The capital levy prescribed in the Holy Quran denotes its purpose by its very name ZAKAT. The word means that which purifies and fosters. By subtracting the share of the community from all wealth, the rest is purified for those entitled to make use of it; and by the application of the proceeds to the service of the community, the welfare of the community is fostered. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and it thus reflects the importance in Islam of one’s fellow beings.

2: 44. And observe Prayer and pay the Zakaat, and bow down with those who bow.

30: 39. So give to the kinsman his due and to the needy and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the favour of ALLAH, and it is they who will prosper.

51: 20. And in their wealth was a share for those who asked for help and for those who could not.

70: 25. And those in whose wealth there is a known right –

70: 26. For those who ask for help and for those who do not ask –

9: 60. The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed in connections therewith, and for those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and for the freeing of slaves, and for those in debt, and for the cause of ALLAH, and for the wayfarer – an ordinance from ALLAH. And ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise.

2:255. O ye who believe ! spend out of what WE have bestowed on you before the day comes wherein there shall be no buying and selling, nor friendship, nor intercession, and it is those who disbelieve that do wrong to themselves.

2:262. The similitude of those who spend their wealth in the way of ALLAH is like the similitude of a grain of corn which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And ALLAH multiplies it further for whomsoever HE pleases and ALLAH is Bountiful, All-Knowing.

2:263. They who spend their wealth in the way of ALLAH, then follow not up what they have spent with taunt or injury, for them is their reward with their Lord, and they shall have no fear, nor shall they grieve.

2:266. And the case of those who spend their wealth to seek the pleasure of ALLAH and to strengthen their souls is like the case of a garden on elevated ground. Heavy rain falls on it so that it brings forth its fruit twofold. And if heavy rain does not fall on it, then light rain suffices. And ALLAH sees what you do.

2:275. Those who spend their wealth by night and day, secretly and openly, have their reward with their Lord; on them shall come no fear nor shall they grieve.

47: 39. Behold ! You are those who are called upon to spend in the way of ALLAH; but of you there are some who are niggardly. And whoso is niggardly, is niggardly only against his own soul. And ALLAH is Self-Sufficient, and it is you who are needy. And if you turn your backs, HE will bring in your place another people; then they will not be like you.