Zakat the third pillar of Islam

 

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is the divine way to purify one’s wealth according to the Islamic law. It has great significance in the religion Islam. And its importance is proven through the various discussions in Quran.  Zakat is the charity or alms that financially stable Muslims give to those who are needy and poor. It is an obligatory act and not voluntary. Muslims of the whole world pay zakat by the ratio of 2.5% of one’s wealth every year and that is determined by th Holy book Quran. It is the best source to help the community and creat a better society.

• To provide a better living, to feed a starve or to help a person who deserves it, are distinct features of Islamic character.
• Zakat serves as a way to bring kindness and Muslims can overcome poverty.
• Zakat gives the lesson to share and support each other.
• Through this divine act money circulates in the entire economy.
• Another aspect of this act is to sacrifice one’s worldly desires and possessions to seek the blessings of Allah.

There is a difference between “sadqa” and “zakat” both are the types of charity.

Zakat is an obligatory duty in religion Islam. whereas sadqa is given voluntarily.Moreover zakat has more importance as it is determined by Allah. It is an act of worship. Zakat is mentioned at 30 places in the Holy Quran along with “salat”.

Quran says,  And zakat is as important as salah “ establish the prayers and pay the zakat and bow before Allah along with those who bow. (In prayers).
Zakat is the right of both Allah and the poor. It is also a sign of brotherhood, that eliminates greed and establishes a stable community.