الزَّكاةُ هُوِيـَّةٌ إِيـمَانـِيَّةٌ وَشَرَاكَـةٌ مُجْتَمَعِيَّةٌ : Zakat an expression of faith identity and a form of social partnership

أَعُوذُ بِاللّٰهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

In the name of ALLAH, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

الزَّكاةُ هُوِيـَّةٌ إِيـمَانـِيَّةٌ وَشَرَاكَـةٌ مُجْتَمَعِيَّةٌ

Zakat is an expression of faith identity and a form of social partnership.

Praise be to Allah, the Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy, who ordained Zakat as a means of purifying wealth, fostering growth in the present, and securing hoped-for success in the Hereafter. We bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, having no partner; He prescribed Zakat as an act of mercy and purification, and a foundation for justice and stability. We also bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is His servant and Messenger; he clarified the obligation of Zakat and directed hearts toward tranquility, societies toward advancement, and nations toward prosperity. May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, his family, all his companions, and those who follow their guidance until the Day of Final Abode. This is the recited verse from Surah Aal E Imran and its translation of the:

أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فاعوذ باللہ من الشیطان الرجیم- بسم اللہ الرحمن الرحیم

وَلَا يَحۡسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَبۡخَلُونَ بِمَآ ءَاتَٮٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ هُوَ خَيۡرً۬ا لَّهُم‌ۖ بَلۡ هُوَ شَرٌّ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۖ سَيُطَوَّقُونَ مَا بَخِلُواْ بِهِۦ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ وَلِلَّهِ مِيرَٲثُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ۬

Surah Aal E Imran – 180

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّ ڪَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡأَحۡبَارِ وَٱلرُّهۡبَانِ لَيَأۡكُلُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡنِزُونَ ٱلذَّهَبَ وَٱلۡفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَہَا فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَبَشِّرۡهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬‏﴿۳۴﴾ يَوۡمَ يُحۡمَىٰ عَلَيۡهَا فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكۡوَىٰ بِہَا جِبَاهُهُمۡ وَجُنُوبُہُمۡ وَظُهُورُهُمۡ‌ۖ هَـٰذَا مَا ڪَنَزۡتُمۡ لِأَنفُسِكُمۡ فَذُوقُواْ مَا كُنتُمۡ تَكۡنِزُونَ‏

And let not those who covetously withhold of that which Allâh has bestowed on them of His Bounty (Wealth) think that it is good for them (and so they do not pay the obligatory Zakât). Nay, it will be worse for them; the things which they covetously withheld shall be tied to their necks like a collar on the Day of Resurrection[]. And to Allâh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allâh is Well¬Acquainted with all that you do.

Surah Aal E Imran – 180

Later, in Surah Al Tawba, ALLÂH says:

O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the Way of Allâh (i.e. Allâh's religion of Islâmic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver [Al-Kanz: the money, the Zakât of which has not been paid], and spend them not in the Way of Allâh, -announce unto them a painful torment. (34) On the Day when that (Al-Kanz: money, gold and silver, the Zakât of which has not been paid) will be heated in the Fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them):-"This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard."

Surah Al Tawba – 34-35

To proceed, O servants of ALLAH: Fear ALLAH and Adopt piety and obey ALLAH. I counsel you and myself to fear Allah—the fear of those who are certain of their Lord’s promise and who respond to the words of their Creator as He says in Surah Al Baqara

وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرۡكَعُواْ مَعَ ٱلرَّٲكِعِينَ

And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, and bow down (or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with Ar¬Raki'ûn.

Surah Al Baqara – 43

O Muslims: Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and a renewed covenant between the servant and his Lord. At its core, it embodies the meanings of obedience, sincerity, and loyalty; it is a test of faith, a sanctuary for spiritual purification, and a ladder by which the Muslim ascends to the heights of nearness to Allah. The Almighty says in Surah Al Tawba

خُذۡ مِنۡ أَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ صَدَقَةً۬ تُطَهِّرُهُمۡ وَتُزَكِّيہِم بِہَا

Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it,

Surah Al Tawba – 103-Part

He made it a means of purifying hearts from greed, cleansing souls of base desires, bringing blessing to provisions, and increasing wealth; indeed, Allah has linked it with prayer, saying in Surah Al Baqara:

وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ

And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât,

Surah Al Baqara – 43-Part

And He made it a condition for success, saying in Surah Al Mumenoon:

قَدۡ أَفۡلَحَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ‏﴿۱﴾ ٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ فِى صَلَاتِہِمۡ خَـٰشِعُونَ‏﴿۲﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ عَنِ ٱللَّغۡوِ مُعۡرِضُونَ‏﴿۳﴾ وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ لِلزَّكَوٰةِ فَـٰعِلُونَ

Successful indeed are the believers. (1) Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. (2) And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allâh has forbidden). (3) And those who pay the Zakât. (4)

Surah Al Mumenoon – 1-4

It is a testament to the sincerity of faith and a mark of steadfast obedience; the believer performs it with certainty and contentment, finding glad tidings in the Prophet’s, peace be upon him, words: "Wealth does not decrease due to charity." It is not a deduction from money, but a blessing in it, nor a burden on the servant, but rather a provision for him towards God’s pleasure. For this reason, Zakat is a firmly established faith identity in the heart of the believer, whose effect does not disappear with the absence of supervision, nor does its value weaken with changing circumstances. It is present in the conscience, a witness to belonging, and an instigator of mercy. It is a means of achieving solidarity, so that it becomes for the believer the title of his truthfulness, for the community the reason for its unity, and for the nation the basis of its strength and stability.

