Zakat
This page provides you with information regarding zakat.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat), over seventy times in the Qur'an. Allah's word commanding "........and establish regular Salaat and give regular Zakat......." are referred to in many parts of the Qur'an. From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakat is the most important act in Islam.

Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter. Whoever evades Zakat has been sternly warned in the Qur'an and Hadith of the consequences.

Linguistically, Zakat has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify one's possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.

Some benefits of giving Zakat:

· It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands.

· Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.

· Zakat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.

· Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.

At JTQ, we utilise your Zakat contribution primarily towards the education programs for the needy students. All Zakat contributions are strictly recorded and retained in a separate account. Any disbursement from this fund is strictly in accordance with the Sharia and whenever in doubt, we seek guidance from the Ulema.

The beneficiaries of the Zakat fund have so far been the needy and orphan children at Tahfidh Quran (Boarding expenses only as the Taalim is FREE), fees bursary and boarding expenses at Taqwa Technical Centre as well as some contribution towards the Darul Ulum Secondary Students.

Over the past few years, the zakat collections have reduced tremendously and we urge you to consider JTQ for your contribution. Kindly specify that these are Zakat funds so that we may handle them appropriately.

For more guidance on calculating your zakat dues, please seek the assistance of the Ulema.

"The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases." (Qur'an 2:261)

Distribution of Zakat

1. Zakaat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.

2. All of the Zakaat can be given to one person or to several persons.

3. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakaat nor can Zakaat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakaat.

4. Zakaat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakaat money, then Zakaat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.

5. Zakaat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.

6. Zakaat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash .

The recipients of Zakaat, according to Qur'an are as follows:

"Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom." (Qur'an 9:60)

May the Almighty guide us in giving out our dues as appropriate, Ameen.

Please Donate Generously
JTQ relies on well-wishers to provide the funds which help run and or subsidise the various institutions and projects. Being an Islamic Charity, we recognise that Muslims wish to channel their Saddaqah and Zakat through us to the needy and less fortunate members of society. We ensure that we maintain the funds for Zakat and Saddaqah in separate accounts. The funds are utilised strictly in accordance to the Islamic Jurisprudence. We mostly operate in financial hardship areas and with less fortunate members so every penny we get is very much appreciated and put to the best use possible.

Indeed the men who give as sadaqah and the women who give as sadaqah (all of them) are lending a goodly loan to Allah; the return for them will be increased; and for them shall be an exquisite reward. (Al-Hadeed:18)