Dream - In fulfilling zakat, whether it is zakat al-mal or zakat al-fitr, Muslims are encouraged to do it immediately. Especially if the stipulated conditions have been fulfilled. So, do not delay any longer. However, some people still postpone giving out their zakat. Some assume that zakat al-mal or zakat al-harta is paid during the month of Ramadan. Whereas zakat should be given when it has reached the haul (one year period). This is as explained in the words of Allah SWT through Surah Al-An'am verse 141: "And fulfill its right on the day of its harvest (by giving it in charity to the poor)."

And zakat should not be delayed from its obligatory time. Even Allah SWT has directly commanded it in the Quran, 'Fulfill the zakat...'. Where this command indirectly indicates that zakat should be done immediately. In addition, in the book Al Iqna' with its explanation Kasyaful Qana', it explains, "It is not permissible to postpone the fulfillment of zakat on wealth from its obligatory time even though it may be possible. It is obligatory to fulfill it as soon as possible."

Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz in the book 'Fatawa Al-Zakah' stated that if the time is short, it is permissible to keep the zakat until it can be given to some poor relatives or those who are extremely poor and in need. In this case, the meaning of 'the time is short, only a few days' is intended for zakat al-mal. As for zakat al-fitr, it should not be delayed because it is an obligation that must be given before the Eid prayer as commanded by the Prophet Muhammad.

Through zakat, this will prevent a person from being greedy. Because Islam itself teaches its followers to always be generous to others, especially to those in need. This is explained in His words through the verse of Surah At-Taubah, verse 103: "Take zakat from their wealth to purify and cleanse them, and pray for them because indeed your prayer is tranquility for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

Fulfilling zakat is a form of gratitude for the blessings bestowed by Allah SWT. This reminds us that the wealth we possess is owned by Allah SWT and entrusted to us. Therefore, that wealth must be used for the sake of Allah SWT. One of the ways is by giving zakat.

The next wisdom of zakat is that it can protect wealth from people with bad intentions. This is in accordance with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad from Abdullah bin Mas'ud ra: "Protect your wealth with zakat, treat the sick among you with charity, and prepare prayers for calamities." (Narrated by Thabrani & Abu Nu'aim)

Did you know, Dream friends, that through the zakat we fulfill, we can protect ourselves from poverty? Yes, it is true. In fact, zakat can protect a country or region from incapacity. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Indeed, Allah has made it obligatory for wealthy Muslims to give from their wealth according to the extent that can suffice the needy Muslims."

"People who are poor will not suffer when they are hungry or naked, except because of the actions of the rich. Know that indeed Allah will hold them accountable severely and punish them with a painful punishment." (HR Thabrani)