Zakat: A Step Closer to Jannat

‘In His hands are the keys of the heavens and the earth. He increases and determines the sustenance of whomever He wants. He has the knowledge of all things’

(40:12)

How many of us actually believe that we are the determinants of our financial outcome. We make financial plans months or sometimes years in advance, working hard to get the things we need, want or desire. Do we actually stop to think that work is a means to show Allah (SWT) that we are providing ourselves means in a halal manner and, in essence, we are fulfilling our duties to Allah (SWT), therefore worshipping Him in the process?



Do we actually stop to consider that everything provided to us is by the will of Allah (SWT) and not by us, as He is the owner of everything in the heavens, the Earth and everything in between?

 

The provision that Allah (SWT) gives us is also a test by which He can determine if we place our trust in Him alone. Many people save for a rainy day, but as long as we are moderate in our spending, Allah (SWT) assures us that He is our provider at all times, rainy day or not.



The test here is whether we can share with others what Allah (SWT) has mercifully given us. If we can, then we have passed the test, but if we can’t then we have great hardship waiting for us on the Day of Judgement. Allah (SWT) tests our generous nature by make it an obligation for us to pay zakat, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and if we want to further please Him, we should give charity as sadaqah.

 

The literal meaning of zakat is to cleanse, purify, clear, grow and increase and it is incumbent on every Muslim, male or female, to donate 2.5% of their wealth, which is in excess after they have provided for their family. Zakat can be given at any time of the year out of wealth that has been possessed for a whole year.

 

By giving zakat, we are, in essence, purifying the remainder of our wealth and indicating to Allah (SWT) that we are in total submission to Him and devoted to His commands. This further signifies to Allah (SWT) that this person has passed the test of zakat and He increases our wealth for the following year. So by giving zakat and sadaqah, we are ensuring the increase in our forthcoming sustenance and should never fear that we are losing our hard-earned capital.

“…that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.”

(Qur’an, 30:39)

Donating zakat is a duty to Allah (SWT); it is a compulsory transfer of a portion (2.5%) of wealth in the form of goods or money to the receiver. It, however, can never be seen that the giver is doing a favour to the recipient; the intention should always be that it is to fulfil a duty to Allah (SWT).

 

In return, we will get our reward in the Hereafter:

"Allah (SWT) has purchased the souls and property of the believers in exchange for paradise. They fight in His cause, and slay and are slain. This is a true promise which He has revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur'an. No one is more true to His promise than Allah (SWT). Let this bargain be glad news for them (believers). This is indeed the supreme triumph.

(9:111)

Why should we then deny ourselves of this ‘supreme triumph’, which we can attain by fulfilling one of Allah (SWT)’s commands? We can purify ourselves both spiritually and physically just by giving our zakat dues and securing a place in Jannat, for which our lives on this earth have been made a test.

 

You can calculate your zakat by using Muslim Aid’s zakat calculator (hyperlink) and perform one of your five true obligations. You can also browse through Muslim Aid’s website for further information on our various campaigns and support one of our UK charity programmes today.