Heavenly Jewels

Zakaat whose importance has been explained in several places of the Holy Quraan together with Salaah is an integral pillar of Islam. It has also emphasized that by giving out Zakaat wealth does not decrease, rather it grows. However ifZakaat is not given out then the wealth it is present in will be destroyed by it. The Holy Prophet � has stated, "Whatever money or wealth is ruined on land or at sea is due 0 Zakaat not been given out." WhenAllah has said, "Give out Zakaat your wealth will increase," then we should have Yakeen that it will because He, the creator of all circumstances is saying so. Two womenwearing bangles ofgold, once came to Rassoollalah�. He asked them if they gave out Zakaat and when they answered no, he enquired i fthey wished for Allah to give them bangles of fire to wear. They again said no, and the Holy Prophet � said, "Then give out its Zakaat." (Tirmizi) Another tradition is that a woman came to the noble messenger wearing a silver ring. When he asked her if she will give out its Zakaat, she answered hesitantly (negatively) . He then said, "Then this is sufficient for taking you to J ahannam." The afflictions that come with not giving out Zakaat are horrendous indeed. Those who do not give it out are surely bereft of intelligence because they proudly flaunt their wealth and j ewelry but do not fulfill the Fardh ofHe who has bestowed these belongings. They are definitely caught up in the trap ofShaitaan. Women use very expensive jewc1kry and pricey outfits but when it comes to taking out Zakaat they craftily try to protect themselves from the responsibility ofgiving it out. When a woman has j ewellry that is worthy of Zakaat then giving out Zakaat on it becomes Waaj ib on her. She must fulfiil it in any manner even if it means sell ing part of her j ewel lery or request her husband to give her this necessary amount. However she should not use the money 1 45