ZAKAT: ONE OF THE KEY FEATURES TO GENERATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUSLIM SOCIETY
by Ros Aniza Bt. Mohd. Shariff [View Writer's Profile]

Abstract
Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and has a special impact on socio-economic activities of the Muslims. Muslim society need to be developed not only from the material aspect but also from the psychological aspect. Through zakat, there is a foundation for the socio-economic principles of Islamic society and is the binding bond between individual Muslims. Zakat is also well established as a transfer of payment from the wealthy to the poor for the purpose of redistribution of wealth and income in the society. It will reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. Zakat is not only as an act of worship to Allah, but it also helps the Muslim society. Furthermore, it will not only purify the wealth of the zakat payer but in the same time purify their soul from the social ailments.1

Introduction
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is frequently referred to in Al-Quran and Al-Sunnah as “Sadaqah” (meaning charity). Most of the time the word zakat was mentioned conjoined with prayers. “..and they have been ordered.. to establish regular prayers and to pay zakat…” Al-Baiyinnah (98: 5)1

The fact that the primary objective of zakat is the achievement of socio-economic justice is not denied. Through zakat, there is a foundation for the socio-economic principles of Islamic society and is the binding connection between individual Muslims. Not only as an act of worship to Allah, zakat is also known as the cure for many social ailments that faced by Muslim society today. If the principle of zakat is applied, most of the social dilemma such as social injustice, greed, and hatred will diminish and be replaced by an attitude of love, kind, caring and sympathy.

Muslim society need to be developed not only from the material aspect but also from the psychological aspect. These developments should be continuously improved from time to time. Without these developments, Muslim will be left out in many things. Further more, the development of the Muslim society can ensure the survival of it in the future. It will also inculcate the spirit of competitiveness among the Muslim so that they can be more efficient in what ever they do.

Social development is also a crucial thing for Muslim society. Looking at the scenario of Muslim society today, not all Muslim have good relationship between one to another. Sometimes, it is hard to find a community that knows each other very well. The bond of brotherhood (ukhuwwah) keep depleting from time to time. Something has to be done regarding this matter. Lack of good virtues among the Muslim society will bring huge loss to the society. Thus, zakat is seen as one of the tool to ensure the social development in Muslim society. By paying zakat, it will indirectly strengthen the relationship among the society. Nevertheless, it will reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.