تويت
What do you know about al-Sadaqa (alms?)
The Conception of Al-Sadaqa (alms)
Al-Sadaqa means to give support to someone for the sake of being closer to Allah the Almighty. Must of times direct to the poor and needy people, despite prerequisite of faith or Islam (1). Also, compromises foundations , mosques, and general activities. It is a voluntary work, not an obligation.
Al-Sadaqa in Quran:
Allah SWT mentioned in His Noble Book a lot of verses concerning Al-Sadaqa, which is an evidence of the importance of Al-Sadaqa to man in his life of this world and hereafter. For example:
The Almighty said: (Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance from His servants and takes the alms, and that Allah is the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful? 9;104)
(O you who believe! do not make your charity worthless by reproach and injury, like him who spends his property to be seen of men and does not believe in Allah and the last day; so his parable is as the parable of a smooth rock with earth upon it, then a heavy rain falls upon it, so it leaves it bare; they shall not be able to gain anything of what they have earned; and Allah does not guide the unbelieving people.2;264)
(The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.2;261)
Al-Sadaqa in the traditions of Ahlulbayt (AS)
AhlulBayt (AS) stated the subject of Al-Sadaqa in many traditions which highlighting the importance of giving alms and the rewards which a man can gain through it. For example:
Apostle of Allah SAWA said: “When a man dies, his acts come to an end, except in three cases: an ongoing charity, knowledge from which people continue to benefit, and a righteous child who prays for him.(2)”
Apostle of Allah SAWA said, “Increase your charity and you will be given [increased] sustenance.”(3)
He SAWA also said, “ I entered heaven saw on its gate written: Charity is repaid tenfold,
and the loan eighteenfold.
Apostle SAWA said: “O Jibril (Gabriel), how can the loan be more meritorious than charity?" He replied: "Because one asking for charity may still have some need left, while the borrower does not borrow except his need is fulfilled.(4)”
He SAWA also said, “the better the servant do his charity, the better Allah SWT will look after his blessings(5)”
Imam Al-Sadiq AS,” I went after the light of heart and I found it in thinking and crying, I went after passport (crossing) the straight path and I found it in alms, and I went after the light of the face and found it in Night prayers (6)”
Imam al-Reza AS, “The best owned money is the repository of alms (8)”
Which is better to openly give or secretly give alms?
To reveal alms is a kind of a process call for good deeds, to attract people to spend and give (alms), to cause relief to the poor and the needy when they see a group among the society are merciful and care for their situation, and money which are available to get them what they need, which can be a good savings for misery times. Therefore it leads to remove desperation and hopelessness from them, and reviving their business (works), have faith in the unity of their jobs and benefits between them and the rich wealthy once. It is all good in that.
In the other hand, doing it secretly would be far away from showing off, being obligated (reproaching someone for a gift), and harm. Also, it is a protection for the character of the needy once from shame and humility, allow them to walk tall, keeping their dignity.
Allah the almighty preferred secretly alms. He SWT said, “If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you 2;271”
There also other traditions refer to the merit of concealing alms, for example:
Messenger of Allah said, “Verily charity given secretly extinguishes the wrath of the Lord(9)”
Imam al-Sadiq AS said, “By Allah, charity given secretly is better than charity given openly, just as, by Allah, worship performed secretly is better than worship performed openly.(10)”
These does not mean to prohibit openly alms completely, but there might be special occasions and importance to do it in the right amount to encourage others to give hands with good deeds.
Benefits of al-Sadaqa in this world and hereafter
It was narrated in the Islamic history that Jesus AS has told about a bride will be die in her wedding night, but she stayed alive. When they asked him about the event he AS said, “Did you give alms today?” they said, “Yes”. He AS said, “ Alms pushes away the concluded death”
Jesus AS told about this event because of his connection with the erasing and proving tablet (the fate book). In the other hand, this event is was under a condition (a condition of no obstacle such as alms) and since it faced the obstacle, the result was something else(11).
