Outline Muslim teachings on wealth and poverty Essay Example for Free

Outline Moslem teachings on wealth and poverty Es presupposePoverty a state of being lamentable the status of having no m bingley to take c ar of yourself and the basic needs of life such(prenominal) as, food, clothing and housing. Muslims conceives poverty to be as a test to valet de chambrekind influence god. There are different types of evil and suffering which antecedent poverty such as? Moral evil ? actions through by humans which cause suffering.?Natural evil ? things which cause suffering but have nonhing to do with humans e.g. realityquakes. (I go forth explain it in the following paragraphs)When god created the earth he in any case made a being c in alled Adam (pbuh) to take care of it, Allah order the angles to bow down to Adam (pbuh) (humans are superior to the angles as they have free go out-which is why they can be vice-regents- but they are inferior because their free provide means they can sin) means they can sin) all Angels invite out one ignorant Satan ( iblis) refuse to follow Allahs commands to bow down to Adam so Allah rejected him and throw him out of the heavens. However Allah allowed Satan to do mischief and disrupt mankind form worshiping Allah until the last day then Satan shall be sent to hell and those who were tempted by his evil shall follow him into the fire. Muslims believe that suffering is a test from god. But if there faith stays strong and they lead a sober and devote themselves to Allah they shall rewarded with eternity paradise.be current we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits of your toil, but stay fresh back glad tidings to those who patiently persevere calamity, to god we expire and to him shall we returnMuslims believe that the agency to succeed and pass the test is to second those who suffer such as the floods in Bangladesh through Muslim charities such as Muslim hands, Islamic relief e.c.t.The visionary Muhammad (pbuh) has said Poverty can lead to Kuffar (ungratefulness). This is because a deprived human being may feel that his maestro is being unjust on him, but a human being can non understand that this life is a test from Allah and the real life is the life hereafter.What does Islam say about Zakat CharityWealth in the English dictionary is defined as, having huge sum of money or possession, riches, state of being well off. In Islam whatever wealth you posses is regarded as a trust from Allah (God). You are not free to do what you want with your wealth, as you will be accounted for how you release it. Islam teaches that wealth is something harborn by god for the benefit of humanity and there for it should be shared.Then (on the day of judgement) you will certain(p)ly be questioned about all the favours you enjoyed. (1028) concord to Islam, the wealth you posses does not show your superiority, neither or nor does it give you distinction or make you a part of honoured class. The one who posses the riches of Faith is the one who is wealthiest in the sight of Allah, not the one who posses material riches. Islam says that there is nothing wrong to posses wealth, as long as you earn it in the right (halal/lawful) manner and discharge it in the right (halal/lawful) way.Islam has given guideline for the ways of life which mainly concentrates on the earning and use of wealth. Earning and haping is essential for living, but we do not live only for this. We have a greater purpose in life. E realthing in Islam is for the benefit of mankind. The main principle of Islam aim to establishing a just participation wherein all(prenominal)body will behave responsibly and honestly, and not as cunning the great unwashed who fight for as big share of something as possible without regard for honesty, honor and responsibility. Islam has given rules for earning wealth which all Muslims should abide by. Muslims must(prenominal) follow the Quran and the Sunnah1) both payment from the production, sale and dist ribution of alcoholic drinks are unlawful, as are earnings from gambling, lotteries and from interest (riba) transactions (590-91, 2275).2) Earning by falsehood, deceit, fraud, theft, robbery and burglary is unlawful. Deceitful acquisition of orphans property has been particularly banned ( 2188, 42, 6152, 785, 831-5).3) Smuggling and the artificial creation of shortages are unlawful (3180, 934-35)4) Earning from brothels and from such other practises which are harmful to society are also unlawful.Islam strikes to the root of evil and wants to establish a just and fair society. A Muslim must earn his living in halal ways and he should always bear in mind that what ever he does, it is known to Allah. He will be accountable for his actions on the day of judgement. He