One who does not pay Zakat due on his date palms...

One who does not pay Zakat due on his date palms, grapes or his agricultural products will on the day of Qiyāma have that portion of his land around his neck like a huge iron collar.[^3] Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says, “The Almighty Allah has appointed Zakat with Prayer, and said, ‘Establish prayer and pay Zakat.’ Then one who recites prayer but does not pay Zakat (it is as if) he has not performed prayer also, because the two of them are connected.”[^4] Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) remarks, “One who does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, at the time of death he will desire to be sent back to the world once more so that he may pay Zakat.” As Allah (S.w.T.) says: “Until when death overtakes one of them he says: Send me back, my Lord, send me back; Haply I may do good in that which I have left.” (Surah al-Mum’inūn 23: 99-100) [^5] Thus implying that if he is sent back he will pay Zakat that was due on him and also spend his wealth in charity.

He shall be told: “By no means! It is a (mere) word that he speaks.” (Surah al-Mum’inūn 23: 100) Furthermore Imam (a.s.) comments on the following verse of Qur’an.

“Thus will Allah show them their deeds to be intense regret to them and they shall not come forth from the fire.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2: 167) Imam (a.s.) says, “A person who guards his wealth and acts miserly in spending it in the way of Allah (S.w.T.) dies leaving his wealth to people who either spend it in Allah (S.w.T.)’s obedience or in sinful activities.

If his wealth is spent in the way of Allah (S.w.T.) the reward is written in the scroll of deeds of someone else and this person now regrets for actually it was his wealth. And if it is spent in disobedience to Allah (S.w.T.).

That is the sinner’s hands were strengthened with the help of his wealth, this also causes regret to him.”[^6] Traditions from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) on this subject have been recorded by Ayyashi, Mufid, Sadūq and Tabarsi in their respective books: The Holy Prophet (S) says, “Nothing destroys Islam like miserliness. Then he says. “The way of miserliness is like the paths of ants.