The basic resources of Islamic law or fiqh do not provide express answers to each and every problem emerging out of modern conditions. However, they have laid down a set of principles on the basis of which one can find the answer to questions arising out of new problems. But the application of those principles to new situations requires a deep study of both Islamic jurisprudence and the modern pattern of human life. The exercise can only be undertaken by those individuals who are well-versed in Islamic jurisprudence and are also well-acquainted with modern economic problems.....
Knowledge and Research: The Essence of Progress.
Knowledge as well as scientific research brought us many more benefits, causing an impressive transformation of life on earth. It has offered solutions to us. If our ancestors led a basic life, we are, however, able to explore space and communicate across cultures and distance matters less here. In this process of fast and beneficial change, we are reaping the gains of science and research, permitting us to enjoy a better life and further contribute to it in many aspects.....
Kitab Al-Kasb (Part 18): Types of Earnings.
Earnings are four types: hired employment (al-ijarah), commerce (al-tijarah), agriculture (al-zira'ah), and craftsmanship (sina'ah). All these are equally permissible according to the vast majority of the jurisprudence, may Allah Most High have mercy on all of them....
The Sanctity of Private and Public Property.
One of the Allah gifts to us is money, which is a necessity of life to achieve interests and bring happiness if it is used in the most correct way. Our Prophet Muhammad said, "sound property is very excellent for a sound man." He would also pray saying, "O Allah, set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living. And set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life"......
Is Zakat Due on the Same Wealth Each Year?
The yearly repeatability of the zakat of the same wealth is explicitly mentioned in the hadith of the Prophet (meaning): “There is no zakat due on property/wealth until the year passes while it is being owned” [Narrated in Abu Dawud and elsewhere with a fair chain].....
Virtues of Performing Righteous Acts in Secret.
Allah, the Most High, has enjoined upon His servants to perform righteous deeds and hasten to do acts of kindness, both secretly and in the open. The good deed that is done secretly is described as the act that is done in the back since its doer refrains to disclose it. It is like when one hides something behind his back in order to conceal it from the eyes of others. Doing good unseen is something that Allah the Almighty likes and, thus, multiplies the reward He grants for such deed. The Most Gracious says.......
The Importance of Being Grateful When Facing Trials
When we mention the word “blessings” or nikmah we will think of happiness, ease, and life’s comforts. However, we realise that life is not one that is free of sadness, disappointments and trials. However, no matter what happens or whatever the situation one faces, a true believer (mukmin) will strive to remain positive...
Starting the Development of an Interest-Free Economy (Part 1)
The last four decades have witnessed a great eagerness in the Islamic world to establish an interest-free economy. Since the Western countries introduced into the Islamic world a capitalist economy based on interest, a small group of people
Paying Zakat vs Paying Off Debt
Firstly, keep in mind that zakat is obliged to one’s gold and silver, which is money in form of our modern currency. Also, to meet nisab, we can to add the value of the gold and silver to our cash (as well as trade assets if own a business)....
Kitab Al-Kasb (Part 17): Permissibility of Lowly Earnings.
Some of the ascetics said, "It is not allowed to undertake earnings that are considered to be lowly in the custom of the people except when in dire circumstance, due to the statement of the Prophet, blessing and peace be on him, "It is not for the believer to demean himself." [Narrated bt al-Tirmidhi, ibn Majah and Ahmad]. The Prophet also says, "Verily, Allah likes noble things and He dislikes inferior things." [Narrated by al-Khara'iti in Makarim al-Akhlaq, Al-Tabarani, al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi]. The inferior is that which demeans a person due to its baseness....
