Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues — Page 149
Socio-economic Peace 149 better than he who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependants. The best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the wealth left after his expenses). Whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah will give him and save him from asking others, Allah will make him self- sufficient. ’ 15 You have an upper hand in service, i. e. , to give alms and serve others and not to be on the receiving end of alms and favours. What Can Be Given in Charity? Apart from the manner in which you give, what you give is also important. If you give something of which you yourself will be ashamed to receive from anyone else, this will not fall within the definition of alms, according to the Holy Quran. It will be more like throwing something in the dustbin. O ye who believe spend of the good things that you have earned, and of that which We produce for you from the earth; and do not select out of it for charity that which is worthless, which you yourself would not take without extreme embarrassment and a sense of shame. And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Worthy of Highest Praise. 16