear, to increase; to be pure and innocent, to justify oneself, to progress, grow and develop, in terms of growth, purification and blessings.
Concept of Zakat: As per Quran, whatever Allah’s Fazal/ Allah’s bounties, & Na’mat Allah has given us, we are required to clean it, purify it and Tazikiyaah it by spending, utilizing and using it for the benefit of others; whatever is beyond our needs and requirements.
How much to pay- Afuan: As per Quran we have to give whatever is over and above our Haqq, our needs and requirements as Zakat and S’adaqat. For instance in the ayah 2:219 “ ..And they ask you about what they should spend, Say Af’waa” the word is used here in the meanings of giving away freely after keeping own Haqq, that is whatever is there over and above one’s rightful needs & expenses, should be spend for the benefit of others
The phrase to establish Salat and Commit Zakat– keeping in view the meanings of the word Salat as a system of societal benefits and betterment, the phrase commit Zakat is used soon after, which means to commit one’s resources, wealth, knowledge, faculties and efforts for the establishment, maintenance and contribution to Salat system for the benefit of others and the nourishment, purity, progress and development of everyone in that system.
Can also read and download the powerpoint presentation HEREBasic Quranic Concept of Zakat
Can also watch the youtube video HERE
