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Hidden Sadaqah Extinguishes Allah’s Wrath

Sadaqah (optional charity) refers to helping others in any way, by giving them in charity, by spending some time with them, listening to them attentively, directing them to the right path, feeling for them, smiling to them, removing whatever may harm them in streets, etc. All these are instances of sadaqah in its comprehensive sense.
Hidden sadaqah is what one gives in secret with no one but Almighty Allah knowing about it. When one gives charity to a needy person in secret, one spares the needy person the feelings of inferiority he may experience if given charity in front of other people.

Hidden sadaqah will help the needy meet their needs and will also help them get rid of the negative feelings of envy and grudge they might have harbored towards the rich people.

Feelings of love and respect would grow then between the needy and rich people, and this, in turn, would positively reflect on the unity of society and bind its members with the bonds of love and cooperation.
When the poor’s needs are met in an atmosphere that preserves them their dignity, the tension they would live in because of need will decrease and their energy for work will increase. This will reflect positively on their social relations with others.

There are many poor people who are in dire need, yet they restrain from asking for charity. Hidden sadaqah will help them a lot and spare them exposure to humiliation.

Allah Almighty says about that kind of people: [(Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity.] (Al-Baqarah: 273)
As for he who gives hidden sadaqah, the process of giving itself provides him with great happiness and purifies his soul. It helps him get rid of selfishness and develop feelings of cooperation with others. It is also a means of protecting his wealth, [for when he gives others, he wins their love, and thus spares himself the influence of their envy.] In essence, giving sadaqah reflects on the giver and benefits him [as much as it benefits the recipients].

Allah Almighty says: [….. And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allah’s Face. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.)…] (Al-Baqarah: 272)

Furthermore, hidden sadaqah helps its givers get rid of feelings of depression that they may experience. When one gives the poor, one feels deep happiness, especially when one hears them praying for one and expressing gratitude for one.

Contemplate the image Allah Almighty gives in the following verse that describes the example of the one who gives generously in charity: [And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour – so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing..] (Al-Baqarah: 265)

Based on the above lines, the psychological analysis of the influence of hidden sadaqah on both the giver and the recipient shows that it extinguishes the humiliation of the recipient and the embarrassment of the giver. It creates between them such an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence that Almighty Allah is pleased with. Moreover, it extinguishes the wrath that Allah Most High may have towards the giver, for there is a divine hadith to the effect that ?the hidden sadaqah extinguishes Allah’s wrath.

We Should Read Our History

We as Muslims, let us confess, have neglected reading our history although reading it will unveil a lot of bright aspects of Islam. Many of the orientalists (people specialized in the history of the east and Islam) were fascinated by the glorious history of Islam. Most of them admit that Muslims had a unique history which they should be proud of.

Reading our history will reveal that Islam spread by the commendable conduct and good manners of Muslims and not by the sword as some critics of Islam claim. The countries that have the largest numbers of Muslims like India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Pakistan are situated far from the Arabian Peninsula where most of the wars between Muslims and their enemies took place.

Reading our history will reveal that the utopia, the ideal city dreamt of by thinkers like Plato and Sir Thomas Moore, did exist in Al-Madina, where all people were treated equally regardless of their color, race, language or social position and where everybody knew his duty and performed it and equally knew his right and got it.

Reading our history will show that Muslim scientists like Ibn Sina, Al-Farabi, Jabir Bin Al-Hayyan, …etc. led the world from the dark and middle ages into the modern world with their discoveries and inventions. In addition to this, when Muslims were in Andalusia (they stayed there for 800 years) they at that time reached the peak of human civilization and knowledge.

The history books narrate stories about many kings in Europe sending their sons to be taught at the hands of Muslim scholars and scientists. At the same time, Europe was still living in ignorance and people were still arguing whether the woman was a human being or an animal. In contrast to this, Islam from the very beginning gave women their rights and due position in the society. Reading our history will tell us that Islam encouraged all forms of democracy and the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his companions to adopt the principle of Shoura (consultation) in all their affairs. Not only that, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to act on the point of view of the majority, although in many cases he (peace be upon him) had a different point of view.

