The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 35
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 35 attained through the wealth of the nation going into the hands of a limited few capitalists. National prosperity means the happiness and prosperity of all the members of the nation collectively. When Zak ā t funds are distributed among the poor, the wealth o f the nation shall pass from the hands of a limited few in to the hands of the have - nots who form the majority. They shall in turn, by the means of this financial assistance, be able to make their own livings. The social and economic conditions are bound t o become stable and rest on very firm footings. It is often pointed out that in modem times revenue from Zak ā t alone cannot fulfill the needs of the poor and the needy. This is not untrue, because of the heavy expenditure of governments. Some of this is legitimate. It is for this very reason that Muslim s are enjoined to give additional alms in the name of Allah, both collectively and individually. In this respect the Holy Quran says: ‘Spend yourself and your belongings in the cause of Allah and do not push yourselves into ruins with your own hands, and be benevolent, surely Allah loves the benevolent. ’ ( 2:196 ) And again it says: ‘Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah, by night and by day, secretly and openly, have their reward with their Lord; on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve. ’ ( 2:275 )