WISDOM OF ZAKAT AND PAYING ON TIME. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET

Abstract

Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is not merely a financial obligation but a profound spiritual and social system designed to foster equity, purify wealth, and uplift the needy. This paper explores the wisdom behind Zakat and emphasizes the importance of timely payment, drawing lessons from the exemplary life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The essence of Zakat lies in its capacity to redistribute wealth, eliminate poverty, and create a sense of collective responsibility among Muslims. The Prophet's life serves as a timeless guide for both understanding the spiritual significance of Zakat and the practical mechanisms of its application. His emphasis on sincerity, timely disbursement, and the ethical treatment of the recipients underlines the moral foundation of Islamic economics. The delay in paying Zakat undermines the purpose of wealth purification and disrupts the intended economic balance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) not only fulfilled the duty of Zakat personally but also institutionalized it during his leadership in Medina, ensuring a transparent and efficient collection and distribution system. Through Hadiths and historical accounts, this paper highlights how the Prophet’s life presents a complete framework for understanding the significance of Zakat. By adhering to his model, Muslims today can preserve the sanctity of this act of worship, achieve economic justice, and fulfill their spiritual obligations. The research concludes that punctual Zakat payment, inspired by prophetic teachings, remains essential for individual piety and societal welfare in the modern age.