By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi*
 
Introduction

Supplication means asking, begging, calling, prayer, request and plea. In Islamic terminology, supplication means invoking Allah for whatever one desires and asking Him for what one needs and requires. In Arabic language, it is called: “Duaa”. The Muslims supplicate for many reasons and at various times and occasions, such as after Salah, before eating a meal, before sleeping etc.
 
The Almighty Allah has blessed this Ummah with distinctive features. One of it is Allah’s order to “supplicate” and He has promised to respond to the supplication. The people can present their needs, necessities and lawful desire before Allah and can ask Him for their fulfillment. So, the supplication is very benefiting and has much significance. The one who doesn’t supplicate, Allah is unhappy with him. The Holy Qura’an speaks: “Your Lord has said, “Call Me, I will respond to you. Definitely those who show arrogance against worshipping Me shall enter Jahannam (Hell) with disgrace.” (Mumin: 60)
 
Mufti Muhammad Shafi (1897-1976) writes: “…This verse confers a special honour on the large community of the followers of the Holy Prophet (SAWS) when they were ordered to make Dua with the assurance that it would be answered. And whoever does not make a prayer has been warned of punishment.
 
Qatadah reports from Ka'b Ahbar that earlier this used to be peculiar to prophets (PBUT) as they were the ones who were ordered by Allah Ta'ala that they should make Dua and He would answer. Now, it is the distinction of the followers of the Holy Prophet (SAWS) (popularly identified as Ummah Muhammadiyyah) that this order was universalized for his entire Ummah.” (Ma’ariful Qura’an: 7/611)
 
At another place, the Glorious Qura’an speaks: “I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me; so they should respond to Me, and have faith in Me, so that they may be on the right path.” (Al-Baqarah: 186)
 
In supplication, Allah the Almighty likes the helplessness and sincere attention of His slaves. The Glorious Qura’an speaks: “Or the One who responds to a helpless person when he prays to Him and removes distress, and who makes you vicegerents of the earth? Is there any god along with Allah? No, but little you heed to advice.” (Al-Naml: 62)
 
“Imam Qurtubi has said that Allah Ta’ala has taken upon Himself to accept the supplication of a Mudtar (helpless and restless under some necessity). He has made declaration to this effect in this verse. The main reason for it is that by divorcing all mundane supports and connections, beseeching from Allah, while regarding Him as the sole redresser is the sincerity at its best. Sincerity has a special position before Allah Ta'ala. Whoever evinces sincerity, no matter if he is a believer or an infidel, a pious or a sinner, because of the auspiciousness of sincerity the divine favour gets attentive towards him.  Allah Ta'ala Himself elaborates this point while describing the traits of the infidels. He has said that when they are in water and the boat is caught in storm, and they are sure of their death, they call out to Allah with all sincerity, saying that they would be thankful to Him forever if He would save their lives. But when Allah Ta'ala rescues them and brings them to land by accepting their supplication, they again indulge in associating Him with gods.” (Ma’ariful Qura’an: 6/606-607)
 
Supplication Strengthens the Relation

There are numerous narrations of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) which emphasizes on the supplication. They show its importance and benefits. The blessed tongue of the Prophet (SAWS) used to be busy in the supplication. Sometimes, he was supplicating for goodness of the world and the hereafter for himself and his Ummah. Occasionally, he asked protection from the evils of the world and the hereafter. We should also involve ourselves in supplication to strengthen our relations with our Creator Allah.
 
Either we are in prosper conditions and our lives are passing with easiness and comfort, we should not be neglectful from the supplication; rather we should keep ourselves in it as much as possible. It is also one type of worship. Then a faithful slave mustn’t be neglectful from worshiping his Master. If one is careless in supplication, it is disobeying Allah. Supplication strengthens the relation and link with Allah. It shows our helplessness and weakness and acknowledgment of our obedience to Allah. There is one narration that means: When a person offering Salah recites: “You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)”, Allah says: 'This is between Me and My slave, and he will have what he asked for.” (Sahih Muslim: 395)
 
Supplication is Worship

As Salah, fasting, Zakah, Hajj etc. are worships and virtuous acts, in the same way, the supplication is also worship and righteous deed. Rather it is worship’s gist. It should not be doubted that a person asks his needs and desires in the Duaa, so it is his needs, not worship. It is true that he calls for his needs in the Duaa; but as it is in accordance with the commandment of Allah, so absolutely it is worship in itself. There is a Hadith narrated by Noman bin Bashir (RA) that the Prophet (SAWS) said: "The supplication is worship in itself or worship is supplication in itself." (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3372)
 
