The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 42
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 42 in the congregational Prayers in the mosque or outside, he goes to express his very high opinion regarding the excellent system of Zak ā t in Islam: ‘Besides the common prayer, the conception of social equality was an innovation peculiar to Islam. Help and maintenance of the poor thus became a sacred trust. It was left no longer to individuals to give what they pleased, but the poor tax (zak ā t) became an obligatory duty and was collected in a central treasury, and administered therefrom. ’ (Joseph Hell, The Arab Civilization ) This, he points out, is a very important religious obligation. Every Muslim of means must pay the Zak ā t to the State and it is their duty to disburse these funds where they deem to be fit. The payment of these alms has not been left to the whims and capric es of the individual paying the Zak ā t. The needy person receiving the aid does not feel under any obligation or humiliation to a private individual. In summing up the benefits of Zak ā t we must also remember that Zak ā t enhances the spiritual, moral and economical standards of mankind. It is a devotion offered through one’s wealth which purifies the heart and cleanses the soul. It also destroys the evils of Capitalism and underwrites the sustenance of the poor and needy. It provides dependable security for those who need assistance. It also creates the spirit of sympathy and brotherhood among men; maintains peace in the society and provides the opportunit y for the proletariat to obtain their birthrights in the national wealth. Zak ā t also guarantees human