Zakah: Investment of zakah money Q723 :I plan to establish a trust out of zakah and charity (i.e. sadaqah) money and invest such funds in some profitable business. My plan is to distribute the annual earnings of the business to deserving students on merit. How far is this acceptable, taking in view that this will…
Zakah: Family arrangements of a ‘house-zakah’ liability Q722 :A few years ago I bought a house and registered it in my wife’s name for the simple reason that I want her to be independent when I die. As we are living in Saudi Arabia, I have made arrangements to let it. I paid about about…
Zakah: Expenditure – are these legitimate zakah expenses? Q721 :My brother who used to be a zakah-payer sent his son abroad for higher education. However, the rising cost of education had stretched his means. He is now borrowing money in order to pay his son. I do not know whether my brother is still a…
Zakah: Deduction by the state on savings accounts Q720 :In Pakistan, government deducts zakah directly from bank deposits of Sunni Muslims. Those who are Shi’a or Ismailis are exempt from this provided they submit a statement signed under oath and witnessed by two persons of their religious affiliations. Is our government allowed by Islamic law…
Zakah: Can step-children be beneficiaries of zakah? Q719 :Could you please consider the case of a widow with three children who were about to be thrown out on the street by the landlord for failing to pay the rent. Having heard of what had happened, a kind hearted neighbour took the widow and her children…
Zakah: A tax liability? Q718 :I live in a rented accommodation, since I do not have a house of my own. I have earmarked a certain amount of my savings for the purchase of a plot of land to built a house. Since I have not been able to get the plot of land which…
Zakah : A mutual social security system devised by Allah Q717 :Sometime back when I was on vacation, someone I know needed financial help. I gave her some of my zakah, which was a substantial amount. I did not mention that what I gave her was zakah money, but I told her not to return…
Worship: Wrong practices with religious appearance Q716 :In my home country there are many people who do not follow Islam or fulfill its major duties, such as prayer. Instead, they attend graveyards and visit the tombs of some religious personalities, asking for their help. They do not miss performing “fatihah” every month, on the first…
Worship: Practices – ingenious teachings or revelations Q715 :In every religion, worship practices have been established by some genius religious people. This is also true in the case of Islam. We do not have any detailed instructions regarding the way we should pray, but the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has taught us that.…
Worship: Credits, injustice and forgiveness Q714 :I have a friend who, as a young man, is a model of good behavior. He is God-fearing, and dutiful to his parents, keen to help others and hard-working. He is trusting and he feels that by doing good, he and his family will lead a happy life. One…
