ZAKAH – AN APPROACH TO LIFE IN ACCORDANCE TO THE SUNNAH

Abstract

UDK 28-428

Zakah as a fundamental obligation of Islam has been viewed from different perspectives and analysed in various dimensions keeping in mind its exceptional significance in lives of Muslim communities. However, regarding an integral approach to life reflected in God’s Messenger’s  s.w.s. life style, when we see zekah as a dynamical attitude towards numerous bestowments, we lack some elaborate works. Speaking of zakah without considering a fact that it was the Messenger, s.w.s, who through his deeds laid foundations and directed the process for adhering to this obligation of Islam has resulted in fragmented understanding and in inadequate adherence to this obligation in the Muslim world. Key element of motivation and adequate perception of values, in its broadest sense, has shaped the attitude towards goods and its usage through generations, which is finally resulting in adherence to the Revelation wherein this important directive is prescribed as one of the pillars of Islam. Today, as a result of complexity of social structures, extraordinary technological progresses and swift changes in economic relations, it is necessary to redefine and clarify the Sunnah approach to life in its full extent, particularly when considering the dimension of zakah that reflects continuous purification and enrichment of human character which results in a lifestyle that makes a contribution to the human kind, which, in fact, is heritage of all the messengers and all the prophets. Without understanding zakah as a fundamental attitude towards reality, as a regulation which to great extent contributes to both the individual and the society, that is if correctly understood and applied as per the Sunnah guidelines, it is simply vain, in the context of various relations, to expect any significant improvements.  This article suggests re-evaluation of motivation behind making a donation in a form of zakah and observes the scope of prospects for contributing to the society in this way. It also analyses the heritage of Muhammad, s.w.s. in the context of possibilities of adopting and applying his lifestyle.