Khutbah at ISOC on Ramadan 15, 1422/November 30, 2001
Speak to My servants who have believed, that they may establish regular prayers, and spend (in charity) out of the Sustenance We have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending. 32-It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you: it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His Command; and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you. 33-And He hath made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses: and the Night and the Day hath He (also) made subject to you. 34-And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favors of Allah, never will ye be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude. (Ibrahim 14:31-34)
Allah has given us many things. His blessings are countless. We should be thankful to Him all the time. We should also show our gratitude by doing good to others, by helping the poor and by spending in His cause.
A believer does good deeds recognizing Allah’s goodness to him/herself. A believer’s way with wealth is that he/she enjoys it with moderation and spends it to seek Allah’s blessings in the Hereafter.
But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this World: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.” (al-Qasas 28:77)
In the Qur’an there are five words used for charity: Zakat (obligatory charity), Sadaqat (charity), Khairat (good deeds), Ihsan (kindness and consideration), Infaq fi Sabil Allah (spending in the path of Allah).
Why is there so much emphasis on charity and generosity? Because charity elevates the human personality by removing selfishness, greed and materialism. It creates compassion, care, love and kindness. It makes a person more thankful to Allah. It helps those who are in need and it provides funds for good causes and for community projects.
The Qur’an says that all prophets of Allah preached Salat and Zakat:
And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practice regular charity; and they constantly served Us. (al-Anbiya’ 21:73)
Allah -subhanahu wa ta’ala- has promised many blessings for those who help the poor and give in His cause. Allah says in the Qur’an:
The Believers must (eventually) win through, 2-Those who humble themselves in their prayers; 3-Who avoid vain talk; 4-Who are active in deeds of charity… (al-Mu’minun 22:1-4)
Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular prayers and regular charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.(al-Baqarah 2:277)
…Whatever ye shall spend in the Cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly. (al-Anfal 8:60)
The Prophet -peace be upon him- said:
“No wealth (of a servant of Allah) is decreased because of charity.” (al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 2247)
“Indeed Allah accepts the charity and take it by His own hand and makes it grow like one of you make grow your colt (little horse). Surely a morsal becomes like the mountain of Uhud.” (al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 598)
There are also many warnings against those who do not spend in the way of Allah:
“And there are those who collect gold and silver and spend it not in the Way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty. 35-On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, “This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!” (al-Tawbah 9:34-35)
And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, “O my Lord! Why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.” 11-But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come; and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.(al-Munafiqun 63:10-11)
Zakat is an obligatory charity:
Zakat is obligatory like Salat. There are some Muslims who do not pay Zakat and there are some who give whatever they feel like giving, without observing the rules of Zakat. Muslims must learn the rules of Zakat, just as they learn the rules of Salat. Briefly the rules are as follows:
Zakat is obligatory on those who have the Nisab (i.e. the minimum wealth owned for one year). It is about 3 ounces of gold or its cash value. Muslims should calculate carefully all their wealth. After deducting their personal and family expenses whatever is left they must give Zakat on it. The ratio of Zakat on cash, gold and silver is a minimum of 2.5%. The personal belongings such as residential home, car, clothes, furniture, computer, books etc. are exempt from Zakat. Women’s jewelry is Zakatable.
Zakat is for the 1. Poor, 2. Needy, 3. Those who administer the Zakat, 4. Those whose hearts are reconciled for Islam (new Muslims etc.), 5. To free the slaves, 6. Those unable to pay their debts, 7. Travelers rendered helpless, 8. In the Way of Allah. These categories are mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah al-Tawbah 9:60)
Those who have enough for their basic needs should not take Zakat. One should not give Zakat to his/her own parents, children or dependants. Zakat is also to help the needy Muslims only. Non-Muslims can be helped from Sadaqat and other charities.
Sadaqatul Fitr or Zakatul Fitr :
This is a special charity for the month of Ramadan. All those who are supposed to give the Zakat must give Sadaqatul Fitr in Ramadan for themselves as well as on behalf of their dependants. It is estimated about $7.00 per person. This charity should be given during Ramadan or before the Idul Fitr prayer.