Brilio.net - Apart from fasting, there are other main acts of worship that must be practiced by all Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan. This worship is paying zakat. Zakat is a step towards self-purification by giving out a certain amount of wealth, either with food or a nominal amount of money to hand over to those in need (mustahik).
During the month of Ramadan, zakat is usually referred to as zakat fitrah. The payment of zakat has various terms and conditions that apply, for example the amount of zakat is determined at a minimum of one sho' or can be likened to two and a half kilograms of rice. The amount of zakat for each person is also determined by the income and assets they own. In this way, this worship aims to purify oneself, soul and possessions so that they will become pure again in a month full of blessings.
However, maybe there are some of you who still don't understand more deeply about zakat worship. Therefore, it is necessary to know what the purpose of zakat fitrah is, the benefits of paying zakat, and the law for Muslims. The hope is that after understanding these points in more depth, you can gain learning value from the worship you do. So that when you take out a dime from your wallet, you can be more sincere in paying it off and there won't be any hesitation in your little heart.
No need to wait any longer, please read this article until the end. The following is an explanation of the purpose of zakat fitrah, its benefits and laws for Muslims, reported by brilio.net from various sources, Thursday (4/4).
The law on paying zakat fitrah.
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It is stated in one of the 4th pillars of Islam which requires all Muslims to carry out zakat. In the blessed month of Ramadan, Allah SWT and His Messenger recommend every Muslim to set aside some of their wealth to people in need. The time for paying zakat is from the 1st of Ramadan to the 1st of Shawwal.
The obligation to pay zakat in accordance with Islamic law is stated in various propositions of the Koran. One of them is in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 43 which means, "And establish prayer, pay zakat and bow along with those who bow." Apart from this verse, you can find the obligation to give zakat in 31 other verses spread across various surahs of the Koran.
(Intern/Zidan Fajri)
The aim of paying zakat fitrah.
photo: freepik.com
1. Cleansing the soul.
The main purpose of paying zakat fitrah is to fulfill the worship that is mandatory for all Muslims. Apart from that, the purpose of paying zakat fitrah is to cleanse the soul. Basically, what is meant by cleansing the soul is the effort made as a Muslim to get rid of all sins, bad deeds and all other bad things that have occurred during the month of Ramadan. By setting aside a little of your wealth to help people who need it more, the hope is that all the bad things will become pure again.
2. Helping to lighten the burden on poor people.
The aim of paying zakat fitrah is to help ease the burden on poor people. For those who have been experiencing so many difficulties, you can ease their suffering a little with zakat fitrah. With the huge human resources of Muslims, the zakat funds collected can be useful for thousands, even millions of people who need it more. With the zakat fitrah service, Muslims can learn the beauty of sharing with fellow humans, and learn to let go of some of the wealth that belongs to people who need it more.
3. Building social solidarity.
The final aim of paying zakat fitrah is to build high social solidarity among society. The realization of zakat fitrah is a sign of proof that you have high social sensitivity. Caring for people who need it more will create much more harmonious relations between neighbors, even the wider community.
Benefits of paying zakat fitrah.
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The following are the benefits of paying zakat fitrah during the month of Ramadan, namely:
1. Purify property and soul.
The most important benefit of paying zakat fitrah is to purify one's wealth and soul. Please note, of all the wealth and fortune you obtain, there is a certain percentage that is the rights of poor people. Therefore, by paying zakat it is proof that you have fulfilled their rights. With zakat fitrah, you have also tried to purify your heart from all the evil that is within you.
2. Help people in need.
Another benefit is to help people who need it more. Zakat fitrah that has been paid will be distributed to needy people, such as the poor, orphans and other groups. By spending a penny, you have succeeded in helping others so that they can meet their needs.
3. Maintain solidarity and empathy.
The next benefit of paying zakat fitrah is to maintain social solidarity and empathy. Your concern for others will increasingly show your devotion to people who need help and a helping hand more. With zakat fitrah, in the future it will be an effort to strengthen ties of brotherhood and friendship between social communities in the month of Ramadan.
4. Increase gratitude.
The last benefit of paying zakat fitrah is to increase feelings of gratitude for all the blessings and sustenance that Allah SWT has given us. If you receive so much good fortune, then set aside some of it to help others, is proof that you are grateful for all the goodness received from Him.