Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam; it is considered one of the most important ways to give charity. Zakat donation is beneficial for maintaining economic quality in society. Every Muslim should engage in these practices like all other Islamic practices. The history of Zakat is not a few decades old; it is embedded in the time of the Holy Prophet (SAW). We can understand the gravity and great significance of this practice only when we understand the historical circumstances in which this practice was initiated.
History of Zakat Donation
History has much evidence that before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) many other prophets followed the command of Allah and obeyed the principles of Zakat. However, the real concept of Zakat was made clear during the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the ideas of Zakat were gradually implemented once the society had understood the concept. Initially, Zakat was not mandatory; it was an optional practice. The Sahaba (RA) had the choice to pay Zakat to please Allah (SWT). Later, Zakat was made mandatory and those Muslims with wealth exceeding a certain amount had to pay it.
During that time, state individuals collected Zakat at the time of the year when it was supposed to be done, and distributed it to the ones who were eligible. The Holy Prophet (SAW) frequently stated that those who pay Zakat would be blessed immeasurably, they would be one of those special followers of Allah because they obeyed one of the five main pillars of Islam.
The True Meaning of Zakat
The essence of Zakat is when you understand the whole notion of it. Through Zakat donation the rich pays gratitude to Allah (SAW) by showing how concerned they are to help the underprivileged financially. This practice is not about setting up rigid practices and rituals for the followers but it is a divine way of developing the social, economic, and also political sides of society.
Zakat should be paid through Zakat Calculator. It is a divine concept and one of the most important components of deen. All Muslims must donate Zakat if Allah has granted them wealth. By practicing it a Muslim is reminded that material things are not the ultimate goal of life for them. It makes them understand and practice the true meaning of brotherhood, and they also become empathetic. In return, they get blessings and mercy from Allah (SWT).
If you want to pay Zakat but don’t know where to give it, you can donate to HCI (Human Concern International) which hosts different campaigns to help Muslims all over the world battling poverty.
Zakat Donation in Pakistan
No matter how under develop country Pakistan is, Muslims of Pakistan know the value and importance of Zakat. For many philanthropists, Zakat is a way of salvation. Zakat in Pakistan is not only a practice carried out by very affluent – people who have money which is even a little more than they require, donate Zakat.
Zakat donation in Pakistan has become very systematic. Most NGOs are run on Zakat donations. When people know where their charity is going – they pay more than expected. The underprivileged can be anyone, there is no discrimination of cast, color, and creed. Everyone gets financial aid whenever they reach out to these NGOs. Like Hands run mainly on Zakat. Government cannot go around helping everyone, NGOs, therefore, are the most suitable source to donate Zakat in Pakistan.
If you wish to pay Zakat but don’t really know where – it is simple, donate to Hands. Under the umbrella of Hands, many deprived children get an education, the desolate get houses, and clothes, and essentially, the poor get food too. Hence, donate to Zakat and help the underprivileged and get your heart’s desire of helping others.