Zakaat

Zakaat is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. It is an Ibaadah that applies to the property or the wealth of a person. Literally speaking, it means purification, blessing, increase, appreciation etc.

It was termed Zakaat because it purifies the property of a person. Allah Ta'ala puts Barakah and blessings in the property of a person who has given Zakaat. The wealth, on which the Zakaat was given increases and the person himself becomes appreciable in the eyes of Allah Ta'ala. Thus, Zakaat is a way to get closer to Allah Ta'ala. It is a means to purify everything that we have. It is a means to acquire Barakah in what we have.

Zakaat according to the Shariah

According to the Shariah, Zakaat means to give a part of one's wealth which has been fixed by the Shariah to a poor Muslim for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.

Tamleek - the essential element in Zakaat

There is something called Tamleek without which Zakaat is not valid. Thus, it is important to know the meaning of Tamleek.

What does Tamleek mean?

Tamleek means to make someone a Maalik (an owner). In Zakaat, Tamleek means to make a person who deserves Zakaat, the owner of a portion of what one possess. When a person becomes the owner of something, then he has the right to dispose of it in the way he wants. He can make use of it. He can lend it to someone. He can rent it, just as he can sell it or give it to someone as a gift. And if he wants, he can keep it for his children who may inherit it after his death.

Since only a human can become an owner, Zakaat must be given to a person who is free to do what he wants with it. Islamically speaking, an animal does not have the ability to become an owner. Likewise, an organisation, a company or an institution does not have the ability to become an owner. Therefore, Zakaat will not be counted so long as it does not come into the ownership of a human who deserves it. Zakaat cannot be given in the construction or maintenance of a Masjid, a Madrassah etc. Likewise, the things or objects of a Masjid or Madrassah cannot be bought with this money. Similarly, it is not permissible to be given in a way that it does not come into the ownership of someone.

Giving Zakaat through organisations, companies, etc.

It is better that a person gives his Zakaat to those who deserve it with his own hands. But he also has the right to do this through someone who will give it to those who deserve it. The individual, organisation, or company who does this is called a Wakeel or an agent.

An individual or an organisation who acts as a Wakeel (agent) for the donors must have the appropriate knowledge to be able to manage the funds of Zakaat, Fitrah etc. That is why it must be done under the supervision of competent ‘Ulama. The competence must be at two levels; at the level of knowledge and at the level of honesty.

Organisations and those who take this responsibility should take cognisance of the fact that they must give out the Zakaat of the donors as soon as possible because as long as the Zakaat money is with the agent, it is as if it is still in the possession of the donors. Therefore, the donors will not be discharged of their responsibility of Zakaat as long as the organisations have not yet distributed it. If it happens that a donor passes away before the money is disposed of, then according to the principle, the agent must return the money to his children. That is why one should not delay to distribute it. Organisations and companies that accumulate Zakaat money in the bank must be vigilant.

[English version of "Zakaat" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.5]