In Islam, charity can be given in any form. It can be given through money, clothes and food.
Riba, meaning interest. In the Qur’an, it says; “God condemns Riba, and blesses charities. Lo! those who believe and do good works and establish worship and pay the poor-due, their reward is with their Lord and they shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve. O you who believe, you shall observe God and refrain from all kinds of Riba, if you are believers. If you do not, then expect a war from God and his messenger. But if you repent, you may keep your capitals, without inflicting injustice, or incurring injustice. If the debtor is unable to pay, wait for a better time. If you give up the loan as a charity, it would be better for you”. Qur'an 2:276-280
This explains, that God is against people who charge interest on long term deals. Such as mortgages. He says that those who do not charge interest, have their reward waiting for them with God. And those who charge interest, should be ready for war with God and his messengers. God also says that if you charge interest, but repent it, that you make keep the money. He also states that if the debtor is unable to pay back the loan, then you should harass him for the money, but you should wait for a better time to ask him for the money back.
Therefore, Muslims are forbidden to lend money and then charge interest on that money. They must be think of giving up the loan if the person is unable to pay the money back. As Muslims do not approve of mortgages and bank loans, they have set up their own organisations to loan money, without charging interest.
In Islam, gambling is considered a serious sin. It is thought of as disrespecting the gift of wealth given to you by Allah. You are misusing the power of Allah, and you will be punished for it on judgement day.
The Surah (2: 274-5) teaches that all transactions must take place fairly. With the product being sold at the correct price to the customer, and that the correct and full price must be paid to the dealer of the product. Again, the principle of not taking any profits comes into play. The dealer must not take the customer for a ride and charge more than the product is worth to them.
Qurbani is an Islamic ceremony for the prosperous to share their good fortune with the needy in the community.
On the occasion of Eid ul Adhaa, prosperous Muslims all over the world perform the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim , by sacrificing a goat or sheep. The meat is then divided into three equal parts. One part is retained by the person who performs the Qurbani. The other is given to his relatives. The third part is distributed to the poor.
Laylat al-Qadr is a religious ceremony done by the Shia Muslims. It literally means “power of the night”. And it is done to celebrate the significant night when the prophet Muhammed received, for the first time, the visions form the angel Gibril. The meaning; “Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.” Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2:34.
The Shariah law, is known as the straight path, the proper path.
Islam teaches that wealth is a gift from God to make life better. Muslims have a duty to make the money that is needed to provide a decent standard of living for their families, but they must make it honestly, and make it fairly, having nothing to do with interest, gambling, or alcohol. Wealth is something given by Allah and it is there to be shared with
other Muslims. When you are rich Allah tests you to see how you use your wealth. Wealth can be taken away from you just as easily it can be given to you if you don't remember Allah. Use the wealth you are given in a good way and Allah will give you more.
