Publisher's Synopsis
Perhaps the nation's jurists and schools of thought have not disagreed on any matter as much as they have on zakat. Given its importance, it is hard to believe that such a critical issue would be left ambiguous. This concern was raised by Sheikh Mahmoud Shaltout and Sheikh Al-Qaradawi, may God have mercy on them.
Al-Imam Al Akbar Sheikh Mahamud Shaltut wrote in his book 'Islam, Doctrine and Law': "I feel uneasy when I see the range of difference among the schools of thought on the application of this obligation of the Zakah, as it is exposed in the books of jurisdiction and injunctions. This obligation of Zakah, that is usually associated with prayer ought to be, like prayers, commonly understood. In prayers, we see not much room for differences - just five prayers in the day and night." Dr Al Qaradawi wrote in 'Fiqh Al Zakah': "I myself have examined these differences as well as differences on the same issue inside each school of thought, and noted many unnecessary details and complications, so many that I do not believe it is at all likely that our easy-flowing Shari'ah, which is addressed to all people, can accommodate such minute, complicated details, especially with regard to one of its essential and more predominant pillars." Therefore, a simple and clear rule that is easy to understand and apply should be derived from the Islamic sources of legislation-the Qur'an and Sunnah, followed by consensus, analogy, and reason. One rule that applies equally to all money, whatever its form and whatever the modes of investing it, whether agriculture, trade, industry, leasing, services, or any other commercial field. It should allow Muslims to easily determine when and what is due, without the need to ask and then fall into confusion whenever fatwas and opinions differ.
