SADAQATUL FITR

Sadaqatul Fitr is a compulsory charity, which is given at the end of Ramadaan to the poor and needy. It is given to help them particularly on the day of Eidul Fitr, and also serves as a purification for the giver against mistakes made while fasting.

Sadaqatul Fitr is incumbent on every Muslim, male or female, who is sane, has reached the age of puberty and possesses the Nisaab of Zakaah on the day of Eidul Fitr beyond the basic necessities of life. Some scholars have mentioned that Sadaqatul Fitr is compulsory on every Muslim who possesses approximately 4 3/4 lbs. of barley, raisins or dry cottage cheese, which is not needed as a basic food for himself or his family for the day of Eidul Fitr. To be cautious in this matter, every Muslim who may not even be well to do must also pay the Sadaqatul Fitr (or Fitrah).

Those who have the means to do so must pay on behalf of themselves and those under their care. For example, a father must pay on behalf of his wife, children- both minor and adult, as well as those under his care such as adopted children or others maintained by him. However, if the wife earns an income or has sufficient means to pay Sadaqatul Fitr, then she should pay on behalf of herself.

Similarly, if adult children have sufficient means to pay Sadaqatul Fitr, then they should pay on behalf of themselves.

Sadaqatul Fitr can be given in the following items: dates, barley, raisins, cottage cheese, wheat, corn, flour or money. The amount to be given is one Saa’ which is equivalent to 2.174 kgs. or 4 3/4 lbs. or its value in money.

Sadaqatul Fitr becomes compulsory on the day of Eid and should be given before the Eid Salaah. If however, one did not give it before the Eid Salaah, then he must give it after the Salaah. To delay its payment after the day of Eid is Makruuh and against the Sunnah, but must still be given if it was not given before. It is also permissible to give it during the month of Ramadaan.

Sadaqatul Fitr should be given to the poor and needy i.e. those who are entitled to receive Zakaah. Those who cannot receive Zakaah are also not entitled to receive Sadaqatul Fitr. However, poor and needy non-Muslims can be given the Sadaqatul Fitr.

Z A K A A H

Zakaah is that portion of one’s wealth, which must be given to a particular person or persons. It is an act of ‘Ibaadah’ which becomes compulsory on a person when he or she possesses a certain amount of wealth which is known as the ^‘Nisaab’ (Minimum Zakaatable amount).

Zakaah is a command from Allaah, which is mentioned in many different verses of the Holy Quraan and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A). In the Holy Quraan, Allaah says, “Establish Salaah, pay Zakaah and bow your heads with those who bow^‘. (2:43)

Zakaah has many benefits. Besides being very beneficial to the poor and needy, it brings great rewards to the one who gives it. In the Quraan, Allah informs us that those who pay their Zakaah. ‘will achieve the Mercy of Allah’, which is indeed a great reward. The Quraan states, “And My mercy embraces all things. I shall ordain it for those (in particular) who fear Allah and pay Zakaah and those who believe in our revelations”. (7:156)

Zakaah brings about an increase in one’s wealth. Allah states in the Quraan, “That which you give as interest (usury) in order that it may increase on (other) people’s property, has no increase with Allaah. But that which you give as Sadaqah (Zakaah etc.) seeking Allah’s pleasure has increased manifold.” (30: 39)

Zakaah is a means of purifying the remaining wealth, and it also purifies a person from sins. Allah says in the Holy Quraan, “Take Sadaqah (Zakaah) of their wealth, wherewith you may purify them.” (9:103)

The Messenger of Allaah (S.A) said, “Allah has made Zakaah obligatory in order to purify the property that remains with you after the payment of Zakaah.” (Abu Dawood).

In another tradition, the Prophet of Allah (S.A) said, “Pay Zakaah, it is a great purifier, and through paying it Allah will purify you of your sins” Another tradition states, “Protect your wealth from the impurities of sins by paying Zakaah.”(Abu Dawood).

