Women site, - A Day in the Life of a Muslim Woman - I

Normal and everyday activities become acts of worship if they are done
for the sake of pleasing Allaah. The regular and consistent deeds are
the best among these deeds. `Aa`ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her,
said that Allaah's Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"The
deeds most loved by Allaah are those done regularly, even if they are
small."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[ This means that we do not need to do
anything spectacular in our day to obtain rewards from Allaah, but we
should establish some type of routine that incorporates not only the
prayer but also reciting the Quran, Du'aa` )supplication(, Thikr
)mention of Allaah(, and other good deeds. This will increase the
serenity, patience, and enthusiasm of the believer.
Early morning
This article is the first in a series aimed at bringing the spiritual
side in the everyday life of a married Muslim woman:
Wake at night to perform Tahajjud.The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa
sallam, said:"The best )most rewarding prayer after the obligatory
prayer is Tahajjud, night prayer."]Ahmad and Muslim[ It is best to do
this toward the last third of the night as the Prophet, sallallaahu
`alayhi wa sallam, said:"Allaah descends every night in the last third
of the night ]in a way that befits His majesty[ and says: Is there
anyone invoking Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there
anyone asking of Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there
anyone asking My Forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?"]Al-Bukhaari
and Muslim[ It is even better if the husband and wife perform the
Tahajjud together as the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam,
said:"When a man wakes his wife up at night and they perform two
Rak'ah together, they are written down among the men and women who
remember Allaah."]Abu Daawood[ After this prayer, one can return to
bed until the Fajr prayer.
Upon awakening in the morning, say this Du`aa`:"Al-Hamdu Lillaah,
praise be to Allaah who brought me to life after giving me death, and
to Him is the resurrection."]Al-Bukhaari[ One should also greet the
other members of the household who are awake. The Prophet, sallallaahu
`alayhi wa sallam, said:"O my son )to Anas(, when you enter to where
your family is, say Salaam. It is a blessing on you and on the people
of your house."]At-Tirmithi[
When getting dressed, say this Du`aa`:"AI-Hamdu Lillaah, praise be to
Allaah, who clothed me with this, and who provided me with it, without
any power or might of mine."]Abu Daawood[
Make Wudu or Ghusl )except for menstruating or postnatal women(:
Du`aa` when entering the bathroom:"In the name of Allaah, O Allaah, I
seek refuge in You from the male and female devils."]Abu Daawood[
Be sure to use the left hand in the bathroom:"`Aa`ishah, may Allaah be
pleased with her, said that the right hand was used by Allaah's
Messenger for his ablution and for taking food, and his left hand was
used in the toilet and the like."]Abu Daawood[
Say "Bismillaah" and make Wudu )ablution(. It is also encouraged to
use the Miswak or toothbrush, although it is not an obligatory aspect
of Wudu. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:"If I had not
found it difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to
clean their teeth with Miswak for every prayer."]Al-Bukhaari and
Muslim[
Du`aa` after finishing Wudu:"I testify that there is no god but
Allaah, Alone, having no partner; and I testify that Muhammad,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, is His servant and Messenger, O Allaah,
make me of those who continually repent and purify
themselves."]At-Tirmithi[
Du`aa` when leaving the bathroom,")I ask for( Your forgiveness."]Abu Daawood[
Perform Fajr Prayer: 2 Rak'ah of Sunnah and the two obligatory Rak'ah
)except for menstruating or post-natal women(. It is important to
remember that the prayer should be completed soon after the time has
begun. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked which deed
was loved most by Allaah, The Exalted. He, sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam, said:"The prayer which is performed at its time."]Al-Bukhaari[
Even if a woman is busy with another task, she should interrupt this
and perform her Prayer .
A woman should try to develop Khushoo` )sincere submission( in prayer
since this will be the first thing that she will be accountable for on
Judgment Day. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"When
you stand up for your Prayer , make it as if it was your last Prayer ;
do not say a word for which you will have to make an excuse the coming
day; and build no hope on what is in the hands of men."]Ahmad[
It is often asked if women need to make the Athaan and Iqaamah if they
are leading the Prayer or praying by them selves. This is not required
for women, although they may do it if they wish. In terms of the
manner of performing the prayer, a woman's prayer is no different from
that of a man's.
Recite the Quran.Early morning is often a good time to recite the
Quran, especially if the children are still sleeping and the house is
quiet. This allows one to fully concentrate and obtain the most
benefit. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:")The
recital of( the Quran at dawn is always witnessed - the angels of the
night and the angels of the day witness it."]At-Tirmithi[ If one's
spouse is available, this would be the ideal time to strengthen the
marriage by reciting the Quran together and praising Allaah for His
blessings. The issue of women touching the Quran during menstruation
is often debated. Most scholars say that a woman should not touch the
Quran during this time. However, even if she does not, she may still
recite from memory or listen to tapes if she fears she may forget the
Quran. This should be an incentive to memorize larger portions of the
Quran, which can also be done during this early morning time.