Servants of Allah: Our noble Messenger defined the course of Zakat, stating: "It is taken from their wealthy and returned to their poor." Furthermore, the details regarding its recipients were set forth by Allah the Almighty, who says in Surah Al Tawba:

إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلۡمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيۡہَا وَٱلۡمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُہُمۡ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلۡغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبۡنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ‌ۖ فَرِيضَةً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَڪِيمٌ۬

As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ'[] (poor), and Al-Masâkin[] (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allâh's Cause (i.e. for Mujâhidûn - those fighting in the holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise.

Surah Al Tawba – 60

This precise definition and detailed framework necessitate the development of Zakat institutions so that Zakat is managed with fairness and excellence. This requires organized, institutional work that bridges Sharia rulings with prudent administration, ensuring that distribution is linked to development and that spending is grounded in justice. It is truly heartening to witness the blessed efforts undertaken by Zakat committees in our homeland. The Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has streamlined its operations and enhanced the capabilities of its workforce; it has modernized systems, adopted rigorous standards, and leveraged technology to reach eligible beneficiaries with ease and transparency. Operations have evolved from limited individual efforts into organized institutional work, and from traditional methods to modern platforms that offer greater impact and more precise service. Every advancement within these institutions represents a step toward a more stable and compassionate society, and every form of support for them constitutes a contribution to a noble mission that unites the worship of ALLAH with the service of His creation.

O Muslims: Allah the Almighty says in Surah Luqman:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُونَ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَهُم بِٱلۡأَخِرَةِ هُمۡ يُوقِنُونَ

Those who perform As¬Salât (Iqamat¬as- Salât) and give Zakât and they have faith in the Hereafter with certainty.

Surah Luqman – 4

Belief in the Hereafter is the profound driving force behind giving, and certainty of divine recompense is the root from which trust springs. When a believer is certain that their contribution reaches its intended destination and that ALLAH records their efforts in their spiritual ledger, they give willingly; their heart finds peace, and they rejoice in what they have offered. Thus, societal trust in the practice of Zakat serves as a firm foundation upon which the entire edifice rests; through it, initiatives flourish, the scope of benefit expands, and giving evolves into a vibrant societal commitment rather than merely an individual obligation. Those entrusted with the administration of Zakat have truly excelled in upholding this trust; they have modernized operational methods and remained mindful of the circumstances of the eligible recipients, thereby earning the prayers and praise of the people. Today, we are called upon to reinforce this trust by viewing them as partners and reciprocating their dedication with sincere support and informed confidence—an approach that assures the donor that their contribution reaches its intended destination and gives the beneficiary confidence in the fairness of the distribution. When giving takes place within an atmosphere of trust, its benefits are more widespread, its impact deeper, and its results more genuine. True are the words of Allah the Almighty says in Surah Luqman:

وَمَا تُقَدِّمُواْ لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنۡ خَيۡرٍ۬ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ

and whatever of good (deeds that Allâh loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allâh.

Surah Luqman – 4

May ALLAH bless every hand that builds, every mind that plans, and every sincere heart that has contributed to building bridges of trust and extending a helping hand; and may He reward them all with a bountiful recompense and the best of returns.

أقولُ مَا تَسْمَعُونَ، وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيمَ لِي وَلَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ يَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُورُالرَّحِيمُ، وَادْعُوهُ يَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ، إِنَّهُ هُوَ البَرُّ الكَرِيمُ

I say what you hear, and I ask forgiveness from ALLAH Almighty for me and for you, so ask forgiveness from Him and He will forgive you, for He is the Forgiving and Merciful, and pray to Him and He will answer you, for He is The noble righteousness

الحَمْدُ للَّهِ الَّذِي جَعَلَ العَطَاءَ بَرَكَةً لِلأَمْوَالِ، وَرَحْمَةً لِلْقُلُوبِ، وَسَبَبًا لِلْفَلاحِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، صَلاةً وَسَلامًا دَائِمَيْنِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ

Praise be to Allah, Who made giving a source of blessing for wealth, a mercy for hearts, and a means to success in this world and the Hereafter. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad, peace be upon him, is His servant and Messenger; may prayers and peace be upon him, his family, and all his companions, enduring until the Day of Judgment.

To proceed, O servants of Allah: When an act of giving stems from the heart of a sincere believer, it becomes a source of blessing for him in this worldly life; it purifies his wealth, expands his heart, and wards off the fear of poverty. The Almighty says further in Surah Luqman:

وَمَآ أَنفَقۡتُم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ فَهُوَ يُخۡلِفُهُۖ

and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allâh's Cause), He will replace it.

Surah Luqman – 4

Its impact extends to society, transforming every charitable hand into a building block in the edifice of social solidarity and turning acts of giving into a bridge for compassion and cooperation; thus, souls find tranquility, wounds are healed, and the fabric of the nation is strengthened. The Prophet, peace be upon him said... خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ "The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others." Nor is that all; indeed, the greatest fruit of this comes on the Day of Resurrection, when the believer finds what he has offered preserved with his Lord—his reward multiplied and his recompense immense. ALLAH says in Surah Al Zilzal

فَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيۡرً۬ا يَرَهُ

So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it.

Surah Al Zalzala – 7

It is a good that the servant beholds as light in the grave, as a stored reward in his record of deeds, and as an honorable station in the Gardens of Eternity.

So fear Allah—O servants of Allah—and be among those who give and show benevolence—acting with faith, sincerity, and mercy—so that you may attain the blessings of this world and the bliss of the Hereafter; for that is the supreme triumph.