Zakat: A Quranic Perspective

Zakat is one of the fundamental acts of worship in Islam and represents the concept of sharing what one gives wholeheartedly. Generally expressed in the Quran with the term infaq, zakat encourages a person to give a portion of their possessions to those in need. This act of worship aims to ensure economic justice in society, increase social solidarity, and achieve the spiritual purification of the individual. To whom zakat should be given and the criteria by which it should be distributed are clearly stated in the Quran. To Whom Zakat Should Be Given: Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 60 “Indeed, the charities are only for the poor, the destitute, those who work upon it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, the necks, the debtors, in the way of Allah, and the son of the road. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”
Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60 clearly sets out which groups zakat must be given to:

1. The poor: Individuals who cannot meet their basic needs.
2. The needy: Those who are in financial hardship.
3. Zakat collectors: Those who serve in the distribution of zakat.
4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled to Islam: People who are expected to develop a positive attitude toward Islam.
5. Those in bondage (Riqab): Individuals who need to be freed from servitude.
6. Debtors: Those crushed under the burden of debt.
7. Those who strive in the cause of Allah: Those who struggle for the sake of religion.
8. Stranded travelers: Those who are far from their homeland and in need of assistance. This verse corrects a common misconception that zakat must only be given to Muslims. The phrase "those whose hearts are to be reconciled to Islam" clearly shows that non-Muslims may also benefit from zakat when they are in difficult circumstances. Zakat and Supporting Parents "They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good — indeed, Allah is Knowing of it." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 215) Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 215 explains to whom expenditure should be directed: "Whatever you spend of good is for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler." From this, the importance of helping one's parents is understood. However, regarding the giving of zakat to parents, the separation of financial resources among family members is a determining factor. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 219 offers guidance on this matter: “They ask you about that which covers the mind and gambling. Say: In both of them there is great sin and benefits for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit. And they ask you what they should spend. Say: forgiveness. Thus Allah makes clear to you the signs, so that you may reflect.” If the individual and their parents have separate sources of income, giving them zakat is permissible. However, if they share the same income, giving zakat to one's parents is not considered appropriate, since in that case the person is already undertaking their livelihood. This approach ensures that zakat is distributed fairly and that the individual fulfills their own responsibilities before engaging in charitable sharing. The Amount of Zakat: The Quran's Flexible Approach The Quran does not limit the amount of zakat to a fixed ratio; instead, it adopts the principle of Afw (العفو). The word afw carries several different meanings that shift according to context. Its most common meanings are:
9. To forgive, to pardon: The most common meaning — to forgive someone's mistake or offense.
10. To excuse, to overlook: To ignore or forgive a person's error or wrongdoing.
11. Surplus, the excess: In Arabic, particularly in derived forms, the word afw can also mean "surplus" or "what remains beyond one's needs."
12. The temporary disappearance of something: In this sense, it can also express the temporary loss or ending of a situation or thing. Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 219 addresses the amount of zakat with the phrase: "the excess." This flexibility allows individuals to determine the amount of zakat themselves according to their economic circumstances and intentions. What matters is the intention to help those in need with the aim of earning Allah's pleasure. Although zakat is generally perceived as an act of worship to be performed once a year, the Quran's approach indicates that it should be given at the time one receives their income. Zakat is not only to be given during a single annual period, but rather whenever income is received. This shows that zakat is not merely a financial obligation but also an act of worship that encourages social solidarity. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, taxes collected for the state existed alongside zakat. However, over time, these practices mentioned in narrations (riwayat) have been conflated with the zakat described in the Quran. Yet the Quranic understanding of zakat refers to a voluntary act of sharing in terms of amount, whereas taxes are compulsory financial obligations paid to the state with a fixed amount. Keeping this distinction in mind is important for understanding the spiritual and ethical dimensions of zakat. Conclusion Zakat is an act of worship established to strengthen the spiritual and economic fabric of Islamic society. The Quran has provided individuals with a broad scope of action by clarifying to whom, how, and to what extent zakat should be given. This act of worship is not merely financial assistance — it is also a duty that strengthens the individual's bond with Allah and increases social solidarity. The correct understanding and practice of zakat is of indispensable importance for the well-being of both individuals and society.