Work on a project that will benefit the Muslim community in some
way.Before the children awake and after reciting the Quran, it would
be a good time to put energy into some project of interest to which
one is committed. This may include such things as acquiring more
Islamic knowledge by reciting or listening to tapes, writing articles,
preparing for circles, developing some type of program )such as a
Children's circle, Muslim scouting program, etc.(, keeping in touch
with other sisters through e-mail, social service projects, etc. There
are many opportunities for sisters to benefit themselves )through
Allaah's rewards( and the community.
Mid and late morning
Prepare a healthy breakfast for the family. It is important to
remember that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to eat
a very healthy food such as dates, cucumbers, bread, meat, milk, etc….
Much of the unhealthy food that we have now was obviously not
available at the time of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam.
It is best to avoid processed foods and to use items that are the most
natural. Allaah Knows what is best for His Creation and He has
provided us with all that we need. We should take care of our
children's physical needs in the best manner possible. Cleanliness is
also an important element of the Islamic faith and should be observed
in all matters, especially in food preparation and eating.
Du`aa` when beginning the meal."O Allaah! Bless whatever You provided
for us and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.
Bismillaah."The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, told a boy who
was attending a meal with him:"... Mention the name of Allaah, and eat
with your right hand and eat of the food that is nearer to
you."]Al-Bukhaari[ Spend some time in conversation during the meal
since this was encouraged by the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam.
Duaa after finishing the meal"Praise be to Allaah, who gave us to eat
and to drink and made us Muslims."]Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi[ It is
important to remember not to overeat due to the unhealthiness of this
behavior for physical and spiritual reasons. The Messenger of Allaah,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"The son of Adam fills no vessel
more displeasing to Allaah than his stomach. A few morsels should be
enough for him to preserve his strength. If he must fill it, then he
should allow a thin his food, a third for his food, a third for his
drink and leave a third empty for easy breathing."]At-Tirmithi[
Overeating can lead to laziness and lethargy, and make acts of worship
seem laborious, making it more likely that one will delay or avoid
them.
Spend quality time with the children.Older children may need to be
sent off to school, while younger children will continue to require
the attention of their mother. Raising children is the most important
and most honorable role for a woman. It is essential to include
quality time with the children in a busy daily schedule. This should
be given priority over household chores and other activities, although
it should not interfere with obligatory acts of worship. Quality time
may include such things as reading books about Islam, teaching Arabic,
reciting the Quran together, playing games, going to the park, and
much more. The emphasis should be on the children's spiritual,
intellectual, emotional and physical development. Doing this early in
the day also makes it more likely that children will be content to
play with themselves later on, freeing time for other activities.
Perform Ad-Dhuhaa prayer:Abu Hurayrah said:"My friend )the Prophet(
advised me to observe three things, not to abandon them till I die; to
fast three days a month, to perform two Rak'ah of Dhuhaa )forenoon(
Prayer , and to perform Witr before sleeping."]Bukhaari and Muslim[
This is one of the forgotten Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi
wa sallam, that needs to be revived. Two or more Rak'ah should be
prayed some time after the sun rises until a few moments before noon.
The preferred time is when it is extremely hot, which usually occurs
around the hour before noon. A mother has a wonderful opportunity to
renew this Sunnah by teaching her children from a very young age. Have
a peaceful and blessed morning!

Women site, - A Day in the Life of a Muslim Woman - II

Afternoon
Preparing a healthy lunch.
Performing Thuhr prayer
)4 Rak'ah of Sunnah, 4 Rak'ah Fard, and 2 Rak'ah Sunnah(
Regarding the Sunnah prayer, `Aa`ishah, may Allaah be pleased with
her, said:"When the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, used to be
in my house, he would offer four Sunnah Rak'ahs before Thuhr, then he
would go and lead the congregation, and thereafter return home and
offer two Sunnah Rak'ahs. Similarly, he would lead the Maghrib prayer
in the congregation and come back and offer two Sunnah Rak'ahs.
Likewise after having led the `lshaa` prayer, he would come back to my
apartment and offer two Sunnah Rak'ahs."]Muslim[
Obviously, for women it is preferable to perform both Sunnah and Fard
Prayer within the home; Umm Humayd As-Sa'idiyyah said:"O, Prophet of
Allaah, I love praying behind you." Thereupon the Prophet of Allaah,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, told her: ''I had known that you like
praying with me. But your prayer in your private room is better than
your prayer in other rooms of your house, and your prayer in other
rooms of your house is better than your prayer in the halls of your
house, and your prayer in the halls of your house is better than your
prayer in your community's mosque, and your prayer in your community's
mosque is better than your prayer in my mosque."]Ahmad and
At-Tabaraani[ However, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, did
not forbid women from going to the mosque as he said:"Do not prohibit
the female-servants of Allaah from coming to the mosque of Allaah.
