Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol-Hamid encouraged Muslims to pay Zakah and spend money on the path of Allah, terming it a good act that purifies self and cleans wealth.
Khateeb of Sunnis in Zahedan began his Friday sermon of June 6, 2014 by the Noble Qur’anic verse: «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَنفِقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لاَّ بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلاَ خُلَّةٌ وَلاَ شَفَاعَةٌ وَالْكَافِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ», (O you who believe! Spend from what We have given to you before a day comes when there will be no trading, no friendship and no intercession, and it is the disbelievers who are unjust.); [2: 254] and presented some important points about the great obligation of Zakah.
He said, “All worships and divine commands, including obligations, Sunnahs, Mandoubs (recommended acts), are for nourishing mankind spiritually. Allah Almighty knows well how to purify people’s soul and make them perfect. None of experts can claim he is aware of that case better than Allah the Sublime. Allah knows best what are the needs of mankind as He is the Only Creator and Owner of human beings.”
Pointing out to the importance of self-purification, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said, “Mankind can be ideal and perfect after removing crudity and weak points. For this purpose, the Most Kind has made some plans. All divine religions were on the path of human beings’ reformation and purification, but Islam as the last, the most perfect and chosen religion of the Almighty has the best plans for human perfection. Allah wants to clean and purify inward and outward parts of people; Allah and His angels hate both hidden and apparent filth.”
“The Almighty has made plans for the health of our body and soul. All Islamic commands are in accordance with the worldly and spiritual interests of mankind. Allah wants to give us respect in the both worlds; when we leave the directions of the Noble Qur’an and Sunnah, we will be disrespected. By a study, we can realize there are many benefits and rationales behind each Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,” the rector of Darululoom Zahedan added more.
Alluding to some benefits of ‘Zakah’, Friday Imam of Sunnis said, “Allah Almighty ordered us to earn legally and get Halal wealth, as well as, He declared Zakah ‘obligatory’. Zakah is a tool to clean the wealth and reform the human self. It removes bad characters like greed, love of money, etc. from people. Zakah adjusts the relationship of mankind with money. It can promote morals of people granting them the attribute of generosity.”
He further said, “Zakah makes people free of sins; when a person pays Zakah, Allah cleans his wealth and purifies his soul. Charity defuses bad end and unpleasant death. It is the source of Baraka in life. Zakah and Salah have been mentioned together numerously in the Noble Qur’an; it proves the importance of Zakah. But always it should be noticed that we must carry out all good deeds sincerely for the sake of Allah not showing off.”
Continuing his speech in the light of the above-recited Qur’anic verse, Shaikh Abdol-Hamid said, “Allah asks us to spend on His path and give donation now; there is no anything to donate on the Resurrection Day. Allah Almighty says: “The example of those who spend in the way of Allah is just like a grain that produced seven ears, each ear having a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (the reward) for whom He wills. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.” [2: 261] as the Hereafter is our final station, we must get ready and carry out worships like prayers, Zakah, fasting and other obligations. Support poor and needy people. Do not forget orphans and widows.”
The worst punishment is for bandits and robbers
In another part of his speech in the gathering for Friday prayers in Zahedan, Mawlana Abdol-Hamid pointed out to reports on banditries in the region, saying, “I have received many reports about robbery and banditry in the city and region. Some bandits stick up others’ cars and wealth by the force of guns; such people lose their faith as Hadiths suggest. Allah the Almighty would punish them badly as the worst punishment has been declared for them.”
“Security forces should play their role and detain bandits. People also defend themselves; a Hadith suggests if someone loses his life in defense of his honor or wealth, he is martyred. Shari’ah allows people to fight with bandits and kill armed robbers,” Khateeb of Sunnis concluded.