“Sadaqah” A Sacred Institution to Facilitate the Poor

By: Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al A’alamiyah ( Najaf , Iraq ), M.A., LLM (Shariah)

Member, Ulama Council of Pakistan

This paper was prepared on the request of the Chairperson, “Council of Islamic Ideology Pakistan ” (Constitutional Institution of Pakistan ) a few years ago to answer the question: “How can an individual or an institution contribute to upgrade the quality of life of the less fortunate ones? With this discussion on the ‘Institution of Sadaqah’, an attempt has been made to re-establish an institution, to facilitate the poor class of the Ummah and improve their quality of life.

Part 2

Published in Daily News, Karachi on 10-08-2008 & earlier in Pakistan Times & on 25-08-2008 in Yemen Times

Philosophy of Sadaqah in Qur’an:

Sadaqah is the best act through which a person could achieve nearness of Allah and fight the forces of evil. The economic system of Islam provides us Talim that wealth should not be accumulated in the hands of one person, neither a wealthy, rich person should become a ‘Shaddad’, ‘Hamman’ and ‘Abu Lahab’ to cover his wealth like a snake. Similarly, the Trustees of Bait al M’aal should not utilize the fund undeservedly, which is similar to sucking the blood of the poor. Islam totally condemns it. Today the rich and wealthy of a society have become ferocious so as to suck the blood of the poor, but Islam is a religion of Justice, which never allows that a person may become a prey of another person. It provides assurance that all people are not equal, neither in ilm nor in wealth or power. One may be earning a lot, another less. One may be a hard worker, the other may not be so, yet another may be jobless, handicapped or crippled. Qur’an has defined the Ummah as a large family, which deserves and demands a close co-operation, mutual help and care, feeling of sacrifice among each other. Qur’an has given an assurance to this family (Ummah) for survival and bestows a golden principle:

“Help and co-operate among each other in goodness and virtue”. [12]

Strong Rrecommendations of Sadaqah:

Rasulullah (S) guides the Ummah regarding Sadaqah and Inf’aq several times, and encourages them through so many Ahadith. Sadaqah is the famous institution of charity. This is an institution through which one can spend in the name of Allah, for the cause of Allah. It is the ‘identity card’ to achieve nearness of Allah. It is the name of carrying good deeds. It is the way to fulfill the needs of the deserving class. Qur’an says:

“Say: “Verily my Lord increases the Rizaq-substance for whomsoever He wills of His servants, and restricts it (for whomsoever He wills) and He repays whatsoever you spend. He is the best of all providers”. [13]

One assurance has been given in Qur’an, which is not found in any other Scriptures:

“Those who spend their money (by giving Sadaqah, Khair’at to deserving) openly or quietly in the day and at night, their reward is with their Lord the Cherisher, they will not face any danger nor face sorrow or grief”. [14]

Commentators of the Qur’an are unanimous on the Nuzul of the above Ayat that it came down in praise of Ali to glorify his Sadaqah of four Darahim in the way of Allah—one by night, one by day, one secretly and one openly.

Let us take an example from some standard level. Today, while man has become materialistic, he first secures his selfish interest. He will not do anything without any interest. But the best assurance for secure profits is given in the following Ayat of the Qur’an:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain, which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains and verily, Allah gives manifold to whomever He wills, and Allah is omniscient, knowing”. [15]

Now pay attention and think over it, what a divine message Qur’an conveys to believers. Those who make a name in misery, whose hearts are narrow and tied up just like a handcuffed chain; they are away from the sense of kindness. Qur’an has mentioned such people in such a strong manner that the entire body shivers on its warnings. Directions have been given as follows:

“Listen! You people are invited to spend your money in the way of Allah, but some among you are miser. In fact they are doing misery with themselves; (i.e. not sharing part in Sadaq’at and Khair’at made them deprived of Barak’at and Naimat); while Allah is self sufficient and you are needy. If you turn back, He will bring other people in your place (the Naimat you have should be transferred to other) who will not be like you”. [16]

After this, again there is a warning of a horrible punishment as follows:

“No one will be thrown in it but the miser, who deny the truth and turns his back”. [17]

Strong tone and clear wordings of the above Ay’at is enough of a warning to the miser. Numerous Ahadith carry Talim and explain the significance of Sadaqah. Qur’an and Ahadith repeatedly and forcefully informed and insisted upon those in the Ummah, who have been rewarded with bounty, not to spend their wealth as an Isr’af, or for glorification among people. Instead they must spend it on deserving, needy people, who keep their problems hidden, due to self-respect. Many people go to bed without food. In winter, due to shortage of clothes, they face cold winds, and suffer various diseases without medicines.

