Sunday, 28 May 2023 | 08:10 PM
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam on which the foundations of the religion stand. It refers to the giving of alms to the poor and needy among the Muslim Ummah. It is obligatory on every adult Muslim who owns a specific amount of wealth and/or savings.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Do not withhold your money, (for if you did so) Allah would with-hold His blessings from you” (Sahih Bukhari: 1433)
In another hadith, with respect to the importance of Zakat, Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated:
Allah's Apostle said, “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, 'I am your wealth, I am your treasure.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1403)