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Zakat (Tax): Difference between revisions
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The collection and expenditure of this zakat throughout Islam's history has been a function of the state. The compulsory payment was collected and distributed by the state under the Prophet [[Muhammad]], the Rightly-Guided [[Caliph]]s, the later Caliphate, and is even collected and distributed by the state in some theocracies today (for example, [[Saudi Arabia]]).<ref name="EBZT"></ref>. The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, enforced the collection of zakat from Arab tribes that had rebelled after Muhammad's death (see [[w:Ridda Wars|Ridda Wars]]). | The collection and expenditure of this zakat throughout Islam's history has been a function of the state. The compulsory payment was collected and distributed by the state under the Prophet [[Muhammad]], the Rightly-Guided [[Caliph]]s, the later Caliphate, and is even collected and distributed by the state in some theocracies today (for example, [[Saudi Arabia]]).<ref name="EBZT"></ref>. The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, enforced the collection of zakat from Arab tribes that had rebelled after Muhammad's death (see [[w:Ridda Wars|Ridda Wars]]). | ||
Thus a full implementation of zakat via a state apparatus makes it, in all but name, a tax. In countries where zakat is not enforced and administered by the state, an individual Muslim decides which specific causes to support, and such activity can more clearly be described as (obligatory) charitable giving. This is not to doubt the great generosity of spirit and charitable intentions of individual Muslims giving zakat. | Thus a full implementation of zakat via a state apparatus makes it, in all but name, a tax. In countries where zakat is not enforced and administered by the state, an individual Muslim decides which specific causes to support, and such activity can more clearly be described as (obligatory) charitable giving. This is not to doubt the great generosity of spirit and charitable intentions of individual Muslims giving zakat even in countries that enforce it. | ||
Further, as mentioned above, besides Zakat, Muslims also give [[w:Sadaqah|Sadaqah]], which is voluntary charity that can be given to anyone in need, and is mentioned 13 times in the Qur'an such as in the following verse: | |||
{{Quote|{{Quran|2|215}}|They ask thee what they should spend (In charity). Say: Whatever ye spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever ye do that is good, -Allah knoweth it well.}} | |||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||