Islam About Charity

Hadith: Charity

DON'T DELAY GIVING IN CHARITY The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once had several coins that he asked his wife to distribute in charity. But due to the Prophet's illness at the time, she did not have an opportunity to give out the coins. When the Prophet learned of this, he asked for the coins, placed them in his hand, and then said: "What would God's Prophet think if he were to meet God, who is Great and Glorious, while (still) possessing these?" - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 586 The Prophet also said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 589 THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARITY The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 604 The Prophet also said: "Every act of goodness is charity." - Sahih Muslim, Hadith 496 EVERY MUSLIM MUST GIVE IN CHARITY The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people then asked: "(But what) if someone has nothing to give, what should he do?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked: "If he cannot find even that?" He replied: "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked: "If he cannot do (even) that?" The Prophet said finally: "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 524 SMILING IS CHARITY The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every day?" The Prophet answered: "The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms--all of these are charity prescribed for you." He also said: "Your smile for your brother is charity." - Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 98 BEST FORM OF CHARITY The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I guide you to the best (form of) charity? It is to provide for your daughter when she (returns) to you (because of divorce or other circumstances) and has no one but you to provide for her." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1296 SPEND IN CHARITY "Spend (in charity) out of the sustenance that We have bestowed on you before that time when death will come to someone, and he shall say: "O my Lord! If only you would grant me reprieve for a little while, then I would give in charity, and be among the righteous." - The Holy Quran, 63:10 CHARITY SAVES The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date-fruit in charity." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 498 CHARITY IS A PURIFIER A man once said to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "I have plenty of property, a large family, a great deal of money, and I am a gracious host to my guests. Tell me how to conduct my life and how to spend (my money)." The Prophet replied: "Give (regular charity) out of your property, for truly it is a purifier, and be kind to your relatives and acknowledge the rights of the poor, neighbors and (those in need who seek your help)." - Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 3 CHARITY AND PAYING DEBTS ENCOURAGED The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "If I had (a mountain of) gold, I would love that, before three days had passed, not a single (coin) thereof remained with me if I found somebody to accept it (as charity), excluding some amount that I would keep for the payment of my debts." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Hadith 334 GOD IS AWARE OF THE GOOD THAT YOU DO "They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: 'Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.'" - The Holy Quran, 2:215

Zakath - One the Five Pillars of Islam

Zakat (Alms)

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It has been mentioned, along with dailyPrayers (Salaat / Namaz), over seventy times in the Quran. Allah's word commanding ".....and establish regular Salaat and give regular Zakat....." are referred to in many parts of the Quran. From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakat is the most important act in Islam. Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter. Whoever evades Zakat has been sternly warned in the Qur'an and Hadith of the consequences. Linguistically, Zakat has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify one's possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer. There are many major benefits of giving Zakat: It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands. Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently. Zakat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah. Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor. Zakat is obligatory upon a person if : He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim. He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs). It should be possessed for a complete lunar year. It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc. The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakat is called Nisaab. The Nisaab as fixed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) is as follows:   Grams Tolas Grains Troy Oz. GOLD 87.48 7.50 1350 2.8125 SILVER 612.36 52.50 9450 19.6875 Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal to or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakat is due at the rate of 2.5%. The payment of Zakat is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year. TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS IMPOSED: Gold and silver, in any form. Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc. Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab. Live stock. On income derived from rental business. CALCULATION OF ZAKAT: To calculate Zakat on jewelry etc. one must first determine the gold or silver content and then calculate the Zakat according to current market price. If the Gold possessed is less than 87.48 grams or if silver possessed is less then 612.36 grams, but the value of both combined is equal to or exceeds the Nisaab of either Gold or Silver, the Zakat will be due. In the event of an article not being of pure gold or pure silver, but containing a mixture of other metals and the gold or silver content is more than the other metal, it will be regarded as gold or silver and Zakat will be due. But in the case where other metal/s is of greater quantity than either gold or silver, Zakat will not be due on this article. For stocks (shares held in a company), Zakat is calculated based upon the current market value. As machinery, land, fixtures and fittings, furniture, buildings etc. are exempt from Zakat, one is allowed to subtract these from the total asset. This could be obtained from annual reports. For example, if one has shares worth $1000 and machinery, land etc., are worth 5% of the total asset, then deduct $50 for these assets, afterwards deduct the liabilities of the company proportionately to the percentage of shares held. Zakat must be calculated on the balance. DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT: Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due. All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons. A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat. Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food. Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity. Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash. TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS NOT IMPOSED: On any metals other than gold or silver. Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business. Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use. There is no Zakat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not. There is no Zakat on a person whose liabilities exceed or equal his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakat purpose). RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAT: The recipients of Zakat, according to Quran are as follows: "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom." (Quran 9:60) FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab. MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations. AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakat. MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith. AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts. AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose. FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation. IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home. PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAT: Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (P.B.U.H); Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one's children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other. Zakat contributions cannot be given to such institutions or organizations who do not give the rightful recipients possession of Zakat, but instead use Zakat funds for constructions, investment or salaries. VIRTUES OF ZAKAT: Allah says in the Quran: "The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases." (Quran 2:261) It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived: Gain the pleasure of Allah. Increase in wealth and protection from losses. Allah's forgiveness and blessings. Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death. A shelter on the Day of Judgment; Security from seventy misfortunes. THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAT: Allah says in the Quran: "And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding." (Al-Quran 9:34-35)

