Question
I read one of your responses where you state the following (remarkable statement that has effected me),
I might surprise you but my aim is not to bring about any change in the society or its social or legal set up. It is to present the unblemished face of Islam to the world, so that those who feel convinced of its being the truth may accept it and the burden of those who do not is not placed on me on the Day of Judgment. If any practical change occurs due to my work, and a foundation is laid for a better world, I shall consider it a bonus from the Merciful. If it does not, my aim shall be achieved, in any case.
I do not have the knowledge and qualities to teach and spread Islam. I am putting my efforts to learn the teachings and truth about Islam. At the same time, I do not want to put the burden or punishment on myself on the Day of Judgment. What I am trying to say is that I would like to spread the truth but unable to because of my inabilities and knowledge. Now to my QUESTION, can I contribute to the spreading the truth FINANCIALLY thus having fulfilled the obligation to spread the truth and not have the burden placed on me on the Day of Judgment. Will I complete and fulfill my obligation to spread the truth in this case.
Is it possible to support your response based on stating the Qur’an and Sunnah if possible. I hope I made sense.
Please advise.
Thanks.
Answer
Any activities undertaken for safeguarding, defending or promoting God’s Truth, as taught by His prophets has been referred to in the Qur’an as “Nusrah” (i.e., help) of God Himself and those, who participate in these activities, as required by the circumstances, as “Ansaar Allah” (i.e., helpers of God)1.
Moreover, because for the purpose of the life of this world, God has not granted every person the same abilities or the same opportunities to serve His religion in a particular manner, therefore, all human beings are not in the same position to undertake any tasks required for safeguarding, defending or promoting God’s religion at the same level of effectiveness. Thus, some people – according to their abilities and opportunities – should undertake to contribute their time and abilities, while others should cooperate with them and help them in their endeavors in anyway that they think appropriate and find possible for themselves.
Thus, recognizing this fact, the Qur’an has clearly prompted the Muslims to make their efforts in the way of serving their religion through the contribution of their time and energies as well as through their wealth. The Qur’an says:
وَجَاهِدُواْ بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللّهِ ذَلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (التوبة 9:41)
And strive in the way of God with your wealth and your lives. This indeed is best for you, if you would know2.
Those who have the ability and the opportunity to contribute to the cause with their lives should do so, while those who due to any reason cannot, should strengthen the cause by the contribution of their wealth.
Finally, as a glad tiding from the Almighty, any wealth spent for the purpose ‘Nusrat-e-deen‘ is acknowledged as a loan on the King of all existence and the real Owner of all wealth, which he promises to return to the lender, increasing it manifolds. The Qur’an says:
مَّن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافًا كَثِيرَةً (البقرة 2:245)
Who it is, who would grant God a loan – a graceful loan – which He shall increase for him manifolds3?
Keeping the foregoing clarifications in mind, my answer to your question is that you should contribute to the cause that you agree with in any way that is possible for you. Any contributions that you make, with a sincere heart shall not only be gracefully accepted and infinitely rewarded by the Almighty, but they shall also fulfill your responsibilities in this regard.
I hope this helps.
Fond regards,
Moiz Amjad
September 29, 2003
- See Surah Al-Saff 61: 14, where the Qur’an says: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا كُونوا أَنصَارَ اللَّهِ“ (i.e. ‘Believers, be helpers of God’ [↩]
- It may be noted that this verse directly relates to Jihad, which is one of the various forms of ‘Nusrat-e-deen‘ (that is, striving for safeguarding, defending and promoting God’s Truth) as required by the circumstances. [↩]
- Any amount spent for the protection, defense, promotion and supremacy of God’s words has been given the status of a loan granted to the King and the Sustainer of all that enjoys existence, which is promised to be returned manifolds by the Most Gracious. [↩]