What is the interpretation of the word "zakā" and its derivatives mentioned in the Holy Quran, such as "He has succeeded who purifies it [i.e., himself]," "He has succeeded who purifies himself, and remembers the name of his Lord, and prays," and "Do not declare yourselves pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him"?

Linguistically, the root of zakat (alms-giving) means purity, growth, blessing, and praise. These meanings have been used in the Quran and Hadith. As for the technical meaning of self-purification (tazkiyat an-nafs), it is cleansing the self from the ailments of desires and doubts, and from vices, and adorning it with virtuous morals. This is the meaning of the Almighty's saying: "He has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it."

The self-praise forbidden in the Almighty's saying: "So do not purify yourselves" is praising oneself out of pride and arrogance. However, praising oneself out of necessity, such as to avert evil, achieve a benefit, or encourage knowledge, is permissible.