Al-Huda
Foundation, NJ U. S. A
the Message Continues ... 11/101
Newsletter for January 2010
Article 1 - Article 2 - Article 3 - Article 4 - Article 5 - Article 6 - Article 7 - Article 8 - Article 9 - Article 10 - Article 11 - Article 12
CHARITY IN THE
QUR’AN: A SPIRITUAL APPROACH
Dr. Abidullah Ghazi
Executive Director
IQRA’ International Educational Foundation
Khajah Abdullah Ansari (1006-1088 CE), the distinguished
descendent of the noble Abu Ayyub al-Ansari and a prominent
scholar and Sufi had written a voluminous Persian-language
commentary entitled Kashf ul-Asrâr (Revelation of The Secrets),
an spiritual reading of the sacred Word of Allah. This work is
regarded as a masterpiece of Persian literature and religious
scholarship.
In discussing the verses on infâq (selfless giving) in Sűrah al-Baqarah,
he came up with an insight on the concept of charity and it
spiritual implications. The venerable Khajah says that The Lord
of Creation gives weightiness to infâq by seven unique ways to
encourage believers to be ever generous. For Muslims charity is
always important, but in Ramadan it becomes all the more
necessary, as its reward is increased and demands from needy
individuals and community related projects increase. Here we'll
describe Khajah Ansari’s classification of the Qur’anic
presentation of the theme of charity (Infaq) and in several
styles that Allah tells us of its importance.
The classifications are from Khajah Ansari’s insight, the
translations of the ayât are from Yusuf Ali and comments are
mine. The wisdom to be inspired, draw lessons from and act upon
the commandants would be entirely yours.
1. As a
commandment (Amr):
Allah enjoins all believers to give charity (infâq, sadaqah,
zakat and gifts). While Zakat is obligatory (fard) and a pillar
of Islam, charity in every form and at every time is promoted.
In this respect his commandment to give is repeated several
times and is emphatic and clear:
“O you who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided
for you before the day comes when no bargaining (will avail) nor
friendship nor intercession.
Those who reject faith they are the wrong-doers.”
(al-Baqarah 2:254)
2. As a
Special Mercy (Lutf):
Charity is an act which Allah loves. Through charity we help the
needy, poor and destitute and support community building
efforts. Allah asks us to give out of what he has bestowed upon
us but he prefers to call it a Qard Hasanah, Goodly Loan that He
promises to return this loan with abundant rewards:
“Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah
will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is
Allah that gives (you) want or plenty and
to Him shall be your return.”
(al-Baqarah 2:245)
3. As a
Promise (Wa’dah):
Allah promises abundant remuneration for our charities. His
rewards cannot be measured or even understand but for our
limited knowledge and capability of calculating of His blessings
he puts that in numbers. The numbers proliferate in the blessed
month of Ramadan manifold:
“The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of
Allah is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears and each
ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to
whom He pleases; and Allah cares for all and He knows all
things.”
(al-Baqarah 2:261)
4. As an
Emphasis (Wa`id)
Giving charity is an act of Goodness (Al-Birr); however, it also
is an instrument to achieve righteousness. Our objective in life
is to attain what is Good, (Al-Birr) for us, for our families
and loved ones, our communities and our humanity. However,
without infaq there is no acceptance of any act of Goodness:
“By no means shall you attain righteousness (Al-Birr) unless you
give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give in
charity (Khair), Allah knows it well.”
(Al `Imran 3:92)
5. As a Good
Advice (Pand, Nasihah)
In His benevolence Allah swt advises us against the pitfalls
that would stop us from giving. The Satan is an avowed enemy who
does not want us to bother with giving:
“The Evil One threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct
unseemly acts.
Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties and Allah cares
for all and
He knows all things.”
(Al Imran 2:268)
6. As a
Warning (Tahdid)
While, infaq brings immeasurable benefit to the giver, not
giving, stinginess (bukhl) results in Divine wrath and
chastisement. The anger of our Rabb (Lord) can lead to our
spiritual, moral and financial ruin, a state for which we
ourselves would be responsible:
“And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah and make not
your own hands contribute to your destruction but do good; for
Allah loves those who do good.”
(al-Baqarah 2:195)
7. As a
Reality (Tahqiq)
When we give, we may think that we are doing a favor to Allah (na’dhu
bi-Allah). Allah reminds us the fact, though Allah in His
infinite kindness calls it Goodly Loan it in fact, our entire
giving is a minimum payment for all the gifts that Allah swt has
bestowed upon us. Allah is Al-Ghani (Not in need) and by giving
we do not fulfill any of His needs, nor we do a favor to Him but
we are doing favor to ourselves. It is our own need that we give
and we must do so humbly and sincerely:
“Behold, you are those invited to spend (of your substance) in
the way of Allah: but among you are some that are miserly.
But any who miserly are so at the expense of their own souls.
But Allah is free of all wants, and it is you that are needy.
If you turn back (from the Path), He will substitute in your
stead another people;
then they would not be like you!”
(Muhammad 47:38)
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