THE PILLARS OF ISLAM: Redefined (By: Zahid Jamil)

This paper is just a humble thought of the author and not an attempt to undermine the long held concept. The author wishes to submit this paper with utmost humility for consideration by respected scholars of Islam. The intention is purely to try to enhance the spirit of Islam amongst ordinary Muslims so that they are able to follow the Islam as a deen (a complete way of life) rather than being satisfied by performing some rituals only.

Most Islamic schools of thoughts define the following five as the pillars of Islam.

1. Shahaadah: Bearing witness that there is no other god besides God.
2. Salat: Observing five daily regular Prayers.
3. Saum: Fasting during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Ramadan).
4. Zakat: Giving away 2.5% of accumulated wealth as a charity to specified people.
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime for those who can afford it.

Muslims are thus given a message that by performing above obligatory duties, they fulfil the requirement of being a Muslim. In current environment of increasing religiosity over past few decades, many Muslims are increasingly observing above duties and are convinced that they have done their bit of what a perfect Muslim is supposed to do.

Let us analyse it little further. Three of these five pillars are ritual prayers. Salat is compulsory for every Muslim, only exempted under extreme circumstances, Fasting is for those who are healthy enough but is to be done only for one month during a year and Haj is obligatory only once in life and is only for those who have financial means and are in good health.

There is nothing in Quran that specifically defines “pillars”.

However the Hadith, which is described as the basis of the Pillars of Islam is as follows:

On the authority of Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar bin al-Khattab, radiyallahu ‘anhuma, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, say: "Islam has been built upon five things – on testifying that there is no other god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger; on performing salah; on giving the zakah; on Hajj to the House; and on fasting during Ramadhan." [Al-Bukhari & Muslim].

In fact, the above are essentially obligatory duties (fard) which a Muslim must undertake if eligible to do so. These are specific to Islam as a religion. Muslim scholars have termed them as pillars and their terminology is to be respected.

However, pillars are meant to support a structure all the time. The pillars of an ideology would be the issues/subjects which should be followed and practiced by its followers all the time. These should be one which should be repeatedly ordained and reminded in the primary book of an ideology. We need to ascertain what are the prime qualities which Quran prescribes its followers to adopt and practice throughout their lives. One need not go deep into the philosophy of Quran, but even a casual reader would be able to determine that there are few qualities which Allah SWT prescribes to Muslims and remind them time and again throughout the Quran.

Looking broadly Islam prescribes its followers to the following:

1. Belief in Allah, his messengers, of them Muhammad (PBUH) being the last, his books of which Quran being the final and the life hereafter
2. Observance of obligatory religious rituals with full understanding and purest intention i.e. Salat, Saum and Haj
3. Deeds of righteousness
4. Patience
5. Zakat
6. Attainment of knowledge
7. Jihad : struggle against evil including self control and fight against external evils
8. Dawah : Inviting others to good and forbid from bad

What terminology is to be given to various fundamentals is for Ulemas to decide. The purpose of this paper is to stress that it is important that Muslims are given a clear message from a young age that apart from the basic beliefs and obligatory prayers, they need to develop certain qualities to qualify as a practicing Muslim.

It may be a good idea to have three essential components of Islam
i) Articles of Faith
ii) Pillars of Islam
iii) Characteristics of a Muslim

The characteristics of a Muslim would include the additions described above i.e. Deeds of righteousness, Patience, Attainment of knowledge, Jihad & Dawah. Plenty of literature has been written on these qualities by the scholars, however they are not actively promoted as fundamentals to the faith of Islam. What is important is that a strong campaign must run worldwide for these qualities, their details and their significance for being a Muslim.

Such a change would make a huge difference in the attitude of an average Muslim’s actions in life, lifestyle, dealings with fellow human being, service to the society and the whole purpose of life. Such a Muslim will become a fine representative of Islam and Islam will soon find the respect among all nations which it rightfully deserve in the world. I urge Islamic institutions to re-look into this matter and stress the importance of the above characteristics, promoting and giving them a suitable term.

Let us analyse how Quran emphasizes these qualities which may be described as essential characteristics of a Muslim.

A) DEEDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Repeatedly in verses after verses, Allah SWT urges Muslims to do the deeds of righteousness and declare great reward for it. The deeds of righteousness basically means that a Muslim must perform all his/hers duties to the best of his potential, be just and honest and have empathy towards fellow beings. The essential duties of any person would include his duty at his source of earning, his/hers duty towards his immediate family members, to his other relations and to society in general.

The word Righteous literally means to be upright, good and honest.
The Arabic word is as-sâlihûn: the righteous, who do good, free from blemish, upright.
Related words are sulh, peace, reconciliation and as-sâlihât, good works and aslaha :to make a reconciliation or peace.

Given below are many of the quranic verses in which Allah SWT urges Muslims to be righteous and offers huge reward:

But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits there from, they say: "Why, this is what we were fed with before," for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein spouses purified; and they abide therein (for ever). (Q 2/25)

But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,- their eternal home: Therein shall they have spouses purified: We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deepening.(Q4/57)

But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness,- We shall soon admit them to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,-to dwell therein for ever. Allah's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah's? (Q 4/122)

If only the People of the Book had believed and been righteous, We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them to Gardens of Bliss. (Q 5/65)

But those who believe and work righteousness,- no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear,- they will be Companions of the Garden, therein to dwell (for ever).
And We shall remove from their hearts any rancor;- beneath them will be rivers flowing;- and they shall say: "Praise be to Allah, who hath guided us to this (felicity): never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah. indeed it was the truth, that the messengers of our Lord brought unto us." And they shall hear the cry: "Behold! the Garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors, for your deeds (of righteousness)." (Q 7/42-43)

Allah hath promised to Believers, men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting stay. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. that is the supreme felicity.(Q9/72)

Those who believe, and work righteousness,- their Lord will guide them because of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in Gardens of Bliss.
(This will be) their prayer therein: "Glory to Thee, O Allah!", and "Peace" will be their greeting therein and the end of their prayer will be: "Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds!" (Q 10/9-10)

Lo! those who believe and do good works and humble themselves before their Lord: such are rightful owners of the Garden; they will abide therein. (Q 11/23)

The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised!- beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the fruits thereof and the shade therein: such is the end of the Righteous; and the end of Unbelievers in the Fire. (Q 13/35)

But those who believe and work righteousness will be admitted to Gardens beneath which rivers flow,- to dwell therein for aye with the leave of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be: "Peace!" (Q 14/23)

Gardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus doth Allah reward the righteous,-
(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), "Peace be on you; enter ye the Garden, because of (the good) which ye did (in the world)." (Q6/31-32)

For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade: They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on! (Q18/31)

As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise,
Wherein they shall dwell (for aye): no change will they wish for from them. (Q 18/107-108)

Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow: they shall be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls; and their garments there will be of silk.
For they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speeches; they have been guided to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all) Praise. (Q22/23-24)

But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness - to them shall We give a Home in Heaven,- lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers,- to dwell therein for aye;- an excellent reward for those who do (good)!- (Q29/58)

Verily the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do;
They and their associates will be in pleasant shade, reclining on raised couches;
(Every) fruit will be there for them; they shall have whatever they call for;
"Peace!" - a word (of salutation) from a Lord Most Merciful!
(Q 36/55-58)

Enter ye the Garden, ye and your wives, in (beauty and) rejoicing.
To them will be passed round, dishes and goblets of gold: there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that the eyes could delight in: and ye shall abide therein (for aye).
Such will be the Garden of which ye are made heirs for your (good) deeds (in life).
Ye shall have therein abundance of fruit, from which ye shall eat.
(Q43/70-73)

As to the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security,
Among Gardens and Springs;
Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, they will face each other;
So; and We shall wed them to maidens with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes.
There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security;
Nor will they there taste death, except the first death; and He will preserve them from the Chastisement of the Blazing Fire,
(Q44/51-56)

