Hadith #10079

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "زَكَاةُ المَالِ ٱلإِفْضَالُ" which translates to

The alms-tax of wealth is benefitting others [with it].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and highlights the essence of Zakat, which is a pillar of Islam and an obligation upon Muslims.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Zakat" refers to the obligatory charity that Muslims are required to give from their wealth. It is a means of purifying and blessing one's wealth, as well as a means of helping those in need. "Al-Mal" refers to wealth, encompassing all forms of material possessions and assets. "Al-Ifdal" means to benefit or to do good to others.

The Quranic teachings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the importance and purpose of Zakat. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43),

And establish prayer and give Zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse emphasizes the significance of Zakat as one of the fundamental acts of worship, alongside prayer.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.

This verse highlights the purification aspect of Zakat, both in terms of wealth and the spiritual growth it brings to the giver.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the purpose of Zakat is not merely to fulfill a religious obligation, but also to benefit others. It reminds us that Zakat is not a burden or a loss, but rather a means of sharing our blessings and uplifting the less fortunate members of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge and understanding of the Quranic teachings allowed him to distribute Zakat in a manner that maximized its impact and ensured the welfare of the community. He would identify those in need, provide for their immediate needs, and empower them to become self-sufficient.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on the purpose and intention behind giving Zakat. It reminds us that our wealth is not solely for our own benefit, but also for the betterment of society. By fulfilling our obligation of Zakat, we contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society, where wealth is distributed equitably, and the needs of all individuals are met.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder that the act of giving Zakat is not limited to monetary donations alone. It encompasses various forms of charity, including sharing knowledge, providing emotional support, and offering physical assistance. It encourages Muslims to actively seek opportunities to benefit others and make a positive impact in their lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the true essence of Zakat. It calls upon Muslims to fulfill their obligation of giving Zakat with a sincere intention to benefit others. By doing so, we not only purify our wealth but also contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to fulfill our obligations and benefit others through our acts of charity.