Reading our history will tell us that Islam established the first comprehensive social system based on social solidarity through Zakah and Sadaqat (charity), which to a great extent kept social peace and order in society. At the end, I suggest that we should read our history because we as Muslims had a great history and that should guide us to a better future.

Al-Ehsaan, You Worship Him As Though You Are Seeing Him

Sahih Bukhari Book 1, Number 0001:
It is narrated on the authority of Yahya b. Ya’mur that the first man who discussed about Qadr(Divine Decree) in Basra was Ma’bad al-Juhani. I along with Humaid b. ‘Abdur-Rahman Himyari set out for pilgrimage or for ‘Umrah and said: Should it so happen that we come into contact with one of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) we shall ask him about what is talked about Taqdir (Division Decree). Accidentally we came across Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab, while he was entering the mosque. My companion and I surrounded him. One of us (stood) on his right and the other stood on his left. I expected that my companion would authorize me to speak. I therefore said: Abu Abdur Rahman! there have appeared some people in our land who recite the Holy Qur’an and pursue knowledge. And then after talking about their affairs, added: They (such people) claim that there is no such thing as Divine Decree and events are not predestined. He (Abdullah ibn Umar) said: When you happen to meet such people tell them that I have nothing to do with them and they have nothing to do with me. And verily they are in no way responsible for my (belief). Abdullah ibn Umar swore by Him (the Lord) (and said): If any one of them (who does not believe in the Divine Decree) had with him gold equal to the bulk of (the mountain) Uhud and then, it (in the way of Allah), Allah would not accept it unless he affirmed his faith in Divine Decree.

He further said: My father, Umar ibn al-Khattab, told me: One day we were sitting in the company of Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) when there appeared before us a man dressed in pure white clothes, his hair extraordinarily black. There were no signs of travel on him. None amongst us recognized him. At last he sat with the Apostle (peace be upon him) He knelt before him placed his palms on his thighs and said: Muhammad, inform me about al-Islam. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Al-Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakat, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the (House) if you are solvent enough (to bear the expense of) the journey. He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth. He (Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: It amazed us that he would put the question and then he would himself verify the truth. He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Holy Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Apostles, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth. He (the inquirer) again said: Inform me about al-Ihsan. He (the Holy Prophet) said: That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don’t see Him, He, verily, sees you. He (the enquirer) again said: Inform me about the hour (of the Doom). He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: One who is asked knows no more than the one who is inquiring (about it). He (the inquirer) said: Tell me some of its indications. He (the Holy Prophet) said: That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and master, that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herds vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings. He (the narrator, Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: Then he (the inquirer) went on his way but I stayed with him (the Holy Prophet) for a long while. He then, said to me: Umar, do you know who this inquirer was? I replied: Allah and His Apostle knows best. He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: He was Gabriel (the angel). He came to you in order to instruct you in matters of religion.
Sahih Bukhari Book 1, Number 0001:

The Holy Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him ) informed the muslims about Al-Ehsaan , the spiritual state of believer ,as he does the acts of worship and good deeds only for Allah and follows the command of Allah and his Apostle , and associates with the Holy Prophet Muhammed Salalaahu Alaihi wasallam by both heart and by actions .

This Spiritual state reflects the Impact of the pious acts and deeds and worship on his soul that he is able to worship Allah as though he is seeing Allah , even though he does not see Allah , but Allah’s presence becomes so vivid an real before him like he is seeing Allah.

Do Miswak As Much Possible

Narrated by Hazrat Aisha Ummul Mu’minin, Transmitted by Abu Dawud
Allah’s Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) said “Ablution water and tooth-stick were placed by the side of the Prophet (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam). When he got up during the night (for prayer), he relieved himself, then he used the tooth-stick”.