Apostle of Allah SAWA said, “Indeed, Allah no go but Him, protects one from sudden calamities by Sadaqa (alms) like, disease, Thoracic empyema, burning, drowning, demolition and madness.(12)” He SAWA also said “Charity prevents seventy different types of adversities, the simplest of them being elephantiasis and leprosy.(13)”
By Alms diseases being eliminated
The Prophet SAWA said, “Charity prevents an undignified death.(14)”
Imam al-Sadiq AS said, “ He who give charity at day or night, he will be protected from wild animals attacks, and sudden death (15)”.
Imam Hussain AS said, “Cure your sick once through giving alms, why would someone not to give his daily substances as alms?! Indeed, Angel of Death given instrument to take the soul of a servant, then he (the servant) gave a sadaqa, then he (Angel of death) will be told, “ return the instrument to him(16)”.
He AS also said, “ Charity (alms) prevent from the concluded fate in heaven(17)”
Abu Ja’far Al-Baqir AS said, “righteousness and charity banish poverty, and increasing life and protecting from seventy causes of sudden death(18)”
Charity is the Key to (Increased) Sustenance
Imam Ali AS said, “Attract sustenance by giving charity.(19)”
He AS also said, “If you are reduced to poverty, then trade with Allah through giving in charity(20).”
Imam al-Sadiq AS said, “I am sometimes reduced to poverty, so I trade with Allah through charity(21).”
The Recipients of Charity
Allah the Almighty in his noble book, and also Messenger of Allah SAWA and his progeny AS, announced The Recipients of al-Sadaqa, and those who worth it. For example:
The Almighty said, “(Alms are) for the poor who are confined in the way of Allah-- they cannot go about in the land; the ignorant man thinks them to be rich on account of (their) abstaining (from begging); you can recognise them by their mark; they do not beg from men importunately; and whatever good thing you spend, surely Allah knows it. 2;273”
Messenger of Allah SAWA said, “The one who is truly poor does not turn away with a meal or two, or a bite or two. He who ask people to increase his money, indeed it is a flaming stone from hell. If you want then take a little or take a lot.(22)”
Imam al-Sadiq when he was asked about al-Sadaqa to those who beg on the doors, or should he stop giving them and give to his relatives?
He AS said, “No!, but he should send it to his relatives. It guarantees greater reward (23)”
He who is not allowed to take al-sadaqa
About those who are forbidden to take al-Sadaqa, Messenger of Allah and his Householders AS clarified them in their holy traditions:
Messenger of Allah said, “Charity is not allowed for a rich person nor Dhu Mirrah (a strong person) of sound mind and body. Except who have extreme poverty or a huge forfeiture (debt).
He who beg people to increase his money his face will be malformed on the Judgment Day, and will eat flaming stones from hell. If you want then take a little or take a lot.”
Imam al-Baqir AS said, “ al-Sadaqa is forbidden to the one who got a job, nor Dhu Mirrah (a strong person) of sound mind and body. Therefore be disinterested in it.”
Imam Ali AS and al-Sadaqa
The Almighty said, (O you who believe! when you consult the Messenger, then offer something in charity before your consultation; that is better for you and purer; but if you do not find, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 58;12)
The author of Tafsir Alamthal, Sheikh Nasir Makarim Alshirazi, commented in the translation of this holy verse; is that some people especially the rich once were crowding and arguing with the Messenger of Allah SAWA always. No doubt Imam Ali AS was not among the rich group of companions of Messenger of Allah SAWA. For the simplicity and asceticism of his life. Despite his conditions and to respect the law of Allah SWT he gave alms in that short periods and for lots of times then consulted the Messenger SAWA. This fact is clear and undisputed and traditionalist as mentioned earlier. But some people even though they assent on this subject, they insist to not count it as a virtue. Their argue is that when the top companions refused it, (to pay alms) it was because they did not have no business with Messenger of Allah SAWA, or because they did not have time, or because they were thinking to avoid embarrassing the poor.
