Towards Piety
Piety is older than Adam عليه السلام. We know about the Angels firm obedience to Allaah سبحانه وتعالي and all the righteous possessing love and fear of The Creator.
For many, the word piety is synonymous to religion or spiritualism. This is accompanied by the misunderstanding that religion is confined to places of worship or at best, religious people. But what if piety made it to our homes, schools, offices, malls, etc. In challenging times, could piety liberate us? Moreover, is there a need for us to become pious?
The Islamic term of TAQWA includes piety. It has been the adornment of the successful and remains the secret to a rewarding life. The path to contentment that leads to inner satisfaction baffles at times the billionaires! But mostly these restless days and sleepless nights pinch the hearts and minds of exactly those who seek a good life in this world, period. And this is where piety comes in.
How to live and let live piously helps redefine a good life. Many a time our admiration of Superheroes is best kept in a closet. Just looking pretty or carrying ourselves as caring are not much of a salvation for our souls. This is where the best of the examples of piety through the last Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم comforts even those seeking to live piously in a fast world. A pious role model whose simple life was adorned with achievements, yet humble. A man who contributed to humanity more than anyone ever. All through piety.
So how did the noble companion, Ali رضي الله عنه define piety? “To fear the Irresistible, to act according to revelation, to be content with little, and to count the day you leave this world” sounds as too much to digest. But it does encompass a broader understanding of piety. By learning about God and self-reflecting on uncountable blessings, we fear being selfish and arrogant against The Most High. By learning about the life of the last Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم we are able to benchmark piety. Being distant from materialism and living for the moment, we embark on a journey of noble goals. And by preparing for our meeting with The Creator, we start to selflessly contribute towards progress.
It is righteousness that helps us form life-long relationships and advance us towards developing personally and professionally. Domestic and corporate environments void of piety feel robotic and meaningless. The broad definition shared above encourages us to seek piety in all that we do. Another noble companion, Umar ibn Khattab رضي الله عنه sought piety in all that he did through this meaningful supplication, “Oh Allaah, make each and every of my deed upright and make it solely for You”.
So, we understand that piety is the backbone of righteousness, and piety is not what makes us arrogant. Starting from Iblees (Shaytan), arrogance has always been the result of righteousness without piety. Self-righteousness without piety leads to disobedience of Allaah سبحانه وتعالي and remains a major source of conflict in homes and even globally.
Islam is today the fastest growing religion. What makes it so is the basic concept of piety to God. To live righteously wherever we are, and to contribute to our communities through piety gives us a universal purpose and empowers us to become problem-solvers everywhere. It is piety that fuels 21st century skills and having a generation growing up with piety positively impacts global perspectives and dynamics.
It is just mind-blowing as to how much value Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم and each one of his companions bring to our lives and the future. May Allaah سبحانه وتعالى make us and our children from the pious!
Zakat and Society
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala links Zakat and goodness. Moreover, we understand that goodness is not limited to this world as all noble acts of the believers will be recognized by the Creator on the Day of Meeting.
In the famous hadith narrated by Mu’adh bin Jabal رضي الله عنه and found in Sahih Bukhari, we read “… If they obey you to do so, then inform them that Allah (swt) has made it obligatory upon them to pay Zakat from their wealth. It is to be taken from the wealthy amongst them and given to the poor amongst them”. The obligation of Zakat and the fact that rich and the poor in communities are involved teach us that Islam is a religion for all humanity. This hadith and other literature on Zakat establishes that Islam stands by the needy and furthers the belief in Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala and the noble message with which the blessed Prophets عليهم السلام were sent.
So, who does Zakat involve in societies? As Zakat is an obligation in Islam, it is from Muslims to Muslims. In Surah Al-Tawbah, Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala instructs Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, “Take sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it …”. Amongst many other benefits, it is obvious that giving Zakat is a means of purification in every aspect. Not only does it humble the givers of Zakat, it also purifies their wealth and makes it more blessed and beneficial for them. As for the recipients, then they are also clearly identified in Surah Al-Tawbah; “Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allaah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allaah. And Allaah is Knowing and Wise”.
