Zakat(Zay Kaf Waw) a new definition
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Zakat ( ZAY KAF WAW) a new definition
The Aatooz Zakata in the Quran has been a much discussed and debated phrase and the two main definitions contested being ?obligatory charity? and ?purification?. Almost everyone agrees that the root meanings of Zay ka waw are related to increase, grow, purify and augment. There is no basis in the Quran for Zakata to be translated as Compulsory Charity and even the translation purify and purification seemed awkward and out of place in most verses. But looking at all repetitions of the word in the Quran it is interesting to note the accurate meaning has been evading translators and even dictionaries.
Let?s look at the Quran, using Yusuf Ali?s translation
2428
If ye find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you if ye are asked to go back, go back that makes for greater purity (azka) for yourselves and Allah knows well all that ye do.2430
Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty that will make for greater purity (azka) for them And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do2232
When ye divorce women, and they fulfill the term of their ('Iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course making for) most virtue (azka) and purity amongst you and Allah knows, and ye know not.The above three versus instructs in certain decent behavior and etiquette which can be expected from a refined individual who is cultured and civilized. The word azka is used in the three verses to indicate this ?refined? aspect of the behavior signified in the verses which Y.Ali translated as ?greater purity? and ?most virtue?.
Since in ordinary usage purify and refine are used interchangeably and the fact that purify being the more common word had resulted in most uses of cognates of za ka wa being translated in the lines of purify/purification. Even though there are similarities in the meanings of the two words there are important differences in the exact definitions. Purify, clean, clear is denoted by the root Tay-ha-Ra and one of the differences between purification and refinement is that the former will not result in a change of state but the latter is a transformation. While the process of refinement may include purification, the former will result in a marked improvement or a change in the state of the object concerned. Refinement brings a person or a thing to a different state or condition. The process of refinement of crude oil to gasoline or natural sugar to refine sugar can be shown as examples of material refinement.
While the above three verses succeed in clearly bringing out the meaning of the root Zay-Kaf-Waw as refine/refinement the meaning is further established when we test the meanings refine/refinement with other uses of za ka wa in the Quran.
(It is important to mention that for zay kaf waw classical Arabic dictionaries have been supplying with very close meanings to ?refine? such as ?put in to right state or condition, pure or best part of a thing, more or most pure? other than the usual definitions such as increase, grow, purify which are also linked to refine. )
As we are already aware refinement can be in persons and in material. The following definitions are applicable with
regard to refinement in a person?highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality; the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste?
In other words such a person and his behavior will be
Cultured, cultivated, civilized, developed, graceful, distinguished, elegant, gracious, urbane, free from what is tawdry or unbecoming
And not
Coarse, crude, uncivilized, uncultured, unrefined, corrupt, unsophisticated, uncouth, vulgar
The above definitions fit perfectly to what God wants a human to become
While the definition of being refined may vary according to each society or generation, the Quran within its covers explains, individual and societal refinement quite clearly. The Quran instructs and advices the following qualities and behavior which signifies a refined individual.Not being harsh and mean, not being arrogant and boastful, not back biting and gossiping, not calling nick names, being clean in body and clothes, greet and respond with better greeting , being charitable and such charity not to be followed by reminders, injuries or insults, avoiding obscene vulgar things, not speaking or acting in vulgar or obscene manner, , being kind to parents and treating the relatives and neighbors with kindness, treating the guests with respect and being hospitable, being graceful , being sincere and honest, treating the handicap with respect, speaking kindly to the less fortunate , admit mistakes and ask for pardon , being humble and act with humility , suppressing anger, even treating the enemy with good, not swearing , not ridicule , mock or call names, avoiding suspicion and spying, not being racist, being patient under stress and controlling anger, solve issues by consultation and arbitration??
Coming back to Waatu Zakata repeated many times in the Quran, Aatu can be translated as ?bring? among many other meanings such as ?give? depending on the context. Based on the above Aatoo Zakata can be correctly translated as ?bring refinement? i.e. become refined. Also this can be taken as a command to improve or develop one?s self without being latent as the analogy of a seed buried in the soil growing in to a tree producing flowers and fruits or even raw materials such as crude oil, iron ore, gold, diamonds, gem stones etc buried deep underneath the soil being brought out of the earth to be processed /refined in to highly useful valuable products. In 9110 the opposite of zaka ha (refine, improve) is projected as ?dasaha? which is buried, latent or dormant.
One of the main objectives of the Messenger was to refine the individual and the society he was sent to. The Quran teaches refinement in character and conduct and God expects a human to be refined in person and in his behavior, actions and mannerism. This has to be a continuous process throughout a person?s life and according to the Quran the successful person is the one who achieves refinement (8714, 919). This refinement should not only be in behavior and actions which is outside but also refinement inside.
