The Third Pillar of Islaam

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

Giving out the Zakaah*:

{ وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ}

{And perform As-Salaah (Iqamat-as-Salaah), and give Zakaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you may receive mercy (from Allaah).} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4):103]

Meaning: Linguistically: It means purity, prosperity and increase as Allaah تعالى says:

{خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا}

{Take Sadaqah** (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it} [Surah al-Tawbah (9): 103]

Shar`ee meaning: The right which is obligatory to be taken out from a specific portion of the wealth and to be given to a certain group of people at a certain time, seeking the pleasure of Allaah, purifying the self and the wealth and for the welfare of the society.

What it implies: It is the worship of Allaah by utilizing wealth - by giving generously according to one’s means from the wealth upon which the Zakaah is due.

Benefits: Purifying the self from stinginess and greed, fulfilling the needs of the poor which leads to the prosperity and security among the Muslim societies.

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*The word Zakaah has been mentioned in the Qur’aan more than 35 times along with Salaah. This goes to show the importance of Zakaah. Salaah is the relation between Allaah and His slaves, whereas Zakaah is the relation between the creations.

**Sometimes the Zakaah is also referred to as Sadaqah. Zakaah is Sadaqah (charity), but not every Sadaqah is Zakaah. Zakaah is obligatory Sadaqah (charity).