ZAKAT One of the major pillars of Islam is the Zakah. To the Quranic word Zakah and the meaning it conveys, there is no equivalent in any other language as far as we know. Zakah is not merely a deduction of a certain percentage from one’s property, but an abundant enrichment and spiritual investment. The Quranic word Zakah not only includes charity, alms, tithe, kindness, official tax, valuntary contributions, etc., but it also combines with all these God-mindedness and…
ZAKAT: AN OBLIGATORY ACT OF ISLAM By Abdul Hamid Siddiqi Of the five fundamentals of Islam, Zakat occupies the third position, the first being the Kalima Taiyyeba (La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasoolullah- The second being prayer (Salat) and the third being Zakat. This word is derived from Zaka, which means “it (a plant grew.”) The second derivative of this word carries the sense of purification, e.g. Qad aflaha man zakkaha (he is indeed successful who purified himself.) The other…
ZAKAT (LEGAL ALMS) IN ISLAM By Hammudah abdalati One of the major pillars of Islam is the Zakat. To the Quranic word Zakat and the meaning it conveys, there is no equivalent in any other language as far as we know. Zakat is not merely a deduction of a certain percentage from one’s property, but an abundant enrichment and spiritual investment. The Quranic word Zakat not only includes charity, alms, tithe, kindness, official tax, valuntary contributions, etc., but it…
ZAKAT & ITS ADMINISTRATION Abdul Lateef M. Adetona Nigeria Islam being a complete way of life sets a great premium on the welfare of Muslims and utilizes a number of means through which material wealth circulates amongst members of the Muslim Ummah. These means include Sadaqah (donation), Hibah (gift), Mirath (inheritance), Mahar (dower) and of course, Zakah. It is the divine design of the Almighty that material means are not equitably distributed amongst the people. The Quran speaks of…
ADVICE TO INTENDING PLIGRIMS 1) Remember that you are on a blessed journey. This journey, which is a migration toward Allah, is based on belief in His Unity (Tawheed), on sincerity toward Him, on responding to His call, and on obedience to His commands. There is no greater reward than that of Hajj, which is acceptable to Allah, the reward of the Garden of Paradise. 2) Be on your guard against the mischief of Satan, who intends to cause…
THE MANNERS OF PERFORMING HAJJ AND UMARAH Pilgrimage (Hajj) is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is a duty of a Muslim to perform pilgrimage to the House of Allah once in a life-time, but it is permissible for him to go on pilgrimage voluntarily more than once. Pilgrimage has innumerable benefits: In fulfilling this service, man expresses his devotion to Allah, not only by performing rites which need physical effort, but he expresses also his deep spiritual devotion…
THE HOLY PROPHET’S SERMON ON THE MOUNT ARAFAT 9th Zil-Hijja ALL PRAISE IS FOR ALLAH: All praise is for Allah. We praise Him; seek His help and pardon; and we return to Him. We take refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and from the bad consequences of our actions. There is none to lead him astray whom Allah guides aright and there is none to guide him aright whom He misguides. I bear witness that there is no…
WHAT EVERY PILGRIM SHOULD DO AND WHEN This is just reminder of what is necessary for every pilgrim to do, and the time when it should be done. This article only intended as an outline of the actions of every pilgrim on the days of pilgrimage. WHEN YOU ARRIVE When you approach the meeqat prepare yourself for ihram. Have a shower if it is convenient. If not, do the normal ablution, wear your ihram garment and pray two raka’hs….
LIFE AND MISSION OF PROPHET IBRAHIM Which Muslim, Christian or Jew does not know the name of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)! Two-thirds of mankind revere him as their leader. The Prophets Musa, Isa and Muhammad, peace be on them, are all his descendants. It is the lamp of guidance lit by him that has for long illuminated the whole world. Prophet Ibrahim was born in what is now Iraq, over four thousanwd years ago. At that time…
KISSING OF BLACK STONE Salim narrated on the authority of his father (Allah be pleased with him) that “Umar Bin Al Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) kissed the Black stone and then said: By Allah I know that you are a stone and if I were not to see Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.) kissing you, I would not have kissed you”. (Saheeh Muslim) “KAABA” the apex of the Pilgrims desires, is a square building standing in the shape of…