Zakaat Meaning

ZAKAAT The literal meanings of Zakat in Arabic are 'to improve', 'to grow', or 'to flourish'. It also means 'to sweeten', or 'to purify'. In terms of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), Zakat is an obligatory form of worship (lbadah) prescribed by Allah. Zakat is a duty (Fareedatan-min-Allah) similar to the duty of Salah. It is one of the five pillars of Mam.

"And be steadfast in prayer and Zakat: and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees well all that you do ". (AI-Qur'an 2:110).The in junctions regarding the paying of Zakat recur in the Qur'an along with those regarding the establishment of Salah**. Zakat is a part*** of Muslim faith and an act of purification necessary for spiritual, moral, and material rejuvenation. By definition, Zakat is an obligatory duty (Farz) for every Muslim possessing wealth equal to or exceeding the Nisab (defined subsequently in this write-up). It is a prescribed welfare-contribution from one's savings. Zakat is a meaningful institution with a definite religio-socio-economic purpose. It has its established rules and regulations, structure, standard, and specific functions. Muslims all over the world practice regular charity (Zakat) as an obligatory duty of their religion. While the payment of Zakat is an individual duty; the collection and distribution of Zakat is a collective obligation of the Islamic state (or the Islamic society). Islam has organized the institution of Zakat with a spiritual approach leading to socio-economic benefit of mankind.

"Allah deprives usurious gain of all blessings, whereas He blesses charitable deeds (Sadqat) with manifold increase..." (AI-Qur'an 2:276)

If one fails to carry out the obligation of paying Zakat, he is a sinner, consequently incurring punishment in the form of Allah's displeasure and punishment in the hereafter.

Purpose of Zakaat

(A) Purpose of Zakaat :

Paying Zakat is an act, which purifies one's wealth. It is a divinely prescribed method of cleansing and purifying a person's heart and soul from all kinds of worldly greed and material love. It instils the love of Allah,, making a person an obedient, sincere, and grateful servant of Allah.

"And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, they perform prayer and pay the Zakat, and they obey Allah and His messenger. Upon them, Allah will have mercy. Lo! Allah is Mighty, wise." (AI-Qur'an 9:71)

The institution of Zakat is a viable system established to assist in the process of growth and development of the community. It takes care of the basic needs of the poor in the community. It is considered the right of the poor on the wealth of the rich, thereby establishing mutual rights and responsibilities between them. It contributes to a fair and just circulation of wealth in a society.(B) Criteria of Zakaat payment :

Zakaat becomes an obligatory duty (Farz) for a Muslim when the following four conditions are met:

1) S/he is meeting the basic needs of his family and himself, S/he is the 'owner of Nisab',

2) S/he is not an insolvent debtor (i.e., he is meeting the financial obligations of his debt) ,

3) S/he has possessed the wealth/livestock for one complete lunar year, or raised the crop(s) to the harvest, or gained the ownership of fortuitous fortune.

If anyone of the above conditions is not met, the payment of Zakat is not obligatory. However, once all of the above four conditions are met, s/he is required to pay Zakat on all the Zakatable items that he owns. The guardian of a child, an orphan, or a mentally retarded person is required to pay Zakat on their behalf from their property if it is at or above Nisab. Zakat is also taken from the estate of a deceased person if he died before paying the Zakat that was due.

Zakaat Of Profession

ZAKAATABILITY OF THE POSSESSIONS/SAVINGS :

The items of one's possessions/savings can be classified into two groups:

A) Non-Zakatable items ,

B) Zakatable items.

Zakatabilities

(A) Non-Zakatable items:

The items of one's basic needs and necessities are exempted from Zakat. All items of value (movable and immovable) which are designated for personal and household use and/or consumption are non-Zakatable. Following is a part list of items that are exempted from Zakat.

1. Food :

Stored food for the consumption of the individual and his family (for less than one year's consumption).

2. Clothing :

All personal and family wearing apparel.

3. Residential Home:

The dwelling house needed and occupied by the owner, including the furniture, household utensils, equipment, etc. covering basic needs and necessities.

4. Transportation :

The means of personal and family transportation, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, riding animals, etc., used by the owner and his/her family members.

5. Domestic Animals and Poultry :

The animals such as camels, cows, buffalo, sheep, goats, and poultry, such as chicken, and turkey, for the domestic needs of the owner's household.

6. Tools of the Trade :

The tools, instruments, and equipment used in one's personal trade or profession.

7. Agricultural Land :

The land, animals; and equipment used in agricultural cultivation by the owner.

8. Arms and Ammunition :

A) Arms and ammunition for personal use.

(B) Zakatable items: An item is Zakatable when it meets the following four conditions:

1.The item is not intended for one's personal or household use and/or consumption. 2.The item is in one's complete ownership. (A person is considered a complete owner of a property when it is in his/her lawful possession and s/he is able to dispense with 'it at his/her will). 3.The item is held in one's possession for a stipulated period of time (one year).

The following table illustrates a part list of the items which are Zakatable:

Zakatable Items:

1.Uninvested Wealth: 

a) Gold

b) Silver

c) Savings in the bank

2. Invested Wealth/Tradable Commodities.

a) Yield (net profit) from business and/or industry (after deducting direct expenses from total revenue)

b) Net profits from shares or partnerships

c) Net value of inventory of a business or industry (after deducting debt and any other direct expenses)

d) Net value of stocks and bonds

e) Net value of all tradable commodities (after deducting debt and any other direct expenses)

f) Net income from rental property (after deducting debt and any other direct expenses)

3.Agricultural Produce: (After deducting direct expenses)

a) Harvest from irrigated land.

b) Harvest from unirrigated land.

4.Fortuitous Fortune:

a) Treasures, mines, minerals, etc., found on a property5.Livestock:a) Sheep and goats:

b) Cows and Buffalo

c) Camels