Why Should I Give Zakat?
Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted- Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala) commands in the Quran, “Take alms out of their property, you would cleanse them and purify them thereby, and pray for them; surely your prayer is a relief to them; and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” [Al-Quran 9:103]
Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) says in the Quran: “And keep up prayer and pay the poor-due (Zakat) and obey the Messenger, so that mercy may be shown to you.” [Al-Quran 24:56]
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): To testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle; to offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly; to pay Zakat (i.e. alms); to perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca), and to observe fast during the month of Ramadan. (Sahih Bukhari, Vol.1, Book 2, No.7)
At-Tabarani relates, on the authority of ‘Ali, that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has enjoined upon rich Muslims a due to be taken from their properties corresponding to the needs of the poor among them. The poor will never suffer from starvation or lack of clothes unless the rich neglect their due. If they do, Allah will surely hold them accountable and punish them severely.” (related by At-Tabarani in Al-‘Aswat and as-Saghir)