Page 196 - The Purpose of Zakah in Islam

In this lesson of Sūrah at-Tawbah, verses 55-60, Shaykh Dr. Aḥsan Ḥanīf elaborates on the deceptive nature of the hypocrites who place their trust in worldly possessions and family, oblivious to the reality of their punishment. Allāh عَزَّوَجَلَّ reveals that their wealth and children will only be a means of torment in this life, and they will die in disbelief. The hypocrites falsely claim allegiance but are filled with fear, and they would run from the truth if they had a place to hide. The lesson also addresses their reaction to charity, where they show approval when they receive, but anger when excluded. The Prophet ﷺ is urged to remind them that contentment lies in trusting Allāh's provision. The verses conclude with a clarification of the proper recipients of zakāh, demonstrating the broader social and spiritual purpose of this obligatory charity.