Zakat and The Next Generation

The Youth & How the Prophet (PBUH) Taught Them

We learn from the life of the Prophet (PBUH) that the forerunners of Islam were youngsters. A large number of famous companions who accepted, contributed, and fought for the cause of Islam were younger than thirty years of age. These young companions dedicated their lives to Islam, and after the death of the Prophet (PBUH), they went on to teach his traditions and become the greatest scholars of all times!

The Prophet (PBUH) always made it a point to advise the youth and teach them about Islamic principles. Once the Prophet (PBUH) and Abdullah Ibn Abbas, a young boy at the time, were riding on a camel and the Prophet (PBUH) took that opportunity to chat with Abdullah about putting his trust in Allah. Abdullah was only a young boy at that time

Educating the youth with regards to the religion opens up many doors for them. Firstly, we provide them with the tools they need to gain Allah’s pleasure. Secondly, their faith in Allah is strengthened. Thirdly, they will understand the virtues and benefits of different acts of worship and want to do them, thus leading to a better life for the next generation of Muslims growing up here.

But why is Zakat so fundamental specifically for Muslims living in Canada?

The Next Generation in Canada

If we call Canada our home, then it is crucial for us to become a Muslim community that is self-sufficient and has strong ties within itself. We should feel for our Muslim neighbours, friends, and acquaintances and keep them in mind as we grow and move forward. As the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” Similarly, we should empathize with our struggling brothers and sisters and prepare for financial difficulties as a community so no one is pulled down by financial struggles.

Today, 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 racialized families in Canada live in poverty—this includes our Muslim brothers and sisters. At NZF, we realize the urgency of addressing the growing poverty rate amongst Canadian Muslims. It is unfortunate that although Canadian Muslims generate millions of dollars worth of Zakat every year, our own local brothers and sisters are being neglected. Why? Because instead of giving to the needy, poor, and weak individuals in our community, we are sending millions of Zakat dollars to Muslims abroad.

We need to understand that although the situation abroad is unfortunate, our primary responsibility lies here, in the Muslim community in Canada. The next generation of Canadian Muslims must realize that Zakat is the right of our fellow brothers and sisters. We can’t build a strong future together when some of us are still behind, and we can’t pull someone out of the darkness of poverty without the light of Zakat. The welfare system is may enough, but our communal Zakat – our obligation to our Lord – is.

Written by: Aisha H.