The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 34
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 34 was indeed enviable. Zak ā t E nsures E conomic P rosperity Zak ā t is not only advantageous in the moral and spiritual uplift of man but is also a guarantee for economic betterment. The word Zak ā t also implies increase and growth. This, therefore, means God has made Zak ā t an important means of increase and multiplyi ng of national wealth and betterment of social conditions. The Almighty God has said in the Holy Quran: ‘… thou may cleanse and purify them. ’ ( 9:103 ). And again He says: ‘The similitude of those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah is like the similitude of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies it further for whomsoever He pleases and Allah is bountiful. All - Kno wing. ’ From the above two verses it is evident that Zak ā t is the means of ameliorating social conditions and of making the nations economically prosperous. This is very easily understandable because when the poor and the needy obtain financial assistance and the people get financial support in their difficulties and distress they would naturally tend to stand on their own feet and try to become independent and would enter the highroad of success and prosperity. Economic welfare and prosperity of the nation is never