Inner Dimensions of the Zakat

By Shah Waliullah al-Muhaddith al-Dahlawi
Translated by Marcia K. Hermansen
 

You should know that when a need presents itself to the poor person, and he entreats God about it either verbally or through hit condition, his entreaty knocks at the door of the Divine Generos­ity. Sometimes the best interest will be fulfilled by inspiring the heart of a pure person to furnish the remedy for his want. Thus, when the inspiration descends and he is provoked (to respond), he is given success, God is pleased with Him, and blessings flow to him from above and below, and from his right side and his left, and God’s mercy is upon him.

One day a poor person asked me concerning a need in which he was hard-pressed and I sensed in my heart an inspiration com­manding me to give, and informing me of an ample reward in this world and the next, so I gave and witnessed that what my Lord had promised me was true. The knocking at the door of (Divine) Generosity, the arousal of inspiration and its selection of my heart on that day, and the manifestation of the reward, all of that hap­pened before my very eyes.

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Choosing Opinions that Suit Your Desires

Yahya Ederer (Abu Majeed) | May 28, 2010 4:56 am


4023523232_9b0d358930_bThe world we live in today has brought many tests to the Muslims. Undoubtedly, it has also brought many blessings to us. One new reality—the fact that the knowledge of our religion has become readily available through mass media—can be either a test or a blessing depending upon the scholar you speak to. As a result, we find two extremes. Some who declare that everyone must follow one juristic school or preferred scholar to be the authority without exception. Others declare that they may follow whatever opinion they like and therefore spend much of their time searching for opinions which suit their desires. In this article we beseech the support and ultimate success only granted by Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala(exalted is He) to bring the proper attitude to the availability of knowledge and scholarship in the modern world. Continue reading

Taqlīd, and Following a Madhhab

WebbTranslators | December 21, 2010 1:00 am


By Dr. Yusuf al-Qaradawi1 | Translated, with slight modifications, by Muslema Purmul

Between Absolutism and Negligence

Linguistic definition: Arabic linguists say that taqlīd is derived from the root word qalāda, which is a necklace that is fastened around the neck. From it comes the taqlīd of a road; it is as though the follower fastens the ruling around the neck of the mujtahid, like a necklace.

Technical definition: Taqlīd is what Imam Ash-Shaukani describes in Sayl Al-Jarrār as acting upon another’s words without evidence. Continue reading