When a wife of one of you asks for permission to go to the mosque, she
should not be refused this permission."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
„X Saying this Du`aa` when leaving the house:If a woman goes to the
mosque or must leave the house for her needs or the needs of the
family, she should say this Du`aa`, "In the name of Allaah, I trust in
Allaah, there is no might and power but in Allaah." Allaah's
Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"When a man leaves his
house, saying: 'In the name of Allaah, I trust in Allaah there is no
might and power but in Allaah', it is said to him at that time, 'Your
are guided, you are taken care of, you are protected.' Then Satan
turns away from him, and another Satan says, `How can a man approach
you, who is already guided, cared for and protected?"']Abu Daawood[
„X Du`aa` when entering the house:The prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa
sallam, said:"When a man enters his house, let him say: '0 Allaah, I
ask of You the good of entry and the good of exit. In the name of
Allaah, we enter; in the name of Allaah, we exit. And upon Allaah, our
Lord, we depend.' Then he should say Salaam to his family."]Abu
Daawood[
Performing 'Asr prayer:
)4 Rak'ah Fard(
The prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"He who leaves the
'Asr prayer is like one who has lost )some of( his family and his
property."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[ The significance of the afternoon
prayer is often likened to that of Fajr prayer. The Prophet,
sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said:"A person will not be sent to Hell
who has offered his Fajr prayer and his 'Asr prayer."]Muslim[
Evening
Preparing a healthy dinner for the family.
Perform the Maghrib prayer
)3 Rak'ah Fard and 2 Rak'ah Sunnah(
It is advised that the family makes the prayer together in
congregation at times when two or more are present. Young children may
even be encouraged to participate in the activity. This is a good way
of strengthening family ties and setting a positive example for the
children.
Conducting a study circle within the home:
The evening is a nice time to gather the family members for the study
of the Quran, Ahadeeth, Seerah )Biography of the Prophet( and other
areas of Islamic knowledge.
This is something that can be made a regular part of the daily or
weekly schedule.
Although parents will be primarily responsible for the topics and
discussions, older children may be given assignments to prepare for
the group. Encouraging them to actively participate will enhance their
excitement and interest in learning. Creative and engaging methods may
be used to maintain the attention of younger children, although they
should not be forced to sit for long periods of time. Regarding the
importance of teaching, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam,
said:"Each of you is a guardian, and each of you will be asked about
your guardianship. The leader )Muslim ruler( is a guardian, and the
man is a guardian over the people of his house, and the woman is a
guardian over her husband's house and children. So each of you is a
guardian, and each of you will be asked about your
guardianship."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Holding a family discussion:
The evening is also an ideal time for family discussions since most
family members are likely to be present. The family may discuss
happenings or special events of the day, issues that need to be
considered together, or other matters of importance such as rules or
schedules. Doing this on a regular basis will instill responsibility
and respect in children and make them feel that they are a vital part
of the family unit. As children mature and reach the age of
responsibility, it becomes necessary to include them in discussions
and decision-making, particularly in matters that pertain to them.
This is actually a time for them to learn how a family should function
and the most effective ways to plan and make decisions, since they
will eventually begin a family of their own. Obviously, the parents
should provide acceptable role models that the children will want to
emulate.
„X Du`aa` after a meeting or gathering:"Glory be to You, O Allaah, and
praise be to You. I witness that none is worthy of worship but You. I
seek Your forgiveness and I turn to you in repentance." ]At-Tirmithi[
Securing the house:
Keep children in after the darkness begins and be sure to secure the
house. The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"When the
darkness of the night or evening )comes(, then keep in your children,
for satan is then out. And when an hour of the night has gone, then
let them go and close the doors, and invoke the name of Allaah, for
satan does not open a closed door, and tie up your water-skins and
invoke the name of Allaah, and cover your vessels and invoke the name
of Allaah, even when you put something on them, and put out your
lights."
Reviewing the day for acts of charity:
There should be at least one act of charity in each person's day and
this can come in many forms. Allaah's Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi
wa sallam, said:"Charity is due upon every limb of a human being on
each day that the sun rises. To act justly between two )people( is
charity. To help a man with his riding beast, or to load his
provisions on it or lift them up for him is charity. A good word is
charity. Every step going to prayer is a charity. Removing from the
road what causes harm is charity."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Performing `Ishaa` Prayer
)4 Rak'ah Fard and 2 Rak'ah Sunnah(
Allaah's Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"No Prayer is
more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr prayer and the `Ishaa`
prayer, but if they knew what blessings lie in them, they would
certainly come for them, even if they had to crawl."]Al-Bukhaari and
Muslim[ It is best to perform the `Ishaa` prayer before one-half of
the night is over.
