Rikāz (ركاز)
Definition
Rikāz (ركاز) refers to treasures buried in the earth, particularly those which have been concealed at a remote period. The term encompasses “kanz” (treasure) and “maʿdin” (mines), and it entails specific religious and legal implications concerning the discovery and ownership of such buried valuables within Islamic jurisprudence.
Etymology
The word Rikāz (ركاز) is derived from the Arabic root ركز (rakaza), meaning “to embed” or “to bury”. It connotes the idea of something being rooted or fixed in the earth, underscoring the hidden or embedded nature of the treasures or minerals.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: ركاز (Rikāz)
- Turkish: Rica (Kömürleşmiş, Gizli Hazineler)
Legal and Religious Significance
According to Islamic law, as described in authoritative texts like Hamilton’s Hidāyah, treasures unearthed (rikāz) are subject to a special form of zakāt (alms), which is one-fifth (20%) of the value of the discovered items. This zakāt is obligatory upon the discoverer and is meant to ensure a portion of these valuables is directed for communal benefit, in line with Islamic principles of wealth distribution.
Hamilton’s Hidāyah, vol. i, p. 39, explicates that the term rikāz also includes “kanz” and “maʿdin”. While “kanz” refers to ancient buried treasures, “maʿdin” denotes minerals or resources extracted from the earth. Discoverers of rikāz must acknowledge this religious duty to purify their find, ensuring it benefits the larger community.
Books for Further Studies
To deepen understanding of Rikāz and its implications within Islamic jurisprudence, the following books are recommended:
- “The Hidāyah: The Guidance” by Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani
- “Islamic Law: Theory and Practice” edited by Robert Gleave and Eugenia Kermeli
- “Fiqh al-Zakāh” by Yusuf al-Qaradawi
- “Fundamentals of Islamic Finance and Banking” by Syeda Fahmida Habib
Takeaways
- Rikāz refers to ancient buried treasures or mineral resources.
- They are subject to a zakāt of a fifth (20%).
- This term and its legal implications underscore the Islamic values of communal benefit and ethical wealth distribution.
Conclusion
Understanding the concept of Rikāz in Islam provides insight into the intersection of faith, law, and societal benefit. It reflects the broader Islamic principles of equitable wealth distribution while ensuring that even ancient hidden treasures are perceived through the lens of ethical stewardship and communal responsibility. As such, Rikāz is more than a legal term—it embodies the spirit of moral custodianship epitomized in Islamic teachings.