So how is Zakat calculated and am I eligible to pay Zakat or receive Zakat? This is dependent on your Nisab. Nisab differs from economies to economies and establishes a minimum that is possessed over a period of one year. If one falls below the established Nisab and they fall in one of the above categories of Zakat, then they are eligible for Zakat. Similarly, if one possesses more than the Nisab amount, then they are eligible to pay Zakat. It is important to remember the date from which you have possessed more than the Nisab or to keep an estimated date in mind and this comes handy when paying Zakat.
Many Muslims like to pay Zakat only in the holy month of Ramadan. Being a form of purification, it is rather encouraged to pay Zakat at the earliest during the following year from your date of Nisab. Moreover, it is best to uplift your community first so Zakat should start from within our own communities. When practiced as per the teachings of Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم, their flourished communities where not a person below Nisab was found!
For more information on Zakat, it is best to consult a scholar within your community and to treat it as a matter of urgency, recognizing it as an obligation from Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala and a means of attaining wholistic purification. How noble is the affair of a believer who establishes Zakat for uplifting societies and sends forth goodness in the Hereafter. Oh Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala make us and our generations from the righteous who seek purification through Zakat.
Charity and Beyond
Blessed is Islam and the broadness it embraces us with. From the many reflections is the concept of charity. A limited view has some questioning why charity exists in Islam. The internet provokes questions like, “If God is so merciful then why does poverty exist?”. And this is where philanthropy steps up and charity takes a back seat. Yes, there is a fundamental difference between the two words. Islam promotes charity and not philanthropy. How?
In Sahih Bukhari, it was narrated that Abu Hurayra رضي الله عنه said: Whilst we were sitting with the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم, a man came to him and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, I am doomed!” He said, “What happened?” He said, “I had intercourse with my wife when I was fasting (in Ramadaan(.” The Messenger of Allaah صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Are you able to free a slave?” He said, “No.” He said, “Are you able to fast for two consecutive months?” He said, “No.” He said, “Can you feed sixty poor persons?” He said, “No.” Then the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم remained silent for a while, and whilst we were like that, a large vessel of dates was brought to the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم, and he said, “Where is the one who was asking?” He said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take these and give them in charity.” The man said, “Is there anyone more poor than me, O Messenger of Allaah? For there is no household between the two harrahs (lava fields – i.e., in Madeenah) that is poorer than my household.” The Messenger of Allaah صلي الله عليه وسلم smiled until his eyeteeth could be seen, then he said, “Feed it to your family.”
This hadith clarifies that charity is not limited to uplifting the welfare of another individual but rather serves as a means of salvation for the one giving it. Philanthropy, on the other hand, is limited to promoting the welfare of others in an attempt to create a better world. Such is the broadness of worship in Islam where acts of charity are not limited to financials only. The following hadith further illustrates that charity in Islam is not meant to solely make us feel better by uplifting others but is rather a means of contributing and increasing in the sight of Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala.
In Tirmidhi we read the hadith narrated by Abu Dharr رضي الله عنه where her heard the blessed Prophet Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم say, "Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you."
Giving charity (with the intention for Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala to accept) becomes the source of righteousness for us and those whom we give charity to. Donating to people in distress helps us feel their challenges, humbles us, and open doors of sustenance for us.
We seek comfort in being from the People of Jannah, a people who Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala eloquently identifies in Surah Al-Zariyat, “Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs. Accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good. They used to sleep but little of the night. And in the hours before dawn, they used to ask for forgiveness. And from their properties was the right of the petitioner and deprived.
Establishing Prayers
It was the timeless night of Mi’raj where the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم ascended to meet Allaah سبحانه و تعالى before the Hijrah to Madinah took place. It was this night that the Seal of Prophets, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was blessed with the obligatory prayers at fixed times. A detailed hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik رضي الله عنه and recorded in Sahih Bukhari lists the events that took place on the blessed night of Mi’raj concluding with the gift of five reduced prayers for the Ummah. We derive that these prayers remain fundamental to success in all times and places, obviously including the 21st century and beyond. We also learn in the same awe-inspiring hadith about one good deed equating to ten good deeds! So, amongst many other takeaways from this hadith are the three that have been mentioned.
