The Duties of the Zakat Giver - 2

The institution of zakat plays a central role in Islam not only in cleansing wealth but also in the training of the individual and the establishment of social justice.

The institution of zakat plays a central role in Islam not only in cleansing wealth but also in the training of the individual and the establishment of social justice. The text examined focuses beyond the eight classes to whom zakat must be given on the importance of selecting the "right person" within those classes. The basic argument is that zakat is not random aid but an activity of forming spiritual and social strength by supporting people of taqwā, students of knowledge, and dignified poor persons. The greatest responsibility of the zakat giver is to seek out and find qualified recipients who can truly cleanse his wealth and serve the wisdom of zakat.

1. Priority of People of Taqwā and Students of Knowledge

One of the first qualities to be sought in the recipient of zakat is taqwā. The source states that supporting those described as "merchants of the Hereafter," who have turned away from the world and devoted their lives to God, means sharing in their righteous deeds.

People of Knowledge: The pursuit of knowledge, so long as intention is sincere, is regarded as the most meritorious worship. Since a student's livelihood concern would reduce mental productivity, securing his "mental comfort" through zakat opens the way to producing knowledge that serves all humanity.

Spiritual Safeguards: Individuals who train the soul in Sufi lodges and tekkes are regarded as elements that preserve society's spiritual balance. Meeting their basic needs ensures the functioning of society's mechanisms of spiritual guidance.

2. Consciousness of Tawḥīd and Not Getting Stuck on Means

The most critical spiritual stance in the zakat process is for both giver and recipient to focus not on the "human intermediary" between them but on God, the true Owner.

Attributing to God: The recipient should see the aid that comes to him not as coming from the giver but as a bounty from God. Positioning the giver only as a "courier" or means is to internalize true tawḥīd.

The Danger of Sanctifying Means: Excessive humility, bowing, or thanking the person who brings aid beyond measure is described as a sign of associating partners with God (shirk). According to the source, one who flatters the intermediary excessively is inclined, when his expectation is not met, to respond with equal intensity in ingratitude and enmity.

Key concepts

Tezekkī: Purification and cleansing; zakat's function of cleansing the soul from miserliness.
Taqwā: Diligent observance of God's commands and prohibitions and effort to avoid the unlawful.
Maṣiyya: Sin; the state of opposing God's commands.
Ṣilat al-Raḥim: Preserving kinship ties, visiting relatives, and supporting them.
Muyassar: Made easy; granted as a portion.
Mustaghni: One who, though in need, does not ask out of dignity; content in appearance.
Merchant of the Hereafter: One who regards the world as capital and opportunity for gaining happiness in the Hereafter.
Musabbib al-Asbāb: God, who creates the causes; the true source of all things.
Ḥānūt: Grocer's shop; place of trade.

Study questions

According to the text, what is the first quality sought in recipients of zakat, and why is it important?

That they be people of taqwā. Because helping a person of taqwā means sharing in the good he does.

What is the basic reason for Ibn al-Mubārak's giving zakat especially to people of knowledge?

To enable people of knowledge to devote all their attention to knowledge by keeping them free of mental distractions such as livelihood concern.

For which type of recipients is the phrase "the ignorant suppose them wealthy" used?

It is used for dignified, patient poor persons who do not disclose their needs to people because of their modesty.

What are the two basic rewards gained by giving zakat to a relative?

The reward of charity (zakat) and the reward of maintaining kinship ties (ṣilat al-raḥim).

What is the most ideal attitude the zakat recipient should adopt toward the giver?

To regard the giver only as a means, attribute the bounty to God its true Owner, and praise only Him. ---