Islam and Communism — Page 28
28 stress upon it. The Holy Prophet of Islam counts it as one of the greatest virtues, an extremely meritorious act in the sight of. God. The Holy Prophet himself was most open-handed in the distribution of alms. . It is said that in this respect his hand moved with the swiftness of a strong gale disdaining all obstacles. He would advise his followers to distribute personal and individual charity in a way that the right hand did not know what the left hand gave; so that both the giver and the receiver be saved from feelings of inferiority or superiority. . This indirect way of helping the poor and the needy is by way of voluntary contributions as opposed to government collection of Zakat, which is obligatory. . The idea is that not only should the rich and well-to-do part with a goodly portion of what they have earned with the help of the poor but should also be inspired and actuated by the ideas of fellow-feeling, love, and sympathy. Therefore, while. Communism turns men into machines and