Thomas Gray is a poet from the eighteenth century and many of us are probably familiar with the following quote: ‘ignorance is bliss’.
The implicit meaning of the quote asserts the belief that being unaware and not having knowledge about something allows one not to be afflicted by that knowledge.
This paradigm may be beneficial to matters relating to unbeneficial knowledge. However, when it comes to the third sacred pillar in Islam, Zakat, ignorance isn’t bliss.
If we were to take the example of a building structure, the pillars are one of the essential components in upholding the building and preventing it from collapsing.
In theory, this seems relatively logical, although the matter of implementation may prove to be more challenging than first thought. Similarly, the same applies to Zakat.
The attitude of being blase towards Zakat is particularly troublesome in a multitude of ways. This is why and where knowledge is paramount to ensure the sacred pillar of Zakat is firmly upright and therefore recognising ignorance isn’t bliss.
To expand upon this further, we need to understand why the third sacred pillar Zakat is important in a Muslims life. Firstly, the root word of Zakat is derived from the word tazkiyah (purification).
This demonstrates that not only are tests in our life a means of purification but also are paying Zakat. By paying Zakat, which is the haqq upon a Muslim, you’re helping your community by taking a load off their shoulders.
Additionally, Zakat not only purifies your wealth but also increases your wealth. This counteracts the misconception that paying Zakat will result in the distribution of losing wealth.
Interestingly, in the Qur’an, it is observed that Allah refers to Zakat in connection with Salat. Imam al-‘Ayni comments on these connections by referring to Zakat and Salat as allies.
If Zakat and Salat are correctly entrenched at an individual level and broader as a community, this will aid the flow of effect of other good deeds that manifest and prosper within a society.
At the surface level, this sounds quite nice however when you deeply contemplate the wisdom behind this parallel, it is quite profound.
It’s important to remember that Zakat is more than just wealth. This is very important to remember because of the potential and ability that Zakat has to not only uplift the individual’s life but also the wider community.
This is reflected in the groundbreaking initiative that has been harvested in Australia for the last 10 years.
NZF has been sowing seeds in the community to enable, empower and equip fellow Muslims with a sustainable Zakat system to provide those in need with equal economic opportunity and to become self-sufficient.
If you yourself or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the NZF. All applications are diligently assessed to ensure eligibility for receiving Zakat.
In next month’s edition, be sure to check out the article, ‘Fitness for Cancer’.
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