And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter).
These will be those Nearest to Allah.
In Gardens of Bliss:
A number of people from those of old,
And a few from those of later times.
(They will be) on couches encrusted (with gold and precious stones),
Reclining on them, facing each other.
Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness),
With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing fountains:
No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication:
And with fruits, any that they may select:
And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.
And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,-
Like unto Pearls well-guarded.
A Reward for the deeds of their past (life).
Not frivolity will they hear therein, nor any mischief,-
Only the saying, "Peace! Peace".
The Companions of the Right Hand,- What will be the Companions of the Right Hand?
(They will be) among Lote-trees without thorns,
Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another,-
In shade long-extended,
By water flowing constantly,
And fruit in abundance.
Whose season is not limited, nor (supply) forbidden,
And on couches raised high.
We have created them of special creation.
And made them virgin - pure (and undefiled), -
Full of love (for their mates), equal in age,-
For the Companions of the Right Hand.
A (goodly) number from those of old,
And a (goodly) number from those of later times
(Q 56/10-40)

Quran also prescribes severe punishments for wrong doers. The related words are zlm: original meaning: putting in a wrong place, az-zalimun: the wrong-doers, evil-doers, those who transgress the proper limit and encroach upon the right of some other people. There is no shortage of verses which warn the wrong doers of hell fire.

All of us are performing various life duties all the time. It is a must for a Muslim to evaluate all his/her actions in the daily life. The actions which are beneficial to humankind and are done to seek pleasure of Allah SWT are deeds of righteousness for which a reward will come in this life as well as in the life hereafter. The actions which may cause harm to oneself or to others should be avoided.

B) PATIENCE

This is the most important feature a Muslim must have and exhibit. Patience is mentioned more than 90 times in the Qur'an. Salat is mentioned 67 times. No other moral value is emphasized as much, not even truthfulness or honesty. There are dozens upon dozens of verses that remind Muslims to be patient and have trust in Allah during the times of trial. Sabr (patience) literally means enduring, bearing, and resisting pain; suffering and difficulty; and dealing calmly with problems. Sabr can also be attributed to as perserverance in following the right path and not allowing worldly attractions to cause deviation. It also means not to try to make short cuts and show no haste in realizing hopes or objectives that require a certain deal of efforts and length of time to achieve. We need to endure patiently whatever comes from God, knowing that He acts from His Wisdom.

Muslims of today lack patience tremendously at all levels and intolerance has become prevalent in all forms, from individual to family and social level and in issues of national and international significance. Disputes at family and social level results as people have no tolerance towards each other. Ego , selfishness, hatred towards others, not respecting others point of view, not prepared to listen to others, not prepared to forgive others for their mistake and to bent upon revenge are all the result of lack of patience. During current climate of difficult times for Muslim ummah internationally, our religious leaders are not prepared to show any patience and are prepared to ignore all teachings of Islam in reacting to certain incidents, events or actions of any opposition.

Lack of patience has resulted in huge disadvantages, losses and sufferings of Muslims at all levels of modern day society.

Many verses of quran given below clearly signify "Patience" to be a primary attribute of a Muslim:

"Seek Allah's help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard except for those who are humble." (2:45)
And to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity ,And throughout all periods of panic.
Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing. ( 2:177)

“(But) the ones who expect that they will be meeting Allah said, “How often a little community has overcome a much (larger) community by the permission of Allah; and Allah is with the patient." (2:249).”

"Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere." (2:153)

"Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil.

But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, 'To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.' They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance." (2:155-157)

"And similarly many a Prophet there has been along with whom myriads manifold have fought; so in no way did they feel feeble for whatever afflicted them in the way of Allah, and in no way did they weaken, and in no way did they yield themselves; and Allah loves the patient" (3:146).

"Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper." (3:200)
"In case there are twenty of you, patient (men), they will overcome two hundred" (8:65).

"And be steadfast in patience, for verily Allah will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish." (11:115)

"So (endure) patiently; surely the (fair) end is for the pious" (11:49).”

"Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah." (16:127)

“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our Command, since they (endured) patiently and had certitude in Our signs" (32:24).

"Patiently, then, persevere - for the Promise of Allah is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning." (40:55)

"No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune." (41:35)

"And indeed he who (endures) patiently and forgives, surely that is indeed (an act of true) resolve concerning His Commands" (42:43).”

"So (endure) patiently, as the Messengers endowed with resolve (endured) patiently"(46:35).

