Monday, September 6, 2010

Hijab….The Crown of a Muslimah

Hijab….
 

The Crown of a Muslimah

 
 
 
The honour of a Queen ends with death while the honour of a True Muslimah is eternal… Allah has elevated every Muslimah to a level higher than a "worldly queen" and ordered her to adorn herself with the Noble Crown [Hijab] right in this world!

 

Why would one hesitate to wear the Noble Crown???…here follows some of the major excuses for not adorning hijab and some practical answers to these excuses.

 

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 REASONS FOR NOT DONNING HIJAB AND SOME PRACTICAL ANSWERS
 

I'm not yet convinced of the necessity of the Hijab...

 

We then ask this sister two questions.

1.      Is she truly convinced of the correctness of the religion of Islam?
The natural answer is: Yes, she is convinced for she responds "La ilaha illallah!" (There is no god but Allah), meaning she is convinced of the aqidah, and then she says: "Muhammadur rasulullah!" (Muhammad [SAW] is the Messenger of Allah), meaning by that that she is convinced of its legislation or law (shari'ah). Therefore, she is convinced of Islam as a belief system and a law by which one governs and rules their life.

2.      Is the hijab then a part of Islamic Law (shari'ah) and an obligation?
If this sister is honest and sincere in her intention and has looked into the issue as one who truly wants to know the truth her answer could only be: Yes. For Allah ta'ala, Whose deity (Uluhiyyah) she believes in has commanded wearing hijab in His Book (Al-Qur'an) and the Noble Prophet ('alaihi salat wa salam) whose message she believes in has commanded wearing the hijab in his sunnah.

 

What do we call a person who says they believe in and are content with the correctness of Islam but who nonetheless does not do what Allah or His Messenger have ordered? Certainly they can in no way be described as those whom Allah speaks of in this ayah:

The only saying of the faithful believers when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say 'we hear and obey' and such are the successful. [Soorah An-Noor 24:51]

 

In summary: If this sister is convinced of Islam, how then can she not be convinced of its orders?

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2. I am convinced of the Islamic dress but my mother prevents me from wearing it and if I disobey her I will go to Hell...

 

The one who has answered this excuse is the most noble of Allah's creation, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in concise and comprehensive words of wisdom: There is no obedience to the created in the disobedience of Allah.[Ahmed]

The status of parents in Islam, especially the mother, is a high and elevated one. Indeed Allah ta'ala has combined it with the greatest of matters, worshipping Him and His tawheed, in many ayat. He stated: Worship Allah and join none with Him and do good to parents.[Soorah An-Nisa 4:36] Obedience to parents is not limited except in one aspect, and that is if they order to disobedience of Allah. Allah said: But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not.[Soorah Luqman 31:15] The lack of obedience to them in sinfulness does not prevent being good to them and kind treatment of them. Allah said afterward in the same ayah: But behave with them in the world kindly.

In summary: How can you obey your mother and disobey Allah Who created you and your mother?

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3. My position does not allow me to substitute my dress for the Islamic dress...

 

This sister is either one or the other of two types: She is sincere and honest, or she is a slippery liar who desires to make a showy display of her "hijab" clamouring with colours to be "in line with the times" and expensive.

We will begin with an answer to the honest and sincere sister. Are you unaware my dear sister, that it is not permissible for the Muslim woman to leave her home in any instance unless her clothing meets the conditions of Islamic hijab (Hijab shar'ee) and it is a duty of every Muslim woman to know what they are? If you have taken the time and effort to learn so many matters of this world how then can you be neglectful of learning those matters which will save you from the punishment of Allah and His anger after death!!? Does Allah not say:

Ask the people of remembrance (i.e. knowledgeable scholars) if you do not know. [Soorah An-Nahl 16:43].

 

Learn, therefore, the requirements of proper hijab.

If you must go out, then do not do so without the correct hijab, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the degradation of Shaitan. That is because the corruption brought about by your going out adorned and "beautified" is far greater than the matter which you deem necessary to go out for.

My dear sister if you are really truthful in your intention and correctly determined you will find a thousands hands of good assisting you and Allah will make the matter easy for you! Is He not the One Who says:And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) and He will provide him from sources he never could imagine[Soorah At-Talaq 65:2-3]?

