GIVING

Among the many things that Allah would like me to learn to be spontaneous with is giving a part of the material goods that He has richly provided. This idea certainly was not very easy and simple at times especially after so much effort have been exerted just to get hold of what could sometimes be meager. But, when I give something from out of which I thought is only enough for me, then, and only then have I surpassed the trial of trustworthiness. The rewards are often beyond my comprehesion. However, there are many among my brethren who have not as yet learned of the lesson. This could be the reason why they are subjected to greater trials in this life.

It is well to realize that Allah have created everything. He did not ask anyone to pay for it. Allah does not wait for anyone to give Him in return for the favor. So, it is just right for his creations to learn His ways of giving.

SAKAT

Sakat is charity. In the daily life of believers, they are inspired and encouraged to practice charity. Charity may come in many forms. The most basic is sharing of food to those who do not have anything to eat within the community. Since Muslims are encourage not to beg, the poor and the underprivileged in the community are always identified by elders. So it is easy to bring to the folds of the needy whatever is given or shared. Even a cup of soup for the needy will always be appreciated.

However, the rich and the famous can dole out more at regular intervals. So, not one individual in the community is left in hunger or thirst.

Zadaka is another form of charity. This is about 2.5 percent of the gross income for the whole year or a portion of the cost of all the material goods earned within the year. This is another sweet smelling oblation which believers can loan to Allah for the needy and the hungry in the community. In such a way, clothing, shelter, and education are additionally provided to the underprivileged part of the community.

The giving of sakat and zadaka is also another way of showing one's manners of generosity, modesty and kindness which are only few of the adornments of a believer in Allah alone.