Principles of Islam
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.
