The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 5
5 What is Zak ā t? The First Era of Khilafat - i - Rashida What is the real significance of Zak ā t? We should know that the word ‘Zak ā t ‘ comes from the Arabic language and is a noun from the root ‘Z’, ‘K ‘ and ‘W ‘ which means that a certain thing has become available in abundance. When this is used in relation wi th Allah, it would mean that God has caused someone to grow and develop in a perfect manner. Another meaning is that God has caused him to be purified. ‘AI - Zak ā t’ also means a thing of the highest quality; or perfect obedience to Allah. There is another me aning also, i. e. a certain portion levied on someone’s possessions so that the remaining part becomes blessed with purity. Another lexicographer explains that these alms are called ‘Zak ā t’ for the reason that the wealth and riches from which this portion has been taken becomes blessed and is bound to turn plenteous and definitely makes it immune from loss and depreciations. We, therefore, come to understand that Zak ā t, in fact, is the means of increasing, cleansing and purifying; of growth and of blessings and of ensuring protection from poverty and all sorts of embarrassments and of submission and obedience to Allah. It is t he peculiarity of the Arabic language that its words hold within themselves the meanings and their beauty and philosophy. We could say that the entire philosophy and usefulness of Zak ā t is