In the above context how should we then define ‘prayer’ and understand its core? As an act that connects us to Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala, always. The concept of prayer in Islam is not merely ritualistic, rather to be factually precise, it is out of this world! Where time does not exist nor do barriers of worldly interaction, prayer becomes the divine connection between us and Allaah, the Ever Living. Furthermore, the concept of prayer in Islam is not limited to an act called ‘prayer’. In other words, the correct understanding is that prayer is not an ‘on/off switch’, rather blessed are those amongst us who are always in a state of prayer. To establish prayer is to welcome a good fulfilling life; indeed, a blessing in itself.
But establishing this prayer comes with its challenges. In Sahih Muslim we read a hadith narrated by Uthman Bin Abi Al-Aas رضي الله عنه who came and complained to the blessed Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and he said: “The Shaitan comes between me and my salat and causes me problems with my recitation.” So the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “That is a shaitan called Khanzab, so if you feel his presence, seek refuge in Allah and blow a mist to your left three times.” He said: “I applied this advice and Allah has rid me of him.”
Every day seems to dawn additional challenges. Wherever we may be and whoever we are, the list is getting unbearably exhaustive. As life paces on, the purpose to live towards demands more attention today. Does prayer today hold the same reverence as it did for people before us or has the latest in science and technology abolished it? We all agree that with insecurity on the rise globally, each and every one of us is in need of direction and support. There remains the argument that prayers have become ineffective in the face of rising hunger and depression. All this chaos around us has led many to question the existence of a Creator and Maintainer.
This is where the ayah from Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran opens horizons. Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala says, “Oh you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allaah is with the patient”. The prayer can only be established by those who believe. Those who believe that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم was given the gift of prayer on the blessed journey to establish a link with The Creator. Those who further understand that the trials and challenges in our lives are only there to help strengthen our relationship with Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala. We are then strengthened and empowered to face our fears and insecurities and live for a greater purpose.
Developing through Fasting
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala tells us why we fast. Every year as the month of Ramadan approaches, this ayah of the Quraan serves as a reminder. And with this reminder, Muslims are awed by the fact that Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala has prescribed for us actions that empower us at all times. But before we talk about empowerment, it is important to reflect on the relationship that The Most Merciful attaches to His creation.
Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala informs us in Surah Al-Fatir, "O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise”. This clear message equips us with the understanding that we worship the One who has no need and informs that it is for us to better and develop ourselves that we turn to The Most High. Such is His greatness and mercy that he has only prescribed for us acts that benefit us and those around us. So how then does fasting develop us?
Every individual objective that we set demands effort. And those who achieve will tell you that efforts require consistency. From the time they are set to when they give fruit, our focus and skills are examined. And after having to push ourselves beyond, the aroma of contentment empowers and engulfs our inner selves. The whole process helps us identify our desires and procrastinations as the inner obstacles. Fasting rescues us by teaching self-control which helps change our behaviors. It instills in us good character and most importantly the strength to listen to others. It is us who benefit as individuals and when this starts to rub off on others, communities attain focus and purpose. We realize that indeed it is not Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala who stands in need of any act of worship, rather it is humanity that develops by commanding righteousness and forbidding the wrong. And it all starts from us, the individual.
So great is this purpose of goodness that this hadith Qudsi in Sahih Bukhari narrated by Abu Hurayra رضى الله عنه elaborates on the importance given by the Prescriber to fasting. Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Allaah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hands my soul is’ The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.”
The above hadith is also instrumental in comprehending the need of Islam in our lives. It points out that fasting is not a mere social ritual, and neither is any other act of worship meant to burden us, rather it empowers and develops us into greater individuals to lead our communities towards righteousness. We ask Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala to make us and those around us from those who follow Islam and benefit by applying it to all challenges around us. We ask Him to make us from those who set and achieve noble goals through fasting.
Pilgrimage
Hajj is the one of the five pillars of Islam and a once in a lifetime obligation on Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, from wherever they live. And what is this once in a lifetime experience like? In the words of El-Hajj Malik El-Shahbaz (Malcolm X), “Never have I been so highly honored and never had such honor and respect made me feel more humble and unworthy. Who would believe that such blessing could be heaped upon an American Negro!!! (But) in the Muslim World, when one accepts Islam and ceases to be white or Negro, Islam recognizes all men as Men because the people here in Arabia believe that God is One, they believe that all people are also One, and that all our brothers and sisters is One Human Family.” Such is the unity that is experienced in Hajj!