Evils of Society:

One should keep in mind that class discrimination and poverty are two different things. In each society, class discrimination problems survive. Guidance of Islam regarding the removal of differences among classes is that the poor class must have the necessities of the life, according to the need of the time. Class discrimination is tyranny, which is the outcome of the three evils. Rasulullah (S) has declared Jih’ad against them. In ‘Ghazwah Badar’, these ‘Three Evils’ were present, and also represented individually. First was the Ruler, Abu Jahl; the second was the Capitalist power of Quraish and third was the Cleric, Abi Lahab. These three forces are still present today in different faces and dresses. The influential partner of this ‘Troika’ is Ulama al Su (the Clerics). They are the most dangerous than the two others, as they cheat in the name of Allah and His Rasul. It is their profession, everywhere. ‘Ulama al Su’ does not offer constructive guidance to the Ummah, but misleads them and when less fortune class discusses their problems with them they explain them as it is their destiny. For them nothing in this world, they will get reward in Akhirat. Neither Qur’an nor Rasulullah (S) provides this Talim. If people come out of the Net of the Ulama al Su, they would be able to spend better lives. People of all classes should avoid financial support to the clergy in the name of religion, and donate to welfare and charitable projects from which needy people can be helped. An Urdu poet had discussed Ulama al Su, and rightly explained in his poetry as follows:

“Geo Mulla Dharakey Sey; Duniya Margaee Faqey Sey”

O Crooked clerics! Enjoy the life, you are free of worries, (as your perpetual source of income is ‘Bait al M’aal’ of public, including non broken chain of donations under numerous heads); while masses have multiple problems, the poor go to sleep witout food.

“Tu Kh’aa Mazey Sey Halwey M’andey; Tujh Ku Kiya Hey A’atey Sey” [18]

You enjoy feast everyday; have you ever considered how difficult it is for less-fortune to earn a living?

Selected Bibliography

[12] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 2, Surat al Maedah, No.5

[13] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 39, Surat Saba , No. 34

[14] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 274, Surat al Baqrah, No. 2

[15] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 261, Surat al Baqarah, No.2

[16] Al Qur’an, Ayat No. 38, Surat Mohammed, No.47

[17] Al Qur’an, Ay’at No 15-16, Surat Al Laiyl, No. 92

[18] Prof. Ali HasanMuzaffar, “Riway’at Asal Deen Nahi”, Karachi

The writer is Attorney at Law & Religious Scholar

Email address: qazishkborhany@ hotmail.com

This document may be used, only with this copyright notice included. Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on internet forums, and include in not-for-profit publications subject to the following conditions: (1) Material used must be produced faithfully in full, without alteration or omission; (2) The author's subject title must remain unchanged, in whole or in part; (3) Material must be attributed to the author Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany. Contact the author for all other rights, which are reserved.

Chance to Heal Those Broken Promises

The life of a human being is given its character, its personality, its tone by the almost continuous changes that the human being undergoes. A series of physical and spiritual changes transform man from a child to an adolescent, from an adolescent to an adult and from an adult to an elderly person. The physical changes that occur in this process are usually fairly easy to trace. The story becomes interesting, however, when we begin to analyze the spiritual changes that are brewing within this aging mind.

Islam places spirituality at the core of its doctrine. It works from the fundamental law that a human being is both a physical and spiritual being, that he has both a body and a soul. Further, Islam argues that the body is simply a vehicle for the soul, until the two are separated when the human being dies physically. The only difference between being alive and being dead is that while we are alive, our soul has command of our body and can direct it toward performing certain deeds, whilst after death, the soul loses control of the body, and is left with only the bliss of reward for its good deeds, or with the piercing pain of regret for its wastefulness and sin.

Chance to Heal Those Broken Promises

The holy month of Ramadhan is on its way once more. Lucky are those who will be there when it arrives. Looking back at the last Ramadhan, I remember the plans, promises and changes I intended to make which did not go exactly as planned. More sadly, I remember that I knew of people that were alive then, but this year they are gone! Who would have thought that they would not be able to get 'one' more Ramadhan?

Some of us take it for granted. We tend to only think of it when an incident as such takes place, and once we get through Ramadhan; the reality of life just happens to slip through our minds. Those who do not forget and keep a record of their promises will surely be the winners.

Fasting: Spiritual food for our souls

Since the holy month is a door step away, we can prepare our own 'to be' and 'to do' lists from today. We can mend those broken promises.

Every job has its rewards, incentives and recognition. Islam is no different-for every good dead is multiplied by seventy times. In the holy month of Ramadhan, we have tremendous incentives given to us: mercy, forgiveness and endless opportunities to gain reward.

The holy month of Ramadhan is one of the best months of the year, in which Allah Almighty grants us the opportunity to cleanse our hearts and feed our thirsty souls with something that is everlasting: piety.

Fasting: Frees your imprisoned soul

Fasting is one recipe that frees our souls from temptations and from every prison we unintentionally invent around our souls. At one point, our Dua's tap the doors of the sky hoping they would be answered. Joy is for those whose calls are answered by Allah Almighty in which he says: I hear you my servant, I hear you. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us: "Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah) the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler.

Quick Things to keep in mind

• The month of Ramadhan is an invitation from Allah to boost our faith; do not turn it away
• Protect yourself from yourself
• The fruit of fasting is piety; our way to Paradise
• Do not overload yourself with big plans
• Do one good thing at a time, and add items as you go
• Let it be the month in which you start the new 'you'

"Sadaqah" A Sacred Institution to Facilitate the Poor

By: Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany

PhD (USA), NDI, Shahadat al A'alamiyah (Najaf, Iraq), M.A., LLM (Shariah)

Member, Ulama Council of Pakistan

This paper was prepared on the request of the Chairperson, "Council of Islamic Ideology Pakistan" (Constitutional Institution of Pakistan) a few years ago to answer the question: "How can an individual or an institution contribute to upgrade the quality of life of the less fortunate ones? With this discussion on the `Institution of Sadaqah', an attempt has been made to re-establish an institution, to facilitate the poor class of the Ummah and improve their quality of life.

Part I

Published in Daily News, Karachi on 09-08-2008, Yemen Times on 18-08-2008 & earlier in Pakistan Times

Introduction: Today, the Muslim society is a victim of many social evils, due to a lack of awareness of religious education. Narrow mindedness is the result of this attitude, because education of Islam opens many windows. Educated upper class considers Shariah as an out-dated code of life. Ignorance of the Science of Islam is the core reason for the mutilation of the faith. This situation allows people to accept the influence of their surroundings, which later on become part of their faith. Today Muslims follow customs and rituals more punctually and strictly while forgetting the original teachings of Shariah. Due to this negative attitude, no discrimination between right and wrong exists for them, and the benedictions of the institution of Sadaqah seem to have lost their importance. This divine gift, which was conferred through the institution of Wahi, for the elevation of the less-fortunate class of the society, has become a forgotten chapter. In Southeast Asia, Muslims practiced Sadaqah in the same manner as the Hindu ritual of "D'an & Darakshna". The Hindus believed that something should be donated to the priest-class and in return hoped that ones misfortune or difficulty will be removed. Unfortunately, our people at large treat charitable institutions of Islam in the same manner, as it is explained in the "Hindu Mythology". Plunderers of the faith—the so-called clergy, are largely responsible for undermining the real spirit of this institution. They exploit the masses and lead them to serve their own interests. It is a pity that the people have forgotten this institution of their own welfare, and are being exploited by the clerics in the name of religion. These clerics try their best to snatch valuables in the name of Allah. "It is worth-mentioning what people do to `drive away their misfortunes' :

· To avoid misfortunes and troubles, people would put the head of a goat, on the corner of a street.

· To cure an illness and other needs, people feed pieces of meat to kites and crows.

· To fulfill hopes and good wishes, a lemon punctured with a clove inside is thrown on the street.

· To protect a baby from evil-eye, an egg is waved around the head and thrown outside.

· `Ulama al Su', to satisfy their selfish desires ask for different costly items, such as gold, silver, Musk, Aud-Aloes wood, Saffron, and other valuables, other then money, according to the status of the needy person in the name of Sadaqah & Khair'aat".[1]

Misinterpretation of Sadaqah: It is necessary to examine the root causes of misinterpretation of the term "Sadaqah" by our people. People influenced by their surroundings donate Sadaqah just to remove their problems. It becomes a habit, which has turned into their faith. On the other side, the clergy pursue a luxurious life style. They indulge in money-minting and non-constructive activities. Instead of a scientific research, in the studies of Qur'an and Islam and welfare of the community, they love to spend time in profligacy. Today, people treat the item donated in the name of Sadaqah with a social stigma as something meant for the poorest of the poor. No one would like to even touch it, as people think that the Af'aat of the person attached to it on whose name it is donated may come upon them. The cultured class is also unaware about the spirit of Sadaqah. One giving the Sadaqah tries to give it away as early as possible, as it is believed that it is not good to carry the same, and is considered a bad omen. The innocent people are amazed when advised them to carry Sadaqah till any deserving person available. They fear if they carry it with them perhaps face any kind of trouble. The reason for such superstitious beliefs is only due to lack of correct information from the right source. There is no reference in the Fiqah-literature that the receiver of Sadaqah will face any harm or problem, as is wrongly believed. Such beliefs are the result of the ignorance of the people about the divine philosophy. The charlatans and the perfidious clergy have misled the masses away from the truth. People have forgotten the original Talim and remain busy in absurd customs and rituals taught by the clerics. Traditions and rituals have no concern with the religion, but unfortunately they are treated as part of religion.

Definition of Sadaqah: Those who divide Islam, politics and economics in three different categories, can not find the solutions of the financial crises of the Ummah. The shortsighted clergy can not help in building a welfare society, which Islam has ordained. Social and economic crises of the Ummah can be solved if people practice according to the advice of Qur'an. Presently, it is only a neglected lesson, which exists without its original spirit. Raghib Isfahani wrote in his famous book: "Mufarradat al Qur'an" as follows:

"The meaning of the word Sadaqah in the language of Shariah is to grant or donate with free-will to others". [2]

Meaning of Sadaqah is explained in "Qamus al Fiqahi" as follow:

"Sadaqah is that which is donated to others only to please Allah and to get His nearness". [3]

The word Sadaqah is from the word Sidq, which means truth and sincerity, the truth and sincerity, which are expressed to others with true intention to help a needy deserving class. Any kind of help which you give to others in cash or in any form is an act of Sadaqah. This act demands sincerity, because it is Allah alone who in return removes or lesson the problems which a person faces. Sadaqah is a very wide term and is used in the Qur'an to cover all kinds of charity. Ahadith literature provides us following Talim in this regard:

· "Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah".[4]

· "Enjoining what is right & forbidding what is wrong is Sadaqah" [5]

· Giving a smile or a glass of water to a thirsty person or even a word of kindness and so on. [6]

· Planting something from which a person, bird or animal afterwards takes benefit also counts Sadaqah

· Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah .[7]

· Guiding a person who is lost is also Sadaqah." [8]

· Helping someone to establish himself in professional life, assisting someone acquire good learning; monetary assistance for the treatment of the sick; looking after the orphans and the destitute; giving scholarships to students, all such charitable works, come under Sadaqah-Jariyah- -that is why so many traditions are available which explain the reward of this practice and attracts the community to promote it. "The reward for giving Sadaqah in secret is seventy times superior to that of giving it publicly". [9]

The highest degree of Sadaqah is that which should be given secretly so that the other hand may not know of it. It is however not restricted to pay Sadaqah openly, but according to the Talim of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and guidance of Ahl al Bait and Ash'ab it is preferable that Sadaqah be given secretly, that is superior in practice. According to Abi Abdillah Imam Jafar Assadiq, except `Bani Hashim', Sadaqah could be given to any needy Mumin.

Qur'an describes pious as follows:

"And in their wealth there was the right of the "Sa'el"-needy person and the "Mahrum"-poor who does not approach others". [10]

Good conduct is frequently termed Sadaqah in the Hadith. In this extended sense, acts of loving, kindness, even greeting one another with a cheerful face, is regarded as Sadaqah. In brief, every good deed is Sadaqah. This should start at home, as per Hadith:

"When one of you is poor, he starts with himself. If anything is left, he spends it on his dependents. If anything is (still) left then on his relatives, and then, if more is left, he spends it here and there." [11]

Bibliography

[1] Syed Ibn Hasan Najafi, "Sadaqah Ki Ahmiyat", Karachi, Pakistan

[2] Raghib Isfahani, "Mufarrad'at al Qur'an" 2^nd edition, Qum, Iran

[3] S'adi Abu Habib, "Qamusi Fiqahai", Pakistan

[4] 1-"Kanz al Far'aid", Hadith No. 16305; 2-"Nahj al Fasahat", vol. No. 1, page

No. 378, Iran

[5] "Bih'ar al Anw'ar", vol. No. 93, page No.182, Beirut

[6] "Mustadrak al Wasail", vol.No.7, page No.250, Qum

[7] 1-"Bih'aral Anw'ar", vol.No.93, pageNo.182, Beirut; 2-"Mustadrak al

Wasail", vol. No.7, page No. 242

[8] Nahj al Fasahat, vol.No.1, page No.378, Iran

[9] Al Baydawi, "Anwar al Tanazil", vol. No.2,pg. No. 211, Qahira, Egypt

[10] Al Qur'an, Ayat No. 19, Surat al Zariy'at 51

[11]Hadith narrated by Syedna Jabir

The writer is Attorney at Law & Religious Scholar

Email address: qazishkborhany@ hotmail.com

This document may be used, only with this copyright notice included. Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on internet forums, and include in not-for-profit publications subject to the following conditions: (1) Material used must be produced faithfully in full, without alteration or omission; (2) The author's subject title must remain unchanged, in whole or in part; (3) Material must be attributed to the author Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany. Contact the author for all other rights, which are reserved.