The Philosophy of Zakāt — Page 9
THE PH ILOSOPHY OF ZAKAT 9 cannot spare time for earning their own livelihood. The Lord God says in the Holy Quran: ‘These alms are for the poor who are detained in the cause of Allah and are unable to move about in the land …’ ( 2:274 ) In this category were also considered the ‘Companions of the Lounge’ (Ashabus Sufa) of the time of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who voluntarily remained attached to a Man of God, never quitting his company, in order to benefi t spiritually from it. 2. The Needy As a matter of fact the needy people also come under the category of the poor. The only difference is that ‘Miskeen’ is ‘saakin’ (stationary) - the poor who do not move away unless and until their need is removed. But the Holy Prophet, peace be on him, has d efined the ‘Miskeen’ as one who confines himself to his own house and who does not go begging after people; nor does he let them know that he is light of purse. The Holy Quran also describes them: ‘The ignorant man thinks them to be free from want because of their abstaining from begging. Thou shalt know them by their appearance, they do not beg of men with importunity. ’ ( 2:274 ) Such a man maintains his dignity even if he is at death’s door