ZAKAT (ALMSGIVING
English book, PDF p. 179
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
60. Zakat (Almsgiving) ~ 179 ~ generates the spirit of generosity and humanitarianism. On the other hand, the receiver also benefits in the sense that he begins to consider others as his brothers and well-wishers. Thus his heart is not corroded with feelings of jealousy or revenge towards them. Instead, feelings of love and respect are born within him for them. Since this zakat is given for the cause of God, its most important value is that of an act of worship. True, it is distributed among the people, but in its essence it becomes a means of linking the giver with God, of bringing man closer to God. Zakat in spirit is an act of worship, while in its external form it is the carrying out an act of social service.
