God is giving, men are sharing: An understanding of zakat

Abstract

The first chapter briefly discusses the term zakat, its meaning and the underlying concept. Three different aspects are being taken into consideration, i.e. the etymological, the theological (based on the Koran) and the technical aspect of zakat. The word zakat is common to languages which belong to the Semitic stock. It refers to imperative rules which regulate man's behavior, in accordance with the eschatological concept of the Islam. The Koran underscores the idea that zakat constitutes a duty the performance of which h is to be taken as a sign of true service to God and of true surrender to Him. Performing the duty of zakat has also social and economic implications. Chapter II examines the implementation of zakat. Basically, the Koran only states the duty of every Muslim to give zakat, but it does not specify the amount, the sort and the proportion (of one' s total property) of goods which have to be given as zakat, neither does it establish rules concerning the way in which zakat has to be given . The Koran only determines to whom zakat has to be given. The regulation concerning the implementation of zakat as laid down in the zakat laws is the result of the Prophet himself and later under the leadership of the first four caliphs. This process reflects an intensive wrestle with its surroundings at the early stage of I slam history. The above mentioned periods are taken as the basis on which the present-day implementation of zakat is to be judged, particularly in Indonesia as the case with BAZIS - DK I Jaya. Chapter III deals with the question whether zakat has any implications for Indonesian society, especially as regards the Muslim community within it. The national development currently underway in Indonesia reflects a giant effort of the nation to raise the standard of life so as to make it more meaningful. The question is whether the process of national development guarantees somehow a situation favorable to the advancement of zakat and whether zakat in turn would be able to contribute to evolve a climate favorable to the progress gained by national development? In order to answer these questions, research has to be done into the problem, whether or not the zakat laws are s till relevant in present day Indonesia. Such research work has to be based on a theological elaboration of the concept of zakat and further it has to find out ways and means in which that concept would materialize in the form of zakat laws. Chapter I V focusses on apostle Paul's thought concerning the question of giving as it is expressed in Galatians 2: 1-10, II Corinthians 8 and 9, Romans 15: 1-13. Apostle Paul's ideas about ' giving' have to be seen within the context of two other concepts, i . e. ‘community ' and ‘poverty’. The first one, 'community', is derived from the Greek word "koin" which bears the connotation of, ' s haring something' or 'sharing with somebody'. The concept of community undoubtedly plays an important role with regard to the habit of sharing things with others rendering services, being prep a- red to give somebody else his share as well as receiving one's own share. The second aspect is ' poverty'. Poverty suggests actions of 1helpnig the poor'. Stepping up any form of help to poor members of the Jerusalem community was part of Apostle Paul's devotional work. Paul rather tried to draw the attention of Christian communities outside. Palestine to the problem, making them under- stand that the only solution lies in fraternal support by other Christians. At the same time members would actually experience the true meaning of the concept of community. From Paul's thought about 'community' and 'poverty' conclusion maybe drawn, that 'giving' constitutes a concrete manifestation of a well- functioning Christian community life. Finally, the end of this chapter makes a comparison of the concept zakat and giving, as conclusion of the whole writing.