The Third Pillar of Islam
Almighty Allah imposed Zakat on all Muslims and gave them orders regards regarding it in many verses of the Quran.
For example : "And be steadfast in prayers, pay the Zakdt, and whatever good you send forth before you for your souls, you shall find it with God, for God sees well what you do
" This mention of Zakat in the Qur'an occurs in some 32 verses. In most of them it is coupled with prayers, and this emphasises the importance which the Qur'an places upon Zakat. God has-promised all who fulfill Zakat great re-ward. This is illustrated in verses like : "And establish regular prayers and pay the Zakat and loan to God a goodly loan. Whatever good you send forth before you for your souls, you shall find it in God's Presence, better and greater in reward... " What better reward is there than God's mercy ? As for those who refrain from charity and who do not practise Zakat, their punishment will be severe