With regards to the 'slippery' one we say: Honour and position is something determined by Allah ta'ala and it is not due to embellishment of clothing and show of colors and keeping up with the trendsetters. It is rather due to obedience to Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and holding to the pure law of Allah and correct Islamic hijab. Listen to the words of Allah: Indeed, the most honourable amongst you are those who are the most pious. [Soorah Al-Hujurat 49:35]

 

In summary: Do things in the way of seeking Allah's pleasure and entering His Jannah and give less value to the high priced and costly objects and wealth of this world.

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4. It is so hot in my country and I can't stand it. How will it be if I wore Hijab...

 

Allah gives an example by saying:

Say: The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat if they only understand. [Soorah At-Taubah 9:81]

How can you compare the heat of your land to the heat of the Hellfire?

Know, my sister, that Shaitan has trapped you in one of his feeble ropes to drag you from the heat of this world to the heat of the Hellfire. Free yourself from his net and view the heat of the sun as a favor and not an affliction especially in that it reminds you of the intensity of the punishment of Allah which is many times greater than the heat you now feel. Return to the order of Allah and sacrifice this worldly comfort in the way of following the path of salvation from the Hellfire about which Allah says:

They will neither feel coolness nor have any drink except that of boiling water and the discharge of dirty wounds.[Soorah An-Naba' 78:24-25]

 

In summary: The Jannah is surrounded by hardships and toil, while Hellfire is surrounded by temptations, lusts and desires.

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5. I'm afraid that if I wear the Hijab,I will put it off at a later time because I have seen so many others do so....

 

To her I say: If everyone was to apply your logic then they would have left the Deen in its entirety! They would have left off salat because some would be afraid of leaving it later. They would have left fasting in Ramadhan because so many are afraid of not doing it later. etc. Haven't you seen how Shaitan has trapped you in his snare again and blocked you from guidance?

Allah ta'ala loves continuous obedience even if it be small or recommended. How about something that is an absolute obligation like wearing hijab?! The prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: The most beloved deed with Allah is the consistent one though it be little. Why haven't you sought out the causes leading those people to leave off the hijab so that you can avoid them and work to keep away from them? Why haven't you sought out reasons and causes to affirm truth and guidance until you can hold firm to them?

Among these causes is much supplication to Allah (du'a) to make the heart firm upon the Deen as did the prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam). Also is making salat and having mindfulness of it as Allah stated:And seek helpin patience and the prayer and truly it is extremely heavy except for the true believers in Allah who obey Allah with full submission and believe in His promise of Jannah and in His warnings (Al-Khashi'oon).[Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:45] Other causes to put one upon guidance and truth is adherence to the laws of Islam and one of them is indeed wearing the hijab. Allah said:

If they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them and would have strengthened their faith. [Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:66]

 

In summary: If you hold tight to the causes of guidance and taste the sweetness of faith you will not neglect the orders of Allah after having held to them.

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6. If I wear the Hijab, then no one will marry me. So, I'm going to put it off till then...

 

Any husband, who desires that you be uncovered and adorned in public in defiance of and in disobedience to Allah, is not a worthy husband in the first place. He is a husband who has no feeling to protect what Allah has made inviolable, most notably yourself, and he will not help you in any way to enter Al-Jannah or escape from the Hellfire. A home which is founded upon disobedience to Allah and provocation of His anger is fitting that He decree misery and hardship for it in this life and in the Hereafter. As Allah stated:

But whosoever turns away from My reminder (i.e. neither believes in the Qur'an nor acts upon its teachings) verily for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. [Soorah Ta Ha 20:124]

 

Marriage is a favour and blessing from Allah to whom He give whom He wills. How many women who wear hijab (mutahajibah) are in fact married while many who don't aren't? If you were to say that '..my being made-up and uncovered is a means to reach a pure end, namely marriage', a pure goal or end is not attained through impure and corrupt means in Islam. If the goal is honourable then it must necessarily be achieved by pure and clean method. We say the rule in Islam is: The means are according to the rules of the intended goals.

 

In summary: There is no blessing in a marriage established upon sinfulness and corruption.

