Mention of Zakah in Makkan Chapters of Quran
Question:
Can I ask why Quran has mentioned zakah in the Makkan chapters when no formal Islamic state was formed?
Answer:
Zakah in its general meaning simply refers to paying out some money for the good of the society that we live in, in particular to fulfill the requirements of those who are in desperate need for financial support. The duty of Zakah is not removed due to the absence of a state who would manage it by collecting and distributing it.
This is why the Qur'an mentions the obligation of Zakah even when there is no state to take care of it. When there is an established state to take care of this then we see that the directive of Zakah becomes more specific and regulated (9:60).
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June 2013
Can I ask why Quran has mentioned zakah in the Makkan chapters when no formal Islamic state was formed?
Answer:
Zakah in its general meaning simply refers to paying out some money for the good of the society that we live in, in particular to fulfill the requirements of those who are in desperate need for financial support. The duty of Zakah is not removed due to the absence of a state who would manage it by collecting and distributing it.
This is why the Qur'an mentions the obligation of Zakah even when there is no state to take care of it. When there is an established state to take care of this then we see that the directive of Zakah becomes more specific and regulated (9:60).
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June 2013
