Lecture Number 4 Pillars Of Islam FIVE PILLARS

Lecture Number 4 Pillars Of Islam

FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Shahadat Salat Saum Zakat Hajj (Oneness of allah)

Zakat n Zakat means Purity & cleanliness n Muhammad (pbuh) depicts namaz as pillar, describes zakat as bridge n A portion of your wealth set apart for the needy & poor is called Zakat. A wealth Tax. n The reason is: that it purifies ones wealth and his Nafs(self) too. n Otherwise it is said to have impure wealth & nafs n The Holy Prophet declared Zakat to be a source of success and felicity in both the worlds, Otherwise warning for those who do not obey. n Zakat has its economic and social benefits.

Zakat is Obligatory n To establish a self supporting system n Eradicate poverty n Economic stability/ preventing wealth accumulation in few hands. n (O Messenger, ) take zakat out of their wealth so that you may cleanse them thereby and cause them to grow in purity and sincerity, and pray for them…. ” (9: 103) n Zakat is a test by God n It has been associated with namaz at 82 Quranic Verses.

Who Must Pay? n It is the amount of wealth remaining after meeting all expenses for such vital necessities as food, clothes, housing etc) n For many items subject to Zakat (money, gold, silver, and cattle) n In short, there are two types of Zakat: -one grows by itself e. g. crops and fruits. -the other used for growing and production e. g. money, merchandise, cattle etc.

Distribution of Zakat according to Quran There are 8 categories n Fuqara : People who are poor and do not possess wealth n equal to nisab. Massakin : Extremely poor, who are forced to beg for food. Al - Alaihmin: People appointed by the state/ govt. for the collection of Zakat. Not necessarily needy ones. Muallafat – ul- qulub : Converts to the religion Islam. Fir – Riqab : Slaves who have an agreement with their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amount. Al – Gharimin: Poor people in debt and unable to pay n Fi – Sabililah : For the cause of Allah n Ibn – us – Sabil : Travelers who may be well to do at home n n but during journey do not possess basic necessities.

n “The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and for the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah is knower, Wise. ” (9: 60) n “…. . and there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah. Announce unto them a most grievous penalty. On the day when the 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 their flanks (side). ” (9: 34)

To whom it should be given/ not given n Not allowed to Immediate family: Zakat should not be given to the people whose sustenance is a compulsion for you. n Only Muslims are entitled for Zakat “However” a non Muslim can be a given a share from general charity. (No discrimination) n Send Zakat to the needy of that very locality.

Cont. . n Holy Prophet is reported to have said : if a person has enough material for the meals of morning & evening would extend his hand to ask for charity, he would collect fire for himself n At another place it is said : A person who has got something to eat or is strong enough to earn his livelihood must not accept zakat.

Hajj - Pilgrimage n The literal meaning of Hajj is the will & desire to visit. n But in Islamic terminology it means to visit Holy Ka`abah. n Initially structured by Hazrat Adam, then after 4500 years by Hazrat Ibrahim & Hazrat Ishamil was built by them. n Pilgrimage to the Holy Ka`abah is not an obligation but it is a compulsion for those who can afford it: “Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah – those who can afford the journey” (3: 97)

Universal assembly of Hajj n 'Hajj' ----a collective 'Ibadat n Growth of piety and virtuousness n Season of awakening of Islamic world n Inspiring spectacle of unity of Millat n One aim, assemblage at one centre n Greatest movement for establishment of peace n Centre of real equality n World witness the discipline

Assignment n What is Hajj? n What does Hajj symbolize? Give its advantages. n Point out the political affiliations related to Hajj from International perspective. (in point form)