Addressing the Prophet s.a.w, Allah SWT says what can be translated as, "So (endure) patiently under the Judgment of your Lord, and do not be as the Companion of the Whale (Prophet Yûnus “Jonah”) as he called out, as he (was) made to choke (inwardly). Had there not overtaken him a favor from his Lord, indeed he would have been flung off upon the naked shore (i.e., the wilderness) (while) he was a reprobate" (68:48-49).

Verily, with every difficulty there is relief. Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
Qur'an 94:5-6

"Verily man is in loss, except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual enjoining of truth, and of patience and constancy." (103:2-3)

C) ATTAINMENT OF KNOWLEDGE

Every human activity starts from knowledge of some sort. Allah created human and provided him/her with the tools for acquiring knowledge, namely hearing, sight and wisdom.

"And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allaah)" [Quran, 16:78]

One of the key purposes of acquiring knowledge is to bring man closer to his Creator. Not only does knowledge gratify our mind and senses, it helps us in achieving our goals. Human endeavour in seeking and preserving knowledge is the key for leading a successful life in this world and the Hereafter. Knowledge provides us the ability to gain good from this world. It helps us in utilizing our potential to maximum use.

Let us look into a few verses:

The first word of the first quranic verse was 'Iqra' that is, read. "Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not" (H.Q: 96: 1-5)

"Elevated status is accorded to those who seek, possess, teach and act upon knowledge. Dismiss any thought of equality between those who know and those who do not"(H.Q: 39:9)

"Indeed, Allaah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Quran), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Quran) and Al-Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet, while before that they had been in manifest error" (H.Q.3:164]

"Nor should the believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them - that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)." [Quran, 19:122]

[41:53] Soon will We show them Our Signs in the (farthest) horizons, and within themselves, until it becomes manifest to them that it is the Truth...

[16:8] ...and He creates other things beyond your knowledge...

[24:45] ...Allah creates what He wills...

[30:22] And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors; verily in that are Signs for those who know.

[49:13] O mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him...

[45:3] Verily, in the heavens and the earth are signs for those who believe.

[21:30] Don't those who reject faith see that the heavens and the earth were a single entity then We ripped them apart?...

[41:11] Moreover, He applied His design to the heavens, while it was (yet) vapor,and He said to it and to the earth, "Come (into being), willingly or unwillingly." They said, "We do come in obedience."

[25:61] Blessed is He Who put in the heavens constellations, and put in it a lamp and a light-giving moon.

[21:33] It is He Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon: all swim along, each in its rounded course.

[42:29] And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures that He has scattered through both of them...

[45:13] And He has subjected to you (man), from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect

It is clear that Allah SWT has repeatedly asked human beings to explore his universe, understand its science, appreciate the glory of Allah and benefit from his bounties. There are two dimensions of attainable knowledge – one which man can attain through his endeavours, and the other is knowledge of the unseen (ilm ul ghayb) which only Allah would know although can reveal some of it to his prophets. An interesting statistic evident in the Quran shows that the word for faith (Iman and its derivatives) is mentioned 811 times and also the word for knowledge (Ilm and its derivatives) is mentioned 811 times. Therefore it can be argued that the importance of Ilm (knowledge) equates the importance of Iman (faith in Allah).

Unfortunately, Islamic scholars have seriously under minded the importance of education over pas few hundred years. Not only has there been little effort in attaining knowledge of science, even research in religious matters has been minimal. The concepts, many of which lacked wisdom, emanating from traditional madarsas became universal. These madarsas only had limited resources and the best brains of Muslims did not have any incentive to work and research in religion. Thus the challenges faced by evolving human civilizations are not researched and Muslims are left wondering why this great religion does not provide solutions to their problems.

If attainment of knowledge is made a pillar of Islam, most Muslims will consider it a prime duty to educate their children. They will not only consider education a tool for earning money for themselves, but will consider it a duty through which they can contribute to the progress of humankind and perform haqooqul ibad.

D) JIHAD

Jihad is again a fundamental duty of a Muslim which has run into many controversies in recent times. Every Muslim needs to be involved in Jihad at all times. However, in most instances, Jihad has to be against one’s own desires and an effort of removing social evils in our own surroundings. Protest against evils created by major institutions and governments will need to be an organized activity which should not involve violence. Armed struggle is the final stage which should only be taken up under extreme circumstances.

