LAHORE:
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Chairman Dr Raghib Naeemi has said that there is a fundamental difference between Zakat and voluntary charity (Sadaqa). Zakat, he said, is governed by clearly defined rules in Islamic law, while Sadaqa may be given freely in any amount for the sake of Allah.
In an interview with Express News, Dr Naeemi said that the amount of Zakat and the categories of people eligible to receive it are specifically outlined in Islamic teachings. Sadaqa, on the other hand, is a voluntary charity that can be offered in various forms to help those in need.
He said charity is not limited to financial assistance but can also be given in the form of clothes, essential goods, books for students, or by providing equipment or machinery to help someone earn a livelihood.
He said the Holy Quran identifies eight categories of people eligible to receive Zakat, including the poor, the needy, those in debt, and individuals working in the cause of Allah, among other deserving groups.
According to him, Zakat should be given only to those whom Islamic law deems eligible. Dr Naeemi said good deeds performed with wealth earned through unlawful means are not accepted by Allah.
He said if a person gives charity or Zakat from illicit income, it brings no reward and may instead become a cause of sin.
He noted a growing trend in society where some individuals accept assistance simply because it is distributed free of cost, even though they are not genuinely deserving. He said those who give Zakat have a responsibility to properly verify beneficiaries so that the funds reach those who truly qualify.
He said a financially well-off person should not receive Zakat, although voluntary charity may be accepted if needed. He also advised people to avoid giving Zakat or charity to professional beggars and instead seek out self-respecting individuals who are in need but do not ask others for help.
Fitra, Zakat distribution system
Speaking about fitra (charity given at the end of Ramazan), Dr Naeemi said if a child is born before the Eid prayer, the payment of fitra on behalf of that child becomes obligatory.
He explained that usually the father pays fitra on behalf of his dependent children, while a woman may pay her own fitra, although it is also valid if her husband pays it.
He said fitra serves as a means to compensate for shortcomings during fasting and to enable deserving people to share in the joy of Eid by meeting their food and basic needs.
Responding to a question about the government’s Zakat system, Dr Naeemi said while some concerns exist regarding the official system, Zakat funds are distributed to deserving individuals through institutions, hospitals and vocational training centres.
