ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Distribution From the Bayt Al-mal The Prophet (a.s) used to distribute the zakat, alms and booty of wars as soon as it was collected, within the city where they were received. And therefore he neither constituted the bayt al-mal nor did he ever feel the need of such an institution.

After the passing away of the Prophet (a.s), when Rome and Persia were conquered, treasures were brought to al-Madinah and the bayt al-mal was founded. To maintain it, a separate department of revenue was constituted. Under this department the accumulated wealth was kept. From this money, development activities were organized and annual pensions were paid. During the period of the Prophet (a.s), the funds were distributed equitably. After him, the method of distribution was changed.

During `Umar’s time there was no equity that some got more from the bayt al-mal and others less. The wives of the Prophet (a.s) were given more than the other ladies and `A’ishah received 2,000 more than the other wives of the Prophet (a.s). Those who participated in the campaign of Badr received more pension than those who were not present there. The Muhajirūn received more than the Ansar. During the period of `Uthman even this procedure was not followed.

Even after making a pledge that he would follow the Book, the Sunnah and the sirat al-shaykhayn , he neither made equitable distribution nor he followed the method of ranking of the recipients of the pensions. He distributed the funds of the Muslims to his kinsmen in the tribe of Banū-Umayyah. He gave as much as he wanted to these Umayyads.

When Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) took control of the bayt al-mal in his hands, according to the practice of the Prophet (a.s), arranged distribution of the funds in the city where they were received. When some funds were remaining after the distribution, and were sent to al-Madinah, he distributed them instead of retaining in the bayt al-mal . Such distribution was done on every Friday when, generally the bayt al-mal was rendered empty of funds.

When that happened, `Ali (a.s) would sweep the floor of the premises with his own hands. After doing this, he would offer two prostrations of thanksgiving to Allah! He used to say after such events that he was thankful to Allah that he was going empty handed from there as he had come empty-handed!