Zakat is a fundamental pillar of Islam, meant for purification of wealth, supporting the needy, and uplifting the Muslim Ummah. However, in today’s materialistic world, Zakat has become a battleground between different institutions secular education vs. madrasas, modernity vs. tradition, dunya vs. akhirah.
The wealthy are emotionally manipulated by speeches quoting the Quran and Hadith, and common Muslims are confused about where to give their Zakat so that it is truly accepted by Allah.
Are we fulfilling our religious duty or falling into a trap of marketing tactics and institutional competition?
1 The Competition for Zakat Funds
• The Rise of Secular Education Institutions
• Once upon a time, 100% of Zakat funds went to madrasas the traditional centers of Islamic learning.
• But now, secular Islamic schools and universities have entered the scene, claiming that only modern education can ensure the success of the next generation.
• They argue that worldly success is necessary to uplift the Muslim community.
• But is education alone enough for salvation in the Hereafter?
• The Madrasas & Religious Institutions’ Response
• In reaction, madrasas have intensified their fundraising efforts, warning that only Islamic knowledge can truly save the next generation.
• Emotional speeches, videos of poor children memorizing the Quran, and appeals to save religious knowledge are used to get donations.
• Many madrasas struggle financially, so they market Islamic education as the only true path to success in the Hereafter.
• But is focusing only on religious knowledge enough to build a strong, thriving Muslim Ummah?
• The Emotional Marketing Tactics
• Every Ramadan, Zakat collectors flood the community:
• They use heart-touching stories of orphans, widows, and poor students.
• They highlight reward and barakah for giving Zakat to their institution.
• They compete for donations, making it seem like giving Zakat anywhere else is a loss.
The result? Instead of giving Zakat with true sincerity and careful planning, Muslims fall for emotional appeals and social pressure.
• “Do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of generosity] or injury.” (Quran 2:264)
2 What Does Allah Want from Us?
Allah has clearly mentioned who is eligible for Zakat:
• “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect [Zakat], for bringing hearts together [towards Islam], for freeing slaves, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler.” (Quran 9:60)
• The purpose of Zakat is to uplift society, eliminate poverty, and purify wealth not to fund institutions in a competition.
So, where should we give our Zakat?
3 How to Give Zakat Correctly & Sincerely
1. Give Where It Truly Benefits the Needy
• Prioritize poor individuals and families over institutions.
• Look for genuine cases of hardship rather than institutions with the best marketing.
• Support long-term solutions like skills training, job creation, and self-sufficiency projects.
2. Verify How the Funds Are Used
• Check transparency where exactly does your Zakat go?
• Avoid institutions that spend more on advertising than on real aid.
• Ensure your Zakat reaches the right people and is not misused.
3. Balance Between Religious & Secular Causes
• Islamic education is crucial, but not the only necessity.
• Support both madrasas and quality secular education that integrates Islamic values.
• Invest in well-rounded initiatives that develop both faith and worldly success.
• “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Quran 2:201)
4. Avoid the Zakat Race & Emotional Traps
• Don’t rush to give Zakat just because of an emotional speech.
• Take your time to research, verify, and plan where your Zakat will make the most difference.
• Remember, Zakat is an act of worship, not a transaction for social approval.
• “The best charity is that which is given in secret and to the needy.” (Bukhari)
Conclusion: Where Are We Heading?
Instead of competing for Zakat funds, our community should focus on:
• Genuine social upliftment, not institutional rivalry.
• Sincere giving, not emotional manipulation.
• Helping the poor directly, not just through organizations.
By giving Zakat with wisdom and sincerity, we can revive its true purpose uplifting the Ummah in both Dunya and Akhirah. May Allah guide us to give rightfully, responsibly, and for His pleasure alone. Ameen.
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