ZAKAT IS A MEANS OF “DUA” (i.e. PRAYER OR GOOD WISHES)

Zakat, through various ways, acquires dua or good wishes for the giver. As stated in the Qur’an, it attracts the precious dua of the Messenger of God (upon whom be peace), not to mention the sincere wishes of the recipient. Angels join the person in offering these good wishes for the rich, from whom he has received a helping hand. The Qur’an’s advice to the Prophet (upon whom be peace) is, in fact, as such: “Take alms of their wealth so that you may purify and sanctify them thereby, and pray for them for your prayers are a comfort for them” (Tawba 9:103). The Prophet’s well-wishes for people desiring to offer zakat was, and is, renowned, as exemplified here: “O God! Treat them with Your mercy and accept their dua.” From time to time, the Prophet personally uttered the name of a Companion, such as Abdullah ibn Awf, for whom he prayed as such: “O Lord! Have mercy on his family and accept his duas.”28

To wish benefits from God upon providers of sadaqa or zakat is what comes naturally, as cursing such people is horrendously against human nature. Therefore pronouncing the wish “May God be pleased with you!” towards such people is virtually translating the feelings embedded in the heart. As noted before, the hadith, “Two angels descend each day; one of them praying ‘O God! Bestow prosperity on the wealth of those who are charitable,’ and the other invoking, ‘O God! Destroy the wealth of the miser,’”29 amplifies the attitude of angels during such circumstances.