Performing Witr Prayer
)an odd number of Rak'ah(
The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"Allaah is single, He
loves what is single, therefore, do the Witr, O you people of the
Quran."]At-Tirmithi and Abu Daawood[ He also said:"He who fears that
he will not get up in the later part of the night should do the Witr
in the first part of it. And he who eagerly wishes to get up in the
later part of it should perform the Witr then, for the prayer in the
later part of the night is witnessed and that is more
excellent."]Muslim[ It is recommended to include the supplication of
Qunoot )the standing-in-Prayer supplication( in the Witr Prayer . The
Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to recite the Qunoot
Du`aa` after raising his head from the position of bowing, saying:"O
Allaah, guide us among those whom You have guided and preserve us from
all ill among those whom You have preserved. Take us for friends among
those whom You have taken and bless for us that which You have given.
Protect us from the evil of that which You have ordained, for it is
You who ordains and none can ordain upon You. Indeed, never is he
abased whom You have taken for a friend, and none is honored whom You
have taken for a foe. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted. There is
no escape from You except in You. And may Allaah bless Prophet
Muhammad."]An-Nasaa'ee[
„X Du`aa` before sleeping:The Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam,
said:"When one of you goes to bed, he should dust it with the edge of
his gown three times and then say: `0 Allaah, in Your name I die and I
live. In Your name, my Lord, I place my side )upon this bed(, and
through You I raise it. If you retain my soul, have mercy upon it; if
You release it, then protect it as You protect Your righteous
servants."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[ It is also beneficial to read some
chapters or verses from the Quran before sleeping. `Aa`ishah, may
Allaah be pleased with her, said:"Every night when the Prophet,
sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, would go to bed, he would cup his hands
together and blow into them after reciting Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Surah
Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas. He would then rub his hands over whatever
he was able from his body, beginning with his head, face and the front
of his body. He used to do that three times."]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
The verse of Al-Kursiyy ]2:225[ is also a special verse. The Prophet,
sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said:"When you go to your bed, recite
the verse of Al-Kursiyy, 'Allaah! There is no god but Him, the
Ever-living, the One Who Sustains and Protects all that exists' to the
end, for then there will remain over you a guardian from Allaah, and
Satan will not come near you until morning."]Al-Bukhaari[ It is also
preferred to perform ablution before sleeping and to lie on the right
side.

Women site, - Indeed, It Was the First Night in My Life!

I was moving restlessly on my bed that night; I could not sleep as I
was extremely terrified for no obvious reason. It was four in the
morning and I was overwhelmed with fear and everything was dim and
dark in my eyes. I started reciting the Surahs of the Noble Quran that
I had to memorize. I have memorized many of them, yet I have forgotten
most of them as I did not revise them continually. I closed my eyes
and started recalling what I memorize from the verses of the Noble
Quran; I felt a little bit calm, yet fear was still in the air.
Strangely enough, I started seeing my whole life flash before my eyes.
I recalled my childhood, my sins while I was growing up, and the
prayers that I have often, and maybe always, performed lazily.
Moreover, I started remembering my friend and how we used to meet,
play, and have fun together, never thinking of death! I recalled how
my friend left her house one day, but never came back. She passed away
in a car accident! Then, I started thinking of what I would say to the
Angel of death when he comes to claim my soul; am I ready for death?
Am I ready to meet my Lord? Have I done enough good deeds to enter
Paradise? Would I be among the dwellers of Paradise or the residents
of Hellfire? No, I will definitely, be among the inhabitants of
Paradise, Allaah willing, but what did I do to earn that honor? Are my
deeds enough to get me into Paradise? What did I do to be among the
dwellers of Paradise? Would yelling and shouting at my mother get me
into Paradise? Are backbiting and tale-bearing the kind of deeds that
would get me into Paradise? Am I going to be granted Paradise for not
adhering to the due Hijaab or for my impermissible exposure of my
adornments and beauty? Is Paradise the abode of those who watch
impermissible films and listen to immoral songs? I have always felt
shy to let people sit with me while watching such immoral movies and
songs, yet I have never felt bashful of Allaah The Almighty!
I was silent for some seconds, and then continued my monologue. I
started thinking that I was still, certainly, better than many other
impious people. Then,I started recalling those devout young girls whom
I used to meet in the mosque and how each of them was willing to fight
the whole universe and sacrifice her life and not expose a single lock
of her hair before strangers! Who am I compared to them? Have I made
an agreement with Allaah The Exalted to grant me the chance to repent
before death? Have I made an accord with Allaah The Exalted that I
would not die now or tomorrow? Has Allaah The Almighty promised to
forgive me and admit me to Paradise?