Narrated by Abu Huraira, Transmitted by Sahih Bukhari
Hazrat Aisha said, “The Prophet said, ‘It (i.e. Miswak) is a purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah’s pleasures.’ [Vol 3:#154]

Narrated by Zayd ibn Khalid al-Juhani’, Transmitted by Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud. (Mishkat)
I heard Allah’s Messenger (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) saying: If it were not burdensome upon my Ummah I would have commanded them to use miswak at every prayer and to delay the night prayer till the third part of the night is over. [390]

Narrated by Hazrat Anas, Transmitted by Sahih Bukhari
Allah’s Apostle I said, “I have told you repeatedly to (use) the Miswak. (The Prophet put emphasis on the use of the Miswak). [Vol 2:#13]

Narrated by Hazrat Aisha Ummul Mu’minin, Abu Dawud transmitted it.
The Prophet (Sal-allahu-aleihi-wassallam) did not get up after sleeping by night or by day without using the tooth-stick before performing ablution.

Umar ibn al-Khattaab

Once a caravan came to Madinah. It had women and children too with it. `Umar said to Abdul Rahman ibn `Auf, “Can you stand guard on them tonight?” So `Umar, the second caliph, and he, kept awake that night together and kept vigil over the caravan. During that nightly vigil they both offered Tahajjud (late night) prayer as well. `Umar on hearing a baby’s cry and approaching, said to the mother, “Fear Allah and do look after your child carefully.” Saying this he came back to his own position. Once again he heard it crying, and going over to her mother once again gave her the same advice. When during the last part of the night the child cried once again, `Umar came to its mother and said, “Woe to you! You appear not to be a good mother. How is it that your child could not sleep peacefully during the night.” The woman little suspecting that she was speaking to the Amir of the believers, said in reply, “May Allah bless you, O man, you have pestered me several times during the night. I want to wean it forcefully (before time), but the child is intractable.” `Umar asked her, “And pray, why wean it forcefully?” She said in reply, “Because `Umar grants allowance only for such children that have been weaned.” `Umar asked her, “How old is your child?” And she told him it was only a few months old. And `Umar asked the woman not to be hasty in weaning her child. Then he led the morning prayer in such a state that his weeping made the recital of the Quran inaudible and unintelligible. At the end of the prayer he said, “`Umar is ruined. He killed the children of the believers!” And at this, he ordered the crier to proclaim in the town of Madinah that the mothers should not wean their children only for the sake of allowance for the suckling. From now on, every child, suckling or weaned, shall receive a stipend. And it was also proclaimed throughout the length and the breadth of the Islamic state. Unparalleled in the Entire History of Mankind

By Allah! The entire history of mankind is unable to produce such a brilliant and glorious incident. None among the civilizations of the world can present any personage like `Umar. He kept awake the whole night, keeping guard over the caravan and the caravan slept in peace. And we should keep in mind that he was the head of the Islamic state, and wielded great authority and power that had conquered the then mighty empires of Rome and Persia. And in spite of all that he did what a petty guard detailed to patrol the vicinity of a caravan in its sojourn would not do. He drew the attention of the crying child’s mother to her babe and asked her to restrain it from crying. Is there anyone who can mete out that treatment to the children in a passing Caravan, like `Umar? Who is there among the greatest personages of the history of mankind who can even touch the great human consciousness of `Umar?

Prophet Nuh (Alaih Assalaam)

Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) was a prophet who lived many years after Adam(Alaih Assalaam). The people with whom Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) lived refused to listen to him. When he said that they should worship only Allah (swt) and do good, they paid no attention. Nuh (Alaih Assalaam) told them they would be severely punished for ignoring him and the message he brought from Allah. Even so, the people did not believe what Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) told them. They laughed at him and said, “You are only a man like us. Only poor, weak people believe you. If you are telling truth, then show us the punishment you threaten. You are nothing but a liar!”

