The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 11
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 11 Muslims. They may also be given assistance from the Zak ā t funds. But this does not mean that financial assistance would be given simply to attract people to Islam. This would surely make them hypocrites. Those who interpret the above term to mean that it i s lawful to attract and lure people to Islam with money are exceedingly wrong and are guilty of bringing a bad name to Islam. They ascribe a thing to Islam for which neither Allah is responsible nor His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Islam does not stand in need of enticing people through monetary or other gains. Islam must be accepted on its own merits. 5. Freeing T he Slaves The phrase ‘FIRIIQAB’ literally means ‘setting the neck free’. This is the term used for getting someone freed from the yokes of slavery. Freedom of slaves can be purchased with the Zak ā t funds. For this, there are no restrictions that the slave must neces sarily be a Muslim. In the beginning of Islam all slaves were non - Muslims. The term ‘Firiiqab’ also applies to men in distress who may virtually be like slaves. As for example someone has been imprisoned on account of debts which he is unable to pay. Such men may be given assistance from the Zakat funds. 6. ‘Wal - Gharimeen’ ‘Gharimeen’ are those bound under penalty or a guarantee given on behalf of someone who was in difficulty and for which they are not personally responsible. As for instance one who