What effects does Zakat have on a Muslim?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

There is no doubt that Zakat (obligatory charity) has a great impact on both the person who pays it, and on the society as a whole. Among its impacts are the following:

1-    It purifies the person who gives it from sins and acts of disobedience he committed; Allaah Says (what means): {Take, [O Muhammad ], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.}[Quran 9:103]. Moreover, it is confirmed that the Prophet said: "Charity wipes out the sin exactly as water extinguishes the fire." [At-Tirmithi]

2-    It results in the increase and blesses of the money; linguistically, Zakat means to bless, increase, or purify. Allaah Says (what means): {But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] - He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers.}[Quran 34:39]. Besides, it is confirmed that the Prophet said: "I swear by Allaah on the following three things: ….(and he mentioned) charity does not decrease the wealth of the person who gives it." [At-Tirmithi]

3-    It fulfils the need of the needy; this leads to the spread of security in the society, as theft and robbery will decrease. It also means harmony in the society.

The above are some fruits yielded by the payment of Zakat, and whoever wants to find out more in this regard may refer to the books of the scholars on this subject.