8. INFAQ (CHARITY, SADAQAT, ZAKAT ETC)

In The Name Of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Many Muslims thought that by performing their daily 5 times "wajib" (compulsory) prayers, fasting in the month of "Ramadhan" and paying zakat (almsgiving), they have done what is required of them in Islam. But when you really read and understand the al-Qur'an, you will notice that Allah says in many surahs of the al-Qur'an about INFAQ (charity - the best, is to the course of Islam) and there are also ayats that Allah says, when you make infaq, you're giving a goodly loan to Allah. 

Let's read this ayat.

Al-Hadid (57:18)

In the above ayat, Allah promised that he would increase all good deeds (those who give goodly loans to Allah) in manifold (Allah will give more than what they have given for charity..!). Most scholars are of the opinion that the good deeds of a person will be rewarded either in this worldly life or in the Hereafter, or both. Only Allah is Most Knowing.

Al-Muzzammil (73:20)

Performing tahajjud prayer is encouraged by Allah but not wajib, to a Muslim. Although tahajjud prayer is not wajib (not a must), narrated by 'Aisyah (Prophet's wife), Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (PBUH) prayed tahajjud daily. A person who loves his Prophet (PBUH) will follow his ways. In the above ayat, Allah also says that apart from praying tahajjud, performing prayer alone is not enough; to seek a better reward from Allah, one must give zakat and also loan to Allah, a goodly loan.

Al Baqarah (2:245)

This is a promise from Allah. Can you say Allah will not keep his promise...? Remember, in Article 5, the Writer mentioned that when Allah gives wealth to a person, it's a test from Allah on him (or her)!  Allah gives him wealth, but when he forgets that the wealth is from Allah, he becomes stingy and does not give charity or sadaqat (sadaqah), or when he gives charity, he is not sincere, but for show (he wants the world to know that he is a charitable person..!.) and to him, he feels he has performed the call for charity by Allah but what he may not know is that he is probably under wrath from Allah and is receiving " Istidraj " from Allah.

Al-Qalam (68:44)

So what is Istidraj...? It is a gift from Allah to mankind in the form of wealth (rich, successful, a very influential person, leader of a nation (a person with power) but does not follow Allah's law. But what he does not know is that the gift given by Allah is because Allah is NOT PLEASED with him....!?? Allah will give and continue to give (to test him). Still, Allah can just take back what he gives any time..... Allah can make him poor again overnight (business failure, reputation tarnish, as a leader, is his overthrown, loss the election, etc.). Of course, the fastest way by Allah, is to take one's life before he can repent..!

 نعوذ بالله من ذلك

Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH) said, "When you see that Allah Almighty gives blessing to His servants who always makes sin (perfidious or deceitful), he is under wrath (istidraj) from Allah" (Narrated by At-Tabrani, Ahmad, and al-Bayhaqi)

They felt that Allah gave them the "nikmat" (grace) because of Allah's love for them. Still, some strongly believe that if one is to get happiness in this world and Hereafter, one must follow the footsteps (sunnah) of the Prophet (PBUH) and be steadfast to Islam. Today, we live in a modern world, and money and wealth, to most, are everything..... Most are willing to do anything for money. Most people seek the highest secular education to achieve a high societal position and recognition. To most, giving away to charity is like reducing one's wealth. They work hard and get what they have now, and why should they share with others....? Do you have this feeling..?

My advice, if you have these feelings, correct yourselves now...! You may be receiving "Istidraj" from Allah...!

Al-Hadiid (57:24)

A stingy person (who does not like to give infaq) who influences others to be stingy, will suffer when others, due to his influence over them, also become stingy.

A simple example is when you see a beggar coming to you asking for money, and although you still have in you the feeling of wanting to give some money but change your mind not to give when a person (your friend) next to you says,.."Why should you give the beggar money,...he should be working, not begging...Why should you help a lazy person..!" When you are influenced by your friend and that stops you from giving, both you and your friend fall under what Allah says in the above ayat.

Do you know that part of your wealth belongs to the poor...? Allah says in this ayat. Don't you think it was Allah who picked the person to ask you?

