The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 43
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 43 dignity and keeps the capital in circulation which in turn brings prosperity to the whole nation and foremost and above all the benefits, causes spiritual happiness and exultation for the individual and a pleasant and happy atmosphere to live in. What we have said above is not a mere boast. It is a stark naked truth and history provides an undeniable evidence to its truth. Under the direct guidance of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, his companions faithfully observed this divine command and so did those who followed them later for the next two hundred years. They truly inherited the spiritual qualities and the zeal of their fathers and obeyed all the commands and walked steadfastly in the paths of obedience and virtue. The y paid the Zak ā t as an act of devotion and seldom failed in this their religious as well as their national duty. The result was that history recorded that poverty and want practically disappeared from the Muslim society. Muslim culture and the Muslim way o f life became the hallmark of prosperity, progress and success in all fields. There was such a radical change in social conditions that those who, at one time stood in need of assistance, began to contribute towards Zak ā t themselves. However hard the admin istration of the State searched for the poor and the needy, they could not trace them. They were pure - hearted and righteous practical Muslims and followed all the injunctions of the Quran faithfully and steadfastly. The result was that they not only became the benefactors and patrons of the then civilized world, they also became a people whom God loved because they had become the torch - bearers of truth. We earnestly pray that God Almighty may grant us also the