In a tradition reported by Jaabir (R.A), the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “If a man pays the Zakaah due on his property, it causes the evil influence to vanish.” (Tibraani). This means that wealth can cause many evils to come about; through it, many sins can be committed; it can be invested in prohibited avenues, thus bringing a prohibited profit. This Hadiith informs us that through the payment of Zakaah, Allah will remove the evil influence of the wealth.

In another tradition reported by Hassan (R.A), the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “Protect your wealth by payment of Zakaah”.

In this tradition, we are informed that through payment of Zakaah, Allah will protect our wealth. In another tradition, the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “Whenever any wealth is destroyed in a jungle or in the sea, it is because of the non-payment of Zakaah”. This is a clear indication that the payment of Zakaah helps in protecting our wealth from all calamities, which can befall it.

Zakaah being a command from Allah must be given from all the different forms of wealth, whether a person has cash or valuables. Zakaah must also be given on the produce harvested by farmers, and it should not be considered as only an optional charity.

Failure to pay Zakaah brings about a terrible punishment from Allaah. In the Quraan, Allah warns us about hoarding money (wealth) and not paying its due rights. He says, “Those who hoard gold and silver (money) and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a grievous penalty. On the Day when heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks and their backs and it will be said to them, ‘This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves Taste you, then, the treasure which you buried”. (9:34 -35).

In a tradition reported by Abu Hurairah (R.A), the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “If anyone possesses gold and silver (money), and does not pay what is due, then, on the Day of Resurrection, his gold and silver will be converted into plates that will be heated in the fire of Hell until they become like plates of fire itself, and then his sides, his forehead and his back will be branded with them again and again, during a day which will be fifty thousand years long.” (Muslim)

Another tradition states that the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “Whomsoever Allah has given property and he does not pay Zakaah on it, then his property will be transformed for him into a large bald snake with two black spots over its eyes, which will be put round his neck on the Day of Judgement. It will hold both of his jaws and say to him, ‘I am your treasure’.” (Bukhari)

In another tradition reported by Ali (R.A), the Messenger of Allah (S.A.) said, “Allah has enjoined upon the rich to pay Zakaah of their wealth, as much as should suffice for the poor ones among them. And nothing distresses the poor, when they are hungry or naked, than the neglectfulness of the rich who do not pay what is due from them. Beware! Allah will call such people to a stern account and punish them with a severe punishment.” (Tibraanii)

It is clear from these traditions that failure to pay the Zakaah incurs a severe punishment from Allah. Muslims need to pay more serious attention towards Zakaah. They should understand that it is not an optional charity, but it is a command of Allah, which must be fulfilled by a person who has the Nisaab.

SPENDING IN THE CAUSE OF ALLAH

Besides the payment of Zakaah, a believer is encouraged to spend his money and wealth for the sake of Allah, since it is through such assistance the propagation of Islam can continue. It is a great act of ‘Ibaadah’ for which Allah multiplies the rewards, and through which a person achieves much blessings in his wealth. Allah says in the Holy Quraan, ‘Who is it that will lend to Allah a beautiful loan, so that He (Allah) may give it increase manifold? (Do not fear poverty) Allah stretches and enlarges your provisions and to Him you will return.’ (2: 245)

            It means, who is there that will give his money or wealth for the sake of Allah. In helping the religion of Allah He will increase his wealth for him and put much blessings in it. Further in the verse, Allah informs us that by giving, we should not fear that our wealth will decrease and that we will become poor. This should not come to our minds for it is Allah who increases our wealth and He decreases it.

Another verse of the Quraan informs us that not spending for the sake of Allah is in reality bringing destruction to our own souls. Allah says, “And spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and make not your hands contribute to your destruction. And do good, certainly, Allah loves those who do good”. (2:195)

While explaining this verse, some Companions of the Prophet (S.A) have stated that, “Do not contribute to your own destruction”, means giving up charity for fear of becoming poor. Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A) has said, “To get killed in the Path of Allah is not destroying oneself. In fact, destruction lies in withholding the charity for the sake of Allaah.”

