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Ummah

Zakat · History

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Baseline · Baseline drafted from the cited sources (gemini); 14 statements kept after a citation check (groq), 0 dropped. · by Ummah baseline

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Obligation and Importance

The Quran commands believers to establish prayer and give zakat.1,2,3 Those who do not give zakat are described in the Hereafter as disbelievers.4,5 Giving zakat is a characteristic of those who are certain in faith regarding the Hereafter.6,7,8,9 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ordered the collection of zakat, and it is compulsory on individuals like his uncle, Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib.10

Pillars of Islam and Faith

The superstructure of Islam is raised on five pillars, which include the payment of zakat.11,12,13 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that Islam includes establishing prayer and paying zakat.14,15,16,17 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said he was commanded to fight people until they testify to Allah's oneness, establish prayer, and pay zakat.18

Types and Conditions of Zakat

Zakat al-Fitr was given as a Sa' of food, barley, dried dates, raisins, or cheese when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was present.19 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ indicated that no zakat is payable on less than five camels, less than five ounces of silver, or less than five camel loads (wasq).20 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that whatever reaches a quantity on which zakat is payable is not considered a treasure (kanz) when the zakat is paid.21 The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ wrote a letter about sadaqah (zakat) specifying amounts for camels, and this letter was acted upon by Abu Bakr and Umar.22,23

Purification and Reward

The Quran instructs to take charity from wealth to purify and cause increase for the givers.24 Whatever good one puts forward for themselves, they will find it with Allah.1 Those who give zakat will receive a great reward.25