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Charity

Zakat is compulsory upon all Muslims. Typically 2.5% of a person’s wealth must be given in charity every year.
There are many ahadith related to charity and its benefits:
The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 589
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 604
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date-fruit in charity." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 498

By giving Zakat we are ridding ourselves of selfishness, greed and vanity whilst helping those less fortunate than ourselves. It’s also a way of teaching us to be humble. You never know when you might be on the receiving end of charity. So be thankful for all that you have been given by Allah.
"They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: 'Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.'" - The Holy Quran, 2:215
"Spend (in charity) out of the sustenance that We have bestowed on you before that time when death will come to someone, and he shall say: "O my Lord! If only you would grant me reprieve for a little while, then I would give in charity, and be among the righteous." - The Holy Quran, 63:10
Apart from Zakat, there are other forms of charity that is enjoined upon Muslims. Simple actions such as smiling at a person or offering your seat on the bus are also acts of charity.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every day?" The Prophet answered: "The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms--all of these are charity prescribed for you." He also said: "Your smile for your brother is charity." - Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 98

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people then asked: "(But what) if someone has nothing to give, what should he do?" The Prophet replied: "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 find even that?" He replied: "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked: "If he cannot do (even) that?" The Prophet said finally: "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 524
The Prophet (PBUH) also said: "Every act of goodness is charity." - Sahih Muslim, Hadith 496
One should try to give as much as possible towards charity for fear that tomorrow may be their last day on earth and no more good deeds can be written down for them.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once had several coins that he asked his wife to distribute in charity. But due to the Prophet's illness at the time, she did not have an opportunity to give out the coins. When the Prophet learned of this, he asked for the coins, placed them in his hand, and then said: "What would God's Prophet think if he were to meet God, who is Great and Glorious, while (still) possessing these?" - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 586
Another form of charity is towards your family. It is our duty to provide for those who rely on us for guidance and sustenance. We must as Muslims educate the younger generation about our religion, manners and behaviour. We must help those within our family who are in need due to circumstance
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Shall I guide you to the best (form of) charity? It is to provide for your daughter when she (returns) to you (because of divorce or other circumstances) and has no one but you to provide for her." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1296
In modern life we become so distracted with worldly matters that we easily forget what is important. Too much emphasis is placed on making money, getting to the top, being the best, yet these are only temporary. One small mistake could result in many problems.
We as young people need to take time out of our lives and to give back to the community. We need to spend time building substantial relationships with others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves.
I propose that each person starts up a penny jar. Any loose change should be put into this jar and at the end of a set time, e.g. a month or 6 months, any money saved should be donated to a charity of your choice. Your small change could potentially make big changes in someone else’s life.
Another idea is to sponsor a child from a third world country. By doing so, you are improving the chances of this child of surviving past childhood as well as improving their lives through education and proper care.
One final idea is to foster/adopt a child in your own home. There is a great reward for those who take care of an orphan child. A couple may bring up the child in their family but the child must not take on the adopted family’s name. The child should also be made aware of their adoption and to understand about their own heritage and family.
"He has never made your wives whom you have declared to be as unlawful to you as your mother's bodies truly your mothers, so, too, has He never made your adopted sons truly your sons. They are but figures of speech you utter with your mouths whereas Allah speaks the absolute truth. It is He alone who can show the right path. (As for your adopted children,) call them by their real fathers' names. This is most equitable in the sight of Allah. If you do not know who their fathers are, call them your brethren in faith and your friends." Holy Quran, Surah 33: 3 & 4
I hope that my essay has evoked feelings of generosity and that many people will now go and make a small donation for the sake of their souls and for others. One final quote…
Allah says, "If you disclose your Sadaqat (alms giving), it is well, but if you conceal it, and give it to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will forgive you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do" (Quran 2:271).

