The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 38
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 38 rights of others as if it was their right to do so. They not only rapaciously grabbed the rights of the individuals but also seized the wealth of other peoples and nations. As opposed to this the Communist nations not only ravished and pounced upon the wea lth and properties of individuals but also put them to torture and took away their lives mercilessly. But Islam does not at all favor tyranny and injustice. Islam neither allows the poor to be suppressed nor lets the rights of the rich to be swept away. Bo th the poor and the rich are God’s creation. He, therefore, provides protection to them both and guides them to progress and prosperity. Islam, unlike Communism and Capitalism, gives due regard to labor and upholds its dignity and approves the right of ownership so that zeal and enthusiasm, for hard work and best results, is not lost. For this very reason it has provided such a wise code of law as the Zak ā t so that wealth is not accumulated into the hands of a few men. It must keep in circulation and should never be allowed to stagnate. Under the Zak ā t rules, one - fortieth of one’s savings and stock - in - trade must be paid after every twelve mo nths. This is a great incentive for the man in business to see that he is earning and increasing his wealth otherwise the annual payments will ultimately eat up all his capital. Moreover, when capital is employed in trade or industry it naturally provides work for labor and it keeps on circulating among different classes of people. The businessman tries to pay the Zak ā t from profits and not from his capital and the farmer will try to work harder and produce more so that he is able to keep his head above water. That is the reason why Islam has imposed