The Arabic word "jihad" is a noun. Its singular past tense verb is "jahada" (masculine) or "jahadat" (feminine). The singular active participle of "jihad" is "mujahid" (masculine) or "mujahida"(feminine). The root of the word "jihad" is "juhd" which means "effort." Another related word is "ijtihad"which means "working hard or diligently."

Jihad is simply the process of "exerting the best efforts," involving some form of "struggle" and "resistance," to achieve a particular goal. In other words, jihad is the struggle against, or resistance to, something for the sake of a goal. The meaning of the word is independent of the nature of the invested efforts or the sought goal.

Contrary to common belief, the word "jihad" does not necessarily imply any violent effort, let alone "war" and such instances of extreme violence. It is a general term that can mean violent as well as peaceful actions, depending on the context in which it is used, as we shall indeed see later. Similarly, "jihad" as a generic word can be used even when the sought goals are not Islamic, i.e. in non-religious contexts.

Within Islamic belief, the holy prophet is said to have regarded the inner struggle for faith the "greater jihad", prioritizing it over physical fighting in defense of the ummah, or members of the global Islamic community. One famous hadith has the prophet saying: "We have returned from the lesser jihad (battle) to the greater jihad (jihad of the soul)." The greater jihad is about holding fast against any ideas and practices that run contrary to Qur'anic teachings.

In relation to physical Jihad, It is important that quranic verses relating to Jihad are analysed in context of the circumstances of their revelation. Verses revealed in the initial stages of Islam and through the Meccan period are to be understood and compared with the verses revealed during stay in Medinah crisis and then after the final victory in Mecca. Muslims need to analyse their situation at various times and apply appropriate version of Jihad in national and international matters.

There are as many as 114 verses in Quran which may relate to various stages of physical Jihad. 90 of these verses were reveled during 13 years of stay in Mecca and 24 were revealed later:

STAGE ONE: (IN MECCA) - NO RETALIATION:
Sura 73:10,11 (be patient and bear with those who deny the truth)
"And have patience with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity). And leave me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things of life, who (yet) deny the truth and bear with them for a little while."

Sura 52:45,47,48
"So leave them alone until they encounter that day of theirs, wherein they shall (perforce) swoon (with terror) ... And verily, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment besides this...Now await in patience the command of thy Lord, for verily thou art in Our eyes."

Sura 109:1,2,6 "Say, O ye that reject faith! I worship not that which ye worship... To you be your way, and to me mine."

Sura 20:129,130 (also 38:15-17) (be patient with evil things said by evil people)
"Had it not been for a word that went forth before from thy Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come, but there is a term appointed (for respite). Therefore be patient with what they say..."

Sura 20:134,135 (be patient and let the unbelievers see who is right)
"And if We had inflicted on them a penalty before this, they would have said, ‘Our Lord! If only Thou hadst sent us an apostle, we should certainly have followed thy signs before we were humbled and put to shame.’ Say: ‘Each one (of us) is waiting. Wait ye, therefore, and soon shall ye know who it is that is on the straight and even way, and who it is that has received guidance.’[YA: "The man of God can only say: ‘Let us wait the issue. My faith tells me that God's truth must prevail.’"]

Sura 19:83,84 (Don't be in a hurry to fight. God will allow evil people to destroy themselves.)
"Seest thou not that we have set the evil ones on against the unbelievers to incite them with fury? So make no haste against them, for we but count out to them a (limited) number (of days)."

Sura 43:88,89 (just turn away from those who reject the truth, and say "Peace" to them)
"(God has knowledge) of the (Prophet's) cry, ‘O my Lord! Truly these are a people who will not believe!’ But turn away from them, and say, ‘Peace!’ But soon shall they know!"

Sura 22:49
"Say, ‘O men! I am (sent) to you only to give a clear warning.’"

Sura 23:96 (It is best not to retaliate evil for evil)
"Repel evil with that which is best. We are well acquainted with the things they say. And say, ‘O my Lord! I seek refuge with thee from the suggestions of the evil ones. And I seek refuge with thee of my Lord, lest they should come near me.’"

