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In Islam, wealth is viewed as a blessing that comes with both responsibility and accountability. Zakat, or almsgiving, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an essential act of worship. This form of charity is obligatory for Muslims who meet certain financial thresholds, particularly the wealthy, and is intended to purify wealth, foster social welfare, and reduce economic inequality. CITYPEOPLE Jamiu Abubakar writes to explore the importance of Zakat for the rich by providing insights from the Quran, Hadith, and the Sirah (biographical literature of Prophet Muhammad’s life) to highlight the spiritual, social, and economic significance of this divine mandate. Read and learn:
UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF ZAKAT IN ISLAM
Zakat, derived from the Arabic root word meaning “to purify,” “to grow,” or “to increase,” is a means of cleansing wealth by giving a portion to those in need. Unlike voluntary charity (sadaqah), Zakat is compulsory for Muslims who possess a certain minimum amount of wealth (known as the nisab). This financial obligation ensures that wealth is distributed within society, allowing the poor and vulnerable to benefit from the resources of the affluent.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE NISAB FOR ZAKAT
The Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before they are required to pay Zakat, a fundamental part of Islam. The current Nisab for Zakat is the equivalent of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver, but the monetary equivalent varies by year. As of March 8, 2024, the Nisab was N8,854,480.00 in Nigeria. Zakat is the act of giving a set percentage of one’s wealth to the eligible each lunar year. The percentage is 2.5% (or 1D 40) of the total wealth above the Nisab.
WHY THE WEALTHY MUST PAY ZAKAT: WHAT THE QURANIC SAYS
The Quran, which is Islam’s primary source of guidance, frequently emphasizes the importance of Zakat and links it with establishing a righteous society.
Quranic Evidence encouraging Charity and Zakat could be traced to (Quran, 2:43) where Allah says:
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].”
Here, Zakat is directly commanded alongside Salah (prayer), indicating its importance in fulfilling religious obligations. Zakat purifies wealth and protects the individual from greed and selfishness, promoting generosity among the wealthy.
Emphasizing on the Social Responsibility relevance of Zakat, In Surah At-Tawbah, (Quran, 9:103) Allah reminds believers of the purpose of Zakat:
“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
This verse indicates that Zakat serves as purification for both the soul and wealth of the giver. By paying Zakat, the rich not only cleanse their wealth but also fulfil their duty to support those less fortunate.
Wealth, as per the Quran, is seen as a test. Allah grants wealth to test whether individuals will use it responsibly:
“And those within whose wealth is a known right. For the petitioner and the deprived.” (Quran, 70:24-25)
This verse asserts that wealth is not to be hoarded or used solely for self-interest but has a “known right” for the needy and the underprivileged. Therefore, those blessed with wealth are required to support society by sharing part of their resources.
EVIDENCE FROM HADITHS ON THE OBLIGATION OF ZAKAT
The Hadith, meaning the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further clarify the necessity of Zakat. Several hadiths emphasize that Zakat is a core obligation that serves as an anchor for a just and compassionate society.
Hadith Supporting the Obligation of Zakat for the Wealthy stated the consequences for Failing to Pay Zakat: In a famous hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned: “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This severe warning illustrates the gravity of withholding Zakat and the spiritual consequences of hoarding wealth. It reminds Muslims that Zakat is not optional but a divine obligation with real accountability in the hereafter.
There is another Hadith which connects Zakat to promotion of Brotherhood and Social Welfare: The Prophet also said: “None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Zakat aligns with this principle of compassion and empathy by redistributing wealth and creating a bond between the rich and the poor. By sharing wealth, the rich demonstrate genuine concern for their fellow Muslims and contribute to a more equitable community.
Zakat as a Fundamental Pillar of Islam: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear that Zakat is one of the five pillars on which Islam is built. Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar, the Prophet said: “Islam is built upon five pillars: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying Zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the House (Ka’bah).” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
This hadith implies that Zakat is foundational to Islam. Just as one cannot be a Muslim without faith or prayer, Zakat is indispensable for practicing Islam fully, especially for those blessed with wealth.
EVIDENCES FROM THE SIRAH (LIFE OF THE PROPHET)
The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as a living example of the importance of Zakat. His actions and guidance regarding Zakat set a precedent for his companions and the Muslim community at large.
The Prophet’s Compassion and Generosity: The Prophet’s life was marked by acts of charity and concern for the poor. Despite his modest lifestyle, he was known to give generously to those in need. He encouraged his companions to be mindful of the needy in society and often prioritized the welfare of others over his own.
Enforcement of Zakat in the Early Muslim Community: Upon establishing the first Islamic state in Medina, the Prophet organized Zakat collection to ensure that the community’s wealth was distributed among the needy, widows, orphans, and travelers. The Prophet appointed Zakat collectors and made it a systematic practice, emphasizing the role of Zakat in supporting communal harmony and justice.
Abu Bakr’s Commitment to Zakat: After the Prophet’s passing, Abu Bakr, the first caliph, declared war on those who refused to pay Zakat. He famously stated, “By Allah, if they withhold even a young she-goat which they used to pay at the time of the Messenger of Allah, I will fight them for it.” This statement shows the seriousness of Zakat in early Islamic governance, highlighting that Zakat was integral to societal welfare.
WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ZAKAT
On Spiritual Benefits, Zakat purifies the soul from greed and selfishness, fostering gratitude to Allah. It reminds the wealthy that their prosperity is not only a personal achievement but a trust from Allah meant to benefit others as well.
In the aspect of Social Benefits, Zakat serves as a mechanism for wealth redistribution, reducing social inequality, and bringing relief to the poor. It fosters empathy, solidarity, and a sense of community among Muslims, as the rich directly support the poor.
The Economic Benefits of Zakat is worthy of mention. It stimulates the economy by ensuring that the poor have purchasing power. By redistributing wealth, it promotes economic stability and circulation, benefiting society as a whole.
In Summary, Zakat is an obligation that is central to Islamic faith and practice. The Quran, Hadith, and the Prophet’s life emphasize the duty of the wealthy to pay Zakat. This financial obligation is not only an act of obedience to Allah but a means to purify wealth, foster social welfare, and ensure economic justice. By paying Zakat, the rich fulfill their spiritual duty, bridge the gap between social classes, and contribute to a more balanced and harmonious society. The obligation of Zakat is a profound reminder that in Islam, wealth is both a blessing and a responsibility, one that must be used to support and uplift the entire community.
-Jamiu Abubakar