Frightened as I was at these moments, I stood up, shaking out of fear
with frozen tears in my eyes. I headed towards the bathroom, preformed
ablution and stood to perform prayers. I was literally shivering and
shaking all over.
Strangely enough, I found myself shedding tears and crying out of fear
for the first time in my life. It was the first time in my life to cry
like that for something other than the usual worldly affairs and
insignificant trivialities. In fact, I used to cry my eyes out for
missing the chance to commit a sin! Moreover, I also used to cry my
heart out when hearing a love song that moves me, yet it is a mere
Satanic whispering. Alas, I have cried for the most trivial reasons,
yet I have never cried while pondering over the Noble Quran, being
moved with the Words of Allaah that He rendered a remedy and mercy for
us!
Indeed, I have gone astray; I have been inattentive, my feelings have
been numbed and I have been swimming against the tide, yet, here I am
sobbing ad crying my heart out, because of fear of Allaah The
Almighty, lamenting and bemoaning my past sins that I committed
carelessly thinking that they were not that grave. Allaah The Exalted
Says )what means(:}…and thought it was insignificant while it was, in
the Sight of Allaah, tremendous."{]Quran 24:15[
What a great difference between those tears!
No one would believe how much I was moved by the meanings of the
verses that I read that night. It was as if I was reciting them for
the first time in my life, although I used to recite them often in my
prayers! I prostrated myself before Allaah The Exalted for a very long
time. I did not feel the passage of time then, yet the only feeling
that was haunting and absorbing me was the sense of humbleness and
grandeur of being in the Presence of Allaah The Almighty, my Lord and
Creator. I kept supplicating, imploring Allaah The Exalted to forgive
my sins and pardon my misdeeds, thanking and praising Him that I
literally felt the grandeur of His presence. I could not believe what
I was saying back then; I was beseeching Him with supplications that I
never knew I had memorized. I felt as if my heart was imploring Allaah
The Exalted! I finished the prayer and then started remembering my
past sins; then, I started contemplating my own body; how do my hands
move? How does my heart throb? How do my eyes, ears and feet function?
Then, I started pondering over everything around me; how can a tiny
seed grow and become a huge tree? I started thinking; where I have
been all those past years? Have I been inattentive and heedless for
all this time? Have I not felt the grandeur of His presence, although
He was so close to me?
I really felt the Grandeur of Allaah The Exalted at that moment. How
could one overlook and fail to notice such Grandeur? How can a human
being be that ungrateful to his Lord? His Creator bestows upon him so
many blessings and grants him sustenance, in spite of man's continuous
misdeeds and sins, while the human neglects to be grateful, and praise
and pray to Him. In fact, Allaah The Exalted does not deprive the
sinners of sustenance and blessings because of their sins.
Moreover, Allaah The Exalted increases one's sustenance, while this
ungrateful creature increases his sins! How strange this is! Allaah
The Exalted asks His slaves to repent to Him, promising to Pardon all
their misdeeds, and replace them with good deeds, yet man would not
settle for that great deal! How is it that one refuses such a golden
opportunity? How can he say no to such a proposal? Does this creature
not know that he would die one day? Does he not remember that death is
his inescapable fate? How many years could he possibly live? Seventy,
eighty, even one hundred years; and then what? Indeed, he would die
and be buried beneath the ground ]in the dust[. Who would keep company
with him in the darkness of his grave? Who would reassure him and
relieve his worry and fear then? Who would be there for him? Who would
shield him against the punishment in the grave? Where will be his
formative actors and singers then? Where will be his friends with whom
he spent his good times in this life? Where will be his family who has
neglected him? Who would be with him on that day?
I heard the call for the Fajr Prayer; I performed the payer and sat
down to recite the Noble Quran for the first time after the last month
of Ramadan or the one before it! I kept reciting the verses of the
Noble Quran until sunrise of shortly after; and then, I went to bed.
My heart was filled with bliss and tranquility; I was happy and calm
as I wiped away my tears as if I was wiping away my sins. I felt that
my sins were washed with my tears; those tears were washing my heart
from all the stains, relieving my worries and fear. By Allaah, I have
never felt this way before; it was a unique bliss that I have never
experienced before in my entire life. I kept repeating the verse that
reads )what means(:}Those who have believed and whose hearts are
assured by the Remembrance of Allaah.
Unquestionably, by the Remembrance of Allaah hearts are assured.{]Quran 13:28[
At last, I closed my eyes, and fell into a deep sleep. I slept like a
baby and relished the sweetness of deep sleep for the first time in my
life; as if I had not slept for the past nineteen years of my life!

