What is Sadaqah?

By Imam Ghazaali (R.A.H)

SADAQAH (giving in charity) is a deed designed to eliminate the spiritual malady of

miserliness. But because the heart of the giver is not immune from show and insincerity, it has

been emphasized that Sadaqah should always be given secretly. Certainly, Riyaa (show) and

miserliness are both very destructive diseases and Sadaqah that is rendered secretly is a powerful

remedy to them.

In the grave, Riyaa assumes the form of a snake and miserliness takes the appearance of a

scorpion and both are set on the sinner to inflict torture and pain. Thus, one who desists from

spending in the Path of Allah out of miserliness has, in reality, incurred the punishment of

scorpions and one who spends, but with insincerity, has, in fact opted for the punishment of

snakes.

SADAQAH SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A FAVOUR

If is quite common to feel that one is rendering a favour on which one confers a Sadaqah. This is

an absolutely erroneous concept and should be dispelled. At times it is difficult to ascertain the

presence of such malady in one's heart. This can be achieved by carefully observing the

condition of the heart after having given Sadaqah. For instance, if you expected an expression of

gratitude in return of your Sadaqah, or subsequent to your Sadaqah, the recipient showed

disrespect to you or maltreated you and this infuriated you, then this evidently explains that the

Sadaqah had been by you as a favour.

A CURE FOR THE MALADY

A simple technique to eradicate such disease is to regard the needy as your benefactor, for he has

become the cause of absolving you from your obligation and replacing the evil disease of

miserliness with generosity.

Because Zakah and Sadaqah have been imposed to root out the undesirable malady of

miserliness, the Prophet (Peace be upon him), considering the object of its imposition would

never bring the money of such funds into personal use. He would explain that this is the dirt of

(people's) wealth. Hence the Muslim who has become instrumental in washing away the dirt

accumulated in your wealth has rendered you a favour and not vice versa.

What will your conception be of a surgeon who wishes to operate free of charge? People pay

large amounts of money to get their physical ailments removed. Why then are we not grateful to

those who remove our spiritual diseases without even charging us a single penny. Moreover, the

physical ailments are of a transient nature and will at the most, result in death, whereas the

spiritual ones have far reaching effects that will accompany the person in the afterlife too.

Because Zakah and Sadaqah play a chief role in fulfilling the needs of the poor and eliminating

starvation from the world, this is also regarded as a pillar of Islam.

To facilitate the giving of Zakah and Sadaqah. Allah has firstly ordered the creation to love Him

and then made the act of giving in charity a yardstick to measure the extent of love in the hearts

of those who claim to do so. To demonstrate this love, believers are commanded to spend in the

Path of Allah and thereby distinguish themselves from the false claimants of love.

If a human can sacrifice his entire possession for the petty love of another then sacrificing a

small proportion of wealth for the Creator should not be felt as a burden. In fact, a Muslim

should be prepared to give away all his possessions.

THOSE WHO SPEND IN THE PATH OF ALLAH CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 3

CATEGORIES

The ones who belong to the highest are those who give away, wholeheartedly everything they

possess thus proving true their claim of love. Abu Bakr Siddeeq (ra) held this rank, which, on

one occasion had brought every content of his house before the Messenger of Allah. And when

asked, 'What have you left for yourself?' replied, 'Allah and His Messenger (saw) ' On this

occasion Umar (ra) had also brought his belongings and in reply to the same question said, 'I

have left as much as I brought.' Upon hearing the answers of both, the Prophet (saw) said

(addressing the two), 'Your ranks are evident from your replies.'

The second category consists of those who, although fail to give away their entire possession,

neither spend unnecessarily on other avenues such as personal pursuits. Their spending is not

unrestricted and liberal at all times like the first group; rather, they will wait for situations and

needs to arise and when they do their generosity will know no bounds. They will spend as much

as they are capable of spending. Much of the money they have accumulated stays with them

awaiting opportunities for them to spend in the Cause of Allah.

