Performing The Religious Duty Of Paying Zakat
Zakat
is one of the most important pillar of religion Islam. The meanings of Arabic
word Zakat is ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. The possessions can be purified by
paying Zakat and you get blessed by its growth. Zakat is a calculated amount of
money which a true Muslim must pay to people who truly deserve it. Zakat purifies the alms; it refers to giving a
fixed portion of wealth to charity, to the poor and needy. It was practiced
initially by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), who played a vital role in the Islamic
history. Hazrat Abu Bakr initiated the concept of zakat system. The
significance of Zakat can be well understood by Quran Teaching Online. Apart from Zakat which is obligatory, Muslim
are also required to make vital contributions in the form of Sadaqa.
Holy Quran does not tell about which type of wealth Zakat is required, furthermore it does tell about a specific percentage that needs to be given. In old times, it was paid on agricultural good, precious metals, livestock and minerals. This tradition is also followed in the Arabic kingdoms today. The amount which was collected generally varies from 2.5 to 20 percent. This amount depends on the type of food which must be taxed.
In the Muslim countries today, zakat is
collected through a voluntary and decentralized system that enables all the
Muslim to pay it which is based on the love of Allah. In many Muslim countries
like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, zakat is an obligatory act and it must be
collected in a centralized manner by a state.
In : Islam