Day 13: Charity with Ease

INTRODUCTION:

The Sahaba — Companions of the Prophet, (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) were so eager to execute good acts and charitable deeds. They had very strong desire for al-khayr and charity in order to please Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala). They were sad when they could not

afford to donate their money to charity. They had a strong will to spend their wealth and do good deeds. It was a burning desire for thawaab. They were able to perform salah, sawm and other forms of ibadah. However, there’s one thing they couldn’t do — sadaqah, because they did not have wealth but had the will. This situation led to the duo scenario shared as inspiration below…

INSPIRATION:

Abu Dharr, radiyallahu 'anhu, reported that some of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, said to him: "O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken away all the rewards. They observe the prayer as we do, and they keep the fasts as we do, and they give sadaqah (charity) from their surplus riches." Upon this he (the Prophet) said: "Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) by following which you can also do sadaqah? Verily in every tasbih (i.e. saying Subhanallah) there is a sadaqah, every takbir (i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) is a sadaqah, every tahmid (i.e. saying Alhamdulillah) is a sadaqah, every tahlil (i.e. saying Lailaha illallah) is a sadaqah, enjoining of good is a sadaqah, forbidding of evil is a sadaqah, and having sexual intercourse with your wife is a sadaqah. They (the Companions) said: "O Messenger of Allah, is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual passion among us?" He said: "Tell me, if he were to devote it to something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to devote it to something lawful, he

should have a reward."

[Muslim]

In another narration, it was related thus:

Abu Hurairah, radiyallahu 'anhu, reported that the Messenger of Allah , Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, said :

"On every person’s joints or small bones (i.e. fingers and toes), there is

sadaqah (charity) every day the sun rises. Doing justice between two

people is sadaqah; assisting a man to mount his animal, or lifting up his

belongings onto it is sadaqah; a good word is sadaqah; every step you take

towards prayer is sadaqah; and removing harmful things from pathways is sadaqah."

[Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

REFLECTION:

• Each of the phrases of dhikr such as al-tahmid, al-tahlil, and al-tasbih is a charitable act.
• We are encouraged to perform the acts of ordering good and prohibiting evil. When we do this, we earn reward and contribute to the well-being of the society.
• Interestingly, when couples enjoy sexual intimacy with their spouse, they get rewarded. Alhamdulillah! 😃
• Adultery and fornication are punishable acts in the sight of Allah.
• Standing firm to uphold justice is an act of charity.
• Helping the weak and feable is a charitable deed.
• Saying a good word to others is considered charity.
• Removing things that could harm others on the road path is an act of charity.
• Each step you take to the musallah or masjid is counted for you as a charitable deed.

CONCLUSION:

Islam calls for and encourages its followers to build a caring society, where members of the society care for one another, support each other and help themselves. The social charitable acts discussed above are considered obligatory daily activities which form ways and means of being thankful to Allah. This concepts need to be promoted at home, in the masjid, the media and in every possible way.

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