Sura 25:52 (struggle with all your might against unbelievers with God's word - the "Greater Jihad")
"Therefore listen not to the unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Quran)."

Sura 17:54
"...We have not sent thee to be a disposer of their affairs for them."

Sura 16:125,126 (invite to the way of God only with gracious preaching and arguments)
"Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious... And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out. But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient."

Sura 29:46 (don't argue with Jews and Christians, but do something better, i.e., emphasize our oneness)
"And dispute ye not with the People of the Book [a term used for Jews and Christians], except with means better (than mere disputation) ... But say, 'We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you. Our God and your God is One, and it is to Him we bow (in Islam).'"

Sura 29:69
"And those who strive in our (cause), we will certainly guide them to our paths: For verily God is with those who do right."

Sura 10:25,26 (God's call to the house of peace with reward in paradise]
"But God doth call to the home of peace. He doth guide whom He pleaseth to a way that is straight. To those who do right is a goodly (reward) - yea, more (than in measure)! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! They are companions of the garden. They will abide therein (for aye)!"

Sura 6:104
"Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs (to open your eyes). If any will see, it will be for (the good of) his own soul. If any will be blind, it will be to his own (harm). I am not (here) to watch over your doings."

STAGE TWO: (FIRST INSTRUCTION IN MEDINA) - DEFENSIVE FIGHTING PERMITTED:
Sura 22:39-41 (permission is given to go to war to defend themselves)
"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged, and verily, God is most powerful for their aid. (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right, (for no cause) except that they say, ‘Our Lord is God.’ there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, in which the name of God is commemorated in abundant measure. God will certainly aid those who aid His (cause), for verily God is full of strength, exalted in might, (able to enforce His will). (They are) those who, if we establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong. With God rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs."

Sura 22:58 (rewards for those who die in jihad)
"Those who leave their homes in the cause of God, and are then slain or die, on them will God bestow verily a goodly provision Truly God is He who bestows the best provision."

STAGE THREE: (REVISED INSTRUCTION IN MEDINA) - DEFENSIVE FIGHTING COMMANDED:
Sura 2:109 (forgive and overlook unbelieving Jews and let God take care of them)
"Quite a number of the people of the Book [Jews] wish they could turn you back to infidelity after ye have believed, from selfish envy, after the truth hath become manifest unto them. But forgive and overlook, till God accomplish His purpose."

Sura 2:190-194 (Fight defensively against an attack from fellow Arab Meccan opponents until persecution is stopped and Islam is established)
"Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; But fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, God is oft-forgiving, most merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress ye likewise against him. But fear God, and know that God is with those who restrain themselves ."

Sura 2:216,217 (fighting against Meccan Arabs is now commanded, but during Zul-Hajj it's an offense)
"Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But God knoweth, and ye know not. They ask thee concerning fighting in the prohibited month.
Say: ‘Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver is it in the sight of God to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to present access to the sacred mosque [in Mecca], and drive out its members.’ Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the hereafter. They will be companions of the fire and will abide therein. Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of God, they have the hope of the mercy of God, and God is oft-forgiving, most merciful."

Sura 2:256,257
"Let there be no compulsion in religion Of those who reject faith the patrons are the Evil Ones. From light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of fire, to dwell therein (for ever)."
Sura 8:1 (spoils of war in fighting against Arab Meccan belongs to God)
"They ask thee concerning (things taken as) spoils of war. Say: ‘(Such) spoils are at the disposal of God and the Apostle; so fear God, and keep straight the relations between yourselves. Obey God and His Apostle, if ye do believe."

Sura 8:12,13,15-18
"Remember thy Lord inspired the angels (with the message): ‘I am with you: give firmness to the believers. I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers. Smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them. This because they contended against God and His Apostle. If any contend against God and his Apostle, God is strict in punishment ... O ye who believe! When ye meet the unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them. If any do turn his back to them on such a day - unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own) - he draws on himself the wrath of God, and his abode is hell, - an evil refuge (indeed)! It is not ye who slew them; it was God. When thou threwest (a handful of dust), it was not thy act, but God's in order that He might test the believers by a gracious trial from Himself; for God is He who heareth and knoweth (all things). That, and also because God is He who makes feeble the plans and stratagems of the unbelievers."