It seems they did not recognize the following verse when Allah said reproachful, (Have you feared to present before your consultation charities? 58;13). Even Allah expresses at the end of the verse with forgiveness, which apparent of it indicates this meaning. This expression evident that giving alms and consulting with Messenger of Allah was a well deed, otherwise there would not be any blame or forgiveness. No doubt a group of the companions of Messenger of Allah who were known before this event, they used to have consultants with the Messenger SAWA (because regular people and those who were away did needed less to do consultants with Messenger of Allah) but those known companions after alms being verdict, they refrained consultation. The only person who respected and implemented and did this law is Imam Ali AS.
If we accept the clear outcomes of the verses and traditions which stated this fact, and the varied Islamic books, and did not give any importance to the weak and frail possibilities, then we have to submit our voice to the voice of Abdullah bin Omar bin Al-Khattab who made this virtue as the virtue of marrying Fatima, and giving the flag on the day of conquering Khaibar, even more precious than luxurious treasures.
References:
1. Tahrir Alwasela by Imam Khomaini: V2, P91
2. Kanz Al-Omal by Almotaqi Alhendi, Tradition No.43655
3. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P1074
4. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V3, P2548
5. Nozhat Alnazer wa Tanbih Alkhater: P22
6. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V4, P3389
7. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V4, P2994
8. Alkafi: V3, P7
9. Alkafi: V4, P8
10. Alamthal by Sheikh Nasir Mokarem Alshirazi: V7, P439-430
11. Wasael Alshi’a by Alhur Al’ameli: V9, P386
12. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
13. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
14. Wasael Alshi’a by Alhur Al’ameli: V9, P393
15. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
16. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
17. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
18. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
19. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
20. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
21. Mustadrak Al-Wasael by Alnori: V7, P136
22. Jame’ Ahadeth Alshi’a by Albrojardi: V8, P384
Al-Sadaqa means to give support to someone for the sake of being closer to Allah the Almighty. Must of times direct to the poor and needy people, despite prerequisite of faith or Islam (1). Also, compromises foundations , mosques, and general activities. It is a voluntary work, not an obligation.
Al-Sadaqa in Quran:
Allah SWT mentioned in His Noble Book a lot of verses concerning Al-Sadaqa, which is an evidence of the importance of Al-Sadaqa to man in his life of this world and hereafter. For example:
The Almighty said: (Do they not know that Allah accepts repentance from His servants and takes the alms, and that Allah is the Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful? 9;104)
(O you who believe! do not make your charity worthless by reproach and injury, like him who spends his property to be seen of men and does not believe in Allah and the last day; so his parable is as the parable of a smooth rock with earth upon it, then a heavy rain falls upon it, so it leaves it bare; they shall not be able to gain anything of what they have earned; and Allah does not guide the unbelieving people.2;264)
(The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.2;261)
Al-Sadaqa in the traditions of Ahlulbayt (AS)
AhlulBayt (AS) stated the subject of Al-Sadaqa in many traditions which highlighting the importance of giving alms and the rewards which a man can gain through it. For example:
Apostle of Allah SAWA said: “When a man dies, his acts come to an end, except in three cases: an ongoing charity, knowledge from which people continue to benefit, and a righteous child who prays for him.(2)”
Apostle of Allah SAWA said, “Increase your charity and you will be given [increased] sustenance.”(3)
He SAWA also said, “ I entered heaven saw on its gate written: Charity is repaid tenfold,
and the loan eighteenfold.
Apostle SAWA said: “O Jibril (Gabriel), how can the loan be more meritorious than charity?" He replied: "Because one asking for charity may still have some need left, while the borrower does not borrow except his need is fulfilled.(4)”
He SAWA also said, “the better the servant do his charity, the better Allah SWT will look after his blessings(5)”
Imam Al-Sadiq AS,” I went after the light of heart and I found it in thinking and crying, I went after passport (crossing) the straight path and I found it in alms, and I went after the light of the face and found it in Night prayers (6)”
Imam al-Reza AS, “The best owned money is the repository of alms (8)”
Which is better to openly give or secretly give alms?
