Pathway to Paradise — Page 94
94 the rest to Allah. The Holy Prophet also said: “It is better for one of you to take his rope, bring a load of firewood on his back and sell it, God thereby preserving his self - respect, than that he should beg from people whether they give him anything or refuse him. ” He also referred to the rough hands of a laborer as the hands God loves. Self - reliance is only part of a Muslim’s thinking because it is always coupled with reliance on Allah. There are countless examples of Allah answering prayers concerning financial har dship when there seemed no other way. One of Allah’s blessings and a solution for economic disparity is the institution of Zakaat (see Chapter 1). Zakaat is a tax on the wealth of a Muslim which is distributed to the poor. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Take alms out of their wealth, so that thou mayest cleanse them and purify them thereby…” ( 9:103) Thus Islam has made the giving of charity a purification for those with wealth and a means by which the wealthy may achieve nearness to Allah. In addition, the giving of charity provides for those in poverty. Muslims have been instructed to give charity on many occasions, such as the birth of a child, or on Eid , so that they may receive Allah’s blessings. Even those who have very little are encouraged to give charity, be it food, clothes or labor. Wonderful examples of generosity are found in the lives of the Holy Prophet and his family, who themselves lived liv es of hardship. Islam teaches Muslims to take care of their relatives who may be less fortunate than themselves, thus encouraging the distribution of wealth. The Holy Qur’an says: