What is the legal status of Zakah?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its obligation is established by the Book of God (the Quran), the Sunnah of the Messenger (peace be upon him), and the consensus (Ijma) of the Ummah. Evidence from the Quran includes the command: {And establish prayer and give Zakah} (Quran 2:43). Evidence from the Sunnah is the command given to Mu'adh when sent to Yemen: "Inform them that Allah has obligated them charity taken from their wealthy and returned to their poor," which is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh).
Supporting text
There are numerous other verses and authenticated reports supporting this obligation. Furthermore, Muslims throughout all eras have agreed upon its necessity, and the Companions agreed upon fighting those who withhold it.