“…The meaning is that Dua (prayer, supplication) and 'Ibadah (worship, devotion) are, though separate from each other in terms of the literal sense, yet in terms of substantiation, they are unified, as every Dua is 'Ibadah and every 'Ibadah is Dua. The reason is that 'Ibadah is the name of the attitude of showing one's utter modesty and abasement before someone, and it is all too obvious that showing one's utter helplessness before someone and extending one's hand before him with the beggar's bowl is a matter of great disgrace –which is the very sense of 'Ibadah. Similarly, the outcome of every 'Ibadah is also to ask Allah Ta'ala for forgiveness and Jannah and that He blesses us with a perfect state of well being in this world and in the world to come. Therefore, it appears in a Hadith Qudsi (a Hadith in which the Holy Prophet (SAWS) conveys a saying from Allah that is not included in the Qur'an) that Allah Ta'ala said: "One who is so engrossed in remembering Me that he does not have even the time to ask for what he needs, I shall give him more than those who ask (by fulfilling his needs without the asking)" (reported by al-Jazri in An-Nihayah) and in a narration appearing in Tirmidhi (Hadith: 2926) and Muslim, the words are: …’One who is so engrossed in the recitation of the Qur'an that he does not have even the time to ask for what he needs, I shall give him even more than what those who ask ever get’. This tells us that every 'Ibadah brings the same benefit as is the benefit of Dua'.” (Ma’ariful Qura’an: 7/611-612)
 
Supplication is Honoured Deed

The supplication is honoured deed in the sight of the Almighty Allah; because His slaves are supplicating before Him with humility and total submission. They express their helplessness before their Allah, All-Independent and Ever-Praised in the supplication. Showing the helplessness, humility and submission before Allah are actually the highest status for the slaves. A narration speaks: "There is nothing more honorable with Allah (the Exalted) than supplication." (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3370)
 
Allah Gets Angry

Allah has commanded His slaves to beg from Him. So, the supplication and begging is the precious deed in the sight of Allah. If a slave doesn’t beg and supplicate, it means that he is disobeying Him. That is why Allah gets angry with the one who doesn’t ask and supplicate. There is a narration which says: "Indeed, he who does not ask Allah, He gets angry with him.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3373)
 
Allah doesn’t Return One Empty-Handed

Following affliction with a problem or a crisis, an individual runs to a known person to get assistance to fulfill his needs and come out of the crisis. Sometime, the person assists him happily and sometimes returns him scolding empty-handed. It is hardly heard that a needy man meets a rich person for his needs and the rich never returned him empty-handed, since he feels shy to do so. But according to the Hadith, whenever a needy slave asks Allah the Exalted, He responds in positive and never returns him empty-handed as He feels shy to do so. Two narrations are quoted here: “Truly Allah feels shy that His slave stretches his hands before Him asking Him for something good and He rejects them unsuccessfully.” (Musannaf Ibn Abi Saheibah: 29555) Another narration goes like this: "Indeed, Allah, is Hayy, Generous, when a man raises his hands to Him, He feels shy to return them to him empty and rejected.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3556)
 
Prayer is Beneficial at Every time

Any kind of trouble, sickness, calamity etc. has happened or it is expected that it is going to happen in the future; the people should turn towards the Almighty Allah and start supplicating. While making prayer, they should have full confidence that Allah is going to remove the affliction and calamity from them. The prophet (SAWS) says: "The supplication benefits against that which strikes and that which does not strike. O worshipper of Allah, so hold fast to supplication." (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3548)
 
Supplicate Plentifully in Prosperity

It is known to all that Allah is only the One who is All-Independent and Besought of all, needing none and all the creatures are needy, poor and helpless always. So, the people should not wait for that they would ask Allah during the time of grief and hardship; but despite being in happiness and prosperity, they should raise their hands with humility and humbleness supplicating before Him. In this case, the link between Allah and His slaves remains strong. Thereafter, when they are afflicted with a calamity and supplicate, their supplications are answered. The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) says: "Whoever wishes that Allah would respond to him during hardship and grief, then let him supplicate plentifully when at ease." (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3382)
 
Shah Waliullah Muhaddith Dehlavi (1703-1762) writes after quoting the mentioned Hadith: “I say and that (supplication plentifully in prosperity) because that the supplication is not answered, except for the one whose desire and concentration is strong, whose determination is firm and he was habitual of supplication before the calamity which has befallen upon him.” (Hujjatulllah Al-Balighah: 2/241, Dar Ibn Kathir, Damascus - Beirut)
 
Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nomani (1905-1997) writes under the commentary of the above Hadith: “It is confirmed through experiences that those people who have very weak link with Allah who turn to Him only in the time of difficulty and anxiety and raise their hands in supplications only in such a situation. Such people lack that confidence in the Mercy of Allah which produces soul and life in their supplication. In contrast those slaves of Allah who accustomed to request Him for their needs at all times have a strong link with Him and they have much confidence in the Mercy of Allah on which they continue to rely. Thus their supplication is very strong. The Messenger of Allah has given us advice in this Hadith that we must make plenty of supplication to Allah in days of happiness and prosperity. The result will be that we will establish connection whereby our supplications in the days of difficulty will be granted to us.” (Ma’ariful Hadith: 5/115-116)
 
Begin Supplication with himself

It was practice of Rasulullah (SAWS) to begin supplicating with himself, whenever he wanted to supplicate for someone else. It shows that the person is also in the need of the mercy and blessing of Allah. This habit will please Allah the Almighty. Therefore, one should begin supplication with himself. It is proven by a narration which speaks: “Whenever the Messenger of Allah would mention someone and supplicate for him, he would begin with himself.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3385)
 
