Zakah in Quran and Sunnah: A Complete Guide New

The Authentic Guide to Zakah in Quran & Sunnah

Zakah, or obligatory charity, is one of the five pillars of Islam, representing a fundamental principle of social justice, wealth purification, and worship. It is a divinely ordained system for redistributing wealth, ensuring the well-being of the community, and fostering humility and gratitude in the giver. Zakah signifies the believer’s acknowledgment that all wealth belongs to Allah (SWT) and that a specific portion is due to the less fortunate. The Quran and the Sunnah—the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)—provide comprehensive guidance on Zakah, detailing its obligation, calculation, recipients, and spiritual significance. This article compiles key references to Zakah from the Quran and authentic Hadith (classified as Sahih or Hasan), presenting them in a structured manner for easy understanding.

1. Introduction to Zakah

Zakah is more than just charity; it is an act of worship (Ibadah) mandated by Allah (SWT). It literally means “purification” and “growth,” signifying that giving Zakah purifies the remaining wealth of the giver and brings spiritual growth, while also contributing to the economic well-being and growth of the community. Paid annually on qualifying wealth that exceeds a minimum threshold (Nisab) and has been held for a lunar year (Hawl), Zakah reinforces a Muslim’s duty towards society and strengthens their connection with Allah (SWT).

The Quran establishes Zakah’s obligatory nature, often linking it directly with Salah (prayer), while the Sunnah provides the practical details for its implementation, including specific Nisab thresholds (classically, the equivalent of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver) and rates (commonly 2.5% on monetary wealth). It’s worth noting that contemporary scholars discuss whether the gold or silver standard is more appropriate for calculating Nisab on modern currency, and specific guidance may be sought.

2. Quranic References to Zakah

The Holy Quran mentions Zakah numerous times, often pairing it with Salah or detailing its purpose, recipients, and importance. These verses cover its obligatory nature, the categories of recipients, its purifying effect, and the rewards associated with it.

a. The Command to Pay Zakah & Its Importance

These verses explicitly command Muslims to pay Zakah or highlight its status as a core aspect of faith and righteousness.

Example:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:110) states, “And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of what you do.” This verse pairs Salah and Zakah, indicating their equal importance as foundational acts of worship.

b. The Purpose, Benefits, and Recipients of Zakah

These verses highlight the spiritual purification, societal benefits, and designated recipients.

Example:

Surah At-Taubah (9:60) details: “Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause¹ of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”² This provides the definitive framework for Zakah distribution.

c. Warnings Against Neglecting Zakah

These verses warn against hoarding wealth and refusing to pay the obligatory Zakah.

Example:

Surah At-Taubah (9:34-35) warns those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah of a painful punishment, where their hoarded wealth will be heated and used to brand them on the Day of Judgment.

3. Hadith References in the Sunnah

The Sunnah provides essential details on Zakah not fully elaborated in the Quran, such as the specific rates (e.g., 2.5%), the types of wealth subject to Zakah (Nisab thresholds for gold, silver, crops, livestock, trade goods), and practical implementation. The following are representative examples from authentic collections:

a. Key Sahih Hadith Collections

• Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 24: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 1395): Islam is built on five pillars, including Zakah.
• Sahih al-Bukhari (Related narrations, e.g., near Hadith 1403): Command to give Zakah on wealth reaching Nisab and warnings about punishment for withholding.
• Sahih al-Bukhari (e.g., Hadith 1454): Details Zakah rates on camels.
• Sahih al-Bukhari (e.g., Hadith 1459): Nisab of silver (five Uqiyah, equivalent to 595g).
• Sahih al-Bukhari (e.g., Hadith 1503): Details on Zakat al-Fitr (a separate charity due at the end of Ramadan).
• Sahih Muslim (Book 1: Faith, e.g., Hadith 19 & 21): Repeats the five pillars, including Zakah.
• Sahih Muslim (Book 5: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 981 [approx.] / Kitab Al-Zakat, Hadith 31 [Book ref]): The Prophet sending Mu’adh to Yemen, instructing him to teach Tawhid, Salah, and then collect Zakah from the wealthy for the poor.
• Sahih Muslim (Book 5: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 998 [approx.] / Kitab Al-Zakat, Hadith 55 [Book ref]): Specifies Zakah on agricultural produce (5% or 10% based on irrigation).
• Sahih Muslim (Book 5: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 987 [approx.] / Kitab Al-Zakat, Hadith 63 [Book ref]): Warns that withheld wealth becomes a bald serpent tormenting the hoarder on Judgment Day.
• Sahih Muslim (Book 5: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 1015 [approx.] / Kitab Al-Zakat, Hadith 80 [Book ref]): Prohibition of Zakah for the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt).

