The Table Spread - 5:55 Your true friends are Allah and His Messenger and the believers who observe the prayer and pay the zakat humbly.
The importance of zakat:
The Cattle/6:16 Whoever is turned away from torment on that Day, (God) has mercy on him. That is the greatest victory.

The Heights/7:156 "Write for us good in this world and in the Hereafter. We turn to you."He said: "My punishment will touch whom I will. But My Mercy is all-encompassing; I will write it especially for those who lead a righteous life, pay the zakat and believe in Our verses."

The Romans/30:39 The usury money which you give to increase in the wealth of the people does not increase with Allah. But as for the zakat which you give seeking Allah´s Pleasure, those who give it multiply their investment.

The Hypocrites/63:10 "Give out of what We have provided for charity before death comes to you and you say, "My Lord, if only You would postpone me for a short time so that I may be of the righteous by helping the poor"."