ভূমিকা

"You will never attain righteousness unless you spend out of what you love; and whatever thing you spend, surely Allah is well aware of it." In this verse, the Qur'an points to one of the signs of Faith in a believer. It says: "You will never attain righteousness unless you spend out of what you love..." The Arabic Term /birr/ has a vast meaning which covers all good deeds irrespective of belief and pious deeds.

As it is understood from Surah Al-Baqarah, No.2, verse 177, belief in Allah, belief in the Resurrection Day, belief in prophets, helping the indigent, prayer and fasting, to fulfil the promise, and to be steadfast in confronting with problems and adventures, all in all, are counted the branches of righteousness. Therefore, to attain the rank of righteousness needs many qualities. One of those qualities is spending out from the possessions that are loved by that person.

This kind of giving charity is a standard for measuring the Faith and personality of the person. To attract the attention of the givers of charity, at the end of the verse, it says: "...and whatever thing you spend, surely Allah is well aware of it." The Believers and Giving Charity Abu-Talhah Ansari had the largest number of date trees in Medina when his garden was his most beloved thing for him.

This garden was located in front of the Prophet's Mosque wherein there was a spring with wholesome water. Sometimes the Prophet (S) entered that garden and drunk water from the spring. The garden was so beautiful and splendid with a great income that people commonly spoke well of it. When the above verse was sent down, Abu- Talhah went to the Prophet (S) and said: "The most beloved things with me is this garden.

I want to give it in charity in the way of Allah." The holy Prophet (S) said: "Well done!