What is the definition of zakat? What are the rules of zakat?
The word meaning for zakat is; cleanliness and barakat. Zakat as a fiqh term means; “Zakat is when the Muslim, who is considered rich from the viewpoint of religion, gives a portion of their riches to the ordered places for the sake of Allah.’’
Zakat, which is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam, was made fardh in the second year of our Prophet-peace be upon hims- Hijrah in the month of Shawwal.
Allah Ta’ala has ordered zakat in many ayahs of the Qur’an.
“And establish prayer and give zakat…”[1]
“…And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakat..”[2]
“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat]and for bringing hearts together [for Islam]and for freeing captives [or slaves]and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded]traveler – an obligation [imposed]by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”[3]
Allah is the One that creates the goods and fortune that the person obtains from working and He is also the One who presents these to them for their benefit. The responisibilty that falls upon the person is to spend the wealth, that Allah has bestowed upon them in return for their working, in accordance to His orders and to make use of them in the best way possible. One of these ways is zakat. Seeing that Allah Ta’ala has ordered zakat; then it falls upon the person to carry this out.
[1] Surat Baqarah, 43, 110; Surat Nisa 77; Surat Nur, Ayah 65
[2] Surat Anbiya, Ayah 73
[3] Surat At-Tawbah, Ayah 60
Source: Fiqh1 (According To The Maliki School Of Islamic Law), Erkam Publications
