Charity: trait of the believers

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

Research in psychology shows that giving to charity makes us happier. Charity is mentioned very early in the Quran as one of the traits of the believers. God encourages charities for the growth and purification of our souls. Charity we give is to please God, and for the benefit of our own souls (Quran 2:261, 2:272).

The Best Investment

[Quran 2:261] The example of those who spend their monies in the cause of GOD is that of a grain that produces seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike. GOD multiplies this manifold for whomever He wills. GOD is Bounteous, Knower.

Investments in this world do not return a yield of over 700 times and more (equivalent to 70,000%). That’s what God promises us in 2:261. All praise be to God. Our worship, our prayers and our charities are only for the sake of God.

[Quran 76:8-9] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks.

 

References:

• Charities of the Believer

Peace.

The Night of Destiny

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

The month of fasting (Ramadan) this year (2011; or 1431 in the Islamic calendar) has been completed. We are thankful to God for the blessing to grow our souls and appreciate the gift of guidance He has given us through the Quran (2:185).

The night of Ramadan 27 (i.e., the night between the 26th and 27th fasts) is the Night of Destiny. In the lunar calendar, the day begins at sunset. So the Night of the 27th, precedes the 27th fast. The Night of Destiny is an extremely important night for Submitters to God (Muslims). It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from the Lord of the Universe to Prophet Muhammad.

Some submitters take advantage of this night to gain extra credit for the soul by spending the night commemorating God the Almighty (and doing other forms of worship like meditation or reading Quran), either in their privacy, or in a masjid with other submitters.

[Quran 97:1] We revealed it in the Night of Destiny.*
[97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny!
[97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.
[97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command.
[97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.
*97:1 The Quran was placed into Muhammad's soul on the 27th night of Ramadan, 13 B.H. (Before Hijrah). See also 17:1, 44:3, 53:1-18, and Appendix 28.

God encourages us in the Quran to meditate every night for extra credit (Quran 17:79), reminding us it’s better for our souls (Quran 39:9).

[Quran 39:9] Is it not better to be one of those who meditate in the night, prostrating and staying up, being aware of the Hereafter, and seeking the mercy of their Lord? Say, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only those who possess intelligence will take heed.

[Quran 17:79-80] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank. And say, "My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support."

Many of us, out of our human weakness or with worldly commitments cannot do much in the way of meditation every night. The Night of Destiny is an encouragement for our souls, to be able to do it and perhaps repeat it more often during the year with God’s help.

 

References
Night of Destiny
Religious Duties, A Gift from God

Peace.