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7. I don't wear hijab based on what Allah says: And proclaim the grace of your Rabb [Soorah Ad-Dhuha 93:11] How can I cover what Allah has blessed me with of silky soft hair and captivating beauty?

 

So, this sister of ours adheres to the Book of Allah and its commands as long as they coincide with her personal desires and understanding! She leaves behind those matters when they don't please her. If this was not the case, then why doesn't she follow the ayah: And do not show off their adornment except only that which is apparent[Soorah An-Noor 24:31] and the statement of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala: Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies [Soorah Al-Ahzab 33:59]?

 

With this statement my sister you have now made a shari'ah (law) for yourself of what Allah ta'ala has strictly forbidden, namely beautification (at-tabarruj) and uncovering (as-sufur), and the reason: Your lack of wanting to adhere to the order. The greatest blessing or favor that Allah has bestowed upon us is that of Iman (faith) and hidayah (guidance) and among them is the Islamic hijab. Why then do you not manifest and talk about this greatest of blessings given to you?

 

In summary: Is there a greater blessing and favor upon the woman than guidance and hijab?

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8. I know that hijab is obligatory (wajib), but I will wear it when Allah guides me to do so...

 

We ask this sister on what plans or steps she will undertake until she accepts this divine guidance? We know that Allah has in His wisdom made a cause or means for everything. That is why the sick take medicine to regain health, and the traveler rides a vehicle or an animal to reach his destination, and other limitless examples.

Has this sister of ours seriously endeavoured to seek true guidance and exerted the proper means to get it such as: Supplicating Allah sincerely as He stated: Guide us to the Straight Path. [Soorah Al-Fatihah 1:6]; Keeping company with the righteous good sisters - for they are among the best to assist her to guidance and to continue to point her to it until Allah guides her and increases her guidance and inspires her to further guidance and taqwa. She would then adhere to the orders of Allah and wear the hijab that the believing women are commanded to wear.

 

In summary: If this sister was really serious about seeking guidance she would have exerted herself by the proper means to get it.

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9. It's not time for that yet. I'm still too young for wearing hijab. I'll do it when I get older and after I make Hajj!

The Angel of Death, my sister, is visiting and waiting at your door for the order of Allah Ta'ala to open it on you at any moment in your life. Allah said: When their term comes, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it and hour (or a moment). [Soorah Al-An'am 7:34]. Death my sister doesn't discriminate between the young or the old and it may come while you are in this state of great sinfulness disobedience, fighting against the Lord of Honor with your uncovering and shameless adornment. My sister, you should race to obedience along with those others who race to answer the call of Allah tabaraka wa ta'ala:

Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth. [Soorah Al-Hadeed 57:21]

 

Sister, don't forget Allah or He will forget you by turning His mercy away from you in this life and the next. You are forgetting your own soul by not fulfilling the right of your soul to obey Allah and proper worship of Him. Allah stated about the hypocrites (Al-Munafiqoon): And be not like those who forgot Allah and He caused them to forget their own selves.[Soorah Al-Hashr 59:19] My sister wear the hijab in your young age in opposition to the sinful deed because Allah is intense in punishment and will ask you on the Day of Resurrection about your youth and every moment of your life.

 

In summary: Stop presuming some future expectation in your life will indeed occur!! How can you guarantee your own life until tomorrow?


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10. I'm afraid that if I wear Islamic clothing that I'll be labelled as belonging to some group or another and I hate partisanship...

 

My sisters in Islam, there are only two parties in Islam, and they are both mentioned by Allah Almighty in His Noble Book. The first party is the party of Allah (hizbullah) that He gives victory to because of their obedience to His commands and staying away from what He has forbidden. The second party is the party of the accursed Shaitan (hizbush-Shaitan) which disobeys the Most Merciful and increase corruption in the earth. When you hold tight to and adhere to the commands of Allah, and among them is wearing the hijab - you then become a part of the successful party of Allah. When you beautify and display your charms you are riding in the boat of Shaitan and his friends and partners from among the hypocrites and the disbelievers and none worse could there be as friends.

