Ramadan is one of the holy months in Islam. It is a time of self-improvement, Zakat (charity), focusing on Imaan (faith) towards Allah (SWT). It is considered a great time to perform Umrah, as it increases the spiritual rewards. Many scholars also believe that on this pilgrimage, if one pays Zakat, that act can multiply Allah’s (SWT) Barkat (blessings). However, what if you have booked a cheap Ramadan Umrah Package due to financial conditions? Is it still necessary to pay Zakat to increase Barkat? Let’s find out in detail.
Zakat: A Mandatory Charity
Zakat is a significant pillar in Islam. It is a mandatory act of charity that every Muslim must perform once a year. Zakat is paid to help the poor and needy people. It is said that Zakat in Ramadan has immense value, and it should be paid by every Muslim, regardless of gender, status, age, and condition.
? As narrated by Hazrat Ibn ‘Umar (R.A.):
“The Messenger of Allah enjoined Zakah of Ramadan upon the free and the slave, male and female, a Sa of dates or a Sa of barley, so the people considered that equivalent to half a Sa of wheat”
[Sunan an-Nasa'i 2500]
Important Facts: Rules of Paying Zakat
Do you know who can pay Zakat? And what regulations must be followed? Let’s discuss the critical rules of paying Zakat.
- Eligibility: You must be Muslim to perform Zakat and the person must be an adult. It is not limited to them only as you must be a sound-minded person. If you meet all the above criteria, then you are eligible to pay Zakat.
- Wealth: You must own Nisab (minimum amount of wealth). You must own the Nisab throughout one lunar year. The specified Nisab value is 87.48 grams of gold or silver weighing 612.36 grams.
- Calculation: Zakat is calculated based on your wealth, not income. This includes gold, silver, savings, cash, investments, etc. Debts owed to you are also included in your wealth and you may deduct the debt you owe to someone. The standard rate of Zakat is 2.5% of your wealth that met Nisab for one lunar year. So, your Zakat doesn’t depend on your cheap Umrah package price, your overall wealth matters.
- Distribution: The distribution of Zakat is mentioned as well. It should be distributed to the people of eight categories stated in the Holy Quran, such as the needy, the poor, and people in debt. You can give Zakat directly to them or through Islamic charity.
Sacred Connection: Relation between Zakat and Umrah
Although Zakat and Umrah are two different practices, they are still connected through their spiritual values. Let’s discuss them in detail.
- Purification: Zakat and Umrah both are performed aiming at self-purification. Zakat cleanses your wealth as you share it with the less fortunate. Umrah cleanses your Ruh (soul), through Duas.
- Increasing Barkat: Paying the mandatory Zakat will take you closer to the door of Allah’s (SWT) Barkat. Many scholars believe that performing Zakat with Imaan increases your Umrah reward, as your Zakat and Umrah both are the best ways to gain Barkat from the Almighty Allah (SWT). If you are not able to get hold of the best Umrah travel agency, then make sure to check out the blog till the very end to gain insights.
- Focus on Deen: Both Zakat and Umrah help you to shift your focus from worldly possessions to your Deen (religion) and Allah (SWT). Zakat reminds us that everything you possess is the gift of the almighty and Umrah helps us to thank Allah (SWT) for that through Ibadat (worship).
Conducting Zakat and Umrah During Ramadan
Performing Zakat and Umrah during Ramadan has immense spiritual value in Islam. It is believed that performing both of them during Ramadan can multiply the blessings of Allah (SWT). Let’s discuss their significance.
- Increased Reward: Performing Umrah during Ramadan itself is one of the most rewarding pilgrimages. Combining it with Zakat allows you to boost your rewards as both of them help you focus on Allah (SWT).
- Spiritual Value: Umrah during Ramadan is a form of Ibadat that intends for self-purification through performing rituals and Duas and performing Zakat before Umrah adds another layer of purification, allowing you to perform Umrah with a great Imaan.
- Connection with Ummah (community): Umrah brings all Muslims together regardless of caste, status, and gender forming a sense of unity. Zakat helps the people in need, strengthening the brotherhood in Ummah. So, Zakat before Umrah multiplies the sense of unity.
- Laylat-al-Qadr: Performing Zakat during Ramadan and Laylat-al-Qadr multiplies your rewards by 70 times, and performing Umrah during Ramadan allows you to stay at Mecca during the night of Laylat-al-Qadr. So, you can imagine the benefits of combining both during Ramadan.
Adeeba Tour and Travels: Bringing you Closer to Allah (SWT)
Trying to find a full Umrah package including flights within your budget? Adeeba Tour and Travels Pvt. Ltd. brings you the best luxury Umrah package at an affordable budget. We compare all the prices available and provide you with the most competitive price. Along with the cheapest Umrah packages, we also offer you the chance to perform Nikkah in Mecca, which makes us one of the best travel agency in Kolkata and also in India. Get united with your loved ones inside Masjid-al-Haram and be ready to attain the infinite blessings of the Supreme Creator.
Conclusion
Combining Umrah and Ramadan along with completing the obligation of Zakat can be a better way to find inner peace. Your Zakat might help a needy person perform a pilgrimage; nothing can bring you closer to your Deen than helping a person fulfill his spiritual obligations. However, always remember the true Barkat can only be gathered if you perform all of these obligations with a pure Niyyah (intention) towards Allah (SWT).