The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 27
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 27 degradation possible for want of means; and by means of Zak ā t provide the path of progress and prosperity and also of national betterment and stability. Over and above all this there is also the aim through which every man may avail his birthright of partn ership in all that Allah has created for the benefit of mankind. Pointing out this basic philosophy of Zak ā t, the Promised Messiah has explained: ‘What is Zak ā t? It is that which is taken from the well - to - do and given to the poorly off. This teaches us the sympathy of the highest order and shores up the Muslim peoples. It is incumbent upon the rich to pay. Even if it had not been made incumbent human sympathy demands that the poor must be helped. ’ Zakat I s T he S ource of P urifying T he S oul In the very beginning of my speech I had explained that according to lexicology the basic philosophy of Zak ā t is to purify the soul and to polish it. The Holy Quran says: ‘Take alms out of their wealth, so that thou cleanse them and purify them thereby. ’ ( 9:103 ). The love of riches is ingrained in man’s mind and it possesses the strongest attraction for him. That is why it is the main cause for one to stumble and he throws all the Commands of God overboard. Regular and due payment of Zak ā t destroys in man the love of lucre and releases him from the bonds and the curse of capitalism. Indifference towards wealth gives protection from