Dagestani Ulama stress the importance of Zakat

By Jamal Fulani | Assalam | 07 Jan 2013

Majlis of Dagestan Ulama dedicated to the subject of Zakat was held last Saturday at the central Juma mosque in Makhachkala, Dagestan. The Majlis was attended by the imams of different cities and district of the Republic.

Opening the event, Deputy Imam of the Central Juma mosque Muhammad Haji Kurbandibirov said: "Zakat – an obligatory charity is one of the five pillars of the religion of Islam. It differs from the usual alms and donations so that it is not a favor, it is - the duty of a Muslim. Zakat is - a very small and non-burdensome tax that is paid when the property reaches a certain level."

Editor of "Assalam" newspaper - Ibrahim Ibrahimov, spoke about the importance of Zakat as one of the pillars of Islam. He cited an example from history, when a poor man, by the name of Salabat addressed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to ask Allah to give him wealth. Eventually Salabat became so rich that he stopped visiting the mosque and moved out of the town. He fell into oblivion so that he refused to pay Zakat on his vast property. And the end of his life was sorrowful. Ibrahimov warned believers against such a fate, and called to observe the orders of Allah and pay zakat.

Muhammad Haji Arslanaliev, imam of Izberbash spoke about categories of people eligible to receive zakat under the Sharia law. He described in details each of the eight categories mentioned in the Holy Quran, and noted that the word "zakat" means "purity, cleansing," and by fulfilling this pillar of Islam, Muslims deserve the pleasure of Allah.

In one of his ahadith the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The property will be spoiled neither on land nor at sea, if Zakat is paid from it."

"Payment of Zakat purifies and protects man’s property" - Imam of the Shaykh Muhammad Arif mosque in Makhachkala Sirajudin Ahmadov reminded to gathered Muslims. He also told a real case, which happened in one of the Dagestani villages where one farmer owned several thousands of sheep and goats and when he was ordered to pay Zakat, he refused to do it. After a year the whole of his herd was dead due to some disease.

`Abdulkarim Haji Muhammadov - Imam of Buinaksk, in his speech reminded that if everyone on whom Zakat was obligatory paid it, then there would be no poor and needy people in Dagestan, and all the social problems would have been solved.

"All of the eight categories of people mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as those who can get zakat, receiving it feel that it is the support of the community and the wealthy people in particular. They do not feel themselves like outcasts and unjustly deprived. Hatred and envy goes out of their hearts, and they will ask Allah to bless the rich people and increase their wealth. Zakat - is the foundation of social stability", - said Abdulkarim Haji.

Qasum Haji Hasanbekov, Head of “Insan” Charitable Fund spoke about the role of his organization and the practical aspects of collecting and distributing Zakat to poor people. “Many people including my relatives are surprised to hear that there are poor people in Makhachkala,” he said. “We found a single mother who could not afford to buy a saucepan to prepare food for her baby. Anyone who has questions can come and check where and how we distribute the zakat money,” he added.

Shamil Haji, Imam of Reductorny mosque spoke about the types of property from which people must pay Zakat. "Zakat is paid from a man’s cattle, gold and silver, trading, property rental and crops. Zakat is obligatory on property after a period of one year according the lunar calendar is passed, exception are the products of agriculture, from which Zakat shall be paid after their ripeness,"- he said, and spoke in detail about each of the items.

As he pointed out, most prevalent in the modern society is a trading activity, and, unfortunately, most traders do not realize that they have to pay zakat which can be used to get rid of other people's poverty and support socially vulnerable segments of society.

Many questions related to payment of Zakat were asked by the audience and detailed answers were provided by Muhammad Haji Manguev, deputy of Dagestani mufti. He urged Muslims not to ignore Zakat and refer to Ulama whenever questions related to this issue arise.

"Zakat system solves the problem of socially vulnerable groups of people. Anyone who pays Zakat, fulfills the order of Allah", - Manguev said.

All speakers stressed the indispensable role of Zakat in the social protection of the population and in solving of the majority of social problems.