Supplication of Heedless Person

It is correct that Allah the Exalted doesn’t return empty-handed anyone asking Him for his needs. It is also fact that during the supplication, the concentration of the supplicating person should be focused on Allah. He should have full trust in Allah and Duaa should be made wholeheartedly. Then such supplication is responded. The one who is heedless and doubtful about his Duaa being accepted and concentration is somewhere else, the supplication of such person is not responded. The prophet (SAWS) says: "Call upon Allah while being certain of being answered and Allah does not respond to a supplication from the heart of one heedless and occupied by play." (Sunan Tirmidhi: 3479)
 
Supplication with Determination

During supplication, one should call upon Allah with determination, complete trust, confidence and hope. He should be sure that it is only Allah, the All-Merciful and all hearing who will hear the Duaa. While making Duaa one should be hopeful that it is Allah, the Great Giver of all things who gives what one needs and fulfills the desires, then the supplication will be answered, In Shaa Allah. Allah’s messenger (SAWS) says: “When anyone of you appeals to Allah for something, he should ask with determination and should not say, 'O Allah, if You wish, give me', for nobody can force Allah to do something against His Will." (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 6338)
 
Supplication Answered in Particular

It is mentioned in the narrations that there are some people whose supplications are answered in particular. The reason behind is that these people supplicate from the bottom of their hearts with perfect humility and a sincere admission of their helplessness. It is the supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveler and the supplication of (a broken hearted) father against his son. (Tirmidhi: 1905) It is also the supplication of a person on his Hajj trip as long as he is not back, the one who is on Jihad trip as long as he has not returned, the sick person as long as he is sick and the supplication of a brother for another one in his absence. (Al-Dawat Al-Kabeer Lil-Beihaqi: 671)
 
Meaning of Supplication Acceptance

It is a fact the supplication of a believer is not rejected. Allah answers his all supplications. But the acceptance is in different forms. One form is that what one has begged will be granted at the same time. Another one is that Allah will store up one’s supplication and will reward him in the hereafter. It is also one form that Allah will turn away from the seeker of supplication an equivalent amount of a calamity which was to befall upon him. It should be noted here that the Duaa made for a sinful act and breaking the ties of kinship are not answered. The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Any Muslim who makes a supplication, containing nothing which is sinful or which involves breaking the ties of kinship will be given by Allah one of the three things: (1) Allah will give him what he had asked at the same time, (2) He will store it up for him in the hereafter or (3) He will turn away from him an equivalent amount of evil (calamity).” (Musnad Imam Ahmad: 11133)
 
Special Times and Occasions for Acceptance of Supplication

When a person supplicates with humbleness, trust, concentration and great link with Allah, his supplication is answered at all times and occasions. In spite of this fact, there are some occasions and times when one’s supplication is responded specially. Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nomani has recorded them. They are being noted here in brief:
 
“After the Fard prayers, after the whole Qrua’an is recited (Khatam Al-Qura’a), between Azan and Iqamah, on the battle field of Jihad, during fighting, when beautiful rain falls down, when the Ka’bah is before the eyes, after offering prayer in desolate desert where there is no one besides Allah, on the field of Jihad when the companions have deserted and the last part of the night. …. Lailatul Qader, on the plain of Arafat on the day of Arafah, at the particular moment on Friday, all the times of breaking the fast, during the journey for Hajj, during the journey for Jihad, during illness and during travel.” (Ma’ariful Hadith: 5/127)
 
The Causes of Supplication Not Being Answered

Sometimes, it happens that when the supplication of a person is not answered, he questions himself that why was not his supplication answered? It has been noted that that there are different forms of the supplication acceptance. If those forms are present in one’s mind, then the question will not arise. However, there are some causes due that a supplication is not answered. They are:
 
If Duaa is made for sin and breaking the ties of kinship, such Duaa is not answered. Making Duaa and asking for to be given promptly, such Duaa is not responded as asking immediately and making hast in Duaa makes it not worthy of approval. Allah does not respond to a supplication which is from the heart which is heedless and occupied by play. Some people make Duaa; but the fact is that their food is unlawful, drink is unlawful, clothing is unlawful and they are nourished with unlawful acquired food, then the Duaa of such people is not answered. (For details see Ma’ariful Hadith, 5/116-118)
 
Ada’iyah Mathurah (The Prophet’s Prayers)

Ada’iyah Mathurah (The Prophet’s Prayers) are the supplications which are mentioned in the narrations of the prophet (SAWS). There are some supplications for a particular time and occasion. The prophet (SAWS) and the companions (RA) used to recite them with punctuality. The people should also read them at those times and occasions with punctuality. It has a lot of benefits. By reading them the people seek the goodness of the world and the hereafter. They seek protection from the evils. They also fill their hearts and minds with Allah’s greatness and majesty. These supplications cause humbleness and humility in the people’s souls as well. Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri (1940-2020), ex-Sheikhul Hadeeth: Darul Uloom Deoband states:
 
“…The Duaa Mathurah is of two kinds. The first one is those supplications by which the people seek the goodness of the world and the hereafter as well as seek protection from the evil of several things. The second one is those supplications which are read to fill the hearts and the minds with the majesty and greatness of Allah or they are meant for creating humbleness and humility in the soul; because expressing the inner feeling by the tongue, informs the soul well with the inner situation, e.g. a son makes a mistake and regretting on it says to his father: “Beloved father! Really I have mistaken. I am wrongdoer. I regret on my mistake. Forgive me please!” By this confession, the mistake is expressed well and the carelessness comes before the sight.” (Tohfatul Alma’ee: 8/43)
 
Conclusion

If a person asks a man for something, it is not guaranteed that always the man would either fulfill his needs or if he fails, will talk to him tenderly. Mostly it happens that the man gets angry with the one who asks. The man thinks, why does he come always at his door? Doesn’t he find the door of someone else? The one who asks is even humiliated and insulted occasionally. It is the kindness and sympathy of our Lord, Master and Giver that He wants His slaves to ask Him for whatever they need. If they ask Him, He is not upset and angry, rather He provides from His hidden treasures pleasantly. For a dignified life, one should make firm determination that he would raise his hands for the needs and necessities only before Almighty Allah; so that he is not being humiliated and insulted by a person like him.
 