To reveal alms is a kind of a process call for good deeds, to attract people to spend and give (alms), to cause relief to the poor and the needy when they see a group among the society are merciful and care for their situation, and money which are available to get them what they need, which can be a good savings for misery times. Therefore it leads to remove desperation and hopelessness from them, and reviving their business (works), have faith in the unity of their jobs and benefits between them and the rich wealthy once. It is all good in that.
In the other hand, doing it secretly would be far away from showing off, being obligated (reproaching someone for a gift), and harm. Also, it is a protection for the character of the needy once from shame and humility, allow them to walk tall, keeping their dignity.
Allah the almighty preferred secretly alms. He SWT said, “If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you 2;271”
There also other traditions refer to the merit of concealing alms, for example:
Messenger of Allah said, “Verily charity given secretly extinguishes the wrath of the Lord(9)”
Imam al-Sadiq AS said, “By Allah, charity given secretly is better than charity given openly, just as, by Allah, worship performed secretly is better than worship performed openly.(10)”
These does not mean to prohibit openly alms completely, but there might be special occasions and importance to do it in the right amount to encourage others to give hands with good deeds.
Benefits of al-Sadaqa in this world and hereafter
It was narrated in the Islamic history that Jesus AS has told about a bride will be die in her wedding night, but she stayed alive. When they asked him about the event he AS said, “Did you give alms today?” they said, “Yes”. He AS said, “ Alms pushes away the concluded death”
Jesus AS told about this event because of his connection with the erasing and proving tablet (the fate book). In the other hand, this event is was under a condition (a condition of no obstacle such as alms) and since it faced the obstacle, the result was something else(11).
Apostle of Allah SAWA said, “Indeed, Allah no go but Him, protects one from sudden calamities by Sadaqa (alms) like, disease, Thoracic empyema, burning, drowning, demolition and madness.(12)” He SAWA also said “Charity prevents seventy different types of adversities, the simplest of them being elephantiasis and leprosy.(13)”
By Alms diseases being eliminated
The Prophet SAWA said, “Charity prevents an undignified death.(14)”
Imam al-Sadiq AS said, “ He who give charity at day or night, he will be protected from wild animals attacks, and sudden death (15)”.
Imam Hussain AS said, “Cure your sick once through giving alms, why would someone not to give his daily substances as alms?! Indeed, Angel of Death given instrument to take the soul of a servant, then he (the servant) gave a sadaqa, then he (Angel of death) will be told, “ return the instrument to him(16)”.
He AS also said, “ Charity (alms) prevent from the concluded fate in heaven(17)”
Abu Ja’far Al-Baqir AS said, “righteousness and charity banish poverty, and increasing life and protecting from seventy causes of sudden death(18)”
Charity is the Key to (Increased) Sustenance
Imam Ali AS said, “Attract sustenance by giving charity.(19)”
He AS also said, “If you are reduced to poverty, then trade with Allah through giving in charity(20).”
Imam al-Sadiq AS said, “I am sometimes reduced to poverty, so I trade with Allah through charity(21).”
The Recipients of Charity
Allah the Almighty in his noble book, and also Messenger of Allah SAWA and his progeny AS, announced The Recipients of al-Sadaqa, and those who worth it. For example:
The Almighty said, “(Alms are) for the poor who are confined in the way of Allah-- they cannot go about in the land; the ignorant man thinks them to be rich on account of (their) abstaining (from begging); you can recognise them by their mark; they do not beg from men importunately; and whatever good thing you spend, surely Allah knows it. 2;273”
Messenger of Allah SAWA said, “The one who is truly poor does not turn away with a meal or two, or a bite or two. He who ask people to increase his money, indeed it is a flaming stone from hell. If you want then take a little or take a lot.(22)”
Imam al-Sadiq when he was asked about al-Sadaqa to those who beg on the doors, or should he stop giving them and give to his relatives?