Some Useful Links
http://www.islamicfostering.com/index.htm
http://www.hhugs.org.uk
http://www.cageprisoners.com/page.php?id=8
http://www.muslimhands.org

My Hajj Photos

Salamz

Ive finally put up sum hajj fotos on facebook. Feel free to check them out. Hopefully I iwll put up more once i get a few more copies from mates!!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12166&l=793ab&id=516694182

United Muslimahs

A/S

Im going to shamelessly plug a muslims womans forum that I joined a few months ago. Its a great way for muslim women to make new friends and learn about the religion in a friendly atmosphere. And if your not muslim...then still join up!! Its a great way to gain first hand knowledge on muslim women, many of whom have converted to the religion. So dont be shy come join us!

http://theunitedmuslimahs.smfforfree3.com/index.php

Just General Stuff

A/S ppl

Topic 1: Pregnant women and public transport

London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has announced that stickers will be placed on public transport detailing that commuters give up their seats for the elderly, those with children AND.....pregnant women! About time!!!. I know some men feel that it was a womans choice to get pregnant but thats just a poor excuse for not wanting to give up your seat. Pregnant women should be allowed to ask someone to give up their seat. When my sister was pregnant (twice) it was shocking how many ignored her when she was heavily pregnant. On top of that she was jostled and pushed about with no consideration for her welfare whenever the train stopped at a station.

I think us British commuters are becoming increasingly selfish and cold hearted towards our fellow travellers. Today the weather was atrocious, which was unavoidable. But the worst thing was peoples attitude on the station platform. I had to miss 4 trains because people pushed past me to get onto the train (bearing in mind that there is always another train 1 minute behind). And when I finally did manage to squeeze myself on, I was pushed right into the train so four other people could get on. There wasnt even space to breathe let alone move! I cant imagine how a pregnant woman or an elderly person would have survived that rush.

To all those reading this post (none I bet!) please please please show respect for other human beings (regardless of race, religion, age, weight,) whilst using public transport.

Topic 2: Home made food

Why is it so hard to cook fresh tasty and healthy foods but so easy to buy a bad, unhealthy takeaway or TV dinners?? We've become a fast food nation. Everything we do is in the fast lane: our driving, our work life, our partying and of course our food. Obviously fast food is convenient because its cooked for you and doesnt take up much time buying and eating it. BUT cooking healthy food isnt tiring or boring. If anything its refreshing and soul nourishing. Simple stuff like soups take 10-20 mins to make. Same for salads or smoothies or sandwiches. My sister made a leek and potato soup in 20 mins and its absolutely delicious. The ingredients are an onion, 2 leeks, 3 large potatoes, salt, pepper, vegetable stock and creme fraiche! Just cook the veg, add stock simmer for 5 mins, blend, season with salt pepper and a dollop of creme fraiche! Soups can be chilled in the fridge and kept for 2/3 days. Saves you from wasting time cooking a meal every day!

MY time off

A/S

Obviously I have been away for a while from here but ive actually no longer got access to my blog while im at work (when I normally post!). But just to get you up to speed...in Nov i finished my contract for my dept and then took a LONG deserved break for November, December and part of January, and let me tell you it was worth it. I went to do Hajj (pilgrimage) which every muslim must complete once in their lifetime. It was a truly amazing experience that I shared with another 4 million people. You get tires, hungry, aggravated, peed off and also become ill during your time there but you dont feel these for too long as its 100% about God & how much you want to repent for your sins & how much you want to change to become a better person. As a result I now complete my 5 daily prayers and try improve my character, my personality, my manners ( Ive given up on nail biting..now i have to stop picking my nose!!!! lol).

Since ive been back I decided to go back to work for the hospital temping in another department that pays a lil bit more! I need to clear that debt I've accrued! (£400 in duty free hsopping on my credit card & £1000 on my debit card!). Will let you know how that goes!!

Im also becoming a volunteer mentor to help young people from the muslim community who are at risk of social exclusion & my first training session is next Thurday so hopefully that shoudl be fun!

Anyway people if anyone is actually out there and reading my mumblings please feel free to leave a comment (or not. its up to you!)