How nicely an Arab poet has said: (Translation) “Don’t ask the children of Adam for anything - And ask the One whose doors are always open - If you stop asking, Allah gets angry with you - And the children of Adam gets angry when you ask.” Akbar Husain Akbar Allahabadi (1846-1921) also said something like that: “O Akbar! Ask Allah for whatever you want to ask - This is only the door where none is humiliated.” ⦁⦁⦁⦁
 
*Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa,
Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in
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خورشید عالم داؤد قاسمی
Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Mobile No. : +260978238541

By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi
Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in

Zakaah in the Holy Qura’an:

Zakaah (The Obligatory alms) is also a pillar of Islam like Salaah, Fasting, Hajj etc. As Salaah has been mentioned at numerous places in the Glorious Qura’an, in the same way, Zakaah has been mentioned in the Holy Qura’an at several places where the Almighty Allah has commanded His rich servants to pay Zakaah of their wealth. Allah the Almighty says:

﴿وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَقْرِضُوا اللهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا﴾. (المزّمّل: 20)

(Translation) “And establish Salah, and pay Zakaah, and advance to Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you will send ahead for your own-selves, you will find it with Allah much better in condition, and much greater in reward.” (Al-Muzzammil: 20)

As mentioned in the above verse, Salaah and Zakaah have been mentioned together in this way at numerous places in the Holy Qura’an. If a person pays Zakaah of his wealth, he will earn its benefits and rewards. Those who don’t pay Zakaah of their wealth, they will have to face the punishment and the wraths as they are described in the Holy Qura’an and the Sunnan.

Benefits of Paying Zakaah:

The wealth which a person owns is given by the Almighty Allah to that person. Then the command of paying Zakaah is also from the Almighty Allah; therefore, one should pay cheerfully and happily Zakaah of his wealth. The amount of Zakaah which is obligatory on a person’s wealth, he should pay it happily considering it the rights of the poor and needy people. It shouldn’t happen that the love of wealth instills in the mind of a person so much so that he feels pain in paying Zakaah. One of the purposes of paying Zakaah is also to remove the love of wealth from one’s heart. He should understand that Allah who has made him the owner of this wealth, very Allah the Almighty has ordered him to pay Zakaah of the wealth to the deserving people. Furthermore, there are many religious and worldly benefits of paying Zakaah.

Some of the benefits of paying Zakaah are mentioned here. When a person pays Zakaah, Allah is pleased with him. By giving Zakaah, the owner remains safe from the calamity. The more a person spends in Zakaah, the more he will be rewarded. By paying Zakaah, one’s wealth grows and it has blessings from Allah. The wealth of which Zakaah is paid is protected from celestial calamities and other losses. A person who pays Zakaah of his wealth, his wealth will be like a shelter for him on the Day of Judgment. Those who are poor and needy in the society, their economic problems and challenges are easily solved through Zakaah. By paying Zakaah, hatred and distance amongst the rich and the poor ends and love, kindness and compassion grow amongst them. By bringing the poor and the rich close, we can establish a beautiful society where one will assist other at the time of need.

Wraths and Punishments on Not Paying Zakaah:
If a “Sahib Nisab” doesn’t pay Zakaah of his wealth, there have been many wraths and chastisements mentioned in the Holy Qura’an and Ahaadeeth against such a person. Allah the Exalted says in the Holy Quran:

﴿وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلاَ يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ. يَوْمَ يُحْمَى عَلَيْهَا فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكْوَى بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنوبُهُمْ وَظُهُورُهُمْ هَذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لأَنفُسِكُمْ فَذُوقُواْ مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْنِزُونَ﴾. (التوبة: 34-35)

(Translation) “As for those who accumulate gold and silver and don’t spend it in the way of Allah, give them the good news of a painful punishment, on the day it (the wealth) will be heated up in the fire of Jahannam, then their foreheads and their sides and their backs shall be branded with it. This is what you had accumulated for yourselves. So, taste what you have been accumulating.” (Al-Tauah: 34-35)

Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani Rahimahullah (1897-1976) has written under the commentary of the above verse: “It means that this ‘painful punishment’ will be for those who do not pay Zakah. It will come on a day when the gold and silver accumulated by them will be heated up in the Fire of Jahannam. Then, their foreheads, sides and backs shall be branded with it, and they shall be told, as a sort of verbal punishment, that it was what they had accumulated for themselves, and in consequence, they better have a taste of what they had accumulated. The return of a deed is the deed itself. That which was accumulated illegally or that which was accumulated legally but without having paid its Zakah ultimately became, by itself, the punishment of these people. (Ma’arif Al-Qura’an: 4/371-372)