Adh-Dhariyat (51:19)

  Allah also says.

Al-Qasas (28:77)

You can seek wealth that Allah has bestowed on you BUT do not forget your part to do good..but people always forget.

Al-Maarij (70:19-25)

What the above ayats meant..?

Indeed, man is created with these characteristics - impatient,  easily angered (tempered), greedy, and stingy. When he experiences hardship and difficulty, he becomes impatient, restless, and easily angered. Still, when he gets what he wants (contented), he becomes stingy (niggardly), except for those who continuously perform his prayer (and, most importantly, understand what he is saying in prayer) and know that a portion of his wealth is for poor (who asks) and the poor who are reluctant to ask. Both ayats 70:25 and 51:19 above affirmed that the poor have rights over their properties in the form of zakat, charity, sadaqah, etc...

Allah also reminded us in this ayat..

Al-Baqarah (2:268)

The ayat is a reminder for believers to seek sustenance and provisions in lawful ways and not to resort to unlawful means despite the pressures of poverty or difficulty. It also warns against the whisper of Satan, who tries to deceive people and lead them toward immoral and unethical actions. The ayat reassures believers that Allah is forgiving and generous and promises them provision from him. Those believers actually sell Allah's promise of forgiveness and bounty for worldly things.

More ayat on goodly loan...

At-Taqhabun (64:17)

Al-Munafiqoon (63:10)

Allah says in the above ayat 63:10 that when we are about to die, Allah will show and replay all the bad doings that we have done and it will be that time when you will say,  "If only Allah would give me time to return to the worldly life, I will give sadaqah, charity, zakat (Infaq)  and be among the righteous person" but by then, it's already too late. Only Allah is Best Knowing.

Another promise from Allah..!

Al-Baqarah (2:261)

Allah promised that when a person spends his wealth in the way of Allah, he will multiply the person's wealth (or will reward him), just like a seed that will grow seven stalks, and on each stalk, there will be 100 grains (this mean 1 x 7 x 100 = 700 times).

Only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger are willing to spend their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Allah also says this in this ayat.

Al-Hujuraat (49:15)

The ayat sheds light on the importance of strong faith and unwavering certainty in Allah and his Messenger. This ayat underscores the core element of true faith by identifying the believers who are truthful and honest in their faith,

Again, let's look at what is happening now..? Amusement, wealth, and the like are what most people are chasing. As mentioned by Writer's in Article 1, instead of learning the al-Qur'an, people will go through the existing secular education system from primary to PhDs with solid hopes of gaining a high position in the working sectors. (please do not blame your parents...now that you know, you have to do something about it, it's still not too late...learn al-Qur'an Arabic...!),

According to most, learning al-Qur'an (including implementing Allah's law...) will not guarantee one's worldly needs, i.e., job security, position... In contrast, many ayats in the al-Qur'an say Allah will provide "rezeki" (sustenance) to whom he pleases and especially to those who believe in Allah's laws.

The Writer asked a few Arab friends who speak Arabic whether an Arab-speaking person can understand the al-Qur'an without learning it...? All of them said they would only know about 10-20% of al-Qur'an Arabic if they did not learn and understand the al-Qur'an. The Writer is unsure whether this is true, 

Al-Hadiid (57:20)

Allah reminds us that one's life is like a plant; it will eventually dry, turn yellow and become debris. If you spend too much time on worldly matters and ignore Allah's law and what is required from you is to be a person of "taqwa," severe punishment is waiting in the Hereafter.

Al-Imran (4:10)

The above ayat relates to a Hadith when Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH) asked a group of learneth Jews whether they agreed that Abdullah Salam (a very learneth Jew) is a righteous and religious person among the Jews. They said "Yes," but when Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (PBUH) declared that Abdullah Salam had embraced Islam, they denied him and said he was not righteous and religious. Comments by some Islamic scholars, if one does not believe in Allah's law (or only use what is suitable for you and put aside what is not suitable to you), you put yourself just like the learneth Jews as narrated in this Hadith.