WHY SHOULD I MARRY YOU?

WHY SHOULD I MARRY YOU?

(Story Of Lesson)

Once there was a very handsome, pious, well educated young man, whose parents emphasized for him to get married.

They had seen so many marriage proposals, and he had turned them all down. The parents thought it was becoming a little ridiculous or suspected that he may have someone else in mind.

However every time the parents left the girls house, the young man would always say 'she's not the one!

'The young man only wanted a girl who was religious and practicing, however one evening his mother arranged for him, to meet a girl, who was religious, and practicing.On that evening, the young man, and girl, were left to talk, and ask each other questions. (As one would expect).

The young man, being a gentleman that he was allowed, the lady to ask first.

The young girl asked the young man so many questions, she asked about his life, his education, his friends, his family, his habits, his hobbies, his lifestyle, his enjoyment, his pastime, his experiences, his shoe size......

The young man replied to all of her questions, without tiring, and politely, with a smile the young girl took up nearly all of the time, over an hour, and felt bad, and asked the young man do you have any questions?

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The young man said, it's OK. I only have 3 questions...The young girl thought, Wow, ONLY 3 questions okay, shoot

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The young man's 1st question was,

Q1: Who do you love the most in the world, someone who's love nothing would ever overcome?

A1: She said, this is an easy question; my mother, he smiled

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Q2: 2nd question, he asked, you said that you read a lot of qur'an, could you tell me which surahs you know the meaning of?

A2: Hearing this she went red and embarrassed and said, I do not know the meaning of any yet, but I am hoping to soon insha'allah I've just been a bit busy

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Q3: The 3rd question the young man asked, was I have been approached for my hand in marriage, by girls that are a lot more prettier than you Why should I marry you?

A3: Hearing this the young girl was outraged, she stormed off to her parents with fury, and said I do not want to marry this man he is insulting my beauty, and intelligence. And the young man and his parents, were once again, left without an agreement of marriage.This time, the young mans parents were really angry, and said what did you do to anger that girl, the family were so nice, and pleasant, and they were religious like you wanted. What did you ask the girl?? Tell us!

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1.     The young man said, firstly I asked her, who do you love the most? she said, her mother, The parents said so, what is wrong with that??The young man said, 'no one, is Muslim, until he loves Allah, and his messenger (saw) more than anyone else in the world.

Qul in kana abaokumwaabnaokum wa-ikhwanukum waazwajukumwaAAasheeratukum waamwalun iqtaraftumooha watijaratuntakhshawna kasadaha wamasakinu tardawnahaahabba ilaykum mina Allahi warasoolihi wajihadinfee sabeelihi fatarabbasoo hatta ya/tiya Allahubi-amrihi wallahu la yahdee alqawma alfasiqeen

[Say, [O Muhammad], "If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people." (Surat At-Tawbah 24)]

Qul in kuntum tuhibboona AllahafattabiAAoonee yuhbibkumu Allahu wayaghfirlakum thunoobakum wallahu ghafoorun raheem

"Say: "If ye do love Allah, Follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 3:31).

