Importance of Khums

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Paying Khums is among Islam’s commands in the economic field and it is important from ideological, political, social, educational and other aspects.

In Verse 41 of Surah Al-Anfal, paying Khums is regarded as a precondition of faith. Also, God says in Verse 3 of the Surah that helping the needy is a sign of true faith:

“Those who keep up prayer and spend (benevolently) out of what We have given them.”  

Paying Khums has significance from various aspects, some of which are as follow:

Ideological:

As said before, paying Khums is a sign of true faith.

Worshipping God:

Paying Khums is an act of worship and should be done with the Qasd al-Qurba (intention of getting closer to God). Any hypocrisy and insincerity harms this act of worship.

Political:

Paying Khums to the ruler of the Islamic society who is a Faqih that has all the necessary criteria, will help strengthen people’s ties with the Islamic rulers and these ties have frightened tyrants throughout history. Paying Khums is also helping the path of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) and financially boosting Islamic seminaries that have raised awareness among people throughout history. It will help promote and spread the Alavi thought via scholars and seminary students and help them stand against ideological and moral deviations and ominous moves of those who hold ill-intentions against Islam.

Economic:

Paying Khums is a way for bringing balance to wealth, confronting Takathur (vying for more and more wealth), and helping the society’s poor and needy.

Social:

Paying Khums will spread compassion, friendship and kindness among different strata in society and prevents deep social gaps.

Psychological:

Paying Khums helps one feel being a supporter of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) and Islamic seminaries and this feeling will keep him on the front of the truth and opposed to the fronts of falsehood.

Educational:

Paying Khums makes one precise, responsible, prudent and steadfast in supporting the path of God, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS).

Paying Khums helps the burgeoning of the spirit of generosity and philanthropy in people.

Paying Khums removes indifference to others’ plight and prevents attaching too much importance to worldly desires.
Paying Khums also enhances one’s relationship with God, with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS), with the ruler of the Islamic society, with the society, and with the needy.