Bandar Seri Begawan - Muslims should not be greedy especially when dealing with other people's possessions, as Allah (SWT) forbids His subjects from earning their income by any means necessary, regardless whether it has been procured through harm or halal means.

"They must avoid resorting to begging or finding a quick and easy way to such that they proclaim themselves as fakir (destitute) and miskin (Poor)," said the Friday sermon.

The sermon however, said that wealth must be spent sensibly in accordance with Syariah laws, such as providing nafkah (expenses) for those under their care, and making contributions to those in need.

The sermon reminded that this wealth must also be contributed to zakat (tithe) once all of the requirements have been met.

"Muslims must maintain pride and honour in their efforts to earn a living which has been blessed by Allah on earth," said the sermon.

It added: "Even though that person has been fated by Allah to be a fakir or miskin , Islam forbids its followers from leaving it up to blind fate, where in fact it has commanded its followers to put effort in earning a living."

Fakir are the destitute, who have no source of income and are unable to obtain employment while miskin are those with inadequate income to cover their daily needs.

"As a Muslim, we must always be grateful (or all the rezeki (livelihood) which have been bestowed by Allah to them," the sermon told congregants throughout the country.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which all should fulfil in accordance with Allah's firman (commandment).

Zakat recipients are divided into eight categories: anvil - those who are appointed to collect and distribute the zakat; mualaf -converts and prospective converts; riqab - captives who are given the opportunity to redeem or free themselves from bondage; gharim - those who are in debt because of family or self for lawful reasons; fisabillah - those who fight in the path of Allah and ibnu sabil -travellers who are stranded including students going overseas for studies. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Write comment

Name

Email

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment