By Imam Murtadha Gusau
Wednesday, Ramadan 26, 1446 AH (26/03/2025)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May Allah extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and grant him peace; and likewise, his family, his Companions and all those who truly and sincerely follow him until the Day of Resurrection.
Dear brothers and sisters! In the Islamic faith, Zakah is a sacred obligation that integrates spiritual devotion with socio-economic justice. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the foundational practices that define a Muslim’s life. The term “Zakah” originates from the Arabic root meaning “to purify” or “to grow,” symbolising the act of purifying wealth and fostering communal harmony. Each year, Muslims allocate a portion of their wealth—traditionally 2.5% of qualifying assets—as a means of supporting those in need and addressing economic disparities. This act embodies the core Islamic values of compassion, generosity, and equity, serving as a bridge between individual piety and collective welfare.
Respected brothers and sisters! Zakah is not merely a financial transaction; it is a profound act of worship (Ibadah) that reinforces a Muslim’s spiritual commitment. The Qur’an frequently emphasises the significance of Zakah alongside prayer, reflecting its essential role in the faith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, it is stated that:
“And establish prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” [Qur’an, 2:110]
This Qur’anic verse underscores the divine connection between worship and social responsibility, highlighting how Zakah fosters gratitude and humility in the giver while uplifting the recipient. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also emphasised its importance, declaring it a mandatory duty for Muslims capable of giving. This ensures that Zakah transcends voluntary charity to become a structured system of wealth redistribution, bridging economic gaps and empowering marginalised communities.
The principles of Zakah ensure its efficacy as a tool for spiritual and societal purification. It must be given with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure, calculated correctly, and delivered on time. Furthermore, Zakah encourages a local focus, ensuring that the resources collected benefit the community from which they originate. This localised approach strengthens communal bonds and fosters a collective sense of responsibility.
Beloved brothers and sisters! In addition to the annual Zakah on wealth, Muslims observe Zakatul-Fitr, a distinct form of almsgiving associated with the month of Ramadan, the noble month of fasting. Zakatul-Fitr is obligatory for every Muslim, regardless of age or financial status, and is traditionally paid before the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer. Unlike Zakah on wealth, which is calculated based on an individual’s savings, Zakatul-Fitr is typically a small, fixed amount intended to provide for the basic needs of the underprivileged during the festive period.
The primary purpose of paying Zakatul-Fitr is to purify the fasting person from any shortcomings during Ramadan, such as idle talk or unintentional errors. It also ensures that the joy of Eid is shared by all members of society, particularly those struggling to meet their daily needs. This act of giving reinforces the communal ethos of Islam, uniting believers in a shared mission to support one another.
Zakatul-Fitr is most commonly paid in the form of staple food items, such as rice, beans, wheat, corn, garri or dates, although monetary contributions are also accepted in many regions of the world. Its timely distribution ensures that even the most vulnerable members of society can celebrate Eid with dignity and security, fostering a sense of inclusion and solidarity.
Dear brothers and sisters! The socio-economic impact of Zakah is far-reaching, positioning it as a key mechanism for poverty alleviation. By transferring wealth from the affluent to those in need, Zakah directly addresses economic inequalities and provides a safety net for the less fortunate. This redistribution of resources is particularly significant in Muslim-majority countries, where Zakah funds are often used to support critical initiatives in education, healthcare, and employment.
Empirical evidence underscores the transformative potential of Zakah. In Pakistan, for instance, systematic Zakah distribution has reduced the poverty headcount by 7.5% and narrowed the poverty gap by 14.2%. In Indonesia, productive Zakah programs aimed at rural communities have lowered poverty rates by 5.5%, enabling participants to achieve greater economic stability. Such examples highlight how Zakah extends beyond immediate relief to empower individuals with the tools needed for sustainable development.
Zakah not only alleviates poverty but also strengthens the bonds of solidarity within Muslim communities. By addressing socio-economic disparities, Zakah mitigates tensions between the rich and poor, fostering social harmony. This is particularly vital in an era marked by widening wealth gaps, where inequality threatens the fabric of societies worldwide.
In addition to its role in poverty reduction, Zakah contributes to economic growth by increasing the disposable income of lower-income households. This, in turn, boosts consumption and stimulates economic activity. A study in Saudi Arabia revealed that even a modest increase in Zakah contributions can lead to measurable growth in GDP, demonstrating its potential as a driver of financial inclusion and macroeconomic stability.
One of the most impactful uses of Zakah funds is in the development of human capital. By allocating resources to education and healthcare, Zakah enables disadvantaged individuals to access opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach. This not only improves their quality of life but also equips them to contribute more effectively to society.
Education, in particular, is a powerful catalyst for change. Zakah-funded scholarships, vocational training programs, and school initiatives help break the cycle of poverty, offering a pathway to self-sufficiency. Similarly, investments in healthcare ensure that vulnerable populations have access to essential medical services, reducing inequalities in health outcomes and fostering a healthier, more productive society.
Respected servants of Allah! Zakah embodies the holistic vision of Islam, integrating spiritual devotion with social justice and economic equity. It uplifts the underprivileged, empowers communities, and strengthens social harmony, addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and financial exclusion. By embracing Zakah as both a religious duty and a socio-economic tool, Muslims contribute to a more just and inclusive world, living out the Qur’anic promise:
“Whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”
Through its transformative impact, Zakah serves as a timeless reminder of the power of faith in fostering compassion, justice, and unity in the human family.
Beloved brothers and sisters! Know that today is Wednesday, 26 Ramadan, 1446 AH (26 March, 2025) according to Sultanate Council. 04 Days countdown to the month of Shawwal.
Ya Allah, on this day, make our efforts worthy of appreciation, our sins forgiven, our deeds accepted, our flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.
May Allah give us the ability to observe all our daily worships, accept them and reward us with Jannatul Firdaws, ameen.
All perfect praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.