Zakah - The Obligation of Purity

Like charity, Zak\h too mitigates and minimizes the sufferings of the
needy and poor members of society. While it is a protection for the less
fortunate, it is at the same time an appeal to everybody to roll up their
sleeves and improve their lot. To the needy one, it means that it is by
nature an emergency measure and that one should not depend on it
completely but must do something for oneself as well as for others. To
the contributor it is a means of bonding with and looking out for an
extended family member, a brother or sister, son or daughter in Faith.
In short, to all parties concerned it is both directly and indirectly a
treasure and investment that compensates abundantly, in both the
worlds.
THE ORDER OF ZAK¬H
All\h I says in the Qur'\n:
“And perform %al\h and give Zak\h.”
Qur’\n, al Baqarah, 2:43
“And they were not commanded but that they should worship
All\h, making pure for Him the religion, turning towards the
Truth, and performing %al\h and giving Zak\h,
and that is the religion of the upright scriptures.”
Qur’\n, al Bayyinah, 98:5
“Take %adaqah* (alms) from their wealth in order
to purify them and sanctify them with it and pray for them.”
Qur’\n, at-Tawbah, 9:103
*%adaqah here is a term that is used for its generic nature. Zak\h is
included in its meaning.
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