Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is a highly rewarded act for a Muslim. It is due to every Muslim. Zakat is an obligatory act in Islam, which is 2.5% of a Muslim's annual savings, and it is given to the poor and needy.
BENEFITS OF ZAKAT IN ISLAM
Protection From Calamities
Giving Zakat regularly saves you from facing hardships and calamities. It serves as a protection for a Muslim. This has been mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a hadith. This shows us that one person should give regularly to stop any adversaries or harm coming their way.
Allah Increases in Reward
Do not think that by giving, your income or wealth will become less. “The wealth of a person does not decrease by paying Zakat” (Sahih Bukhari).
Rather it is stated that, in another Hadith, “Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Serves As A Shade On The Day Of Judgment
Helping others is one of the virtues of Islam. Giving means helping those who need it. “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
This Hadith shows that the believers who helped poor or needy fellow humans, in times of distress and hardships, Allah will appoint a shelter on the Day of Judgment for them.
It is A Proof Of Faith
By giving to those in need, you are declaring your faith as a Muslim, intending to please Allah. It's a central Islamic principle that showcases your gratitude to Allah for your blessings. Sharing your wealth or whatever you have shown that you are grateful to Allah. Every good deed is counted for every penny that is given as Zakat. Hence, it serves as a declaration of your faith in Islam and Allah.
Forgive Your Sins
Seek the forgiveness of your sins by increasing in giving to the poor and needy. Zakat is one of the best ways to get your sins forgiven. Replace a bad deed with a good deed. This is backed by an important hadith, “Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” Al-Tirmidhi
You can donate a Quran to those who need a wheelchair or you can set up a water cooler in areas where needed. Zakat can only be carried out in the lifetime of an individual.