Categories : Alms

When planning, one needs to have an idea about the available resources. The Messenger organized a census of the Muslim population, as al-Bukhari informs us. During ‘Umar’s caliphate, a census of animals, fruit trees, and other goods was organized, and cultivable lands were

We end this brief sketch by mentioning two important prohibitions that are characteristic of a Muslim’s daily life: games of chance and alcoholic drinks. Having already discussed the first one, which causes the vast majority of its participants to spend money for years without g

All financial and other dealings are based on some expressed or implicit agreements. Honoring these agreements is the key to happy and smooth relationships among members of a community or a society. Therefore, the Qur’an stresses this principle and, in several places, actually l

To avoid such problems due to forgetfulness or other reasons, and to reduce any chance of misunderstanding and bad faith, the Qur’an orders that all financial deals be committed to paper and witnessed, as we read in the following passage: O you who believe, when you contract a d

Writing a clear, detailed agreement and having it duly signed and/or witnessed can prevent two problems: forgetfulness and misunderstanding. In addition, it can reduce the chance of any involved party being tempted to take advantage of the other parties by lying, cheating, or other cr

However, there will always be people who do not give too much importance to piety and thus will break an agreement whenever it suits them. To counter such people, there must be a legal apparatus to enforce any deals that they may willingly sign.   Senturk, Omer Faruk. “Charity in

Justice (‘adl) means to divide two things equally or keep the balance. The Qur’an uses it for justice in all matters, and Islam teaches the believers to be fair in their dealings, as we read in: God commands you to deliver trusts (all public affairs, duties and posts and p

This concept of social justice is achieved by giving people a better understanding of their individual duties in society and the reward thereof, as provided by Islam. The Messenger made education, being the measure and touchstone in this context, obligatory upon every Muslim, both men

Broadly speaking, human rights center on equality and freedom. Caliph ‘Umar reprimanded the governor of Egypt, whose son had struck a Copt (an Egyptian Christian), with the following instructive words: “Why have you enslaved men who were born free by their mothers?”

Islam avoids extremes in order to maintain social balance and order. Therefore, monopoly and cut-throat competition are disapproved. Islam’s essence is justice for all, which enables people to lead a good and happy life while, at the same time, strengthens the bonds of human bro