ZAKAT AND SADAQAH

 1. DISTINCTION OF ZAKAT FROM PURIFICATION:

zāy kāf wāw (ز ك و)  appears in Quran 59 times.

A. 21 times as verb in the meaning of 'Purify'. Who does this act of Purification?

1. Allah to you- verses - 24.21, 2.174, 3.77, 4.49, 53.32, 91.9

Example - [24:21] O you who believe, do not follow the footsteps of the devil. Whoever follows the footsteps of the devil then, indeed, he advocates immorality and evil. Were it not for Allah's favour upon you and His mercy, not one of you would have ever been purified, but Allah purifies whom He wills. Allah is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

2. Messenger / Quran to you- verses - 2.129, 2.151, 3.164, 9.103, 62.2 

Example - [2:129] Our Lord, and raise in their midst a messenger from themselves to recite to them Your revelations, and teach them the Scripture and the wisdom, and purify them. You are the Dignified, the Wise."

3. You to yourself - verses - 20.76, 35.18, 79.18, 80.3, 80.7, 87.14, 92.18

Example - [20:76] the Gardens of Eden beneath which rivers flow. Therein they shall permanently remain. Such is the reward of those who purify themselves.

B. 30 times as a noun after the verb 'waatu' which means 'give' that is giving from Income:

4.162 5.12 5.55 7.156 9.5 9.11 9.18 9.71 19.31 19.55 21.73 22.41 22.78 23.4 24.37 24.56 27.3 30.39 31.4 33.33 41.7 58.13 73.20 98.5 - where YOU give Zakat to OTHERS. It is not Purification. 

[2:177] Piety is not in turning your faces towards the east and the west. Rather, the pious is the one who has believed in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Scripture and the prophets, and who gave away money, despite his love for it, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the homeless, the beggars and to free slaves, and who observed the Salat and gave the Zakat, and the ones who fulfil their oath if they take an oath, and the ones who are patient through misery, hardship and at times of conflict. These are the ones who have been truthful and these are the reverent ones.

We are to give away from our income whether it is voluntary (Sadaqat) or compulsory (Zakat) is a separate question. The point in the verse is we must share our income and with certain defined group of people. 

[2:215] They ask you what should they give, say, "Anything good that you give should be to the parents, the close ones, the orphans, the needy and the wayfarer, and any good that you do, Allah is Knowledgeable thereof."

[3:133] And hasten in pursuit of forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise whose width encompasses the Outer Spaces/ Universe and the earth. It has been prepared for the reverent [3:134] who GIVE IN PROSPERITY AND HARDSHIP, and the suppressors of rage, and those who pardon the people. Allah loves the good-doers.

So,  the distinction  between Purification and Charity is clear- 

-  Giving the Deen of Allah to a person that is making him believer is Purification. 

- Giving (nūn fā qāf - ن ف ق)  from income is mandatory (Zakat) or voluntarily (Sadaqat)

* be mindful purification is used as a Verb that is purify where as Zakat is used as Noun.  Hence you see 'Give Zakat' but do not see 'Give purification'.

2. HOW  ZAKAT BECOMES OBLIGATORY ON YOU:

The Zakat is an obligatory payment on all believers who have an income that he can afford to part with.

[2:219] They ask you about intoxicants and gambling, say, "In them are gross sins and benefits for the people, and their sinfulness is greater than their benefits." And they ask you what to give, say: "Al-affwoo." Allah thus clarifies the revelations for you so that you may reflect

A key word in this verse is the word "al-affwoo". To be able to determine what is exactly meant by this word we should look at other Quranic verses that employ the same word. The following are some Quranic verses of significance:

4.153- Then they set up the calf, even after the clear proofs had come to them, 'fa afawna aan zalika' (yet We pardoned that). 

3. 3.133-134- The reverent who give in prosperity and hardship, and the suppressors of rage, and 'al-aafeen aan al-naas' (those who pardon the people). Allah loves the good-doers.

5.101- O you who believe, do not ask about matters which, if disclosed to you, would hurt you, but if you ask about them when the Quran is being brought down, they will be disclosed to you. Allah has 'aafa aanha' (pardoned those matters). Allah is Forgiver, Forbearing.

5.95 - 'aafa Allah aamma salaf' (Allah has pardoned what happened in the past), but Allah will avenge anyone who re-offends. Allah is Dignified, Avenger.

According to the above verses, we can see that the word "al-affwoo" (and its derivatives) have been used to mean: that which is pardoned or overlooked.

If we apply this to the word "al-affwoo" which is used in 2:219, which is related to the payment of Zakat, we can see that Allah is telling us that we should pay Zakat from that part of our income which we can afford to give away without the need to ask for it back, or in other words, what we can afford to overlook and pardon without incurring any hardship.

3. WHEN ZAKAT TO BE PAID:

[6:141] He is the One who produced gardens, trellised and un-trellised, and palm trees, and vegetation of various tastes, and olives, and pomegranate, similar and dissimilar. Eat from their fruits when it yields, and give its decreed obligation on the day of its harvest, and do not be excessive, He does not like the excessive ones.

According to 6:141, Zakat must be given away on the day of harvest. These words are only symbolic of the day we receive income. Thus, we should pay the Zakat whenever we receive income. Again, it is not about profitability but what you can part with.  So, in case of a Farmer when you Harvest. In case of a service person when you receive Salary. In case of a business when you prepare the statement- monthly / quaterly / annually.   Be mindful that it is not asking to disburse the Zakat on the same day- which is not practical but to do away with it (set aside / forego) for disbursement. 

4- WHO ARE OBLIGATED TO GIVE ZAKAT:

The Zakat is payable only by those who have excess after fulfilling their basic needs. Therefore if paying the Zakat would cause genuine hardship to a person or his/her family, then they are not obliged to pay it:

2.219- ..............They ask you what to give, say: 'al-affwoo'. God thus clarifies the revelations for you so that you may reflect. 

This means that for those who receive an income that is barely enough to feed and clothe their families, but with nothing to spare, are not required to pay Zakat.

This is also confirmed in 22:78 where Allah tells us that He does not want us to experience hardship in practicing the religion:

[22:78] And strive in the cause of Allah with the striving that is due to Him. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in the religion - the creed of your father Abraham. He has named you Submitters previously, and in this, so that the messenger may serve as a witness over you, and you to serve as witnesses over the people. So observe the Salat and give the Zakat, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Master, the best Master and the best Supporter.

As we mentioned - there are two sides in the process - those who give Zakat and those who Receive Huqq.  And of course there are Muslims who neither give nor receive. (Recipients include non-Muslims)

5- IS  THERE A PERCENTAGE OR RATIO:

I. PERCENTAGE- The straightforward answer is no. Nowhere in the Quran there is any hint of a fixed rate. The 2.5% rate, which is followed by Muslims around the world, is not found in the Quran. We have seen that the Quran defines the Zakat payment from 'Al-AFFWOO', which is what a person is able to give away without incurring any great hardship. Obviously this amount will differ from person to person depending on their income.

We are given in 17:26-29 clear confirmation that Allah did not set a fixed percentage for Zakat

17.26-29- You shall give the relative his due, as well as the needy and the homeless, and do not squander wastefully. (27) The squanderers are brothers to the devils, and the devil is a rejecter of his Lord. (28) If you must turn away from them because you yourself are seeking mercy from your Lord and hoping for it, then say to them words that comfort them. (29) DO  NOT KEEP  YOUR HAND TIED TO  YOUR NECK, NOR SHALL YOU FULLY EXTEND  IT, LEST YOU END  UP BLAMING YOURSELF AND FEELING REMORSEFUL. 

If the traditional 2.5% rate for Zakat was truly from God, would God command us "Do not keep your hand tied to your neck" nor "fully extend it"? 