In another verse, Allah encourages us to give, while we are alive, for indeed there will come a day when we will wish to give large amounts, but it will not be accepted from us. He says, ‘0 you who believe, spend out of that which We have provided for you before the Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession (without Allah’s permission).’ (2:254)

In another verse, Allah informs us of the great rewards of giving for His sake. He says, “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is as the likeness of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wishes.” (2:261)

It is therefore, quite rewarding to give charity to a Masjid, to the poor and needy, to old people or even for an Islamic school whose main objective is the propagation of the religion of Allah. Whatever we give for the cause of Allah, we would certainly be repaid for it. Allah says in the Quraan, “All that you give for the cause of Allah shall be repaid fully to you and you shall not be wronged.” (8:60)

The Messenger of Allah (S.A) has also exhorted us to give freely for the Cause of Allah. In one Hadiith, he states, “Two angels come down (from the Heavens) every morning. One of them prays, ‘0 Allah, grant a return to him who spends’, while the other says, ‘0 Allah, destroy the wealth of him who withholds it’. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Once someone asked the Messenger of Allah (S.A) as to what kind of charity was the most virtuous. The Messenger of Allah (S.A) replied, “To give at a time when you are in good health, while you have the hope of becoming rich, and at the same time you fear becoming poor by parting from the wealth. That is the best time. Do not postpone it until the last moment of your life and then say, ‘Give so much for so and so and so much for so and so. Your property has already gone to its heirs”. (Bukhari,  Muslim)

This Hadith teaches us that we should not postpone doing good actions as charity etc. Many times it may happen that death comes upon us before we could even give what we wanted to give for the sake of Allah.

Abu Sa’eed (R.A) states that the Messenger of Allah (S.A) said, “Whosoever gives clothes to a naked Muslim, Allah will give him a green dress to wear in Paradise. And one who gives something to eat to a hungry Muslim; Allaah will feed him with the fruits of Paradise. And one who gives a drink of water to a thirsty Muslim; Allah will give him a drink of sealed non- alcoholic wine in Paradise.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi).

The Messenger of Allaah (S.A) also informed us that charity is a means of getting continuous rewards from Allah. We will be very happy after our death to know that we will continue to receive rewards for certain things which we have done in the world while we were alive. The Prophet of Allah (S.A) said, “When a man dies, his actions are cut off from him except three things – continuous charity, beneficial knowledge or a pious child supplicating for him.” (Muslim)

Continuous charity is a charity given to anything that continues to be useful and beneficial.

Let us therefore take this opportunity to give much charity in this special and blessed month of Ramadaan. For indeed charity given in this month, is far more rewarding than charity given in other months. A person asked the Messenger of Allaah (S.A), “Which charity is the best?” He replied, “Charity given in the month of Ramadaan.”

SADAQAH JAARIYAH

CONTINUOUS REWARDS

Death heralds the next phase of man’s existence: life in Barzakh (the barrier) or life in the grave.  As the Qur’aan tells us: “And behind them is a Barzakh (barrier) until a day they will be resurrected”.

Death then, marks the end of man’s sojourn on this earth, and with it his actions also cease.  He can no longer do good deeds nor increase in sin.  But Allah, in His mercy and wisdom has endowed man with instruments that allow him to perpetually reap the rewards of certain actions done in this worldly existence.  One of these is Sadaqah Jariyah.

The following Hadith bears proof to this: Narrated from Abu Hurairah, he said, “The Messenger of Allaah (S.A) said, When a man dies, his actions are cut off from him except from three things: continuous charity or beneficial knowledge, or a pious child supplicating for him”. (Muslim).

The Qur’aan also says, “Let a soul see what it has sent forth for tomorrow”. We should therefore ask ourselves as to what have we have done in this world to reap rewards in the hereafter.  Our beautiful religion, Islam, has given us a great opportunity through Sadaqah Jaariyah. One should spend his wealth and let it grow, so that he can earn from it while in Barzakh.

