—“Charity extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire.”

As for its cleansing a person of disgraceful traits, that is because the act of giving zakah aligns him with the generous and the beneficent through the wealth he hands over to those entitled to it.

“and thereby you cause them to grow” means that, after they have been purified of blameworthy character, their praiseworthy character is nurtured and increased. “and thereby you cause them to grow” also signifies the growth of their religion, so it is both a cultivation of faith and of morals.

“and pray for them” means: supplicate for them. Whenever people brought him their charity, the Prophet ﷺ would say to them, “O Allah, bless them,” in obedience to Allah’s command.

“Indeed, your prayers are reassurance for them” – your supplication for them is a source of tranquility; their souls find rest in it, their hearts are reassured, their breasts expand, and it becomes easy for them to part with their wealth.

“And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

These three verses, therefore, prove the obligation of zakah and show that it is among the most virtuous of deeds. The hadiths, God willing, will follow.

1206 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Islam has been built on five: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger; establishing the prayer; paying the zakah; making the pilgrimage to the House; and fasting Ramadan.” Agreed upon.

1207 – Talhah ibn ʿUbayd Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: A man came to the Messenger of Allah