The lowest category comprises those Muslims who suffice on paying their annual due. They will

neither decrease in that nor increase. The ranks of the above mentioned categories and the degree

of their love for Allah can easily be assessed by their conditions, i.e. how much and how

frequently they spend.

You should endeavour to reach the highest of these categories. If not possible, you should at least

avoid being classed amongst the lowest. To achieve this, apart from the obligatory acts, you will

need to spend a little everyday. This will allow you to reach the lower stages of the second

category, rising above the category of the miserly ones.

Muslims who are poor and unable to spend should not be disheartened by their inability, as the

achievements of the rewards of Sadaqah are not only confined to giving in charity and helping

the poor. They can be attained by other deeds as well. Any good deed, no matter how small, will

earn them an equivalent reward. Some of these are mentioned below:

--To visit the sick.

--To attend a funeral.

--To assist someone in times of need, such as helping a labourer carry some of his weight.

-- Interceding on someone's behalf.

--To say a good word, such as consoling the grief stricken, or encouraging a despairing one.

These are all known as acts of Sadaqah and one does not have to be wealthy to accomplish them.

THE WISDOM BEHIND SPENDING SECRETLY

As mentioned before, it is important that when you spend, you should do so quietly and not

publicly. A Hadith in this regard states. 'To spend secretly in the Path of Allah extinguishes the

Anger of Allah.' On another occasion, it has been mentioned, 'One who spends with the right

hand such that it even goes unnoticed by the left (i.e. he exercises extreme sincerity) shall be

resurrected among the seven categories of people who will be under the shade of the Throne of

Allah on a day when there shall be no shade except that one.'

But that should not mean that you wait for the heart to reach that stage in order to spend, for this

is clearly a deception from Shaytaan. You should continue to spend, regardless of the conditions

of your heart and eventually you will reach your goal and be able to give wholeheartedly. Until

then, Allah will reward you abundantly for overcoming your desires of withholding the money.

Secondly, spend the best of your possessions in the Path of Allah. Would it not be inappropriate

to give something to Allah which you yourself dislike? As explained earlier, such spending has

been designed to gauge one's love for the Creator. Hence your selection of wealth will determine

the intensity of your love for Him. Thirdly, you should spend wholeheartedly. With respect to

this a Hadith states, '(The reward of spending) one Dirham can exceed (the reward of) one

hundred thousand Dirhams;' i.e. the reward of one who spends wholeheartedly and unrestrictedly

will be multiplied manifold in contrast to one who does not do so.

Fourthly, the avenues of spending should also be thoughtfully and carefully chosen. In giving

Sadaqah, preference should be given to one who has noble spiritual qualities over one who does

not. If all the good qualities are not found in a single person then even the possessor of a single

quality will be deserving of your Sadaqah. However, piety and Deeni knowledge should be given

preference above all else. For only a pious and an 'Aalim (Islamic scholar) will fulfil the prime

objective of the provisions gifted by Allah.

They are the ones who live on this earth solely to make preparations for the Hereafter and

consider this mortal world to be only a rest house wherefrom the souls will very soon depart.

Hence such persons can surely be expected to utilize your Sadaqah in the correct avenues. The

Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said, 'Feed the pious people.'

Quranic Text Regarding Sadaqah

'The believers ... are steadfast in prayers, and in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged, for

the poor and the destitute. (Qur'an 70:22-24).

“That which you give in usury for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no

increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will

increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.” (Qur'an, 30:39)

“Only those who believe in Our Signs, who when they are recited to them fall down in adoration,

and celebrate the praises of their Rabb (only God and Sustainer), nor are they (ever) puffed up

with pride. They forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Rabb (only God and

Sustainer), in Fear and Hope. And they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have

bestowed on them. Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve)

for them -- as a reward for their (good) Deeds. Is then the man who believes no better than the

man who is rebellious and wicked? Not equal are they. For those who believe and do righteous

deeds are Gardens as hospitable Homes, for their (good) deeds.” (Qur'an, 32:15-19)

“The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows

seven ears every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of)

for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower).” (Qur’an,

2:261)

'For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women for devout men and women for true

men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who

humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for

men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s

remembrance for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.' (Qur’an, 33:35)

“Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public have

their reward with their Rabb (only God and Sustainer). On them shall be no fear nor shall they

grieve.” (Qur'an, 2:274)

Ahadith Regarding Sadaqah

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah. Your

removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah. Your guidance of a

person who is lost is Sadaqah.' (Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (SAW) as saying: “Charity does not in any way

decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who

shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, 'The example of a miser and the one

who gives in charity, is like the example of two men wearing iron cloaks so tightly that their

arms are raised forcibly towards their collar-bones. So, whenever a charitable person wants to

give in charity, his cloak spreads over his body so much so that it wipes out his traces. But

whenever the miser wants to give in charity, the rings (of the iron cloak) come closer to each

other and press over his body and his hands get connected to his collar-bones. Abu Huraira heard

the Prophet (SAW) saying, 'The miser then tries to widen it but in vain.' (Bukhari)

Qais ibn Abu Hazim narrated that.... Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “A Muslim is rewarded (in

the Hereafter) for whatever he spends except for something that he spends on building.”

(Bukhari)

Mu'aadh bin Jabal (RA) related from the Prophet (SAW) “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water

extinguishes fire.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Every day two angels come down

from Heaven and one of them says, 'O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your

cause’, and the other (angel) says, 'O Allah! Destroy every miser.’” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'A Muslim does not plant, or sow anything from

which a person, animal or anything eats but it is considered as Sadaqah from him.' (Bukhari)

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said:: “To smile in the company of your brother is charity.

To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a

person in a place where he can not get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things like

thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your

brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you.” (Bukhari)

The Prophet (SAW) also said: “The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his

Sadaqah.” (Ahmad)

Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that... Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Those who have much wealth

(in this world) will be the least rewarded (in the Hereafter) except those who do like this and like

this (i.e., spend their money in charity).” (Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Verily what a believer

continues to receive (in the form of reward) for his action and his virtues after his death is the

knowledge which he acquired and then disseminated; the pious son that he left behind him; or a

copy of the Qur’an which he left as a legacy; or the mosques that he had built; or the inn that he

had built for the wayfarers; or the canal that he caused to flow, or a sadaqah which he gave out of

his property in the state when he was healthy and alive. (These are the acts of goodness the

reward of which) reaches him even after his death.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja and Bayhaqi)

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, “Every Muslim has to give in sadaqah

(charity).” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (SAW)! If someone has nothing to give,

what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in

charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot do even that?” He replied,

“Then he should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do

that?” He replied, “Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil

and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari)

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “A crafty one, a miser,

and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given, will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

Abu Hurairah narrated that “Abu Dharr said to the Messenger of Allah, ‘The wealthy people

have all the rewards; they pray as we pray; they fast as we fast; and they have surplus wealth

which they give in charity; but we have no wealth which we may give in charity.’ Allah’s

Messenger (SAW) said: ‘Abu Dharr, should I not teach you phrases by which you acquire the

rank of those who excel you? No one can acquire your rank except one who acts like you.’ He

said, Why not, Allah’s Messenger (SAW)? He said: ‘Exalt Allah say: 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is

Most Great) after each prayer thirty-three times; and praise Him say: 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be

to Allah) thirty-three times; and glorify Him say: 'Subhan Allah' (Glory be to Allah) thirty-three

times; and end it by saying, 'La ilâha illallâhu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul

hamdu yuhyi wa yomeetu wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in Qadeer.' ( There is no god but Allah alone,

He has no partner, to Him belongs the Kingdom, to Him praise is due and He has power over

everything.) Your sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.’” (Abu Dawud)

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'Sadaqah (charity) does not decrease wealth.'

(Muslim)

What is Lillah?

Lillah meaning 'for Allah', comprises any form of charity given in the cause of Allah on a pure

voluntary basis. This charitable giving is over and above the Zakah that one is liable for.

For instance, many charitable organisations collect Lillah for Relief Aid, Wells, Masjid and

Madresa running costs. These contributions are made through the goodwill of Muslims who give

solely for the pleasure of Allah.