There is a long Hadeeth in Sahih Muslim about those who don’t pay Zakaah of their wealth. It states that whoever doesn’t pay Zakaah of his treasure, his treasure will be heated in the fire of Hell and the wide plates will be made of it. Then both of his sides, his back and his forehead will be branded with it. This punishment will continue until the decision of Heaven or Hell is passed among the people. Hadeeth is mentioned here:

«مَا مِنْ صَاحِبِ كَنْزٍ لَا يُؤَدِّي زَكَاتَهُ، إِلَّا أُحْمِيَ عَلَيْهِ فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ، فَيُجْعَلُ صَفَائِحَ فَيُكْوَى بِهَا جَنْبَاهُ، وَجَبِينُهُ حَتَّى يَحْكُمَ اللهُ بَيْنَ عِبَادِهِ، فِي يَوْمٍ كَانَ مِقْدَارُهُ خَمْسِينَ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ، ثُمَّ يَرَى سَبِيلَهُ، إِمَّا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ، وَإِمَّا إِلَى النَّارِ». (صحیح مسلم: 987)

(Translation) “There is no owner of gold or silver who doesn’t pay what is due on them, but when the Day of Resurrection comes, there will be beaten out for him plates of fire which will be heated in the Fire of Hell, and his sides, forehead and back will be branded with them. Every time they cool down they will be reheated for him, on a day the length of which is as fifty thousand years, until judgement is passed among the people. Then he will be shown his path, either to Paradise or to Hell.” (Sahih Muslim: 987)

There is a Hadith that a person who doesn’t pay Zakaah of his wealth, on the Day of Resurrection, his wealth will be brought before him in the form of a bald-headed snake and it will be encircled in his neck. Then that snake will bite the owner of the wealth and would say that it is his wealth and his treasure. The Hadith is quoted here:

«مَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ مَالًا، فَلَمْ يُؤَدِّ زَكَاتَهُ مُثِّلَ لَهُ مَالُهُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ شُجَاعًا أَقْرَعَ لَهُ زَبِيبَتَانِ يُطَوَّقُهُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ، ثُمَّ يَأْخُذُ بِلِهْزِمَتَيْهِ – يَعْنِي بِشِدْقَيْهِ – ثُمَّ يَقُولُ أَنَا مَالُكَ أَنَا كَنْزُكَ، ثُمَّ تَلاَ: (لَا يَحْسِبَنَّ الَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ)» الآيَةَ (صحیح البخاري: 1403)

(Translation) “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and doesn’t pay the Zakaah of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald-headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes (or two poisonous glands in its mouth). The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.'” Then the Prophet (SAWS) recited the Verses: “Let not those who covetously withhold…..(to the end of the Verse). (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1403)

There is one another Hadeeth where is mentioned that Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) gave a talk addressing the women where he (SAWS) commanded the ladies to give Zakaah reasoning that the most of the ladies will enter hellfire. The Hadith goes like this:

Hazrat Zainab, the wife of Abdullah (Ibn Masud), said: “The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) delivered a sermon to us and said:

“يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ، تَصَدَّقْنَ وَلَوْ مِنْ حُلِيِّكُنَّ، فَإِنَّكُنَّ أَكْثَرُ أَهْلِ جَهَنَّمَ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ.” (سنن الترمذي: 635)

(Translation) “O you women, give charity, even if it is from your jewellery, for indeed you will make up most of the people of Hell on the Day of Judgement.” (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi: 635)

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) after being elected as the first caliph, some people refused to pay Zakaah. On that occasion, emphasizing his statement with an oath, Abu Bakr (RA) said as a principle that if someone had given even a “rope” in Zakaah during the time of Allah’s Messenger (SAWS), so he will have to pay that rope even today; because Zakaah is the right of one’s wealth. If a person refuses to pay even a single “rope”, Jihad will be initiated against him due to his refusal of Zakaah. These are the words of his saying:

«وَاللهِ لَأُقَاتِلَنَّ مَنْ فَرَّقَ بَيْنَ الصَّلاَةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ، فَإِنَّ الزَّكَاةَ حَقُّ المَالِ، وَاللهِ لَوْ مَنَعُونِي عِقَالًا كَانُوا يُؤَدُّونَهُ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَقَاتَلْتُهُمْ عَلَى مَنْعِهِ». (صحیح البخاري: 7284)

(Translation) “By Allah, I will fight him who discriminates between Zakaah and Salaah (prayers), for Zakaah is the compulsory right to be taken from the wealth. By Allah, if they refuse to give me even a tying rope which they used to give to Allah’s Messenger (SAWS), I would fight them for withholding it.” (Sahih Bukhari: 7284)

The wealth which a man owns is a great boon given by Allah Ta’ala. This boon should be spent according to Islamic guideline and instruction. While on the one hand, the Shariah has prohibited extravagant, it has also instructed to avoid stinginess on the other. In short, just as the owner of wealth has his own right in his wealth to spend, so the poor and the needy people also have a right in that wealth to a certain extent. When a man needs, he should spend from his wealth in a moderate way. He should try to pay the right (that is obligatory alms and charity) of the poor and the needy people from his wealth without any sorrow and delay on the time. It is an important point to believe that the wealth doesn’t decrease due Zakaah and charity, rather it increases.

