Page 146 - The Importance of the Ahl Al-Sunnah

HARUN YAHYA

example for others and serves as an encouragement. Any
doubts as to whether that person has paid zakat are thus
done away with. Since zakat is compulsory, there can be
no showing off in doing so. This does not apply to supere-
rogatory sadaqah, however. It is more virtuous to do this
in secret and to avoid any element of show.” (Omer
Nasuhi Bilmen, The Great Islamic Catechism, 5:311)
Our Prophet (saas) was the one who expended the most
from what Allah (swt) gave to him. If anyone wanted anything
from the Messenger (saas), he would certainly give, whether it
was much or whether it was little; he always gave whatever he
could. The pleasure he took from giving was more than the hap-
piness of the person who received. Our Prophet (saas) specified
four types of possessions from which to give alms (zakat):
1) Agricultural products and fruits,
2) Animals (camel, cattle),
3) Gold and silver,
4) All sorts of commercial goods.

THE HAJJ
All adult Muslims who have enough money and are in good
health must perform the waqfah (the ritual of standing) at Arafat
and visit the Ka`bah at a specific time once in their life.
The hajj brings together millions of Muslims of different lan-
guages, colors, nationalities, and cultures. However, each one
of them has the same objective: to turn to Allah (swt) by per-
forming the same observance together and to draw closer to
each other. It also allows Muslims to discuss their problems
and find common solutions to them.
Everyone who performs this duty wears the same ritual gar-
ment (ihram), which serves as a strong reminder of the day

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