Al-Imran (4:114)

Now let's view these YouTube video on charity...

Yusuf Estes on Charity

Sadaqah Jariah - Mufti Menk

How Charity Increases Your.. Nouman Ali Khan

After reading all the ayats above and watching the videos, are there examples of sadaqah...? Let's find out how the companions (sahabah)  during Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (PBUH) period do regarding charity.....

1. Abu Bakar (RA)

One of the companions of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH), who is known for his generosity, was Abu Bakar (RA). It was narrated that Abu Bakar (RA) and Umar (RA) always compete in good deeds (giving charity or sadaqah). The Prophet came to the people and asked for charity on several occasions. On one occasion, Umar (RA) had recently acquired a large sum of money, and he quickly gave half of his money to charity to outdo Abu Bakar (RA). He later discovered that Abu Bakar had donated all his money to charity. When Umar asked Abu Bakar what he had left for his family, he said, " I have left them Allah and His Messenger". The strength of his belief makes Umar acknowledge he cannot keep up with Abu Bakar on good deeds (narrated by at-Tirmithi and Abu Dawud and is authentic according to al-Hakim and ath-Thahabi)

2) Abu Talhaa al-Ansari

When verse Al-Imran (3:92) was revealed, "By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc., it means here Allah's reward that is Paradise) unless you spend  (in Allah's cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well." Abu Talha went to the Prophet (PBUH) and told him, " O Messenger of Allah! The most beloved of my wealth is Bayruha, i.e., a garden full of fruit-bearing trees. He gives it as a sadaqah for Allah. " Take it O Messenger of Allah, until Allah shows you what to do with it". The Prophet (PBUH) said, " Excellent ! That is profit. Keep it under your charge and give away the fruit". (This story is narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

3) Abu ad-Dahdah.

When Abu ad-Dahdah heard Al-Baqarah 2:245, "Who is he that will lend Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions) and unto Him you shall return," he asked the Prophet (PBUH), " O Messenger of Allah. Does Allah, too, ask His servants to give him a loan?" The Prophet (PBUH) replied, "Yes" On this, the companion asked the Prophet (PBUH) to extend his hand and to bear witness that he had given away his garden that no one else owned, a garden in which there were several hundred palm trees. The companion returned to his garden where his family was, and he informed his wife of what he had done. The family vacated the garden and said to him," What a profitable transaction, O Abu ad-Dahdah..! Allahu Akbar" This companion gave him something precious in the way Allah and his family supported him in his effort. This is an excellent example of a righteous family where the family members aided one another in their striving towards the Hereafter (Story narrated by at-Tabarani and Abu Ya'laa)

From the many stories of the lives of the Prophet Muhammed S.A.W. (PBUH) companions, we conclude that the companions applied Allah's law and the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH), who encouraged charity. Although charity is not compulsory ("wajib"), the rewards from our deeds are something that we would like to carry in the Hereafter. Again from the stories, we can say that no companion had not given away something from his wealth as a goodly loan to Allah.

Some of the poorer companions came to the Prophet (PBUH), telling him that the rich had surpassed them in doing good deeds because they could not donate anything. The prophet (PBUH) said,    " For every glorification of Allah is charity, enjoining good is charity, forbidding evil is charity, removing obstacles from the path is charity, to reconcile between two people is a charity, and to help a man onto his mount is also charity." He later told them to recite "Subhanallah (33x), Walhamdulillah (33x), Walla illa hailallahu Wallahu Akbar (33x) " after prayer, which is also a form of charity.

In today's modern world, we need money to get by the day...but can we emulate the firm belief of our companions....?

Let's not talk about those rich and able to apply what their companions have done (the Writer believes there are still such people around...but only a few), BUT let's look at ourselves. How can we train ourselves to build some characteristics of the companions? Assume we have not done much charity for many years, and now we want to start giving. How do we start...? 