Don't you see how you are running from Allah and to the Shaitan, trading filth for good? Run instead my sister to Allah and follow His way: So flee to Allah (from His Torment to His mercy). Verily I (Muhammad) am a plain Warner to you from Him.[Soorah Adh-Dhariyat 51:50] The hijab is a high form of worship that is not subject to the opinions of people and their orientations and choices because the one who legislated it is the Most Wise Creator.

 

In summary: In the way of seeking the pleasure of Allah and in hope of His Mercy and success in His Jannah and throw the statements of the devils among people and jinn against the wall! Hold tight to the legislation of Allah by your molars and follow the example of the striving and knowledgeable Mothers of the Believers and the female companions (radiallahu 'anhum ajma'een).

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Conclusion

 

Your body is on display in the market of Shaitan seducing the hearts of men. The hairstyles, the tight clothing showing every detail of your figure, the short dresses showing off your legs and feet, the showy, decorative and fragrant clothing all angers the Merciful and pleases the Shaitan. Every day that passes while you are in this condition, distances you further from Allah and brings you closer to Shaitan. Every day brings you closer to the grave and the Angel of Death is ready to capture your soul.

 

Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Hellfire and admitted to Al-Jannah, is indeed successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing) [Soorah Ale 'Imran 3:185]

Sisters! As regards Hijab its the commandment of our Lord Allah! ALLAH will NEVER disappoint you!

Act today as we never know if we''ll have a tomorrow to fulfil this command of our ALLAH! 

EID

WORSHIP ON THE NIGHT OF EID
 
 
 
 

Nabi (Saw) said : "The person who stays awake on the nights preceeding the 2 Eids occupying himself with ibâdah, his heart will not die on the day when everyone's heart will perish." (His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption). It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious.

Friday, September 3, 2010

5 GIFTS THE UMMAH HAS

 
 
 

Abu Hurayrah relates that Rasulullah (SAW) said,

 

"My Ummah were given five things for Ramadhaan which were not given to anyone except them. For them, the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more sweeter to Allah than the fragrant smell of musk. On their behalf the fish in the sea seek forgiveness for the fasting persons until they break their fast. Allah prepares and decorates a special garden in Jannah everyday and then says (to it), "The time is near when faithful servants shall cast aside the great trials of the world and come to you". In this month (for them) evil-minded Shaytaan is chained so as not to reach unto those evils to which they normally reach during other months besides Ramadhaan. On the last night of Ramadhaan they are forgiven". Hadith

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Duas(prayer) of a fasting person


Duas(prayer) of a

fasting person

 

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] is reported to have said:


"There are three people whose "Du'aa"(prayer) is not rejected; the fasting person until he breaks the fast, the just ruler, and the oppressed person, whose 'Dua' Allah lifts above the clouds and opens unto it the doors of heaven, and Allah says: "I swear by My honour, verily I shall assist you, even though it may be after some time."
 
 
The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him]  has informed us that, when a Muslim prays for anything from Allah, on the condition that he does not pray for breaking off from his near of kin or for anything sinful, he definitely receives one out of the following three things: he gets the exact thing which he asked. If that is not received, then Allah either removes from his path some great calamity in exchange for what he desired, or the reward for that thing for which he prayed is stored for him in the Hereafter.

Another Hadith states that on the day of "Qiyaamah", Allah will call his servant, and say to him: "O my servant, I used to command you to ask of Me and promised to answer. Did you beg of Me? The servant will answer: "Yes I did." Then Allah shall reply: "You did not put forth any prayer which has not been accepted. You prayed that a certain calamity should be removed, which I did for you in the wordly life. You prayed that a certain sorrow should be cast off you, but result of that prayer was not known to you. For that, I fixed for you such and such a reward in the Hereafter. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihi wasallam) says that the man shall again be reminded of each and every prayer and he shall be shown how it had been fulfilled in the world or else what reward had been stored for him in the Hereafter. On seeing that reward, he shall wish that not a single prayer of his had heen answered on Earth, so that he could receive the full reward only in the Hereafter.