Zakah can only be spent directly on the poor (money in hand) and not on projects such as

construction whereas Lillah can be utilised in constructing Masajid, digging Tube Wells and

projects such as the Ummah Children Academy (UCA) and the Deep Boring Rig in Africa

(being implemented by Ummah Welfare Trust). Zakah money cannot be used for such projects.

Different types of Charity and Islamic rulings

Zakah

This is the compulsory alms-giving which Allah has given the order for in the Qur'an. Its status is Farz.

Zakah is only eligible upon mature, sane men and women who have the Nisab (threshold (usually

around £80-100) of which wealth 2.5% must be given. Zakah must only be given to the specific eight

categories mentioned in the Qur'an. If it is not given to any of them, then it will be void and necessary to

re-pay.

Sadaqah

This is a general term for all charities besides the Farz, Zakah. All acts of worship through financial

expenditure are by broader definition classified as Sadaqah. Due to there being many types they have

been divided into the following two categories both of which have separate rulings:

Sadaqah Wajibah

This is charity which is binding in nature. This includes Sadaqah al-Fitr, etc. This form of Sadaqah is

similar to Zakah in that it must be spent on the same categories as defined by the Qur’an, except that it

is not a condition for the beneficiary to be Muslim.

This type of Sadaqah includes:

1. Sadaqah al-Fitr

2. Nadhr

3. Fidyah

4. Kaffarah

5. Udhiyyah, Dam and Badanah

Sadaqah al-Fitr: This is a charity which is a duty upon every sane Muslim, who possesses the value of

Nisab beyond the basic necessities. Fathers are instructed to give Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of those

children who have not reached of age.

The amount that must be given is equal to 1.6 kg of wheat or 3.2 kg of barley or its like. This does not

mean that a person must distribute wheat or barley, one may give its equivalent value. (Because this

fluctuates it is improper to specify a price, although it is usually between one and three pounds.)

Sadaqah al-Fitr is a very emphasized Sunnah (which according to many is the status of Wajib) which

becomes due before `Eid Salah, although it is preferable to give it a few days before `Eid so that the poor

actually receive it and are able to spend it on `Eid day. If one does not give the Sadaqah al-Fitr, it will

remain due no matter how much time passes after `Eid.

Nadhr: This is an action which becomes necessary due to one imposing it upon oneself. This can be done

if one wishes to express gratitude, and the action can take on a number of forms, including Sadaqah. If a

person makes such an oath of giving charity, that then becomes Sadaqah Wajibah. If they are unable to

uphold the oath, they will have to give Kaffarah, and may be sinful.

Fidyah: This is compensation for missing Salah or Sawm for a person who cannot perform them due to

being in terminal illness or being deceased (in which case it is given out of a third of the wealth) or in the

event of a person making a minor mistake in Hajj. The amount for each missed Salah or Sawm, or each

minor mistake in Hajj is to give 1.6kg of wheat or its value (i.e. the same amount given for Sadaqah al-

Fitr) to the poor. Fidyah is generally Sadaqah Wajibah. Sadaqah Nafilah may be given in addition either

from the deceased’s estate or on their behalf in which case both the giver and the deceased are

rewarded.

Kaffarah: This is major compensation and like Fidyah it is also Sadaqah Wajibah. It applies in various

situations such as if a person breaks a fast intentionally, breaks an oath, or kills someone, Kaffarah

would then be binding as the form of redemption. There are five actions for which kaffarah will be

necessary, however, they fall under two types.

The greater Kaffarah: For redemption of this a person may free a slave (which is no longer applicable) or

fast for sixty consecutive days (If a person breaks a fast intentionaly they would need to fast for sixty

consecutive days, unless they can't fast due to poor health or old age, there are no exceptions to this).

Failing that one may feed sixty poor people for a day (i.e. two meals a day, each meal is equivalent to a

fidyah). This Kaffarah applies to:

* Intentionally breaking Sawm (fast)

* Breaking Zihar (To consider one’s wife as Haram for oneself by comparing her to a Mahram - anyone

too closely related to be marriageable)

* Being the direct cause of someone’s death (this is coupled with the set punishments).

