It is apparently invisible and it is of many types like polytheism.

It is apparently invisible and it is of many types like polytheism.”[^7] Hazrat Amir ul-Mu’minīn ‘Ali (a.s.) says, “When people do not pay Zakat the prosperity of their agricultural lands and mines will be lifted from the earth.” ^8 The Messenger of Allah (S) says, “Cure your sick ones through Sadaqah, deflect the storms of calamities through supplication and guard your wealth through Zakat.”[^9] Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says, “There are some houses on this earth that belong to Allah and they are called, ‘the revengers?

So when Allah bestows wealth to a person and he acts miserly in fulfilling the duties prescribed for him by Allah, the Almighty appoints one of these houses for him and destroys his wealth at this very place. And after that the person continues to reside in this house and leaves his wealth for others.”[^10] Numerous traditions mention that one who acts miserly in charity will have to spend much more in corrupt ways.

A great many traditions are recorded in the chapter of Zakat but these are sufficient for our discussion here. One who does not pay Zakat is a Kafir A person who accepts that Zakat is obligatory but does not pay due to niggardliness, is a transgressor and will face the consequences accordingly. But if he does not believe that Zakat is obligatory, he is a kafir and Najis (ritually impure). Zakat, like prayers is an article of faith.

Whoever denies a single article of faith goes beyond the pale of Islam and is an infidel. Quoted below are some of the relevant traditions. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says, “Doubtlessly, the Almighty Allah has necessitated a portion for the destitute in the wealth of the rich people. It is such an obligation that is praised if fulfilled by the affluent people. It is Zakat and one who pays it, his blood is Harām. (It is Harām to kill him).

And those who pay it are called Muslims.”[^11] It implies that those who do not pay Zakat and do not even regard it obligatory, are not Muslims; they could even be executed in an Islamic government. Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says, “One who avoids paying Zakat…