cannot confront anything from Almighty Allah.Unlawful outgoings are also not allowed in Islam. It does not at all benefit a Muslim to spend money irresponsibly. Over-spending and unwarranted are strongly discouraged ( 731, 1726, 1927, 2568)What is ZakatZakah (welfare contribution) is the third pillar of Islam. The Arabic word Zakah means to purify or cleanse. Zakah is to be nonrecreational once a year on savings at the rate of twain and a half percent. This rate applies to cash, bank savings, gold and silver medal and silver jewellery. The rate for cattle and agricultural produce is different. Payment of Zakah is a means of keeping our wealth clear of greed and selfishness.SCHEDULE OF ZAKAHWealth on which zakah is account payableAmount which determines the payment of zakah (nisab)Rate of zakah1 Agricultural produce5 Awsuq (653 kg) per harvest *5 per cent produce in case of irrigated land 10 per cent of produce from rain-fed land.2 Gold, silver, ornaments of gold and silver of gold and silver85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver *2.5 per cent of cling to3 hard currency in hand or at the BankValue of 595 grams of silver *2.5 per cent of amount4 Trading goodsValue of 595 grams of silver *2.5 p er cent value of goods5 Cows and buffaloes30 in numbersFor every 30, one- year old for every 40, one 2- year old6 Goats and sheep40 in number one and only(a) for first 40 two for 120 there for 300 one more for every 1007 Produce of minesAny quantitiesPer cent of value of produce8 Camels5 in numberA up to 24, one sheep or goat for each five camelsB 25-35, one 1-year-old she-camelC 36-45, one 2-year-oldshe-camelD 46-60, one 3-year-oldshe-camelE 61-75, 4-year-old she-camelF 76-90, two 2-year-old she-camelG 91-120, two 3-year-old she-camelH 121 or more, one 2-year-old she-camel for each additive 40, or one 3-year-old she-camel for each additional 50* Fiqhuz zakahIt also encourages us to be honest in our dealings, earnings and outgoings (spending money). Zakah is a lordly act in Islam it is not charity or tax. Charity is optional and taxes are used by states for any purpose, but zakah is only allowed to be spent in certain places such as helping the poor, even for needy or travellers i n need and for the cause of Allah. Zakah is a form of ibadah. Ibadah (Arabic) the word meaning worship or obedience. It can be done in any activity in life, if they it is done to please Allah and Allah alone. We all so pay zakah to gain Allahs favour. Zakah is a way of contributing our excess wealth with those who are less successful then our selves. Truly we our selves do not own the wealth it belongs to Allah. He is the real owner of the wealth and mankind, we have to fulfil Allahs commands by paying zakah as an obligatory it is a part of ibadah. Zakah is a basic principle of Islam, based on accessible welfare and the fair distribution of wealth. In addition to zakah, Muslim are encouraged in the Quran to make voluntary contributions to help the poor and needy, and for other social purposes. These voluntary contributions are called Sadaqa (charity). Through zakah, rich share their wealth with the poor.Zakaah al-FitrZakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity, which is distribut ed at the end of the fast of Ramadan. Zakaah al-Fitr is a duty, which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.Ibn Umar reported, that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims one Saa of dried dates or one Saa of barely.The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other constituents. The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Zakaah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Zakaah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Zakaah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community.The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact among the various(a) levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be chivalrous to those who do not have. The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (Eid al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.Ibn Abbaas reported, The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle whole caboodle and black-market talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before salah will have it accepted as Zakaah, epoch he who gives it after the salaat has given Sadaqah.The goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is to make Believers more aware of Allah. By making them give up some of their wealth, through this the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, pity (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect mans material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society. Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular finale of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and the Great Compromiser obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-Eid (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many another(prenominal) of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to pay Zakaah al-Fitr a couple days before the Eid.Naafi reported, That the Prophets companion Ibn Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the throng used to give it a day or two before the Eid.Ibn Umar reported, that the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-Eid).And Ibn Abbaas reported, That the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity.Therefore, one who for coheres to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr. The amount of Zakaah is the self equal(prenominal) for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa (two handfuls) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family.This calculation is based on Ibn Umars report, that the Prophet(sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable b y a Saa of dried dates or a Saa of barley.The Sahaabee, Abu SAeed al-Khudree said, In the Prophets time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese.AqiqahThe word Aqeeqah means the the hair of the forehead. It also means the animal that is sacrificed after the birth of a child. rough people call it Nusukiyah or Dhabihah. The purpose of Aqiqah is to give thanks to Allah, to express happiness on the birth of a child, and to announce the birth so that people know to whom the child belongs. Aqiqah is a highly recommended Sunnah (scholars). According to other scholars it is wajib (mandatory). The proper time for Aqiqah is the 7th day (or after), counting from the day of the birth of the child. Parents or grandparents should perform Aqiqah for their children or grandchildren. In some traditions it is said that one should sacrifice two lambs for a boy and one for a girl. But it is not required. One can sacrifice even one for the boy. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him sacrificed one lamb for Hasan and for Husain. The meat of the animal should be divided like the sacrificial meat at Eidul Adha, one third for the poor, one third for friends and one third for the family. One can also give all the meat to the poor and needy people. Children are Allahs gift. We should be thankful to Him and we should take good care of them.From the beginning we should pay attention to their Islamic upbringing and education. Parents should be a good role model for their children and they should also make sure that their children are learning right values, have right teachers and good friends. Someone rightly said that children are like sponges. They absorb whatever they see. It is very important that we give them the right message. We should also be careful about what they watch on TV and Internet. In Arabic the word Aqiq is also used for a precious stone. One can also say that Aqiqah is a ceremony that helps us realize the precios ity of our children.Salman bin AamirAd-Dabbi narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, Aqiqah is to be offered for a newly born boy, so slaughter (an animal) for him, and relieve him of his suffering.It is Sunnah to slaughter 2 (or 1) animals for a boy, and 1 for a girl. This meat is then to be shared with all the people in the community. At the time of the prophet meat was scarce. So eating and distributing meat became a special way of celebrating the birth of a baby.Giving something of the wealth over which Allah has given us temporary custody is a critical part of our deen. The Prophet (sas) saidMan yatasaddaqa bi idli tamratin min kasbin tayyibin wa laa yaqbalu Allahu illa at-tayyib fa inna Allaha yaqbaluhaa bi yameenihi thumma yurbeehaa li saahibihaa kamaa yurbiy ahadukum falwahu hattaa takoona mithla al-jabali.Whoever gives in charity the value of a oneness date from pure earnings and Allah accepts nothing but the pure verily Allah receives it with his right hand then he make s it arrest like the way one of you causes a dowry to grow until it becomes like a mountain.