A friend said, " Start giving charity to those you have doubts about in your heart." For example, in Malaysia, quite often when you have tea tarik (milk tea) with your friends in the mamak (Indian Muslim) restaurant, you will see very frequently small kids (mostly Mymmar or Cambodian origin immigrants) asking for money or selling items like a mini book with printed surah Yasin. There will be people who will say "No" or show a gesture (sign) to indicate " a No," and some even comment, "They say No because the kids are collecting money for a syndicate," and some even ask all kinds of questions but eventually, still do not give. Yes....! Perhaps it's a syndicate, but if you want to train your heart, it is essential to give, not to question...! We should instill in our hearts...the eagerness to make sadaqah. Give some, maybe 50 sen, a Ringgit, or maybe more......do not question their background. When you grow this feeling of giving sadaqah in you...quite often before going to a mamak restaurant, you would have to prepare small change (coins or one Ringgit note) so you will not be caught in a situation when you want to give, you only have considerable amount Ringgit notes with you, and that may deter you from giving.......resulting a feeling in you on why you do not prepare small change..and you will regret later for not giving....??? These feelings are hard to explain..!. But if you believe strongly in Allah's ayat, go to the cashier for a small change or just give what you have...... try it!

Another way is when you go for prayer in the masjid, mussollah, or surau (as it is known in Malaysia). Before or after each prayer, just put some money in the masjid's collection box...start by placing in the collection box a small amount and, later, a bigger amount... When you continue to give, the feelings of wanting to give charity will grow in your heart.  It will also help you to build your eagerness to pray in the masjid for all your daily prayers...this, you must try!

Once you have done the above, you should upgrade yourselves by giving more. The Writer attended a kuliah (religious talk) recently. The Ustaz talked about giving charity using an analogy, i.e., there's a particular type of fruit tree; when you want the tree to bear fruits faster, you cut selected branches and leaves of the tree. In sha Allah, you will see new leaves growing, and chances are that fruits will bear faster. So, what he was trying to say, Allah promise when you give charity (just like you cut the branches and leaves of a tree), Allah will pay you by increasing your rezeki....(...when the tree bear fruits..!). "Ikhlas" (sincerity) is essential when it comes to charity. Giving charity to show off (....although still considered as good deeds, Wallahualam...) is different from giving charity for the sake of Allah ("..Ikhlas"). Giving charity for the sake of Allah is giving a goodly loan to Allah, and Allah will surely repay.

How can you upgrade yourselves? Let's talk about giving charity where your deeds will continue to grow..instead of just one-off! An example of a charity where your good deeds will continue to grow is akin to a multi-level marketing commission without any "cut-off level" (for multi-level marketing, the commission is paid up to only a certain level). Still, for these types of good deeds, it is forever.

1) Regularly or put aside specific allocation each month for charity to an individual (e.g., for students' fees to assist him in being an al-hafiz), to al-Quran Training Centre (like Semat Qur'an) or Mahaad Tahfiz that train students (usually from the age of 6-7 years old) to become al-hafiz (able to recite the al-Quran with more than 6,650 words by heart). When a student becomes an al-hafiz, the chances that he will also teach another (or a class of students) when he is qualified to do so, and this process shall continue, perhaps, forever...(only Allah knows). His good deeds will continue to grow until Hereafter;

2) Regularly gives charity for dawah (missionary purposes), i.e., to spread the religion of Islam. Some NGOs are active in these activities, like Al-Khaadem Foundation (www.al-khaadem.com.my), Muslim Care Malaysia (www.muslimcare.org.my ), and many more.

3) Regularly gives charity for building new masjids, new Tahfiz training centers, etc. As long you continue to give, this is a goodly loan to Allah;

4) Give charity to students studying Syariah-related subjects in overseas universities, particularly in the Middle East.

5) Regularly gives charity to Orphanages;

6) Regularly gives charity in terms of money or buying food provisions to the poor /..single mothers/..to the orphanage;

7) Regularly gives charity to handicapped people etc

8) Most importantly, give charity to the poor member of your family (they also have certain rights over your sadaqah before you have given sadaqah to others).

Before you proceed, please click this link on Infaq (unfortunately, it's in Malay).

How do you consider charity as a one-off?

1) Give charity to the development of a school building, sports club, school library, and the like, i.e., for general purposes and usually not related to the religion of Islam.