Note: In the instance of not being able to feed sixty people in a single day then he may feed one person

for sixty days, but in this case if he were to try to quicken payment of this by giving all the money in one

day to one person, kaffarah would not be fulfilled, and his offering would only be equal to one days

feeding.

The lesser Kaffarah: For redemption of this a person may free a slave (which is no longer applicable) or

feed ten poor people for two meals in one day, or give each one of them clothing. Failing this, he may

fast for three consecutive days (The order is also different from the greater Kaffarah). This Kaffarah

applies to:

* Breaking/violating Yamin (an oath)

* Breaking Ila’ (To take an oath on not having conjugal relationships with one’s wife)

Udhiyyah: This is also known as Qurbani or sacrifice. It is Wajib upon all mature Muslims who, on the

day of `Eid al-Azha, possess Nisab. Whoever qualifies for this is required to purchase a sheep or goat of

more than one year in age, and slaughter that in the name of Allah after the `Eid prayer preferably on

the same day. The sacrifice can also be done on the two days after Eid. If one fails to make the sacrifice

in these three days he will still have to donate the value of the animal (this remains Wajib).

From the meat he may eat himself and feed his family and also distribute meat amongst the poor

Muslims. One is not responsible to give Zakah or any necessary Sadaqah for one’s spouse nor one’s

mature children - they are responsible for themselves. One is however, responsible for only giving

sadaqah al-fitr for one’s minor children, however, neither Zakah is given from their wealth, nor Udhiyyah

given on their behalf.

Note: One may slaughter goats or sheep, which constitute one sacrifice each, or one may slaughter a

larger animal (i.e. cow or buffalo) which will be counted as seven sacrifices each. In the event of living in

a wealthy country, it is better that one sacrifices one part locally to fulfil the Sunnah of sacrificing

oneself; and to arrange for the remaining sacrifices to be performed in a poorer country, where the poor

may also partake of it.

Dam is of two types. one is like Udhiyyah in the sense that it is a religious requirement on adult Muslims.

The only difference is that it is specific to people who are performing Hajj. This Dam is called Dam ash-

Shukr.

The second type of Dam, like fidyah, is a means of compensation for mistakes in Hajj, but the difference

is the magnitude of the mistake. Fidyah is given in lieu of minor mistakes while Dam is in lieu of major

mistakes. Dam, like Udhiyyah, is the sacrifice of a sheep or goat. It can also be made a part (i.e. 1/7) of a

larger sacrifice.

Badanah is like Dam, but while Dam is the sacrifice of a sheep or goat, Badanah is the sacrifice of a large

animal, i.e. a cow or camel. This is the largest penalty in Hajj, and is specific to three acts.

Sadaqah Nafilah

This is charity which is not binding in nature but is optional. This type includes alms given for the

removal of difficulties, philanthropic (to give out of mercy to the less fortunate), the general giving of

any Halal item to any one etc. This type does not need to be spent on the specified categories to be

rewarding nor does it have to be spent on Muslims, although if spent on poor Muslims it would be more

rewarding. This can also be bequeathed in one’s will (in which case it would be only up to a third of the

deceased person’s entire estate).

The following are types of Sadaqah Nafilah:

1. Lillah

2. Waqf

3. Aqiqah

4. Sadaqah for the upliftment of difficulties

5. Sadaqah for the expiation of sins

6. Charity above the amount of Zakah and Sadaqah Wajibah.

Lillah: This is Sadaqah Nafilah but is a type that does not have the condition of having to be passed into

the possession of a person, as it can be given to institutes (e.g. Masajid, hospitals, schools, orphanages,

etc).

Waqf: This is to allot something as a trust for a certain cause. This can be during one’s lifetime or

bequeathed in one’s will (up to the value of a third of one’s estate). When executed, the donation

becomes the property of Allah I (and thus has specific rules regarding it), and its beneficiaries are to

remain those named as the cause (e.g. the poor, orphans, students, the people of a certain locality, etc.)