Women site, - Summary of Zakaah rulings

The position of Zakaah and the Basic Rule of Its Ordainment:
Zakaah is one of Islam's pillars and great foundations. It is Joined
by Allaah The Almighty with prayer in many locations of His Glorious
Book. The source of its obligation lies in the Quran, the Prophetic
Sunnah andthe consensus of the Islamic ummah.
Concerning the Book of Allaah The Almighty, a mention may be made of
His Saying )what means(:
• }And establish prayer and give zakaah and obey the Messenger - that
you may receive mercy.{ ]Quran 24:56[
• }O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks
devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert ]them[ from the way of
Allaah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the
way of Allaah - give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day
when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will
be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, ]it will be said[,
"This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to
hoard."{ ]Quran 9:34-35[
As far as the Prophetic Sunnah is concerned, the Messenger of Allaah,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Islam is based on five
)pillars(: to testify that there is none worthy of worship except
Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; to establish
prayer; to give Zakaah; to observe the fast of Ramadan; and to perform
Hajj to the House )i.e. the Ka'bah( for him who could find thereto a
way(." ]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, further said:
"Any owner of gold or silver who does not pay the Zakaah due on it
will, on the Day of Resurrection, have his treasure heated in the Fire
of Hell and then made into plates. His flanks, forehead and back will
be branded with them. Every time they )i.e. the plates( get cold, they
will be heated again on a day that will last fifty-thousand years.
This will be done to him until Allaah Pronounces the judgment on His
slaves. Then one will be shown his path, leading him either to
Paradise or to Hellfire." ]Muslim[
Ruling on Zakaah:
Zakaah is due on everyone who meets the following conditions:
1- Faith in Islam: the disbeliever is not asked to give it even though
he will be accounted for not giving it since the disbelievers are
addressed by Sharee'ah commands.
2- Freedom: it is not due on a slave's wealth even though it is due on
the wealth of the mentally disabled and children.
3- The full possession of the due Nisaab )i.e. the minimum amount
liable for Zakaah( and the Nisaab of each kind will be accurately
defined later. If one's wealth is less than the Nisaab, no Zakaah will
be due except for the Rikaaz, which is what is found buried from the
time of Jaahiliyyah )i.e. pre-Islamic period of ignorance(.
4- Stability of Nisaab: it is not due on the share of the Mudhaarib
before distributing the money.
5- The elapse of a full lunar year on prices, articles of merchandise
and live stock. Concerning grains, fruits, what comes out from the
land, products of grazing animals, the profit from trade and Rikaaz,
Zakaah is due on that even if a full lunar year does not elapse on it.
In other words, Zakaah is due on every free Muslim in full possession
of a due Nisaab upon which a lunar year has elapsed, whether he is
young or old, sane or insane. The only exception is that the young or
insane does not give out his Zakaah by himself but it is given out by
his guardian.
Kinds of wealth on which Zakaah is due:
1- Currencies and prices )i.e. gold, silver and cash money(
2- Articles of merchandise
3- Livestock
4- What comes out from the land of grains and fruits
The focus will be made in what follows on prices and articles of merchandise.
The due Nisaab of Zakaah on prices and articles of merchandise:
1- The Nisaab of gold is 20 dinars )i.e. approximately 85 grams(.
2- The Nisaab of silver is 200 dirhams )i.e. approximately 595 grams(.
3- The Nisaab of cash money is debatable. It is more precautious to be
that which benefits the poor better. Take this illustrative example:
suppose that a gram of gold is worth 50 riyals and that of silver is 1
riyal: if gold is considered, then the Nisaab is 50×85=4,250 riyals
and if silver is considered, then the Nisaab will be 1×595=595 riyals.
Thus, consideration of silver will be more beneficial to the poor.
Being so, whoever has 595 riyals and above has indeed possessed the
due Nisaab and Zakaah becomes due on him. Some scholars measure the
Nisaab only in gold especially these days when silver is very cheap
and he who possesses 595 riyals is not rich.
Zakaah on articles of merchandise:
Articles of merchandise are goods planned for sale with the intention
of making profit, like cars, equipment and various kinds of
commodities ready for trade )i.e. those which are purchased with the
intention to be sold in trade rather than to be used(. If a lunar year
elapsed, a merchant should assess the commodities he has according to
their market value at the very time Zakaah became due on him rather
than according to their value on the day he bought them. This is in
order not to wrong the poor, in case the price rose, or the merchant,
in case the price fell. The assessment should depend on the retail
price for the retailers, the wholesale price for the wholesalers and
the average for those who combine both.
Notice: a man may buy a commodity with the intention to sell it and
make a profit but he uses it instead. On the other hand, another man
may buy a commodity with the intention to use it and, seeing it
improper, he sells it instead. On which of both is Zakaah due?
