The Contribution of Islam to the Solution of World Problems — Page 21
21 (Ch. 14: Vs. 33-34) Wealth is produced by the application of human skill, knowledge and labour to the resources, which God has provided. Produced wealth must, therefore, be shared not only between capital and labour, but also between these two and the general community. Zakat This is secured through the imposition of a levy, which is called the Zakat. The meaning of the word is ‘that which purifies and fosters. ’ The Zakat purifies the earnings of capital and labour by deducting front the value of the goods produced, the share of the community and it fosters the welfare of the community, by its proceeds being applied towards purposes designed to secure the advancement of all sections of the people: Take alms out of their wealth so that thou mayest cleanse them and purify them thereby. (Ch. 9: V103) The Holy Prophet(sa) has defined the Zakat as a levy which is imposed upon the well to-do and is returned to the poorer sections of the community. The Zakat is not to be confused with charity, towards which there are frequent and detailed exhortations in the Qur’an. (Ch. 2: Vs. 262-274)