During Tough Times* [[--- Third Outing ---]]

 *During Tough Times*

[[--- Third Outing ---]]
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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Poverty is one of the calamities that Allah has decreed should happen, either to a specific person or a family or a society. Poverty has negative effects on people’s beliefs and conduct. Many Christian missionaries exploit the poverty and want of some peoples to spread Christianity among their ranks. Similarly, immoral behaviour becomes widespread to a large extent because of poverty, as a means of meeting people’s needs, so theft, murder, zina and sale of haram things become widespread.

Undoubtedly these things have a negative effect on individuals and societies. Allah tells us that some of the mushrikin used to kill their children, the apples of their eyes, either because of the poverty in which they were living or for fear of poverty that might befall them. Allah says:

“…kill not your children because of poverty — We provide sustenance for you and for them” 📚[Al-An'am 6:151]

In al-Sahihayn, there is narrated the story of a woman of the Children of Israel who, when she needed money and felt under pressure, she could not find anyone but her paternal cousin who wanted to have his way with her in return for giving her money. Then Allah saved her from that after she reminded him of Allah and told him to fear Him.

Whatever the case,

It is well known that poverty leads to crimes and corruption. Many nations suffer from it and are looking for solutions to this problem, but to no avail, and there is no solution except in Islam, which brought rulings for all people until the Hour begins.

My people!

It is because of these beliefs that a man should bear with patience whatever befalls him of the calamity of poverty, and turn to Allah Alone in seeking provision, and accept the decree of Allah, and strive to earn a living.

Suhayb Ar-Rumi (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” 📚(Narrated by Muslim, 2999) 

In some cases wealth may be a means of letting people get carried away in sin and poverty may be a punishment. We seek refuge with Allah from both.

Muslim Faithful!

"Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful ones.” 📚[Al-Taghabun 64:16]

Now,

The Muslim knows that poverty and richness, and whether things are given to one or withheld, are all subject to the decree of Allah. So he bears hardships with patience when they come, and he thanks Allah, may He be exalted, for good times when he finds them. But he is required to work and seek to earn a living so as to relieve himself and his family of poverty. But if someone is unable to do that because of health reasons or problems in his land, then Islam relieves him of poverty by means of zakah and charity that are given by the rich. This is the share of their wealth that the poor are entitled to.

But,

How many of our brothers and sisters who Allah (swt) bless with wealth frequently give charity and or zakaat today?

Inability of wealthy Muslims to pay zakaat today started like we are acting today. Yes. Anyone who ht little and find it difficult to give sadaqah can NEVER find it easy to give zakaat when Allah (swt) bless him or her with huge wealth.

TO BE CONTINUED

سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك نشهد ان لا اله الا انت نستغفرك ونتوابوااليك