The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 40
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 40 nation to ruin and degradation and they themselves begin to decay and ultimately totter to their fall. The system of Zak ā t provides to the wealthy a great incentive to earn more and more in order to save it being eaten up by annual payments. In this way a good businesman not only increases his own wealth but also provides work for others. But it is a great pity that very many people do not realize this fact and try to evade paying Zak ā t. They wrongly fear that this might cause a great loss. They do not understand that God enforced this law to induce men to make more wealth and become richer and richer. There is an assurance from God Almighty for those who pay the Zak ā t that their wealth will not decrease, it shall, on the contrary, continue to increase. Therefore, those who pay it reap the benefit. God Almighty says: ‘Whatever you pay as interest that it may increase the wealth of the people, it does not increase in the sight of Allah; but whatever you give in Zak ā t seeking the favor of Allah – it is these who will increase their wealth manifold. ’ ( 30:40 )