The difference between this and Lillah is that with Waqf ownership is not given to people or institutes

but only the benefits are ascribed. Like today’s trusts, Waqf also requires the care of trustees over it.

Aqiqah: This is the sacrifice of an animal or two as thanks to Allah for the birth of a child. With this too

can members of the locality be fed, preference again is for the poor and close family members.

Sadaqah for the Removing of difficulties: This type of Sadaqah is Lillah. One, at the time of donating,

should ask Allah to make easy one’s deliverance. This can be understood from the Hadith:

“Sadaqah soothes the Lord’s anger and protects against a bad death.” (al-Tirmidhi, al Bayhaqi)

Sadaqah for the expiation of sins: This type of Sadaqah is also Lillah. One, at the time of donating,

should ask Allah to forgive one’s shortcomings. This can be understood from the verse:

“Indeed good deeds take away bad deeds.”

Qur’an, 10:114

Charity above the amount of Zakah and Sadaqah Wajibah: This type of Sadaqah is the essence of Lillah.

Although not categorized as necessary, this type of charity, as long as from pure means and with pure

intentions, is always accepted by Allah. It is also this type that Allah I has described as a beautiful debt,

as He treats this charity as a loan which He will repay in the hereafter.

“Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan? For (Allah) will increase it manifold to his credit, and

he will have (besides) a liberal reward.

Qur’an, al Hadid, 57:11

Other Types

Sadaqah Jariyah: This Sadaqah is not a separate category but it is really any Sadaqah Nafilah which is

spent on a cause of long term benefit (e.g. wells), and in essence is very similar to Waqf.

Qarz Hasan: This literally means to give a good loan. In the language of the Qur'an this term is used for

Sadaqah Nafilah. The rewards of Qarz Hasan are thus exclusive to Sadaqah. Loans given to Islamic

institutes and then forgiven become this type of Sadaqah. Presently, this term is often used to denote

Qarz.

Qarz: This means an Islamic loan. Islamic here means that two things must be upheld from the side of

the creditor: the first that neither interest can be charged nor any other benefit (advantage or gifts) be

taken in lieu of the loan; the second is that at no time can the creditor show any signs of self-glory, or

remind the debtor of the favour/help given (this does not mean that he/she cannot ask for payment).

This type of loan may be given to either an individual or an institute, and if the conditions are upheld, it

is immensely rewarding for the creditor.

Interest

In Islam the taking and also giving of interest have been expressly forbidden. This presents problems in

secular countries, wherein no loan or mortgage is ever done without it. In so far as taking loans which

charge interest are concerned, it can only be said that unless it is a life-or-death situation one must stay

away from such loans, to avoid the Wrath of Allah.

But what should one do about the interest accumulated in one’s own bank account? This issue is also

something that unfortunately affects many of us. What is established is that it is not at all permissible

for one to utilise this for one’s own benefit.

To avoid the anger of Allah, one should give the interest money accumulated to charity. This, whilst

being the most practically beneficial way of disposing the money, is not going to be positively rewarding.

But due to it being in accordance with Allah’s Will, in that this method of disposal saves one from further

sin, it is still beneficial.

Haram income

Included under this broad heading are earnings generated by not only the sales of Haram items, but also

Halal items acquired though Haram methods (e.g. lying to get benefits, lying to increase the price of

selling items etc).

Here the method of disposal is to return items to the rightful owners. If this is not possible because the

owner is not known or any other legitimate reason, then the method of disposal is the same as that of

interest money.

If one has spent a great portion of one’s life in Haram earnings to the extent that the majority of one’s

possessions are of Haram origin, then what is the way of redeeming oneself in the Eye’s of Allah?

The answer to this is often very difficult to digest. In short, the entire possessions of Haram earnings

must be disposed of in the same way that interest is disposed.

This presents the problem: how then are brothers/sisters in such a situation meant to live? For this the

most accommodating way would be that they take into account how much of their wealth is of ill

earnings, then turning to a Halal means of income, whatever immediate amount they can dispose of (in

charity) they do. Then over as short a period of time as possible they try to pay off this debt they owe to

Allah.