“Allah destroys riba and nourishes charities, and Allah does not like any sinful disbeliever.” (The Noble Quran, Surah Al Baqara, Verse no. 276)
Just like Salah (prayer) and Sawm (fasting) are obligatory for Muslims, Zakat is also obligatory for Muslims who possess the minimum amount of wealth (Nisab). Zakat is the right of the poor and needy upon a Muslim. Therefore, if a person doesn't pay Zakat, they experience various difficulties and problems such as illnesses, financial troubles, or losses in business. It is narrated in a hadith that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "The wealth of Zakat (for which zakat has not been paid), when mixed with other wealth, will certainly destroy it."
On the other hand, an individual who fulfils the obligation of paying zakat will have their sins forgiven, earn respect from the poor, receive blessings in their wealth, and be protected from various problems and difficulties.
May Allah grant us the ability to fulfil the obligation of Zakat with diligence. Ameen.

Issued by Darul ifta Al-Ikhlas, Karachi