arguments in favor of raffle tickets is that the scheme is widely used
for philanthropic causes. It must be borne in mind that inArabia,
gambling in he times when the Quran was being revealed was no
exception.
In fact, owing to its "philanthropic aspect", gambling was considered
a boon rather than a bane. The rich would indulge in drinking and
gambling and would give whatever they won to the poor. Indeed, the
abstainer was regarded as niggardly. However, the Quran very clearly
pointed out that the moral corruption that ensues from such activities
is greater than whatever benefit they provide. Allaah Says )what
means(:
"They ask you )O Muhammad( about gambling and drinking. Say: 'There is
great sin in both and also some benefit for people, but their sin is
greater than their benefit.'"]Quran 2:219[
Of this moral corruption, one aspect particularly worth mentioning is
that these so-called philanthropic schemes develop the attitude of
selfishness and indifference. In an Islamic society, Infaaq )spending
in the way of Allaah( is a basic value. The destitute, therefore, are
the direct responsibility of the society and their problems cannot be
left to the mere adjustments of demand and supply as in the laissez
faire concept.
It should be impossible for a Muslim to sleep with the peace of mind,
if he finds out that his neighbour had not been able to eat owing to
poverty. Destitution, poverty, misery and disease should be sufficient
enough as reasons for impelling a Muslim to spend whatever he can
spare. 'Spend in the way of Allaah that you may be rewarded in the
Hereafter'. 'Spend in the way of Allaah that you may enter
theKingdomofHeaven'. Such adages used to be the underlying reason for
Infaaq. Should spending be: "that you may get a refrigerator )or a
deep-freezer or a VCR("? Or "that you may win tickets to Madame Noor
Jehaan's concert?"
Millions are spent merely on organizing these 'philanthropic' schemes
– millions that could be directly spent on the poor – and thousands
are spent by the gentry on the apparel they need for just one such
occasion. It is the height of indifference, prodigality and
selfishness that a person who can afford to spend thousands on buying
tickets to the concert and thousands on new clothes for the function
is not motivated to spend in the way of Allaah by the misery of a
fellow human being and by the reward in the Hereafter.
The mere knowledge that a human being is in need of what a Muslim can
spare should give the Muslim sleepless nights. Yet, there are Muslims
who can spare millions but do not take out a penny unless they are
certain of a news items and a photograph lauding their altruism.
Allaah, the Most High, Says in the Quran )what means(:
"Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in secret and in
public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no
fear nor shall they grieve."]Quran 2:274[ and )what means(:
"You shall not attain piety until you spend out of that which you
love. Whatever good you spend Allaah knows well."]Quran 3:92[
'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Umayr, one of the Salaf )our righteous
predecessors(said, "Salaat )prayer( will help you reach half the way,
fasting helps you reach the door of The King )Allaah(, and charity
allows you to enter into the King's company )Paradise(."
Their manners )i.e. our Salaf( were to smile cheerfully at the face of
the beggar and not to suspect him. They would always think that he
only begged out of dire need.
Sufyaan Ath-Thawriused to be overjoyed if he saw a beggar at his door,
saying, "Welcome to the one who has come to wash my sins."
Al-Fudhayl Ibn 'Iyaadhsaid, "Beggars are such good people! They carry
our provision to the Afterlife … until they place it on the scale in
front of Allaah, The Most High."
The Quran says )what means(:
"O you who believe! Do not mar your almsgiving by reminders of your
generosity and by hurting the feelings ]of the one you helped[, like
the one who spends his wealth to be seen by men but believes neither
in Allaah nor the Final Day."]Quran 2:264[ and )what means(:
"If you disclose your alms-giving, it is well; but if you conceal them
and give them to the poor, that is better for you. )Allaah( will
expiate you some of your sins. And Allaah is Well-Acquainted with what
you do. "]Quran 2:271[
When a concert or a refrigerator, not the 'Kingdom of Heaven' becomes
the reason for spending, it means that the whole foundation of moral
values, which are so essential to an Islamic society, has been
impaired to the extent that the edifice that rests on it may collapse
in the wake of the mildest of storms.
The sole motive behind charity should be concern for others and the
reward in the Hereafter, not Madame Noor Jehaan's concert or a
refrigerator. Loss of values means the death of society. Loss of the
spirit of Infaaq – a basic value in an Islamic society – means the
death of Islamic society. That must never be.
Allaah Says )what means(:
"Those who spend of their wealth ]in charity[ by night and by day, in
secret and in public have their reward with their Lord. For them shall
be no fear, nor shall they grieve."]Quran 2:274[
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