Yes, prayer is indeed very important, and to neglect it at any time is a matter of great loss. Even when the outward signs seem to indicate that our prayer is not answered, hope should not be lost. It is clear that Allah in answering prayers considers first of all our own good and welfare. Should Allah find that granting us what we beseech from Him is in our welfare and interest, He grants it, otherwise not. Actually it is Allah's favour on us that we do not always get what we ask for because very often, due to our lack of understanding, we beg for things that are not beneficial at a particular time.

 
 

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

SADAQATUL-FITR

THE IMPORTANCE OF SADAQATUL-FITR
 
 

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Rasulullâh Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam said: "The fast remains suspended between Heaven and Earth until the fitrah is paid."

 

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Sadaqatul fitr [fitra] is compulsory charity which becomes payable on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

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Fitr means to break fast or to refrain from fasting. Hence the Eid after the fasts of Ramadhân is called Eid-ul-Fitr, as it is the day of rejoicing after the completion of fasting. On this occasion of happiness, as a sign of gratitude one has to give a specific amount in aims, which is called Sad'qatui-Fitr. To purify and obtain complete blessings for the fasts of Ramadhân Mubârak one has to give Sadaqatul-Fitr. Thus it is wâjib to give Sadaqatul-Fitr to purify one's fast. The true object in giving Sadqatul-fitr on this happy, occasion is also to assist the poor and needy, so that, they may rejoice with the more fortunate.

 

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Ibn Abbas (ra) reported that the Prophet (saw) made the Sadkat-ul-Fitr obligatory for the purpose of: purifying our fasting from vain talk and shameful mistakes, to make arrangements for the poor and the needy for food and clothing (for the festival of
Eid).
(Hadith: Abu Dawud, Ibn Maja)

 

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Sadaqatul Fitr (or fitrah) is wâjib [compulsory] upon all Muslims -male, female and children fitrah should preferably be paid before the Eid Salâh.

It is not permissible to delay the payment of fitrah later than the Day of Eid.

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What amount Should be paid

The amount of Sadqatul Fitr is 1.633kg of wheat or 3.266kg of barley or the equivalent in cash. Please consult your local Islamic Scholars[Ulema] in your area for exact amount.It is highly recommended that this amount is paid in advance so that the contributions could be used for the benefit of the poor on Eid day.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Laylatul Qadr- The Night of Power!


Laylatul Qadr-

 

The Night of Power!

 

 

 

"The Night of Power is better than a thousand months." [97:3 The Holy Quran]

 

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad [Peace be upon him] is reported to have said: 

 

"It [laylatul qadr] is in Ramadhan, during the last ten days, on the unevenly numbered nights, either the 21st 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th or the last night of Ramadhan.

 

Whosoever stands in "Ibaadah" on this night, with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.

 

Among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear, and no meteors are shot at the "Shayateen" on that night; it lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the Sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in it's fullness. On that day, Allah prohibits the "Shayateen" from rising up with the Sun."[Hadith]

 

 

What to do on this night?

 

Worship during this night can take on many forms. Here are a few suggestions to help you through Laylatul Qadr:

 

Ø       Take a vacation for Allah! If possible, take a vacation for the last 10 days of Ramadan.Plan ahead if you are working. Discuss the importance of this night with your friends and family.
 
Ø       Perform Itikaaf (seclusion in a mosque for worship) –If you cannot stay at your local mosque ask family or friends to help out during your Itikaaf at home. If you cannot spend all 10 days in Itikaaf, then do as many days as you can - even if it is only one day. According to the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam whosoever performs "I'tikaaf" for a day thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will spread three trenches between him and the fire of Hell, the width of each trench being greater than the distance between Heaven and the Earth."
 
Ø       Increase the recitation of the Qur'an [reflect on the meaning of the verses, especially the verses used in Salah. This will help you concentrate.]
 
Ø       Increase Salah (prayer).Read as many Nawaafil Prayers[optional prayers] as possible. Eg Tahajjud Salaah, Salatul Tasbih etc
 
Ø       Make abundant Zikr [i.e remembering Allah, sending salawaat on our belove Prophet (pbuh) and making Istigfaar(seeking forgiveness from Allah]
 
Ø       Dua (Asking from Allah)- Spend lots of time begging from Allah to fulfil your needs and the needs of the Ummah both in this world and the hereafter. Ramadaan is replete with moments when duas are accepted. Aaisha (RadhiAllaho anha) reports: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), should I find myself the "Laylatul Qadr", what shall I pray. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied: say, Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tohibbu al'afwa fa'fu anna "O Allah, Thou art the One who grants pardon for sins. Thou lovest to pardon, so O pardon me."
 
