Wth the recent discussions around the new tax law in Nigeria, it is important for us as Muslims to understand the difference between tax and zakāh, because many people tend to mix the two or assume one can replace the other.
Zakāh is an act of worship. It is an obligation commanded directly by Allah and mentioned repeatedly alongside Ṣalāh in the Qur’an. It is taken from specific types of wealth, at a fixed rate, and given only to specific categories of people mentioned in the Qur’an. Zakāh purifies wealth and the soul, and it is a right of the poor upon the wealthy.
Allah says:
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” (Qur’an 9:103)
Tax, on the other hand, is a civic responsibility introduced by governments to run public affairs such as infrastructure, security, healthcare, and administration. It is not an act of worship, nor does it replace Zakāh, even if one pays a large amount.
Paying tax does not remove the obligation of Zakāh, and paying Zakāh does not exempt one from lawful taxes imposed by the government, as long as they do not contradict Islamic principles.
Zakāh is paid seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Tax is paid to maintain societal structure.
One cannot substitute one for the other.
As Muslims, we must be balanced: fulfill our religious duties sincerely and also act responsibly within the society we live in. Islam does not promote lawlessness, nor does it allow us to neglect obligations owed to Allah.
Let us be careful not to confuse acts of worship with civic duties, and let us fear Allah in how we handle wealth because we will surely be questioned about how we earned it and how we spent it.
May Allah grant us understanding, sincerity, and acceptance of our deeds.
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