The separating limit is the original intention. If one's original
purpose when purchasing a commodity is to sell and trade in it, then
it will belong to the articles of merchandise on which Zakaah is due
even though it may probably be used. If the original purpose of buying
is to use it, then no Zakaah will be due on it even though it may
probably be sold.
If one bought a commodity with the intention to use it and a year
later intended to sell it, it would be considered an article of
merchandise from that very date and not from the date he bought it.
Vice versa, if he bought it with the intention to traffic in it and a
year later he intended to use it, Zakaah would not be due from that
very date and would be due only for the previous time.
Zakaah on shares:
Concerning the Zakaah of shared companies, the purpose of a
shareholder from possession is one of two:
1- To intend an investment in the long term and gain profits and
revenues. If he is in the Saudi market, no Zakaah will be due on the
shareholder because the company pays it on his behalf. If he is in
another market where the companies do not abide by paying Zakaah, he
should estimate the Zakaah by accounting the real holdings on which
Zakaah is due far from the market value. If it is difficult for him
and he likes to be more cautious, then he should give Zakaah like the
rights of sharers )i.e. owners( which is 2.5%. The rights of sharers
are the total assets minus the total deductions and the result is
multiplied by 2.5%.
2- To intend by possession of shares to trade or make a Mudhaarabah
with the expectation that their price will rise so as to sell them.
That is to buy today and sell tomorrow and so on. This person should
give Zakaah on the shares he has like articles of merchandise. If a
lunar year elapsed on him, he should consider the market value rather
than the nominal or real value of the shares and give Zakaah on them
as articles of merchandise )i.e. 2.5%(.
A differentiation should be made between an investor and a Mudhaarib.
The one who intends to sell a share within a year is a Mudhaarib on
whom the Zakaah of articles of merchandise is due and the one who
intends to sell after more than a year is an investor.
Equity funds:
Equity funds are frequently like a Mudhaarib in purchasing and selling
shares. So the Zakaah due on them is like that due on articles of
merchandise as was clarified in number )2(. If it is the day that ends
a lunar year on which an almsgiver gives out his Zakaah, he should
assess the equities he has on that day and give out as much as 2.5%
thereof. It is worth mentioning that the funds themselves usually do
not give out Zakaah and it is entrusted to the customer, the owner of
the equities.
Zakaah on jewelry:
Scholars have two different opinions about the obligation of Zakaah on
jewelry. What is intended by jewelry is only gold and silver. No
Zakaah is due on precious stones, pearls and the like, regardless of
how high their price may be.
1- The first opinion claims that no Zakaah is due on jewelry because
the purpose is to use them permissibly rather than to trade in them.
Thus, the meaning of increase does not apply to them, neither in
reality nor in consideration. They bring many indications in support
of this opinion and, at the same time, render weak the indications of
those who advocate the obligation of Zakaah on jewelry. This opinion
is adopted by many scholars.
2- The other opinion argues that Zakaah is due on jewelry in view of
the general traditions concerning the Zakaah on gold and silver and
the Hadeeth of the woman with the two bracelets and others. This is
the opinion of many including Ibn Baaz, Ibn 'Uthaymeen, may Allaah
have mercy upon them, and others.
However, it is worth mentioning that, in the case of adopting the
opinion that no Zakaah is due on the jewelry of women, the following
criteria should be observed:
a- To intend only adornment thereby and, in case saving is intended,
Zakaah becomes due on it.
b- To intend to use it in a current rather than a future need. An
example of a future need is that one keeps it for his would-be wife.
In this case, Zakaah becomes due on it.
c- To remain fit for adornment. But whatever is crushed or broken and
thus becomes unusable thereof, then Zakaah is due on it because it is
not prepared for such use.
d- To be used permissibly. If its use is impermissible, then Zakaah
becomes due on it. An example of impermissible use is to be in the
form of a statue or an idol and so on.
e- Not to exceed the limit of moderation and usage in the amount of
jewelry that is used. But if it exceeds the limits of extravagancy,
then Zakaah becomes due on what is beyond the limit of moderate usage.
Zakaah on salaries:
Zakaah is not due on a salary once it is received. It should be joined
with what one has. If a lunar year elapsed and he has something
thereof, he should give out Zakaah for it.
Zakaah on residential date-palm trees:
Some people have date-palm trees in their homes or resorts whose
fruits reach the due Nisaab and take no heed of giving the Zakaah due
on them. The due Nisaab of fruits is five Wasaqs and the Wasaq is
sixty Saa's )i.e. three-hundred Saa's or nearly six-hundred and
fifty-three or six-hundred and twelve kilograms(. If the date-fruits
reach the due Nisaab, one-twentieth )i.e. 5%( becomes due because it
is irrigated by artificial means as is prevalent in our lands these
days. If it is watered by rain, then one-tenth )i.e. 10%( is due. If
it is equally watered by artificial as well as natural means then 7.5%
is due.