II. RATIO - Some so called scholars claim Zakat to be 1/5th of Income citing 8.41.

[8:41] And know that one-fifth of whatever spoils you gain shall go to Allah and the messenger, the relatives, the orphans, the needy and the homeless. This is if you believe in Allah and in what We brought down upon Our servant on the Day of the Criterion; the day the two groups met. Allah is Capable of all things.

It has been claimed by some, that the words in 8:41 speak of the Zakat and that one fifth (20%) of what we gain "ghanimtum" should be dedicated to the recipients specified in 8:41. 

The literal meaning of this word is: what you have gained. The question is whether this word in 8:41 refers to everything a person gains such as income, capital gains, gifts, inheritance etc, or is it used in 8:41 in a specific meaning?

1- Confirmation is given in 8:41 with the words "the day the two groups met." Those who try to manipulate Quranic words in order to enforce their own interpretations, have a habit of quoting some words in isolation and not the whole verse! By reading all the words in 8:41 we have confirmation that the words "you gain" are clearly related to what is gained in war, which are the spoils of war.

2- The verb "ghanimtum" is used only twice in all the Quran. The first is in 8:41 and the second is in 8:69. In 8:69 the believers are told to rejoice in what they gain from war. Once again if we look at the verses just before 8:69 we see they are speaking about war. In 8:67 God is telling the prophet that he may not have prisoners of war except under certain conditions, and in 8:68 God tells the prophet that he would be punished if he breaks these rules. This continues in 8:69 and we find the word "ghanimtum" which is sill connected to war time.

3-The sura, in which the word "ghanimtum" is used twice, is called Al-Anfal. This word means the spoils of war, which again confirms the topic to be related to the time of war.

4.- The word "ghanimtum" is a verb and the noun is "maghaanim". This word has also been used in the Quran to refer to the spoils of war such as in 48:19 and 48:20. These verses follow from 48:18 which speaks of an imminent victory (in battle).

B. SADAQAT 

As usual in Quran there is not a single verse definition of Sadaqa. We understand Sadaqa through it's application.

1. SADAQAT IS  NOT ONLY FINANCIAL:

[9:79] Those who criticise the believers who volunteer for charity work, and those who find nothing to give other than their effort, so they mock them; Allah has indeed mocked them, and they shall have a painful punishment.

2. SADAQAT IS RECOMMENDED FOR CONSULTATION ON DEEN:

[58:12] O you who believe, if you consult the messenger in private, you shall offer a charity before your private consultation. This is better for you and purer, but if you cannot find the means, then Allah is Forgiver, Merciful.

[58:13] Are you reluctant to offer a charity before your private conferring? If you have not done so and Allah has redeemed you, then you shall observe the Salat, give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His messenger. Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

[9:103] Take a charity from their money to cleanse and purify them with it, and support them. Your support provides them with tranquillity. Allah is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

** one may differ by saying that these verses refers to Prophet himself. I understand them as applicable to all Muslims.

** these verses does not mean sadaqat to the person who is giving the advice. It means to Sadaqat to the designated categories.

3. SADAQAT AS A RECOMPENSE if ONE UNABLE TO FULFILL CERTAIN RITE:

[2:196] And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. If you are prevented, then make a convenient offering, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination. And for the one who is ill or suffering a head injury, is given the concession of fasting, or giving to charity (Sadaqa), or by observing a worship ritual. And when you are safe and well, those who progress from Umrah to Hajj shall make a convenient offering. And for those who are not able to, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven on your return; that is a total of ten. That is for those whose family does not live near the Masjid Al-Haram. You shall reverence Allah and know that Allah is severe in punishment.

4. OPENLY OR SECRETLY:

It is alright to execute Zakat and Sadaqat openly but discretion is better. Do not embarrass the recipient. Do not ridicule the recipient.