“I do not want anything from you,” Nuh (Alaih Assalaam) answered, “and I shall never send away the poor or the weak. As far as the punishment is concerned, Allah will bring it upon you whenever he pleases. Don’t imagine you can stop Allah’s plans!”

Nuh (Alaih Assalaam) was both sad and angry that people would not heed his message. But Allah informed Nuh (Alaih Assalaam) that he should not feel this way. There was much more important work to do. Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) must build a big ship.

In obedience to Allah’s instructions, Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) began to build the ship on land. The people who saw it when they were passing made fun of him and his ship. But Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) had a warning for them. “You are making fun of us now,” he said, “but soon we will know who has to suffer the severe punishment!”
When the ship was completed, it started to rain without ceasing and the waters on earth began to rise. Allah(swt) told Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) to go into the ship, together with his family and all his friends who believed. Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) should also take one male and female from each kind of animal on earth.
Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) did as he was told and then he said, “In the name of Allah, we shall now sail away, and when the time is right, we shall return again to the land.”

The waters rose higher and higher until all the valleys were flooded. Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) saw one of his sons who had not yet boarded the ship and anxiously called out to him, “O my son, climb on board with us so that you will not belong to the unbelievers.” But his son refused. Instead, he told Nuh: “I shall go up to the high mountain. The water cannot reach me there.”

Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) became even more anxious. “Only those who listen to Allah can find protection!” he cried out to his son. But just then a huge wave came and many people were drowned. Nuh(Alaih Assalaam)’s son was among them.

It continued to rain for a long, long time. The water rose so high that it covered all the mountains. But at last the rain stopped falling and the floods went down. Now, Nuh(Alaih Assalaam)’s ship landed safely at the side of a mountain and all the people and animals who had been on the ship came out. Nuh(Alaih Assalaam) and his family and his friends thanked Allah with all their hearts, because they had been saved by Him.

Prophet Hud (Alaih Assalaam)

Many years ago, there lived a very industrious, hardworking people. They were the people of Ad, and they built large and beautiful houses. On every mountain, they had erected a tower and they were very proud of their beautiful buildings.

Among the people of Ad lived a man called Hud (Alaih Assalaam), and Hud (Alaih Assalaam) had been chosen by Allah as His prophet Mohammad (pbuh). Allah has sent me to you, Hud (Alaih Assalaam) said to his people. Allah has taught you all that you are able to do. He has also given you children and many animals. Therefore you should stop worshiping your false gods. Worship only Allah(swt) and obey His commands. Do good and do not commit wrongs and evil. Listen to what I say, for if you do not, I fear that a punishment will come upon you.

But the people of Ad scorned Hud (Alaih Assalaam): We are not going to listen to you, they scoffed. We are not going to let our gods down, just because you tell us to. Who are you, anyway? You are nothing but a liar. If you are not a liar, then prove it: tell Allah to send us the punishment.

Hud (Alaih Assalaam) was very sad and disappointed when he heard this. I am not a liar, I am the Prophet of Allah, he said, “Do you think the houses you have built will last for ever? Remember that it is Allah Who has given you your fortunes. He is my Lord and your Lord and only in Him do I trust. I have already warned you before: If you don’t obey Allah, He will choose some other people to take your place. Allah knows and hears everything. But despite Hud (Alaih Assalaam)’s warnings, the people of Ad went on worshiping their false gods.

Hud was very disappointed. He called his true companions together and with them, he left the people of Ad. In this way, as you shall soon see, Allah protected and preserved those who believed in Him.

Shortly afterwards, a huge black cloud appeared in the sky over the people of Ad. When the unbelievers of Ad saw it, they said: This cloud is surely going to bring us some refreshing rain.

But they were very much mistaken. The cloud brought a terrible wind which killed them all. The wind swept everything away. Nothing was left except a few large stones, which were the remains of the houses and towers. Therefore, it is of no use to build and make many things. If one does not obey Allah, the punishment is sure to come, and all one has built will become ruins.