(Translation) Muslim BukhariSadaqaThe meaning of sadaqa is the giving of wealth to another as an act of worship and seeking to come closer to Allah Most High. It is an in force(p) barrier between the giver and evil. It repels trials and hardships and prevents an awful death. All of this is only by the permission of Allah and the giving of sadaqa is the cause which Allah has attached to these benefits. It is also used allegorically to conjure up to all acts of giving and kindness other than those involving wealth such as giving the greeting, smiling in your brothers face, seeking to solve a problem between two others for no gain to yourself, being attentive to your spouse in your bed and other actions.As the hadith says, giving of your wealth to another while physically between you and another human is an action received directly by Allah Most High. This has also been mentioned in the Qura nA lam talamoo anna Allaha huwa yaqbalu at-taubata an ibaadihi wa yakhudhu as-sadaqaati wa anna Allaha huwa at-tawaabu ar-raheem.Did you not know that Allah is the One who accepts repentence from his slaves and takes their charities and that Allah is the ever-Forgiving, the Merciful. (Translation) At-Tauba104Generally, the best way to give sadaqa is in secret, although it can also be done publicly. Sometimes it is actually crack to give publicly if that will encourage others to follow suit and increase the amount of giving among the Muslims. Because the Prophet (sas) said Whoever starts a good practice will get its reward and the reward of all those who do it after him without that decreasing his reward in the least and whoever starts a bad practice will get its sin and the sin of all those who do it after him without that diminishing their sin in the least. Allah saidIn tubdoo as-sadaqaati ta niimmaa hiya wa in tukhfoohaa wa tutoohaa al-fuqaraaa fa huwa khairun lakum wa yukaffiru ankum min sayyiaatikum wa Allahu bimaa tamaloona khabeerun.If you show your charitibal giving that is just fine and if you conceal it and give it to the needy that is soften for you and it will expiate for you some of your bad deeds and Allah is fully aware of all that you do. Al-Baqara271While giving may seem like a growing of ones wealth and putting it in a savings account or lending it out for interest may seem like an increase in ones wealth, the really it is quite the opposite. Allah saidYamhaqu Allahu ar-ribaa wa yurbiy as-sadaqaati wa Allahu laa yuhibbu kulla kaffaarin atheemin.Allah obliterates interest and causes charity to grow and Allah does not love every one of those extreme in disbelief and extreme in sin. Al-Baqara276Sadaqa, to be acceptable must be an act done for the sake of Allah with consciousness that what is being given is not truly yours or something you have earned or deserved. Rather, it is the feeding (rizq) of Allah and His privilege upon you and somethi ng which Allah has simply made you the temporary custodian (mustakhlaf) over. It was possessed by others before you and will be possessed by others after you.When one has this consciousness, then they will realize that the receiver is actually giving them a great gift and a great help by allowing them to worship and come close to Allah in this way and not the other way around. So Muslims of understanding will never humiliate or be weensy those to whom they give nor feel that they have done them a favor or that the receivers owe them anything like the ignorant and disbelieving do. If one does these things, it shows that their sadaqa is not genuine and it is invalidated and does them no good with Allah no case how big and generous it may be. Allah saidYaa ayyuhaa alladhina aamanoo laa tubtiloo sadaqaatikum bi al-manni wa al-adhaa ka alladhiy yunfiqu maalahu riaaa an-naasi wa laa yuminu bi Allahi wa al-yaumi al-aakhiri.O, you who believe do not invalidate your charities with claims o f generosity and harmfulness like the one who spends his wealth for the people to see but doesnt believe in Allah and in the Last Day. Al-Baqara264Islam encourages the giving of charity, but does not encourage the pickings of charity let alone asking for it. Since there are always among us those who need assistance, this means that it is obligatory upon those with the means to look for places to put their sadaqa such those in need never need to ask and seek their help. The Prophet (sas) saidAl-yadu al-ulyaa khairun min al-yadi as-suflaa wa ibda bi man taoolu wa khairu as-sadaqa maa kaana an dhahri ghinaa wa man yastafif yaiffuhu Allahu wa man yastighni yughnihi Allahu.The upper hand is superior to the lower hand. Start with those for whom you are responsible. The best charity is the one which leaves you free of need. Whoever abstains, Allah will dignify them and whoever maintains self-sufficiency, Allah will make them self-sufficient. Al-BukhariSadaqa is one of the seven things whi ch will get you spook in the Throne of Allah on the terrifying day of al-mahshar when there is no shade except for the shade of Allah. In the hadithSabaatun yudhilluhum Allahu fiy dhillihi yauma laa dhilla illa dhilluhu wa rajulun tasaddaqa bi sadaqatin fa ikhfaahaa hattaa laa talamu shimaaluhu maa tunfiqu yameenuhuSeven who Allahu will shade in His shade on the day when there is no shade except His shade and a man who gave something in charity secretly such that his