The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 2
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 2 into all their obligations. On account of their old habits, they do not quickly fall in line with the old Ahmadis and mistakenly begin to think that because they have contributed to the general funds of the Jama’at they have fulfilled all their monetary ob ligations. They fail to realize that Zak ā t and the voluntary contributions are two separate responsibilities and both are very important, but Zak ā t has precedence over the others. It must be remembered that no matter how big an amount one has paid into the voluntary funds, he has not acquitted himself of the Zak ā t obligation. Voluntary contributions are always made for the holy wars carried out either by sword or pen. lt is compulsory to participate in this as it is indeed a very important duty. But Zak ā t and other almsgivings are spent for the benefit of the poor and the needy. Books and other propaganda requirements are not paid from these funds. It must, therefore, be clearly understood that voluntary contributions, commonly known as ‘Chanda’ i n the Urdu language, and Zak ā t are two separate branches and must not be mixed together. Zak ā t is a part of devotion enjoined upon the Muslims by the Holy Ouran. In order to understand its proper aim and purpose one must bear in mind that whatever has been created on the earth is entirely for the benefit of mankind. God says in the Quran: ‘He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth. ’ ( 2:30 ) And again He says: