Muslim teachings on Poverty and Wealth - What is Poverty?
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Introduction
Muslim teachings on Poverty and Wealth What is Poverty? Islam has always acted on one belief that we are equal in the eyes of Allah (swt) and that we all belong to Allah's Ummah. On this basis, we should help our brother's and sisters in Islam give them whatever they require to stay fit and healthy and lead lives like us. We know that it is our duty not only as people but also as Muslims to help those who require our assistance. Therefore, we understand that our wealth and good health etc has been given to us by Allah to see how we use our wealth etc. We believe that we have been given everything to see how we use it. Are we going to misuse our wealth? Because Allah is forever testing us whether we are poor or rich, fat or thin Allah is watching our every move to see whether we are abiding by Allah's laws. Allah tests a poor person to see whether they question Allah or do they put their faith in Allah and believe that he is there. Similarly Allah test a rich person to see how he distributes his wealth, does he give Zakah like he should or does he buy beautiful cars, houses and ornaments to display in his house to show off to the world? ...read more.
Middle
is a gift from Allah (swt). Allah (swt) is testing us to see just how patient we are. The poor are tested to see whether they are patient and put their Imaan (belief) in Allah (swt) and rely on him and believe that he will help them, give them money, if not in this life then in the hereafter. Poverty for instance has been created from Allah (swt) as a test to see how patient the poor are and to see how generous the rich are. Poverty, Homelessness and Our Duty! "Have you ever seen a human being who contradicts the (essence of) faith (in Allah and His Judgment)? That is the person who pushes the orphan aside and does not promote feeding the needy. Woe, then, unto those who pray, but their hearts and minds are remote from (the essence and message of) their prayers, those who (want but) to be seen and praised, whereas they refuse to help others (who need help)." (Quran 107) Concern for the poor is a basic Islamic tenet. We hope this page will become an important resource for improving our individual and community response to those who need our support. Narrated Hakim bin Hizam that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. ...read more.
Conclusion
Should Zakah be paid only once a year? The early Muslims actually paid Zakah everyday instead of paying in a large bulk once a year. Some scholars have advised that we plan in advance for our Zakah because we might die and our inheritors may not pay the Zakah we owe. Another group of scholars say for businesses, you should pay in advance. The way you would do this is by estimating how much business you will make and pay 2.5 percent. What is Zakah-ul-Fitr? Zakah -ul-Fitr is for fasting Muslims to give food or money on behalf of fasting people. The food or money is equal to one day's meals for one person. The head of the family pays this amount on behalf of each person in the family. If he is responsible for his mother and father, then he has to pay Zakah ul Fitr for them too. If a person cannot fast permanently in the month of Ramadan (for instance, because of illness) they have to pay Fitra for each fasting day. What is Waqf? Waqf is an example of the Prophet (saas). He was the first person to make Waqf in Islam and the first to instruct those who gave charity to convert their donations into Waqf. Waqf refers to giving property or items to charity. Waqf is a form of continuous charity; the Prophet (saas) said Waqf is one of the best forms of charity. ...read more.
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