Intentions and Conditions of Zakat Mal, Things Muslims Need to Know for Worship to be Accepted by Allah SWT

Kapanlagi.com - Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam that must not be missed, is an obligation for every Muslim who meets certain criteria. This worship is not just a form of obedience to Allah but also serves as a means to purify and sanctify the wealth we possess. In the Al-Qur'an, zakat is often mentioned alongside prayer, as stated in Surah Al-Bayyinah verse 5:

"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion. And to establish prayer and to give zakat. And that is the correct religion."

Zakat is divided into two important types that need to be known. First, fitrah zakat, which is obligatory to be fulfilled during the holy month of Ramadan. Second, zakat mal, which is imposed on the wealth we possess. Each type of zakat has specific rules and conditions, including the particular intention that we must instill when performing it.

1. Understanding and Importance of Zakat Mal

Linguistically, the word zakat in Arabic has several meanings, such as growth, blessing, abundance of goodness, and purification. In terms of fiqh terminology, zakat is a certain amount of wealth that must be given from a person's property to those entitled to receive it (mustahiq).

In Islam, zakat mal has great importance, including:

• Purifying the wealth owned so that it becomes more blessed and beneficial.
• Helping those in need, such as the poor, the destitute, and other mustahiq groups.
• Maintaining social balance, so that there is not too great an economic gap in society.

Zakat mal is imposed on wealth obtained through lawful means and has the potential to grow. Therefore, every Muslim who possesses wealth with certain criteria must understand the provisions of zakat mal so that their worship is valid and accepted.

2. Intention of Zakat Mal

Every act of worship in Islam must be based on intention, including zakat mal. The intention must be made sincerely and only for Allah SWT. Here is the correct wording of the intention for zakat mal:

نَوَيْتُ أَنْ أُخْرِجَ زَكَاةَ الْمَالِ فَرْضًا لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu an ukhrija zakatadz maali fardhan lillahi ta’ala.

Meaning: “I intend to give zakat mal from myself as an obligation because of Allah Ta’ala.”

This intention should preferably be read in the heart when intending to give zakat mal, even if it is said in Arabic; understanding the meaning of this intention in Indonesian is also very important to ensure sincerity and earnestness in giving zakat.

Reading this intention before fulfilling zakat is part of perfecting the worship so that it is valid and accepted by Allah SWT.

In addition to the intention, there are several conditions that must be met for zakat mal to be obligatory. First, the wealth owned must be fully owned by the individual, not jointly owned or only partially. Second, the wealth that is to be given as zakat must be halal and obtained through lawful means. Wealth obtained through unlawful means, such as theft or corruption, is not obligatory to be given as zakat.

3. Conditions for Zakat Mal

The conditions for zakat mal include:

• Full Ownership: The asset must be fully owned by an individual.
• Halal Wealth: The wealth that is subject to zakat must be halal in terms of its substance and the way it is acquired.
• Growing Wealth: The wealth must have the potential to grow or provide economic benefits.
• Meeting Nisab: Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth that obligates an individual to pay zakat.
• Free from Debt: An individual who has debts is not required to pay zakat until their debts are settled.
• Reaching Haul: Zakat mal must be paid after the wealth has been owned for a full year.

Some types of wealth that are obligatory to be zakat include gold, silver, cash, merchandise, agricultural produce, livestock, and income-generating properties.

4. Prayer for Wealth Zakat

Before fulfilling the wealth zakat, it is very important to understand the correct prayer reading, as this prayer is not just a ritual, but also a form of sincere intention and request to Allah so that the wealth we donate becomes a blessing. In reading the wealth zakat prayer, we are reminded that every piece of wealth we own contains the rights of others that we need to fulfill wholeheartedly.

According to Qodariah Barkah, M.H.I., wealth zakat is a certain amount of wealth that must be distributed to specific groups under certain conditions. By properly fulfilling wealth zakat, we not only bring blessings and the pleasure of Allah SWT, but also demonstrate the just and generous nature that He loves. When we understand and carry out wealth zakat sincerely, blessings in sustenance and life will flow abundantly in our lives.

5. FAQ

What is wealth zakat?

Wealth zakat is the zakat that is issued from certain wealth or assets that have met the conditions of haul and nisab.

Who is obligated to pay wealth zakat?

Every Muslim who has wealth above the nisab and has owned it for a full year is obligated to pay wealth zakat.

How much wealth zakat should be paid?

The amount of wealth zakat is 2.5% of the total wealth that reaches the nisab.

When is the right time to pay wealth zakat?

Wealth zakat can be paid at any time after meeting its conditions, unlike fitrah zakat which must be paid before Eid al-Fitr.

(kpl/rmt)