b. Key Hasan & Other Sahih Hadith Collections

• Sunan Abu Dawud (Book 9: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 1574): Details Nisab and rate (2.5%) for silver/gold.
• Sunan Abu Dawud (Book 9: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 1633): Specifies Zakah is not for the wealthy or able-bodied worker (except specific cases like collectors or debtors).
• Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Chapters on Zakah, e.g., Hadith 618): Zakah is a right upon wealth; punishment for withholding.
• Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Chapters on Zakah, e.g., Hadith 658): Confirms Zakah recipients align with Quran 9:60.
• Sunan an-Nasa’i (Book 23: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 2441): Withholding Zakah is a grave matter. Zakah purifies.
• Sunan an-Nasa’i (Book 23: Zakah, e.g., Hadith 2484): Specifies no Zakah on less than five camels (example of Nisab for livestock).
• Sunan Ibn Majah (Book 8: Zakah, e.g., context of Hadith 1789): Giving charity protects wealth (general principle applicable to Zakah).
• Sunan Ibn Majah (Book 8: Zakah, e.g., context of Hadith 1844): Neglecting Zakah can lead to drought/famine (part of a longer Hadith).
• Muwatta Imam Malik (Book 17: Zakah, e.g., 17.6.16): Details Zakah on sheep/goats (e.g., one sheep for 40-120).
• Muwatta Imam Malik (Book 17: Zakah, e.g., 17.1.1): Zakah is obligatory annually on qualifying wealth held for a year (Hawl).
• Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Contains numerous Hadith on Zakah, including narrations emphasizing distribution to the needy (e.g., Hadith 6723 range) and the saying “Zakah is the bridge of Islam” (grading varies but often cited, e.g., near Hadith 2231).
• Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah (Book of Zakah, e.g., near Hadith 2256): Contains detailed narrations on Zakah rates for grains and dates.
• Sahih Ibn Hibban (Book of Zakah, e.g., near Hadith 3245): Includes narrations highlighting Zakah’s role in societal equity and purification.
• Sunan al-Darimi (Book of Zakah, e.g., near Hadith 1648): Includes Hadith emphasizing Zakah’s role in circulating wealth and supporting the community.

Key Examples Summarized:

• Pillars of Islam: Zakah is repeatedly mentioned as one of the five fundamental pillars (Bukhari 1395, Muslim 19).
• Purpose & Distribution: The Hadith of Mu’adh going to Yemen clearly outlines taking Zakah from the rich to give to the poor (Muslim 981 range).
• Nisab & Rates: Specific thresholds (Nisab) and rates (e.g., 2.5% for cash/gold/silver, varying amounts for livestock and agriculture) are detailed (Tirmidhi 620, Abu Dawud 1574, Bukhari 1454, Muslim 998 range).
• Consequences of Neglect: Severe warnings are given about the punishment in the Hereafter for those who hoard wealth and withhold Zakah (Muslim 987 range).
• Purification: Zakah is described as a means of purifying wealth and the soul (implicit in Quran 9:103, supported by Hadith context e.g., Nasa’i 2441).
• Zakat al-Fitr: A distinct charity paid by/for every Muslim before Eid al-Fitr prayers (Bukhari 1503).

For detailed study and verification, resources like Sunnah.com provide access to these collections with gradings and commentary.

4. Conclusion

Zakah stands alongside Salah as a cornerstone of Islam, mandated by the Quran and meticulously detailed in the authentic Sunnah. It is a vital act of worship that purifies wealth, fosters communal solidarity, alleviates poverty, and demonstrates submission to Allah’s commands. By understanding and fulfilling the obligation of Zakah according to the authentic sources, Muslims contribute to a just society and strengthen their personal relationship with Allah (SWT), seeking His pleasure and rewards.

This obligation extends to various forms of wealth, including traditional assets and modern financial instruments like cash savings, stocks, and business inventory. Calculating Zakah on contemporary assets may require seeking guidance from knowledgeable scholars. Furthermore, Muslims also observe Zakat al-Fitr, a separate charity due at the end of Ramadan. Insha’Allah, adhering to these teachings allows us to fulfill this crucial pillar correctly and effectively.

5. Complete List of References

Quranic Verses Referencing Zakah (or closely related concepts)

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2): 43, 83, 110, 177, 277
• Surah An-Nisa (4): 77, 162
• Surah Al-Ma’idah (5): 12, 55
• Surah Al-A’raf (7): 156
• Surah At-Taubah (9): 5, 11, 18, 34–35, 60, 71, 103
• Surah Maryam (19): 31, 55
• Surah Al-Anbiya (21): 73
• Surah Al-Hajj (22): 41, 78
• Surah Al-Mu’minun (23): 4
• Surah An-Nur (24): 37, 56
• Surah An-Naml (27): 3
• Surah Ar-Rum (30): 39
• Surah Luqman (31): 4
• Surah Al-Ahzab (33): 33
• Surah Fussilat (41): 6-7
• Surah Ash-Shura (42): 38
• Surah Al-Mujadilah (58): 13
• Surah Al-Muzzammil (73): 20
• Surah Al-Bayyinah (98): 5

Authentic Hadith References on Zakah (Representative Examples)

• Sahih al-Bukhari (Book 24): e.g., 1395, near 1403, 1454, 1459, 1503
• Sahih Muslim (Book 5/Kitab Al-Zakat): e.g., 19 (Book 1), 981 range, 987 range, 998 range, 1015 range
• Sunan Abu Dawud (Book 9): e.g., 1574, 1633
• Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Chapters on Zakah): e.g., 618, 620, 658
• Sunan an-Nasa’i (Book 23): e.g., 2441, 2484
• Sunan Ibn Majah (Book 8): Relevant narrations, e.g., context of 1789, 1844
• Muwatta Imam Malik (Book 17): e.g., 17.1.1, 17.6.16
• Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Various, e.g., related to “Bridge of Islam” (near 2231), distribution (near 6723)
• Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: e.g., near Hadith 2256 range (agriculture)
• Sahih Ibn Hibban: e.g., near Hadith 3245 range (equity/purification)
• Sunan al-Darimi: e.g., near Hadith 1648 range (circulation)

May this guide serve as a helpful resource for understanding the essential place of Zakah within Islam, based firmly on the Quran and authentic Sunnah. Insha’Allah, adhering to these teachings allows us to fulfill this crucial pillar correctly and effectively.

We have strived to make this guide a valuable resource for understanding the foundations of Zakah in the Quran and Sunnah. If you find anything missing, incorrect, or in need of updating, please do let us know, and Insha Allah (God willing), we will review and update this article accordingly to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Author: IslamicHelper