The Most Acceptable Zakat And Sadaqa
In the Tafseer of Surah Baqara Ayah 273:
“(Charity is) for the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land (meaning they can not go here and there because of their duty to Allah). An ignorant person would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their (characteristic) sign. They do not ask people persistently (or at all). And whatever you spend of good – indeed, Allah is knowing of it.”
This Ayah was revealed because of Sahaba Suffa.
Sahaba Suffa were around four hundred people. In Madina they had no belongings, property or relatives. They would spend all their time reading the Qur’an al Kareem, listening to the sermons of Rasulullah (s.a.w), gaining new knowledge, and when there was a battle, they will go to fight. These were the students who had devoted themselves to the Madrasah of Rasulullah (s.a.w) in the path of Islam.
One day Rasulullah (s.a.w) stood by the Sahaba Suffa and witnessed the difficulties they faced, and in order to cheer them up he said: “O Sahaba Suffa! Glad tidings be upon those who reach Akhirah while being in the same status as you are, and are proud to be in this status, they are among my friends.”
Even though this Ayah (Surah Baqara, Ayah 273) was revealed for the Sahaba Suffa, it is for all. All those who learn Ilm for the sake of Allah, who strive in the path of Allah, who devote themselves to service and do not find the opportunity to earn a living, or those who are poor and can not earn as much as needed, this Ayah also concerns all these groups of people.
These are the best places to give Zakat and Sadaqa to. In summary, whatever donations you make to these kind of places, Allah (s.w.t) will know of it, and its rewards will be great.
Some Manners Of Zakat
To give the Zakat with the intention of cleaning the heart of everything apart from the love of Allah.
To give with the intention of riding the heart of stinginess.
To give with the intention of showing gratitude to the blessings from Allah.
To give Zakat to people who will increase its rewards. Therefore, when giving Zakat, a person should chose those who have the fear of Allah in their hearts. Hence, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said: “Only eat from the food of the Muttaqi’s (those who fear Allah) and only shall the Muttaqi’s eat from your food!” (Abu Davud) and “Give food to the person you love, for the sake of Allah.”
To choose the seekers of knowledge among the poor. Hz. Abdullah ibn Mubarak would especially give his Zakat to the poor scholars and say: “The highest rank after prophethood is the rank of knowledge. It is more suitable to meet their needs.”
To choose those who do not complain about their poorness. For in the Ayah it is said: “Give to the poor who have been restricted for the cause of Allah, unable to move about in the land. An ignorant person would think them self-sufficient because of their restraint, but you will know them by their signs, They do not ask people persistently. And whatever you give of good – indeed, Allah is knowing of it.” (Surah Baqara, Ayah 273)
To choose those who do not have the time to meet their own needs because of being preoccupied with the cause of Allah. (Ihya Ulumddin)