The purpose of charity is endless........can be for religious and non-religious (irrespective of a Muslim or a non-Muslim), and your deeds can be on a perpetuity or a one-off basis. Only Allah will determine how he will categorize your good deeds and whether to accept or not accept your good deeds...But one very important thing about the charity that you must know is that, when giving charity, priority should be given to your siblings and relatives who are categories under all the above criteria first...and not forgetting others (as mentioned under item (8) above)

However, in giving charity, one must make sure he is giving it with a sincere heart ("ikhlas"). Let's see these 2 ayats..!

At-Taubah (9:54)

Allah says in the above ayat Allah will accept their good deeds (those who give charity, sadaqah...even to a Mahaad Tahfiz, etc.) UNLESS they disbelieve in Allah and his Messenger (this means Allah's laws and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH)), do not pray, or if they pray, they are performing it in a lazy state (this includes do not understand what they read while praying). If they make charity, they are doing it unwillingly, i.e., they are not "ikhlas" (probably no choice because others are looking for a show, to impress, etc...)

 At-Taubah (9:55)

The call for charity by Allah is to all mankind...not just to the Muslims. Allah will surely pay a goodly loan !...but for the Muslims, our good deeds in charity will surely help us in the Hereafter (but subject to all of us also fulfilling the conditions imposed by Allah as mentioned in surah Al-Kahf 18:103-105), and this is more important than worldly rewards...(see video below with title ...And don't do it again!.....for an example of worldly reward).

Why it is crucial for us to fulfill surah Al-Kahf (18:103-105)?

Why does Allah not accept their deeds...?

Ar-Rum (30:7)

 Allah also reminded us in Surah Al-Hadiid (57:20) below that if we live in this world only for play, sport, enjoyment, boasting, rivalry regarding wealth and children, a show of power, etc...., it's not last long. Like vegetation, it will grow green after rain and finally become yellow, dried up, and crumbles away. Those who are heedless of the Hereafter (those who do not implement Allah's laws like praying, fasting, paying zakat, taking care of their modesty i.e., "aurat" for both men and women (wearing of hijab), implement (or support) hudud laws..learn al-Quran Arabic..etc. And evil-doers such as those who follow the way of Satan such as drinking liquor, stealing, robbing, killing, corruption...basically doing or taking anything classified as haram...Wallahualam...etc.), the punishment from Allah is very severe; not only that, if they give charity (considered good deeds)...all these shall be in vain, and on the day of resurrection (judgment day), Allah shall not give any weight on all the good deeds, accumulated. This ayat is a clear reminder not to be caught in this world of deceiving enjoyment. All our deeds will be all for nothing (al-Kahf (18:105))

Al-Hadiid (57:20)

Now, let's view this very interesting video. This is an excellent example of the way Allah pays a goodly loan (irrespective of Muslim or non-Muslim)..!

We believe Allah rewards all who give charity, irrespective of Muslim or Non-Muslim. Allah is ar Rahman (to both Muslims and Non-Muslim) and Al-Rahim (only to Muslims). We can see many charitable non-Muslims. For example, Bill Gates gave huge charity (giving away his money), BUT his wealth continues to grow. Visit this link Bill Gates and Charity.  The writer of that website said it reduced Bill Gates's stake in Microsoft by 1.3% (maybe on paper), but Allah continue to shower him with wealth so he can give more and more. He had given charity for more than USD50 billion. Allah gives non-Muslim blessings in this world, BUT he will not give Ar-Rahim (Allah's pleasures are to those who are keen to go to Jannah! i.e. Muslims). May Allah opens his heart to Islam. But, mind you, we Muslims may also not go to heaven if we do not follow Allah's laws..!.

One very important ayat before we end this Article is ayat 28:77

Al-Qasas (28:77)

  Al-Baqarah (2:274)

Do not let go of the al-Qur'an and Sunnah..! Infaq in the form of Sedaqah will help you to accumulate your good deeds since it is a goodly loan to Allah.



 
ONLY ALLAH KNOWS BEST

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