Applicable Assets
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The third pillar from the pillars of Islaam is the Zakaat and it is the constant companion of the Salaat (prayer) in many of the aayahs of the Qur’aan. And the Zakaat is a known due amount from the wealth of the rich to be given to the poor. And the types of wealth upon which the Zakaat is due are four types:
An-Naqdaan (the two forms of currency); gold and silver and that which can take their place with regard to paper currency.
Baheematul An-`Aam (cattle); camels and cows and sheep.
Al-Khaarij minal-Ard (that which grows from the earth) with regard to grains and fruits.
Urood ut-Tijaarah (merchandise); goods which are traded in and it is merchandise, which is offered for buying and selling.
These are the types of wealth upon which Zakaat is due. As for everything besides these four types of wealth, then if a person wants to give in charity from it and to donate from it then that is up to him. The door to giving in charity and donation is open wide.
His saying,
“So if he distributes it (the Zakaat himself) then that is permissible and if he hands it over to the ruler then that is permissible,” it is obligatory upon him to pay the Zakaat because of His saying, He, the Most High:
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ
And establish the prayer and give the Zakaah
Aatu; meaning give it, hand it over. So it is obligatory upon the person possessing wealth that he hands it over and he is the one responsible for it. So if the ruler requests it so that he can take charge of it then it becomes obligatory to hand it over to him because obedience to him is obligatory and in order to free the one who gives it from responsibility because the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam used to send out collectors to take the Zakaat from the owners of wealth and to distribute it to those who were deserving of it. And those who are in authority take the place of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam in that regard after him. And as for if the rulers don’t demand it then the responsibility is upon the person having the wealth.
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