If a woman loves Allah and the Prophet (pbuh) more than anyone, she will love me and respect me, and stay faithful to me, because of that love, and fear for Allah (swt). and we can share this love, because this love is greater than lust for beauty.

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2.     The young man said, then I asked, you read a lot of qur'an, can you tell me the meaning of any surah?And she said no, because I haven't had time yet. so I thought of that hadith of  the Prophet(sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)said: "When a man dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three — an ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge or a righteous child who will pray for him." (Muslim)

She has lived 20 years and not found ANY time, to seek knowledge, why would I marry a woman, who does not know her rights, and responsibilities, and what will she teach my children, except how to be negligent, because the woman IS the madrasa (school) and the best of teachers. And a woman who has no time for Allah, will not have time for her husband.

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3.     The third question I asked her was, that a lot of girls, more prettier than her, had approached me for marriage, why should I choose you?That is why she stormed off, getting angry. The young man's parents said that is a horrible thing to say, why would you do such a thing, we are going back there to apologies. The young man said., I said this on purpose, to test whether she could control her anger.

Abû Hurayrah relates that a man said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Counsel me.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Do not get angry.” The man repeated his request many times, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) kept saying: “Do not get angry.” [ Sahîh al-Bukhârî ]

Allah's Apostle Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."[ Hadith - Sahih Al-Bukhari 8.135, Narrated Abu Huraira, r.a.].

when asked how to become pious; because anger is from Satan.If a woman cannot control her anger with a stranger she has just met, do you think she will be able to control it with her husband??

So, the moral of this story is, a marriage is based on:

*knowledge, not ONLY Out Looking (Beauty) !

*practice, not preaching/recite only (million of reciter are there) !

*Forgiveness, not Anger !

*Spiritual love, not Lust !

*and Compromise One should look for a person who

1) Has love for Allah (swt) and the messenger (saw)

2) Has knowledge of the deen, and can act upon it.

3) can control their anger

4) and willing to compromise.

And it goes both ways, so women seeking a man, should look for the same things.

Aisha r.ah reports "one day I was on a camel which was somewhat difficult to control and the Prophet s.a.w remarked "you must be compassionate, whenever there is compassion in something it adorns it, and when it is removed from something it disgraces it". reported by Imam bukhari(al-adab al-mufrad).

Allah (SWT) says; “Think not who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead;rather they are alive with their Lord being provided with sustenance.”(Qur’an 3:169)

Noble Prophet(peace be upon him)Once said;

One who dost not fight of thinks of fighting in the way of allah will die the death of a hypocrite'', said the prophet, blessings andpeace be on him (muslim)He also; ''By him in whose hands is my life, I love that i die the way of allah and made alive, That i die again and again given life, Iagain die and once again given life, only to die again in the way of allah.''(Bukhari and Muslim)

A French girl with Blond & Blue eyes‏

A True Story Of A Niqabi Sister In France

This is a story for us to reflect on...

After picking groceries in the supermarket, the Niqabi sister stood in the line to pay. After few minutes, her turn came up at the checkout counter. The checkout girl who was non Hijabi Arab Muslim girl started to scan the items of the Niqabi sister one buy one and then she looked at her with arrogance and said :

" We have in France many problems, your Niqab is one of them!! We, immigrants, are here for trade and not to show our Deen or history! If you want to practice your Deen and wear Niqab then go back to your Arab country and do whatever you want!! "

The Niqabi sister stopped putting her grocery in the bag and took off her Niqab from her face… The checkout girl was in total shock! The Niqabi girl who was blond with blue eyes told her:

" I am a French girl, not an Arab immigrant! This is my country and THIS IS MY ISLAM!! You born Muslims sold your Deen and we bought it from you! "

End of story

This is a fact! Many revert Muslims have stronger faith than born Muslims! SuhanAllah!

"Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being something strange, so give glad tidings to the strangers." (Muslim)