AN APPEAL TO FOLLOWERS OF ISLAM

From the study of the Quran one gathers it is the fulfilment of huququl Ibad( rights of mankind) that is dearest to Allah.
It is here that the Muslims need reawakening. The Book of Allah is merely read by rote, respected, and kept aside. Muslims take pride in saying they are ‘ahle hadith’, the followers of Imam Shafi or Hanafi or Ambali or Maliki. The need of the hour is to understand the purpose of the Quran.
“ Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: They are the ones that believe therein: Those who reject faith therein, - the loss is their own”. 2:121.

“They ask thee how much they are to spend; Say: ‘What is beyond your needs.’ 2:219.
“Believe in Allah and in His Apostle and give to others in need out of what He hath given you in trust ; and for such of you as believe and spend aright – for them there shall be a great reward” . 57 .7
It is unfortunate that the rates fixed by the Imams have come to replace the Quranic requirement. There is wide difference between Zakat and Sadaqa. Sadaqa is a temporary or immediate relief, to help to redress immediate distress. Zakat is an economic concept, which if implimented, the need for sadaqa does not exist. The concept of zakat is to make everyone self-reliant. It is said that such a state of economy was established during the period of rashadeen.

After Prophet Mohummad, during the period of Hazrat Abubakar a number of tribal cheifs refused to pay zakat. But Hazrat Abubakar insisted that it was Quranic requirement and hence cannot be waived. He had to fight for it. This goes to show that it was collected by the state for the welfare measures of the needy.

A trust could be formed to collect zakat, instead of the method that is prevalent. Such a trust can establish institutions such as self-employment training centres for the poor and needy, assist them out of the funds to establish their own work places. Create self-help groups, form cooperatives of needy women, who today do zari work for the middlemen and hardly get any renumerations for their hard work.

Establish schools and colleges for the rich with all modern facilities. The profits earned by such schools and colleges can go to establish schools and professional institutions for those who cannot efford. Till such time zakat is established sadaqa should continue for immediate redressal.

Every year Muslims offer animal sacrifice during the Haj period. According to the Quran this is compulsary only for persons performing Haj. We find, everyone sacrifices animals whether he is on pilgrimage or not. It is also mentioned that sacrifice by the hajis should be of animals, which are of no use to you any more.

There are uses for you in them for a specified term and thereafter their use is at the Ancient House.22: 33
What is happening is contrary to what has been stated in the Quran. The point I wish to make is that the amount you spend on animal sacrifice (not required) can be used for the upliftment of the poor among the Muslims.

It is very common to see girl servents in many prosperous households working from morning till late in the evening. These girls are not sent to schools. It is very common to see young boys of school going age delivering newspapers every morning. It is very common to see young boys working in garages almost 14 hours a day. It is very common to see young boys cleaning tables and utensils in small retaurants. Their childhood is lost.
Do we feel happy praying five times a day and turning a blind eye to what is happening around? Prayer without implementing the purpose behind it has just the placebo effect.

I wish to make an appeal to the prominent and prosporous individuals to come together for this noble cause and give it a beginning.

“ Allah does not alter the state of a people until they themselves make a move to change it.” 13:11