Pathway to Paradise — Page 95
95 “They ask thee what they shall spend. Say, “Whatever of good and abundant wealth you spend should be for parents and near relatives and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer. And whatever good you do, surely Allah knows it perfectly well. ” (2: 216) In addition, the Holy Prophet has said: “Your charity to others is certainly misplaced if you have a near relative to deserve it. ” And “Giving charity to the poor hath the reward of one charity; but that given to kindred hath two rewards; one, the reward of charity, the other, the reward of helping relations. ” Thus, the Islamic system of charity is a good substitute for the welfare programs existing today. RACE RELATIONS AND EQUALITY OF MANKIND Muslims believe that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) was sent as “a Mercy for all the worlds,” and that he brought a final religion for all humanity. As already mentioned in Chapter 1, one of the fundamental teachings of Islam and one which every Muslim cultivates in his heart is that of brotherhood and equality of human beings.