Zakat, a fundamental pillar of Islam, is an obligation that purifies wealth and ensures the well-being of society. Throughout the Quran and Hadith, the importance of Zakat is emphasized as both a spiritual duty and a social responsibility. In this article, we will explore various Hadiths that highlight the principles, benefits, and significance of Zakat. Each Hadith will be presented in Arabic, Urdu, and English, followed by a detailed explanation of the key lessons and aspects covered. By understanding these teachings, we can appreciate the broader social justice and moral responsibilities Zakat brings into the lives of Muslims.
The Obligation of Zakat
Hadith in Arabic
أبو سعيد الخدري قال: سمعت رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم) يقول: “لا صدقة على أقل من خمسة أوسق ولا على أقل من خمسة رؤوس من الإبل ولا على أقل من خمسة أواق من الفضة”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو سعید خدری (رضی اللہ عنہ) نے فرمایا کہ رسول اللہ (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “پانچ وسق سے کم پر صدقہ (زکات) فرض نہیں، نہ ہی پانچ اونٹوں سے کم اور نہ ہی پانچ اوقیہ چاندی سے کم۔”
Hadith in English
Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “No Zakat is due on less than five wasqs of dates or grains, on less than five heads of camels, or less than five qiyas of silver.”
Explanation of the Hadith
This Hadith highlights the threshold for the payment of Zakat. It establishes that Zakat is not obligatory unless the possessions reach a certain minimum, such as five wasps of dates or grains, five heads of camels, or five qiyas of silver. The lesson here is the emphasis on fairness in the obligation of Zakat, ensuring that those who are struggling financially are not burdened with giving. This rule provides relief for those who may not have enough wealth while ensuring that those who do are responsible for contributing to society’s welfare.
No Zakat on Slaves or Horses
Hadith in Arabic
أبو هريرة قال: قال رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “لا صدقة على عبد المسلم ولا على فرسه.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ (رضی اللہ عنہ) نے روایت کیا کہ رسول اللہ (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “مسلمان کے غلام اور گھوڑے پر زکات واجب نہیں ہے۔”
Hadith in English
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “No Zakat is due on a Muslim’s slave or horse.”
Explanation of the Hadith
In this Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clarifies that Zakat is not required on personal possessions such as slaves or horses. In the context of early Islamic society, slaves and horses were essential for daily life and livelihood. Therefore, the Prophet exempted them from Zakat to avoid imposing unnecessary financial burdens on individuals. This reflects the balance Islam strikes between fulfilling religious obligations and ensuring that these obligations do not become overwhelming for people.
Zakat-ul-Fitr
Hadith in Arabic
ابن عمر قال: فرض رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم) زكاة الفطر من رمضان صاعًا من تمر أو صاعًا من شعير على العبد والحر والذكر والأنثى.
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابن عمر (رضی اللہ عنہ) نے فرمایا کہ رسول اللہ (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے رمضان کے اختتام پر ہر آزاد و غلام، مرد و عورت پر ایک صاع کھجور یا ایک صاع جو کی زکات فطر مقرر فرمائی۔
Hadith in English
Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) prescribed Zakat-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan: one sa’ of dates or one sa’ of barley for every free man or slave, male or female.
Explanation of the Hadith
This Hadith pertains to Zakat-ul-Fitr, a specific form of Zakat that is obligatory for every Muslim at the end of Ramadan. Zakat-ul-Fitr is meant to purify those who fasted from any minor mistakes and to provide for the needy so that they can also partake in the celebrations of Eid. The fixed amount, whether in dates or barley, ensures that all Muslims, regardless of their financial situation, contribute to the welfare of others. This act of charity fosters a sense of community and ensures that no one is left behind in the festivities of Eid.