Sadaqah Jaariyah is charity given to anything that continues to be useful and beneficial.

The Darul Uloom is an Institute that seeks to build the Islamic character by educating, counseling and issuing Islamic legal opinions (fatwas) after careful research.

Therefore, it is one of the best ways to earn continuous rewards after death. Muslims are encouraged to spend their wealth in support of its educational programmes, social services and building projects.  This, Insha Allah, will bring about great rewards through Sadaqah Jaariyah.

DARUL ULOOM TRINIDAD AND TOABGO

Leading the way in Islamic Education.

Started in humble beginning in 1984, with Allah’s grace and kindness, Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago has grown to become the leading Islamic Institute in the Caribbean and South America. Over the years, great developments and progress have taken place at the Institute, which has given it international recognition and wide acceptance as a Tertiary Islamic Institute.

A glimpse of the Darul Ulooms achievements until present is as follows:

• Officially started in 1984.
• Registered as a fully private Islamic Secondary College with the Ministry of Education in 1987.
• Registered as a centre for CSEC (CXC) examinations by CXC Council of Barbados in 2007.
• Registered with the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) in 2014.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS UNTIL THE PRESENT YEAR 2017

• Approximately 750 students have completed their Academic Secondary Education with a pass rate of 90% each year since 1992. Many students achieved distinctions in numerous subjects. These students have also completed the upper level course in Islamic Studies. (locals and foreigners).
• Approximately 375 Students (boys and girls) have graduated as Aalims and Aalimahs in the Aalim Degree Program. This includes students from Trinidad, the Caribbean Islands and the USA.
• Approximately 78 students (boys and girls) have graduated from the Hifz Program as Huffaaz (having memorized the entire Quran by heart).
• Approximately 2,300 students(males and females) have graduated in the Part time One Year Diploma Course which was conducted on a yearly basis since 1989 (The One Year Part time Diploma Course continues till present).
• Approximately 300 students (males/females – part time/full time) have completed the Qaari Course and graduated as Qurra (Qaaris) and Qaariahs.

Many other students have completed part time Arabic Grammar/Conversation Courses, Post S.E.A Courses and Post-Secondary Courses held by the Institute over the years. Darul Uloom continues to provide quality Islamic Education from Basic to Advance, and from Intermediate to the Tertiary level, for both males and females, which are conducted both on a full time, as well as, a part time basis. It also delivers a compact and well-grounded education at the secondary school level, offering a full scale of Academics/Science subjects and Islamic Studies to students who have completed the SEA exams at their respective schools.

Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago is also committed to provide quality services to the entire Muslim population (locally, regionally and internationally). In this regard, it continues to provide the following services which are all managed (handled) by qualified and competent Islamic Scholars:

• Halaal Certification and Approval Services.
• Hilaal (Moon Sighting) Services.
• Darul Ifta (Service to the entire Muslim population in delivering formal verdicts pertaining to all aspects of Islam).
• Marriage and Divorce Service.
• Counselling Services. Recently, the Darul Uloom sent two of its Islamic Scholars (Muftis) to complete the Qadhi Course (Islamic Judge Course) at the Imarat Shariah in India. Both successfully completed the course and were certified as Qadhis (Islamic Judges) by the Certifying Institute. With this, the Darul Uloom has officially established the Dept. of Mediation, Arbitration and Adjudication (Darul Qadha) at the Institutes’ headquarters.

So far, thousands have benefitted from this facility, and all are invited to access this unique facility in Trinidad, in order to settle their disputes and disagreements in accordance to the teachings of Islam.

From all these services, it can be said without exaggeration, that Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago is indeed a great favour from Allah in this part of the world.

Muslims are invited to benefit from all the facilities and become a part of it by being a student, a donor, supporter and a well-wisher.