Quran’s emphasis of observation, reflection and rational inference
The Quran, through the use of the Arabic root word نظر (naẓara) in various contexts, emphasizes the importance of observation, reflection, and rational inference.
Zakat and Socio-Economic Development
Zakat, a pillar of Islamic faith, holds profound significance beyond its commonly understood charitable aspect. Rooted in the Arabic term “zakat” with multifaceted connotations, one of its primary meanings is “development.” This association between zakat and development underscores the inherent connection between economic growth, progress, and the holistic welfare of society. While often reduced to a narrow interpretation of obligatory charity, the true essence of zakat encompasses socio-economic development in all its dimensions. By delving into the various dimensions and…
Principles of Justice in the Quran
There are four key principles of Justice, given in the Quran. The first principle of justice given in the Quran is, to judge people according to qis’ṭ (قِسْط), in such a way, that there is no bakhs (بَخْس), khus’rān (خُسْرَان)/ khus’r (خُسْر) or ẓul’m (ظُلْم) to anyone, i.e., giving everyone his due (right), and putting everyone and everything at their rightful place and time.
The Quranic Teachings on Charity (Sadaqaat)
The Arabic term sadaqa (plural: sadaqaat) has been used in the Quran both for charities given to the poor by individuals (Al-Quran 2/271) and for the contributions/funds collected by the Islamic Authority/State (through a centralized mechanism) to be spent for the purposes defined in the Quran (Al-Quran 9/103 and 9/60). The term ‘Sadaqaat’ has been used in contrast with the term ‘Riba’ (i.e. usurious gains or interest on loans). يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ وَاللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ كَفَّارٍ…
Pride, Self-conceit, Vanity and Boastfulness
The Quranic terms “Mukhtaal” (مُخْتَالٍ) and “Fakhoor” (فَخُورٍ) denote people who show excessive pride, self-conceit, vanity and boastfulness. The term “Fakhoor” for the “Boastful” person comes from the Arabic word “Fakhoor” used for a she-camel having a large udder but little milk inside. Boastful people tend to put up a display of greatness because of things extrinsic to themselves with little goodness inside their personality or character. Such people have been condemned in the Quran. وَلَئِنْ أَذَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِنَّا رَحْمَةً…
Giving Respite and Relief to the Debtor
وَإِن كَانَ ذُو عُسْرَةٍ فَنَظِرَةٌ إِلَىٰ مَيْسَرَةٍ وَأَن تَصَدَّقُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ If the debtor is in (financial) difficulty, let there be postponement of the payment till ease (of his monetary condition). But if you remit/write-off the debt by way of charity, it would be better for you, if you understand (its benefits for your spiritual development/self-actualization). Al-Quran 2:280
Riba in the Quran
The Arabic word Riba (root: ر۔ ب ۔ و) has the following primary meanings: -Increase, augmentation or growth (e.g. in money, wealth or property) -{رَبَا المَالُ: The property increased} -An excess or addition (however slight, over and above the principal sum that is lent) [Ref. Hans Wehr; Lane’s Arabic-English Lexicon; Steingass; AA Nadwi] If one lends anything to anyone as a favour, one should keep in mind the following principle given in the Quran: وَلَا تَمْنُن تَسْتَكْثِرُ And do not…