left hand did not know what his right hand had given. Muslim BukhariBefore you think that your property is little or that you need to receive and not give, remember your standing before Allah. If two Muslims have a little and cling to it thinking I have only a little, then they will get no good deed from their wealth with which to face Allah. If the same two people give something of their minor wealth and, because Muslims are giving they also receive, they may end up with the same or more sustenance but also have a go od deed with which to face Allah Most High. Giving is win-win situationOn that day, we will need everything possible to help us. Do not neglect any opportunity to send something forward for that day. Even a tiny act of giving could be the critical particular proposition which determines your fate in the eternal hereafter. The Prophet (sas) saidMaa minkum min ahadin illa sayukallimuhu Allahu laisa bainahu wa bainahu turjumaan. Fa yandhuru aimana minhu falaa yaraa illa maa qaddama wa yandhuru ashama minhu falaa yaraa illa maa qaddam wa yandhuru baina yadaihi falaa yaraa illa an-naara tilqaaa wajhihi fa ittaqoo an-naara wa lau bi shiqqi tamratin.There is not one single one of you but that Allah will speak to him with no interpreter between them. He will look to his right and see nothing but what he has sent forth. He will look to his left and see nothing but what he has sent forth. He will look in expect of him and see nothing but the fire facing him. So beware of the fire even if w ith just half a date. Muslim BukhariSadaqh e jariyahTo spend in the path of Allah Taala by way of helping the Deen of Allah is highly creditable and rewarding. Reward gained through sadaqh e jariyah attains continues reward even after our death. Indeed fortunate are those who have gained such tremendous benefits and Insha Allah will succeed in the hereafter.Some of the common contributions made in this respect are donations towards the Masjid, building of Madrassahs, picture of Namaz, Yaseen Shareef, Durood and Salaam booklets etc. Undoubtedly these projects are required and should be encouraged because it benefits Islam.Hazrath Abu Hurairah (RadiAllahAnho) has reported the messenger of Allah has said, Among the actions and good deeds for which a believer will continue to receive reward, after his death, are knowledge which he taught and spread, a good son whom he left behind, or a copy of the Quran which he left as a legacy, or a mosque which he erected, or a house which he built for the traveller, or a stream which he caused to flow, or a Sadaqah which he gave from his property when he was alive and well, for which he will continue to receive reward after his death.The above hadith indicates various ways to attain the reward of Sadaqa e Jariyah, and building a House of Allah Taala is indeed one of the best form of Sadaqa-e-Jariyah.Riba/intrestRiba (Usury and Interest) According to Quran and SunnahRiba (Usury) is of two major kinds Riba An-Nasia Interest on lent moneyRiba Al-Fadl Taking a superior thing of the same kind of goods by giving more of the same kind of goods of inferior quality, eg, dates of superior quality for dates of inferior quality in great amounts.The definition of Interest, the literal meaning of interest or Al-Riba as it is used in the Arabic language means to excess or increase. In the Islamic terminology interest means effortless profits or that profit which comes free from compensation or that extra earning obtained that is free of exchange. Riba has been described as a loan with the condition that the borrower will return to the lender more than and better than the quantity borrowed. Due to the trend of interest money is going from the poor to the rich, whereas the rich are supposed to give money to the poor. Consequently, the rich are acquiring richer and the poor are becoming poorer. Islam completely prohibits interest as it clearly states in the QuranO you who believe, do not take interest, doubling and quadrupling, and keep your duty to Allah, so that you may proper.ConclusionOverall, I feel that it is a particular of life that poverty exists and no being can deny this fact and say that there is no poverty in the world. As Allah has created poverty he has also created enough wealth to support the poor, and needy. Allah has gave wealth to some people and poverty to some both are a test from god, the one who is likely to succeed is the one who gives his extra wealth to the needy if he is soaked or the on e who is patient and keeps faith in god if he is poor. The system of usury has been introduced in to the world but Islam says whoever restrains from usury and earns and spends his wealth loyally to Islam and pays zakah will indeed succeed in the next life.