Heavenly Jewels

"Remember my rights and the rights ofyourparents." Once a Sahaabi came to the Holy Prophet �and asked him, "Ya Rassoollalah �! If! were to carry my mother on my back and walk over a road strewn with so hot stones that they have the ability to cook meat, will I have fulfilled her rights?" He answered, " Doing so could possibly equal just one pain she experienced from themanywhile giving birth to you." (Tabraani) Allah protect us from disrespecting our parents, grant us the ability to be good and fulfill their rights, Ameen ! (Jfaadaate-Razvia) DISCUSSION ON ZAKAAT Rasoollalah �, the Prophet ofmercy was sympathetic to the plight of the needy, destitute, orphans, widows and he practically demonstrated his generosity and benevolence to them before Islam and during its initial stages as well. Muslims ofthat periodwere also kind to the needy etc but all this was due to their good will. There was no specification to do so. In 2 A.H. Allah made Zakaat the third pillar of Islam and Fardh upon all MuslIms so that the needs of the destitute are not neglected. Zakaat is a practical demonstration of the sympathy, mercy and compassion naturally found in thehearts ofpeople. Some ofthe benefits ofgiving outZakaatare listed below, 1 . Love for wealth does not take over the humanity ofone who gives out Zakaat and he or she is saved from the defects of stinginess and being a miser. 2. The poor are regarded as part of the society and community which effectively stops pride to be seeded in the acquisition ofwealth. 3 . The needy are content with the person who gives out Zakaat and supplicate for his orherprogress. 4. By the giving out of Zakaat the tradition of begging in society becomes unfound. (Extracted) 1 44