Understanding Salat — Page 177
Qa‘dah 177 because of the greatness of God. Then, the effect of that excitement shows itself on the tongue when it starts expressing words of praise. Then, it affects our limbs, and we stand in respect, bow down, prostrate, and perform acts of reverence. This effect does not remain confined here, rather, it affects a person’s wealth, and he spends his beloved and pure wealth without hesitation for the pleasure of God. He includes his wealth in the worship of God done by his mind, tongue, and body, and this is called a t - t ayyib ā t, which has been expressed with the words “financial sacrifice,” and it is the right of only Allah Almighty. ( Khu t b ā t-e-N u r, pp. 300) These three stages describe a progression in difficulty. Verbal worship comes easiest, physical acts of worship require greater sacrifice, and the most difficult is financial sacrifice. We present our worship to Allah Almighty as a gift. Firstly, our worship is not a tax, it is a gift. When we give a tax, we do so because we are forced to. However, a gift is given willingly and with happiness. ( Khu t b ā t-e- Tā hir, vol. 4, pp. 1003, 20 Dec 1985) Also, in a tax, people try to give as little as possible. If they have to give part of their property or possessions, they find the worst portion they can to give. However, with a gift, we try to find the best thing we can give. ( Khu t b ā t-e- Tā hir, vol. 3, pp. 209, 13 April 1984) In the All gifts are for Allah