ZAKAT AND GOOD CHARACTER: PURIFYING WEALTH AND HEART IN THE PROPHET'S TEACHINGS

Abstract

Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a divinely mandated financial obligation that serves not only to redistribute wealth but also to purify the soul of the giver. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that Zakat is not merely a fiscal tool but a spiritual practice intricately connected to the development of moral character. Through the act of giving, believers are taught humility, empathy, and selflessness—traits that are central to Islamic ethics. This paper explores how the Prophet's teachings linked Zakat with the cultivation of good character, highlighting that true purification involves both wealth and the heart. By analyzing Qur’anic verses, Hadiths, and scholarly interpretations, this study demonstrates that Zakat is a vehicle for inner reform and societal well-being. The Prophet exemplified this principle by modeling generosity and encouraging believers to rid themselves of greed, pride, and indifference. The comprehensive nature of Zakat thus fosters a holistic moral identity, integrating spiritual, social, and economic dimensions. Furthermore, this paper argues that the moral framework surrounding Zakat, as taught by the Prophet, offers a sustainable model for addressing contemporary ethical and economic challenges. In a world marked by widening wealth gaps and moral decay, reviving the Prophetic understanding of Zakat may lead to not only economic justice but also the moral rejuvenation of individuals and communities. Ultimately, this study affirms that the purification of wealth through Zakat is inseparable from the purification of the heart, positioning both as essential elements in the quest for righteousness.