The Prophet of Allah Muhammad (SAWS) said:

«مَا نَقَصَ مَالُ عَبْدٍ مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ، وَلَا ظُلِمَ عَبْدٌ مَظْلِمَةً فَصَبَرَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا زَادَهُ اللَّهُ عِزًّا، وَلَا فَتَحَ عَبْدٌ بَابَ مَسْأَلَةٍ إِلَّا فَتَحَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ بَابَ فَقْرٍ» أَوْ كَلِمَةً نَحْوَهَا. (سنن الترمذي: 2325)

(Translation) “The slave (of Allah)’s wealth shall not be decreased by charity, no slave (of Allah) suffers injustice and is patient with it except that Allah adds to his honour; no slave (of Allah) opens up a door to begging except that Allah opens a door for him to poverty” – or a statement similar to it –. (Sunan Tirmidhi: 2325)

It is written in the commentary of the above Hadeeth: “Giving away one’s wealth in charity – be it compulsory or optional – doesn’t decrease the giver’s wealth since Allah declares in the Qur’an: Whatever you spend of anything (in Allah’s cause), He will replace it (34:39). Thus, whatever we spend in the path of Allah, He will replace it either with worldly goods or through other unseen forms such as investing what we have with His blessing (Barakah). If a man patiently bears the wrongs and injustices done to him, Allah will increase him in the esteem of the people. Once a person unnecessarily starts begging from others, his desire or greed is never quenched, and mentally he will always remain a needy fellow and a beggar.” (English Translation of Jami Al-Tirmidhi: 4/359-360)
May the Almighty Allah grant us understanding to know Islamic teachings, to abide by it and to spread it! ●●●●