Channels of spending Zakaah:
The channels of spending Zakaah are the eight categories mentioned in
Saying of Allaah The Almighty )what means(: }Zakaah expenditures are
only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect
]Zakaah[ and for bringing hearts together ]for Islam[ and for freeing
captives ]or slaves[ and for those in debt and for the cause of Allaah
and for the ]stranded[ traveler - an obligation ]imposed[ by Allaah .
And Allaah is Knowing and Wise.{ ]Quran 9:60[
The following points should be made here:
• Zakaah is neither permissible nor sufficient for him upon those whom
the almsgiver should spend like a child, wife or father. According to
some scholars, Zakaah is not valid for everyone whom the almsgiver
should inherit when that one dies.
• Zakaah to a relative is better than to anyone else because it acts
both as Zakaah and a means of strengthening kinship ties. Relatives
are worthier of the favor, provided that they are not among those upon
whom the almsgiver should spend as was previously clarified.
• Zakaah should not be paid to the almsgiver's employees, such as a
driver and servant, in order to avoid mixing Zakaah with obligatory
fees.
• It is permissible to pay Zakaah in advance to serve a public benefit
such as when a calamity befalls the Muslims or there is a needy person
whose state requires Zakaah to be given in advance. In such a case,
Zakaah may be paid in advance and deducted from the obligatory alms
when a lunar year elapses.
• It is also permissible to delay Zakaah to serve a predominant need
or benefit. Such a case is when the lunar year elapses on one upon
whom Zakaah is due and he has no money at hand to pay Zakaah from or
he has goods offered for sale which he could only sell after a long
time. In this case, there is no harm to delay Zakaah till money
becomes available. Another example is that the almsgiver knows that
his relative is in need and he could only convey Zakaah to him after a
long time. At any rate regardless of what Zakaah is delayed, with or
without a legal excuse, the almsgiver remains liable for it and will
not be free from this obligation until he gives it. It should be
accounted from the very day it becomes due rather than the day on
which it is paid.
How to calculate Zakaah:
A Muslim could calculate his Zakaah according to one of the following two ways:
1- To make for each lump sum he gains an independent lunar year from
the very moment he possesses it until it amounts the due Nisaab and,
if a lunar year elapses on that kind of money, he will give Zakaah on
what he has of it and the same applies to all kinds. For example, if
one receives the salary for the month of Muharram, its lunar year will
be Muharram of the following year and the lunar year of the salary of
Safar will be Safar of the following year. The same applies to any
money he receives, that is, to record the very day on which he
receives that money and then wait for the elapse of a lunar year on
it. But it should be kept in mind that if the money is a trade profit
or comes from that of a previous Zakaah, it should have the same lunar
year of the principal and not an independent year. Nevertheless, this
way is somewhat difficult.
2- The other way is easier; it is to consider the time at which one
attains a due Nisaab and waits until a lunar year elapses from the
very date he got the Nisaab. Then, he gives Zakaah on all the wealth
he has on which Zakaah is due even if no lunar year elapsed on the
whole of it. At the same time every year, he should give out Zakaah on
the wealth he has. This way he will be relieved of calculating Zakaah
on each part of his wealth individually.
A practical example for Zakaah according to the second way:
Fix for yourself a day for Zakaah, say, the fifteenth of Ramadan every
year. Being so, when it is the fifteenth of Ramadan this year, you
should collect the following:
• Your cash stock whether in bank accounts or cash in hand.
• The market value of the Mudhaarabah shares on that day.
• The last assessment of equities on equity funds.
• Gold and silver not prepared for the adornment of women like gold ingots.
• Gold and silver prepared for adornment according to the opinion
which adopts the obligation of Zakaah on it.
• Debts you have with others in case your debtors are rich and the
debts are payable during the same year.
• All you offered for sale of land, homes, livestock or goods in a
marketplace or others.
• The total of all that was previously mentioned minus the debts you
owe and expect to pay throughout the same year. For example, if you
buy a house in installments for one million riyals, you should not
deduct the whole sum but only what you will pay throughout the present
year: the installment sum multiplied by twelve.
The final result of all that was previously mentioned minus debts is
the money on which Zakaah is due.
In conclusion, I remind all brothers and sisters to exalt the symbols
of Allaah The Almighty, perform them as they are commanded by their
Lord and learn that wealth belongs to Allaah The Almighty which He
Distributes among His servants to Test which of them is better in deed
and in this let the competitors compete.
May Allaah Accept from all of us our fasting, Qiyaam and righteous
deeds. Allaah Knows best and may He Send blessings and peace upon our
Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, all his family and
Companions.