Zakat and Agricultural Produce
Hadith in Arabic
جابر بن عبد الله قال: قال رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “فيما سقت الأنهار أو السماء العشر، وفيما سقي بالدوالي نصف العشر.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت جابر بن عبداللہ (رضی اللہ عنہ) نے روایت کیا کہ رسول اللہ (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “جو فصل بارش یا نہروں کے پانی سے سینچی جائے اس پر دسواں حصہ زکات ہے اور جو فصل مشکیزے یا اونٹوں سے پانی کھینچ کر سینچی جائے اس پر بیسواں حصہ زکات ہے۔”
Hadith in English
Jabir bin Abdullah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “A tenth is payable on what is watered by rivers or rains, and a twentieth on what is watered by camels.”
Explanation of the Hadith
This Hadith focuses on the Zakat due to agricultural produce. The Prophet (peace be upon him) distinguishes between crops that are irrigated naturally (by rain or rivers) and those irrigated artificially (using wells or animals). The difference in Zakat amounts reflects the effort and cost involved in watering the crops. This system demonstrates the fairness of Zakat, ensuring that farmers who expend more effort in growing their crops are required to pay a lesser amount, while those benefiting from natural irrigation pay slightly more.
Refusing to Pay Zakat
Hadith in Arabic
أبو هريرة قال: بعث رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم) عمر لجمع الزكاة وقالوا إن ابن جميل وخالد بن الوليد والعباس قد رفضوا دفع الزكاة، فقال النبي: “أما ابن جميل فقد كان فقيرًا فأغناه الله، وخالد فقد أوقف دروعه وأسلحته في سبيل الله، والعباس فعليه زكاة وأنا أؤديها له.”
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت ابو ہریرہ (رضی اللہ عنہ) نے روایت کیا کہ رسول اللہ (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے حضرت عمر (رضی اللہ عنہ) کو زکات وصول کرنے کے لیے بھیجا، اور کہا گیا کہ ابن جمیل، خالد بن ولید اور حضرت عباس (رضی اللہ عنہم) نے زکات دینے سے انکار کیا۔ اس پر نبی کریم (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) نے فرمایا: “ابن جمیل کے بارے میں، وہ پہلے غریب تھا اور اللہ نے اسے مالدار بنایا۔ خالد کے پاس تو صرف اللہ کی راہ میں وقف کی ہوئی ڈھالیں اور ہتھیار ہیں، اور حضرت عباس کے بارے میں، میں خود ان کی زکات ادا کروں گا۔”
Hadith in English
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent Umar to collect Zakat, and it was said that Ibn Jamil, Khalid bin Walid, and Abbas refused to pay. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “As for Ibn Jamil, he was poor and Allah made him rich; as for Khalid, he has reserved his armours for the sake of Allah; and as for Abbas, I will be responsible for his Zakat.”
Explanation of the Hadith
This Hadith touches upon the refusal to pay Zakat and the reactions of different individuals. The Prophet (peace be upon him) provides context to these refusals, showing that each situation is unique. For Ibn Jamil, his refusal was seen as ingratitude after being blessed with wealth by Allah. Khalid bin Walid, a military leader, had dedicated his possessions to the cause of Allah, and therefore his refusal was justified. As for Abbas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) took personal responsibility for his uncle’s Zakat. This Hadith teaches that paying Zakat is a duty, but it also reminds us to consider individual circumstances with wisdom and compassion.
The Broader Lessons from Zakat in Hadith
The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on Zakat cover a wide range of topics, from thresholds of payment to exemptions and the moral responsibility of giving. Zakat is not merely a financial obligation; it is a means of purifying wealth and helping those in need. It fosters social justice by redistributing wealth, reducing inequality, and ensuring that the blessings of wealth are shared.
The Hadiths we have explored underscore the importance of fairness and compassion in the application of Zakat. They also show how Zakat is rooted in both the spiritual and social dimensions of Islam. By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims contribute to the well-being of their communities and strengthen their relationship with Allah.
In a world where wealth disparity is ever-growing, the system of Zakat remains a timeless and just method for addressing poverty and promoting social welfare.