An inquirer asks about the wisdom behind Allah’s prescription of zakat as an obligation.

The wisdom behind the legislation of zakat may be understood through the categories of recipients Allah has specified, “Alms are meant only for the poor, the needy, those who administer them, those whose hearts need wining over, to free slaves and help those in debt, for Allah's cause, and for travelers in need. This is ordained by Allah; Allah is all Knowing and wise” (Quran, 9:60). In other words, zakat is intended to prioritize human welfare over construction and buildings. Ensuring that the poor and needy have their basic needs met—including clothing, food, housing, livelihood, education, healthcare, and all other necessities of life—should be the foremost priority. This fulfills the fundamental wisdom behind zakat, of which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said, “It is taken from their rich and given to their poor” (recorded by Bukhari). Islamic jurists have explained that the objective of zakat is to free the poor from want by meeting their needs.[1]

Accordingly, zakat and other forms of charity, such as voluntary charity, expiations, vows, and endowments have been prescribed to provide for the poor and needy. Furthermore, Islamic law has established numerous avenues of benevolence that provide the poor with continual sources of support, such as the animal sacrifice of ‘Eid al-Adha, zakat al-fitr, sacrificial offerings made during hajj (hady), and the like. Through these means, balance may be achieved among the members of society, both rich and poor.

And Allah Almighty knows best.