Ø        Make list of Things you need from Allah-Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready then use it  in your prayers.
 
Ø       Best time for dua- Make long, sincere and deep Duas.One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet[pbuh] said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Hadith-Bukhari, Muslim).
 

Ø       Take regular breaks during the night to avoid getting over-exhausted. Try switching between different forms of worship.

 

 

May Allah accept our prayers and allow us to take full benefit of this Mubarak Night..Ameen

 

 

Friday, August 27, 2010

Importance of Zakah (Alms)

Importance of Zakah (Alms)

Zakah (alms) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Its importance can be realised from the fact that in 82 verses of the Qur'an Zakah is associated with prayer (Salah), such as:

Establish regular prayer and give Zakah; and obey Allah and His messenger.
Quran (33:33)

If social justice and compassion to fellow humans who are disadvantaged is one of the central themes in the message of Allah to humanity, then it is no wonder that Zakah, like prayer and fasting, was also enjoined upon the people of the past messengers:


And We made them (descendants of Abraham) leaders, guiding by Our command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular Prayers and to practise Zakah; and they constantly served Us.
Quran (21:73)

The Benefits of giving Zakah

  1. It purifies your wealth as Allah says in the Qur'an:


Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it and pray for them.
Quran (9:103)

2. It keeps one away from sin and saves the giver from the moral ill arising from the love and greed of wealth.

3. Through Zakah, the poor are cared for, these include widows, orphans, the disabled, the needy and the destitute.

Zakah is the right of the poor

Zakah is not considered a favor that is given to the poor by the rich.  It is the right of the poor on the wealth of the rich.  Allah says:


[In their] wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the destitute.
Quran (70:24-25)

Zakah, therefore, is unlike charity that is given to the needy voluntarily. Withholding Zakah is considered depriving the poor of their due share. Thus one who pays Zakah actually "purifies" his wealth by separating from it the portion that belongs to the poor.

 

What our beloved Messenger of Allah [Sallallaho alaihe wasallam ] said on Zakah:

1. "Zakaat is a (great and strong) bridge of Islam".

 

2."If a man pays the Zakaat due on his property, it causes its evil influence to vanish".

 

3. "Protect your possessions by payment of Zakaat, treat your patients by giving Sadaqah and face the waves of affliction with supplications and crying unto Allah in humility".

 

Alqamah Radhiallaho anho says that when our group of people visited Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam he said to them, "Verily you can make your Islam perfect by your payment of the Zakaat due on your property".

 

Rasulullah Sallallaho alaihe wasallam said, "he who observes three things will taste the sweetness of Imaan (faith): One who worships Allah alone and believes (from his heart) that there is no one to be worshipped but Allah and one who pays the Zakaat on his property, willingly, every year. In Zakaat on the animals, one should not give an aged animal or one suffering from itch or any other ailment, or an inferior one, but should give animals of average quality. Allah Ta'ala does not demand from you the best of your animals, nor does He command you to give animals of the worst quality".

Do I have to give Zakat?

Zakah is obligatory on one who has wealth that reaches or exceeds a certain level called the nisab. Unlike tax, however, Zakah is an act of worship for which one receives reward from Allah. Ignoring to pay Zakah, on the other hand, is a major sin. According to the scholars, anyone who does not pay Zakah by denying its obligation is considered a disbeliever.

How much do I have to give?

If you are in possession of money, gold, silver, stocks or shares that amount to more than the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of Silver called nisab (at current market rates) then you are obliged to pay Zakah.

If you own this amount for a full lunar year then your Zakah is due at the last day of the 12 lunar months.

The rate of Zakah is 2.5%

 

FOR ZAKAH CALCULATOR VISIT:

http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/zcalc.htm

DOWNLOAD: ZAKAH CALCULATOR FOR MOBILE PHONES

http://www.guidedways.com/mobile/zakatcalc/download_zakatcalc.php