He AS said, “No!, but he should send it to his relatives. It guarantees greater reward (23)”
He who is not allowed to take al-sadaqa
About those who are forbidden to take al-Sadaqa, Messenger of Allah and his Householders AS clarified them in their holy traditions:
Messenger of Allah said, “Charity is not allowed for a rich person nor Dhu Mirrah (a strong person) of sound mind and body. Except who have extreme poverty or a huge forfeiture (debt).
He who beg people to increase his money his face will be malformed on the Judgment Day, and will eat flaming stones from hell. If you want then take a little or take a lot.”
Imam al-Baqir AS said, “ al-Sadaqa is forbidden to the one who got a job, nor Dhu Mirrah (a strong person) of sound mind and body. Therefore be disinterested in it.”
Imam Ali AS and al-Sadaqa
The Almighty said, (O you who believe! when you consult the Messenger, then offer something in charity before your consultation; that is better for you and purer; but if you do not find, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 58;12)
The author of Tafsir Alamthal, Sheikh Nasir Makarim Alshirazi, commented in the translation of this holy verse; is that some people especially the rich once were crowding and arguing with the Messenger of Allah SAWA always. No doubt Imam Ali AS was not among the rich group of companions of Messenger of Allah SAWA. For the simplicity and asceticism of his life. Despite his conditions and to respect the law of Allah SWT he gave alms in that short periods and for lots of times then consulted the Messenger SAWA. This fact is clear and undisputed and traditionalist as mentioned earlier. But some people even though they assent on this subject, they insist to not count it as a virtue. Their argue is that when the top companions refused it, (to pay alms) it was because they did not have no business with Messenger of Allah SAWA, or because they did not have time, or because they were thinking to avoid embarrassing the poor.
It seems they did not recognize the following verse when Allah said reproachful, (Have you feared to present before your consultation charities? 58;13). Even Allah expresses at the end of the verse with forgiveness, which apparent of it indicates this meaning. This expression evident that giving alms and consulting with Messenger of Allah was a well deed, otherwise there would not be any blame or forgiveness. No doubt a group of the companions of Messenger of Allah who were known before this event, they used to have consultants with the Messenger SAWA (because regular people and those who were away did needed less to do consultants with Messenger of Allah) but those known companions after alms being verdict, they refrained consultation. The only person who respected and implemented and did this law is Imam Ali AS.
If we accept the clear outcomes of the verses and traditions which stated this fact, and the varied Islamic books, and did not give any importance to the weak and frail possibilities, then we have to submit our voice to the voice of Abdullah bin Omar bin Al-Khattab who made this virtue as the virtue of marrying Fatima, and giving the flag on the day of conquering Khaibar, even more precious than luxurious treasures.
References:
1. Tahrir Alwasela by Imam Khomaini: V2, P91
2. Kanz Al-Omal by Almotaqi Alhendi, Tradition No.43655
3. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P1074
4. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V3, P2548
5. Nozhat Alnazer wa Tanbih Alkhater: P22
6. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V4, P3389
7. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V4, P2994
8. Alkafi: V3, P7
9. Alkafi: V4, P8
10. Alamthal by Sheikh Nasir Mokarem Alshirazi: V7, P439-430
11. Wasael Alshi’a by Alhur Al’ameli: V9, P386
12. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
13. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
14. Wasael Alshi’a by Alhur Al’ameli: V9, P393
15. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
16. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
17. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
18. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
19. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
20. Mezan Alhekmah by Alreshahri: V2, P2595
21. Mustadrak Al-Wasael by Alnori: V7, P136
22. Jame’ Ahadeth Alshi’a by Albrojardi: V8, P384