Strengthening our faith during times of trials

We strengthen our faith by rising to challenges during times of difficulty.

In these uncertain times, many of us feel anxious about how current events will affect our lives. Though the fear of uncertainty might drive us to take certain precautions, we must be careful not to act in a way which could transgress on the rights of others. Panic-buying, hoarding and holding back on charity without any thought of how this impacts others neither benefits nor befits a Muslim. Yes, we face the threat of COVID-19 but this is no reason to hold back our Zakat and is every reason to increase our Sadaqah:

And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment. (Holy Qur’an 9:34)

Our faith emphasises the importance of moderation in everything. As in the hadith about taking precautions, we are indeed advised to ‘tie our camel.’ But the same hadith then instructs us to trust in Allah once the proverbial camel has been tied. Over the past weeks, we have seen how even the world’s rich and famous have contracted COVID-19; if this demonstrates anything, it’s that our wealth does not guarantee safety nor a trouble-free tomorrow. The only guarantee we have now is that which Allah (swt) gives to us:

“Cure your sick ones through Sadaqah, deflect the storms of calamities through supplication and guard your wealth through Zakat.” (Wasil ul-shia)

Now, more than ever, it is vital that we hold firmly to the rope of Allah (swt) without neglecting those obligations fundamental to our faith. We are so fortunate to have reached the blessed month of Ramadan in which prayers are answered, sins forgiven and the rewards of good deeds multiplied exponentially. Now is the time to be united and grateful, and generous in our worship to Allah (swt) and our charity to others:

And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not be divided. And remember the favour of Allah upon you… (Holy Qur’an 3:103)

As a pillar of Islam similar to Prayer (Salat), paying Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim of able means. The Arabic word ‘Zakat’ or ‘Zakah’ literally means ‘to cleanse’ or ‘that which purifies.’ So when you pay Zakat each Ramadan, you are cleansing your wealth, not spending it. What’s more, Zakat is a right of the poor. For the giver, it cleanses wealth and purifies the soul from greed and worldly attachments. It is a vital step towards spiritual healing and drawing near to Allah:

Lo! Those who believe and do good deeds and establish prayer and pay the Zakat, their reward is with their Lord (Quran, 2:277)

At this time of social distancing and isolation, it is natural to feel stifled, anxious and disconnected from the people and routines which gave us comfort through familiarity. But perhaps through this uncertainty and isolation, Allah (swt) has chosen to test our resolve. Do we rise to the challenge of holding firm to our religious obligations even in the absence of our faith community? Do we give from the wealth Allah (swt) has lent us to those who have a right over it, even in the absence of those financial safety nets which made us feel secure? Yes, we do. Because as Muslims, we believe that the power of giving is so great that it doesn’t just benefit us, it multiplies and expands to benefit our families and even those in our immediate social circle. Such is the generosity and magnanimity of our Lord, who showers His blessings and rewards onto nations for a single person’s small act of charity:

“When a woman gives in charity some of the foodstuff [which she has in her house] without spoiling it, she will receive the reward for what she has spent, and her husband will receive the reward because of his earning, and the storekeeper will also have a reward similar to it. The reward of one will not decrease the reward of the others.” (Bukhari)

For 25 years we’ve administered your Zakat and delivered it to Pakistan’s poorest in their most dire need. For 25 years we’ve borne the trust and confidence of donors seeking transparency while performing the obligation of Zakat. By the will of Allah, we’ve administered Zakat long enough to bear witness to its healing power. Through it, we’ve changed the face of cancer care in Pakistan together.

Our patients are waiting for your Zakat, because their treatment relies on it. Please give generously.