The history of the Ka’ba dates to the first man and Prophet, Adam عليه السلام with a reference in the Quran to the old name of Makkah, known as Bakkah. In Surah Aale-Imran we read, “Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah - blessed and a guidance for the worlds”. The Ka’ba was centuries later rebuilt by the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail عليهما السلام while the Hajj itself incorporates the amazing struggle of Hajr عليها السلام. With such a rich history uniting humanity, the Hajj is indeed one of the most sought-after experiences for a Muslim.
With global coverage every year, everyone knows when the Hajj is performed and the significance that it carries. The rituals performed during the five days of the last month of Dhul-Hijjah not only validate that Hajj has been completed but also highlight the struggles of th4 Prophets and the righteous.
From the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim enters the state of Ihram. Reflecting on these five days is paramount to attaining global unity and reassures us that Islam integrates cultures and brings people together for the best of causes; to recognize and humble ourselves in obedience to the One Creator! The blessed Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم undertook this journey once in his lifetime, teaching us how to attain unity and promote righteousness in all matters of day to day life. He lived a simple life, away from materialism and always preferred consensus over conflict. In the same context the last Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم emphasized on how to love and fear Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala. This translates to our lives not merely being ritualistic but rather inserts a spirit of nobility and humbleness, an experience very strongly sensed when donning the Ihram.
So, how should I prepare for this once in a lifetime journey? Learning the rituals and their significance along with making all travel arrangements does not complete your preparations. Do not forget to pack courtesy, self-endurance and an accommodating attitude. This is because the Hajj is not one pilgrim’s journey. Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala informs us in Surah Al-Baqarah, “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of Ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do - Allaah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allaah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.”
Hajj is truly a humbling experience. It teaches us to carry this obedience and humbleness in our day to day lives and has the most positive of impacts on our communities. This sought-after global unity brings peace on earth and benchmarks productivity. Oh Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala, make us from the Pilgrims, oft-returning to You and accept our goodness and overlook our short-comings!
About creed
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala tells us why we fast. Every year as the month of Ramadan approaches, this ayah of the Quraan serves as a reminder. And with this reminder, Muslims are awed by the fact that Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala has prescribed for us actions that empower us at all times. But before we talk about empowerment, it is important to reflect on the relationship that The Most Merciful attaches to His creation.
Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala informs us in Surah Al-Fatir, "O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise”. This clear message equips us with the understanding that we worship the One who has no need and informs that it is for us to better and develop ourselves that we turn to The Most High. Such is His greatness and mercy that he has only prescribed for us acts that benefit us and those around us. So how then does fasting develop us?
Every individual objective that we set demands effort. And those who achieve will tell you that efforts require consistency. From the time they are set to when they give fruit, our focus and skills are examined. And after having to push ourselves beyond, the aroma of contentment empowers and engulfs our inner selves. The whole process helps us identify our desires and procrastinations as the inner obstacles. Fasting rescues us by teaching self-control which helps change our behaviors. It instills in us good character and most importantly the strength to listen to others. It is us who benefit as individuals and when this starts to rub off on others, communities attain focus and purpose. We realize that indeed it is not Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala who stands in need of any act of worship, rather it is humanity that develops by commanding righteousness and forbidding the wrong. And it all starts from us, the individual.
So great is this purpose of goodness that this hadith Qudsi in Sahih Bukhari narrated by Abu Hurayra رضى الله عنه elaborates on the importance given by the Prescriber to fasting. Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Allaah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hands my soul is’ The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.”
The above hadith is also instrumental in comprehending the need of Islam in our lives. It points out that fasting is not a mere social ritual, and neither is any other act of worship meant to burden us, rather it empowers and develops us into greater individuals to lead our communities towards righteousness. We ask Allaah subHanahu wa t’aala to make us and those around us from those who follow Islam and benefit by applying it to all challenges around us. We ask Him to make us from those who set and achieve noble goals through fasting.