Publisher's Synopsis
In the hierarchy of Islamic faith and religious duties zakat is next only to the acclamation of Allah's unity and prophecy of Muhamnad (peace be unto him) and the five daily prayers. It is rather significant that a measure of far reaching economic consequences should find such a high place in that hierarchy and be counted as one of the five pillars o Islam. Zakat is doubly important in the way of life that is Islam. On the one hand it is a means of spiritual purification and on the other a way to regain balance and equilibrium in social and economic life. One would expect religious scholars as well as economists not to miss these points and pay due attention to this unique institution. However, the subject of zakat did not attract the attention of contemporary scholars to an extent commensurate with its importance. There is a need for economists, legal experts and shariah scholars who would elaborate and analyze the law of zakat in a contemporary manner. Sheikh Yusuf al Qardawi's book is one of those exceptions to the above which give one the needed hope and reassurance to carry on. First published more than 3 decades ago, Fiqh al Zakat still remains unparalleled in its comprehensiveness exposition and depth. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that we present it to the English reading public.