By: Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi*

The human being is naturally sociable. He likes social life. He is habitual of living together in a society. The people of different manners and natures live in a society. It is not necessary that one and all will like what one says and does. In such situations, ultimately there must be dissent and difference of opinion. If dissent and difference remains the same, it is not bad. But sometimes, it happens that when a person hears someone expressing a different opinion which he doesn’t endorses, he feels restlessness. Then the chain of arguments and answers to that opinion follows one after another from both the sides. One tries his level best to defeat another one. Then the difference of opinions turns into enmity and hostility. It causes dispute and quarrel among them. This situation is disliked and condemnable. When such situation arises, one should control himself, conquer his anger, let other express himself and respect one’s opinion. Following the Islamic teachings, one should keep silent, show tolerance and observe patience at such occasion. This attitude will have its rewards and fruits. It will assist stopping the dispute and quarrel in the society. The patience and tolerance are admirable qualities. They have been praised at several places in the Glorious Qura’an and the prophetic narrations. The patience, which is called “Sabr” in Arabic language, is presented here in details.
Definition of Patience:
Defining the word: patience, Mufti Muhammad Shafi Usmani (1897-1976) writes: “The real meaning of Sabr (Patience) is to tie, check, stop or hold back. In the terminology of the Qura’an and Sunnah, to hold the desiring human self back from going for the impermissible is Sabr. Therefore, the sense of Sabr (patience) includes abstention from all sins and doings counter to the dictates of the Shari’ah.” (Ma’ariful Qura’an 4/608)
Importance of Patience:
The patience has been mentioned at numerous places in the Holy Qura’an. Almighty Allah has mentioned some prophets praising them for having patience. The holy Qura’an speaks: “And (remember) Ismail and Idris and Dhul-Kifl. Each one of them was of those who observed patience. (Al-Anbiya: 85) The reward for patience has been mentioned in the Glorious Qura’an as well: “Certainly those who observe patience will be given their reward in full without measure.” (Al-Zumr: 10) Due to such verses of the Glorious Qura’an, the importance and the benefits of the patience is recognized among Muslims. When the Muslims observe the quality of patience, they will be granted its reward abundantly.
Patience on Hardships:
The Almighty Allah has ordered his beloved messenger Muhammad (SAWS) to have patience on the hardships. The Glorious Qura’an speaks: “Follow what is being revealed to you, and be patient until Allah gives His judgment, and He is the best of all judges.” (Yunus: 109)
Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Usmani (1887-1949) writes under the commentary the above verse: “The prophet (SAWS) has been comforted in this verse that if these people don’t accept truth, you don’t dissolve yourself in grief due to them. Following the dictates of Allah the Exalted, keep yourself busy in preaching activity. Have patience on the hardships coming in this path and tolerate the cause of harms from the enemies; until the Almighty Allah gives the best judgment between you and them. It means according to Allah’s promise, you are victorious and assisted or ruling about Jihad is revealed”. (Tafseer Usmani)
Treatment of Love for Position:
The learned people of the Book were much involved in the love for position, status and wealth. They didn’t believe in the messengerhood of Muhammad (SAWS); while the truth had become naked in this regard. The Exalted Allah stated the treatment of love for position and wealth that the patience will remove the great interest in the wealth and the Salah will cause the removal of the love for position and status from their hearts. Allah the Almighty has stated in the Holy Qrua’an: “Seek help through patience and prayer. It is indeed exacting, but not for those who are humble in their hearts.” (Al-Baqarah: 45)
Allamah Usmani writes: “The scholarly people of the Book, who didn’t believe in the Prophet (SAWS), even after becoming the truth clear, its actual reason was the love for position and the wealth. The Exalted Allah has mentioned the treatment for both of them. The patience would cause the removal of wealth and the Salah would cause the servant-hood and humbleness along with reducing the love for the position.” (Tafseer Usmani)
The Special Mention of those who have Patience:
Allah the Almighty has mentioned in His last and final revelation: the Holy Qura’an many righteous people. They are those who distribute their wealth among the relatives, orphans, helpless, travelers, beggars, those who spend their wealth for freeing slaves and those who fulfill their promises and agreements. Then He mentioned those people who have patience as worthy of special praise. The glorious Qura’an speaks: “Those who are patient in hardship and suffering and when in battle! Those are the ones who are truthful, and those are the God-fearing.” (Al-Baqarah: 177) Commentator states under this verse: “This means that among the righteous, the Sabirireen (the patient) are worthy of special praise since Sabr gives one special power to perform righteous deeds. In short, this verse holds in its fold important principles of all departments of Faith and its eloquent hints tell us the degree of importance of each one of them.” (Ma’ariful Qura’an 1/445)
Luqman’s Advice for Patience:
The Almighty Allah blessed Luqman (AS) with wisdom, insight and understanding.  He had talent to differentiate between good and bad things. He gave his son some pieces of advice. He advised him to thank Allah on His favours, avoid polytheism, establish Salah and observe patience on the hardship and difficulty afflicting you due to instructing the people to do good and forbidding them from evil deeds. His pieces of advice are recorded in the holy Qura’an: “My dear son! Establish Salah and bid the Fair and forbid the Unfair, and observe patience on what befalls you. Surely, this is among the matters of determination.” (Luqman: 17) It has been written under the commentary of this verse: “Whatever hardships befall, which are very provable due to enjoining good deeds and forbidding evil deed, bear it with determination. Due to hardships, a brave and bold person should not feel nervous and lose courage.” (Tafseer Usmani)
Status of Patience:
If a preacher faces hardship and trouble in the path of preaching, he should observe patience; because the status of patience is much better than retaliation. The Holy Qura’an speaks: “And if you were to harm (them) in retaliation, harm them to the measure you were harmed. And if you opt for patience, it is definitely much better for those who are patient.” (Al-Nahl: 126) Let’s read the commentary of this verse! “If someone causes you trouble and hardship in the path of preaching; you have the power, so you can retaliate and take revenge in the same measure as you faced the trouble; as it is allowed. But the status of patience is better than revenge. If you observe patience, its outcome is better for yourself, for the spectators and even for those who have caused trouble and wronged you.” (Tafseer Usmani)
Rewards for Patience and Good Deeds:
The patience and good deed are two such qualities that whoever is equipped with them are perfect human being. He will receive its reward. Allah the Almighty says mentioning its reward: “Except those who are patient and do good deeds. Such people will have Allah’s forgiveness and a great reward.” (Hud: 11)
This is common human weakness that when the people face hardship after receiving bounty, they become hopeless and start thanklessness. They forget that the Supreme Lord who blessed them first time with the bounty, can give them again. Similarly, when someone is blessed with bounty and comfort following the hardship and suffering, he becomes arrogant and starts behaving boastfully. He starts thinking that the bounty was his right, it was to reach him necessarily and it will remain with him forever. “It means that people exempted from this common human frailty have two qualities: Sabr (patience) and al-‘Amal as-Salih (good deeds).” Those who are attributed with these two qualities are from perfect human beings. “At the end of this very verse, also identified there is the recompense of these perfect human beings. Those are the people for whom there is forgiveness and a great reward” (Gist from Ma’ariful Qura’an: 4/608-609)
Importance of Patience and Forgiveness:
The patience and forgiveness are very important qualities. The Almighty Allah has counted them from the courageous conducts. The Glorious Qura’an speaks: “And if one observes patience and forgives, it is, of course, one of the courageous conducts.” (Al-Shura: 43)
The commentator writes under this verse: “To conquer the anger, tolerate the harms and forgive the oppressor are very important and courageous works. It is in a Hadith that the person who is oppressed and forgives just for the sake of Allah; surely Allah will grant him high dignity and will assist him.” (Taseer Usmani)
Numerous verses of the glorious Qura’an with their commentary have been presented here. These verses are providing the great lesson on the patience and tolerance. We should think and ponder over it. Finally, when someone is suffering form; he should control himself and have patience. It will guarantee the success, In Shaa Allah.
Patience in Ahaadeeth:
It is well-known that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was sent to this world as the teacher for humanity. As long as he (SAWS) was in the world, he played a pivotal role in the reformation and success of his Ummah. He (SAWS) instructed and brought up his companions in the way that none of the teacher of any institution can do it for his students as long as this world exists. Whatever instructions he (SAWS) gave to his companions, he (SAWS) showed them doing practically in his day-to-day affairs. His life was great ideal in regard to patience and tolerance. He never followed his desire for the satisfaction of his sentiments. Following his departure, his instructions are elixir and remedy for the training and guidance of his Ummah. There are a number of lessons in those instructions on the patience and tolerance. We can learn a lot form them. So, some Ahaadeeth related to the topic are presented here.
Patience is Pleasing Deed:
The patience, in one Hadith, has been described as the light. Allah’s messenger (SAWS) says: “The patience is illumination.” (Sahih Muslim: 223) It means that the patience is beloved, pleasing, desirable and praiseworthy deed. The one who has patience is always guided towards right path and is illuminated.
Showing Patience in Trouble:
There is good in all cases for a believer. It depends on a believer that how he handles his affairs. If he is in a case of happiness, he should thank Allah and if he is facing a trouble, he should have patience. Then he will earn rewards in both the cases. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) says: “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in his every affair and this is not the case with anyone else, except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks (Allah), thus there is a good for him in it. And if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it. (Sahih Muslim: 2999)
Guiding for Patience on the Death of a Child:
When the son of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)’s daughter: Zainab (RA) was on the point of death; she sent someone to call for him (SAWS). At the point, he (SAWS) sent a message to her which was for observing patience. The message was: “Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives, is for Him, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1284)
Observing Patience on Baby’s Death:
If three children die and the parents don’t show impatience, crying and bewailing, rather they seek reward with Allah, they will enter Jannah. On one occasion, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said to some of the Ansari women: “None of you has three children who die, and she seeks reward with Allah; but she will enter Paradise.” One of them said: “And two, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “And two.” (Sahih Muslim: 2632)
Patience at the First Stroke of Calamity:
It is difficult to observe patience at the first point of the affliction with a calamity. It is easier to do so with the passage of time; but with the passage of time, the patience is observed itself. That is why, when a person is afflicted with a calamity, he should observe patience at the first time. This is real patience and the observer is rewarded for. It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) passed by a woman who was weeping beside a grave. He (SAWS) told her to fear Allah and be patient. She said to him, “Go away, for you haven’t been afflicted with a calamity like mine.” And she didn’t recognize him (SAWS). Then she was informed that he was the Prophet (SAWS). So, she went to the house of the Prophet (SAWS) and there she didn’t find any guard. Then she said to him, “I did not recognize you.” He (SAWS) said: “Verily, the patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1283)
Patience at the Time of Breaking out Epidemic:
If a fatal disease, like cholera, plague, corona etc. breaks out in a city or a country, the citizens should stay at the same place patiently hoping for Allah’s reward. The citizens shouldn’t run away from a place to the other one fearing the epidemic; rather they should observe patience and believe that what the Almighty Allah has decided for them, will take place. In this situation, they will receive the reward similar to a martyr. Our beloved mother, Aisha (RA), the wife of the Prophet (SAWS) says: “I asked messenger of Allah (SAWS) about the plague. He told me that it was a punishment sent by Allah on whom he wished, and Allah made it a source of mercy for the believers, for if one at the time of the spread of a plague epidemic stays in his country patiently hoping for Allah’s reward, and believing that nothing will befall him, except what Allah has written for him, he will get a reward similar to that of a martyr. (Sahih Bukhari: 3474)
Observing Patience at the Deprivation of Eyesight:
Allah has blessed the people with two eyes. They are great bounty from Him. They are very essential to perform the day-to-day activities. The value, importance and necessity of eyes cannot be denied at all. How nicely this proverb has been said: “One eye-witness is better than hearsay.” However, if a person is deprived of the eyesight and he has patience on it, he will be granted Jannah for those two eyes according to one Hadith. The prophet (SAWS) says: “Allah said, ‘If I deprive my slave of his two beloved things (i.e. his eyes) and he remains patient, I will let him enter Paradise in compensation for them’.” (Sahih Bukhari: 5653)
Having Patience on the Annoy:
There are some people who don’t like to mix with the people. They prefer to live the lives of loneliness. But there are also such people who mix with the people and like to spend their lives socially mixing with the people. Occasionally, such people have to face annoying behavior of the people of his society. But they don’t get fed up and don’t want to get rid of them; rather they bear it with patience. Such people will be rewarded for their patience. Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) said: “The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoy ante with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who doesn’t mix with people and doesn’t put up with their annoyance.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 4032)
Conclusion:
It has been noted in the first paragraph that the human being is naturally sociable. They live in a society. While living together, not only with those who are short temper, but even also with those who are soft-spoken and kind-hearted, they have some arguments and differences sometimes. But let me jot here clearly, sometimes a person faces unpleasantness even in his own home with his own uncle, aunty, wife, children, brother, sister and parents and they face strained relations unfortunately. That is the main point of time, the people need to stop from taking any quick decision in irritation; but need to think, conquer the anger, observe patience, show tolerance and forgive each other. If they practice it, their lives are normal and will go ahead happily. The family is safe and the mind is in peace. If they don’t do so, the family is broken, life is miserable and the future is in tension, stress and duress. Moreover, they will be rewarded by Allah for observing patience and showing tolerance. Remember, sooner of later, “Patience has its reward.” The final message is that if one wants peaceful life, he should learn to forgive, tolerate, have patience and evade a quick decision adhering to the instructions of the holy Qura’an and Sunnah. Allah the Almighty instructs his beloved messenger Muhammad (SAWS) to have patience and avoid haste: “So, (O prophet,) observe patience, as the resolute messengers observed patience, and be not in haste about them.” (Ahqaaf: 35) ⦁⦁⦁⦁
*Moon Rays Trust School, Zambia, Africa Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in