[2:271] If you disclose the charities, that is fine, but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, then it is better for you, and He will wipe out your bad deeds for you. Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

[2:263] Kind words and forgiveness are better than a charity that is followed by harm. Allah is Rich, Forbearing.

[2:264] O you who believe, do not nullify your charities through insult and harm, like one who spends his money to show off in front of the people, while he does not believe in God and the Last Day. His example is like the example of a smooth rock upon which was dust, then it was hit by heavy rain which left it bare. They benefit nothing from what they earned, and Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

C. RECEIPIENTS  OF ZAKAT AND SADAQAT:

They are not same. Receipients of Zakat is out lined in 17.26 and 2.215

17.26 - You shall give the relative his due, as well as the needy and the wayfarer, and do not squander wastefully.

[2:215] They ask you what should they give, say, "Anything good that you give should be to the parents, the close ones, the orphans, the needy and the wayfarer, and any good that you do, Allah is Knowledgeable thereof."

1. Parents - wāw lām dāl (و ل د) 

2.  Relatives - qāf rā bā (ق ر ب)

3. Orphans / Destitutes - yā tā mīm (ي ت م)

4. Needy - sīn kāf nūn (س ك ن) 

5. Wayfarer - sīn bā lām (س ب ل) 

Receipients of Sadaqa comes from 9.60

[9:60] The charities are to go to the poor, the needy, those who work on their collection, those whose hearts have reconciled, to free the slaves, to those in debt, also in the cause of Allah and to the wayfarer. This is an obligation decreed by Allah. Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise.

1. Poor - fā qāf rā (ف ق ر)

2. Needy - sīn kāf nūn (س ك ن) 

3. Collectors -  ʿayn mīm lām (ع م ل)

4. Affectionate / Friends - hamza lām fā (أ ل ف) 

5. To free slaves - rā qāf bā (ر ق ب) 

6. Indebted- ghayn rā mīm (غ ر م) 

7. Way / cause of Allah - sīn bā lām (س ب ل)

8. Wayfarer - bā nūn yā (ب ن ي)

In 9.60 the word obligation (Farida) refers to the distribution list and not to Sadaqa itself.

** be mindful that these categories are in no way has any binding what so ever to be qualified as only Believers / Muslims. 

Poor, Needy, Friends, Parents.... are Poor, Needy, Friends, Parents. No race,  ethnicity,  religion does qualify anyone to  be your Parents,  Friends, Needy, Poor.

ZAKAT & SADAQAT

A. ZAKAT IS AN OBLIGATION / FARD:

There are plenty of verses in Quran to declare Zakat as Fard and how important it is-

[7:156] ....................He said, "My punishment will strike whomever I please and My MERCY encompasses all things, and so I shall decree IT for those who are reverent, give the Zakat and those who believe in Our revelations,

[51:19] and in their money, they acknowledge a rightful portion for the beggar and the deprived.

2:43 - And observe the Salat and GIVE the Zakat, and bow down with those who bow down.

'Give' is a command and that makes it Fard. This fard can only be fulfilled if there is a decree for receivers.  It is also an obligation for following recipients to accept the Zakat. 

17:26- You shall give the relative his DUE / RIGHT (Haqq), as well as the needy and the wayfarer, and do not squander wastefully.

So, some people has a Right in your Income.  Haqq + Give charity = obligatory Charity > Zakat.

IS ZAKAT BASED ON INCOME OR SAVINGS?*

Some Muslims believe that zakat is based on their savings. However, according to verse 6:141, we see evidence that zakat is based on income and that zakat is due as soon as you get paid. The verse uses the example of a farmer who harvests fruit. When the fruits are ready, they can be harvested. On that day, the farmer must pay his due (zakat) since that is the day the farmer can sell the fruit and get paid.

And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess. (6:141)

*Nowadays, most people don’t work as farmers. Nevertheless, the point of the verse above is that one has to pay his dues (zakat) when they receive an income, whether it is every 2 weeks, once a month, or yearly.