Quora Answer: What Does It Feel Like to Give Zakat?

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “What does it feel like to give zakat, Islamic charity?  Does it feel like worship?” 

The zakat, the tithe, on excess wealth is an act of ‘ibadah, worship.  As to feelings, we are not supposed to take pride or pleasure in it, since, as Muslims, we believe that nothing in this world is actually ours.  Even the next breath, the next heartbeat, is a gift, and it will eventually run out.  What goes to the recipient was always meant for them, according to Divine Decree.  It is only that Allah (s.w.t.) has Afforded us the privilege of being the vessel through which He Gives.  It is duty, and we should be humbled by it.