Zakat (mandatory charity) is the third pillar of Islam. All Muslims who possess sufficient financial resources are required to pay it annually. Each individual who possesses the Nisab (minimum amount of wealth needed for Zakat to become obligatory on a person) has to set aside a fixed portion (2.5%) of their wealth for the poor. This compulsory act of alms-giving serves to ensure the welfare of the needy and vulnerable sections of society. The rights the poor have in Islam are unique, as Muslims are religiously obliged to assist and empower them. Otherwise, those who are in need would be voluntarily aided by some, while many others would opt to withhold their wealth due to selfishness and greed.
Zakat has a lofty status in Islam as a pillar of faith and an act of worship. In fact, it is regularly mentioned alongside prayer in the Quran. This gives believers a strong incentive to seek the pleasure of Allah by supporting the poor. Moreover, poor-due purifies our wealth, cleanses us of negative qualities, and instills care for the weak in our hearts. It leads to harmony between different segments of society, preventing the spread of resentment and despair. Society is more balanced as a result. There are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat.
In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah states that those who believe in the Quran and the earlier revelations and have firm faith in the Afterlife are the rightly guided.All the holy books were revealed as the uncreated word of Allah.
In the eras during which the scriptures were revealed, they sought to explain the purpose of life and people’s obligations.
Indeed, the Tawrat was corrupted by those who followed their whims and desires, seeking to reinvent its pure teachings.This book can no longer be found in its original form as a result of tampering.
By the same token, we are to reject all existing, corrupted editions of the Tawrat.In Surah Al-Ma’idah, Allah says that He sent the Tawrat, which contained guidance and light.
On the other hand, any versions of it that exist currently shall not be endorsed or deemed divine in origin.
It was revealed to Prophet Isa (AS), a prophet born of a miraculous birth, who performed several miracles by Allah’s leave.