Sura 8:38-42 (Keep fighting them until they stop persecuting believers and until Islam is established. If they stop fighting then stop. Now, a fifth of all the booty belongs to God and His leader.)
"Say to the unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from unbelief), their past would be forgiven them, but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a matter of warning for them)." And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God altogether and everywhere. But if they cease, verily God doth see all that they do. If they refuse, be sure that God is your protector - the best to protect and the best to help. And know that out of all the booty that ye may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to God, - and to the Apostle, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer, - If you do believe in God and in the revelation we sent down to our servant on the day of testing, - the day of the meeting of the two forces. For God hath power over all things. Remember ye were on the hither side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on lower ground than ye. Even if ye had made a mutual appointment to meet, ye would certainly have failed in the appointment, but (thus ye met), that God might accomplish a matter already enacted, that those who died might die after a clear sign (had been given), and those who lived might live after a clear sign (had been given). And verily God is He who heareth and knoweth (all things)."

Sura 8:45,46 (Call on God, obey the Apostle, be united, persevere)
"O ye who believe! When ye meet a force, be firm, and call God in remembrance much (and often) that ye may prosper. And obey God and His Apostle, and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart. And be patient and persevering, for God is with those who patiently persevere."

Sura 8:57-61 (If you defeat them, treat the treacherous. God will repay what you spend. If they ask for peace give them peace.)
"If ye gain the mastery over them in war, disperse, with them, those who follow them, that they may remember. If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms. For God loveth not the treacherous. Let not the unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly). They will never frustrate (them). Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of God and your enemies, and others besides, whom ye may not know, but whom God doth know. Whatever ye shall spend in the cause of God shall be repaid unto you, and ye shall not be treated unjustly. But if the enemy incline towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace, and trust in God."

Sura 8:65 (Fight with perseverance because you will win.)
"O Apostle! Rouse the believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred. If a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the unbelievers, for these are a people without understanding."

Sura 8:70,71 (tell captives they can be blessed with Islam if they want to believe, otherwise power over them has been given by God)
"O Apostle! Say to those who are captives in your hands, ‘If God findeth any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, for God is oft-forgiving, most merciful.’ But if they have treacherous designs against thee, (O Apostle!), they have already been in treason against God, and so hath He given (thee) power over them."

Sura 8:72a (fighters and helpers are brothers in the struggle for the cause)
"Those who believed, and adopted exile, [left Mecca and went to Medina] and fought for the faith with their property and their persons in the cause of God, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid, - these are (all) friends and protectors, one of another."

Sura 47:4-6,15 (Kill unbelievers (only during war), subdue them, then be generous. Martyrs will receive paradise where there are rivers of water, milk, wine and honey plus fruits)
"Therefore, when ye meet the unbelievers (in fight), smite them at their necks. At length, when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them). Thereafter (is the time for) either generosity or ransom until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are ye commanded), but if it had been God's will, he could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself). But (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others. But those who are slain in the way of God, He will never let their deeds be lost. Soon will He guide them and improve their condition, and admit them to the Garden which He has announced for them ... (Here is) a parable of the garden which the righteous are promised. In it are rivers of water incorruptible, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink, and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it there are for them all kinds of fruits, and grace from their Lord."

Sura 3:152 (The battle of Uhud in 625 AD was the second of the three battles against the Quraish.)
"God did indeed fulfil His promise to you when ye with His permission were about to annihilate your enemy, until ye flinched and fell to disputing about the order and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) which ye covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you, for God is full of grace to those who believe."

Sura 3:157,165-167,169-171,195b (Martyrs reward. Believers suffer defeat in battle when they disobey and don't fully strive.)
"And if ye are slain, or die, in the way of God, forgiveness and mercy from God are far better than all they [unbelievers] could amass ... What! When a single disaster smites you, although ye smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, do you say, ‘Whence is this?’ Say (to them), ‘It is from yourselves. For God hath power over all things.’ What ye suffered on the day the two armies met was with the leave of God, in order that He might test the believers. And the hypocrites also. These were told, ‘Come fight in the way of God, or (at least) drive (the foe from your city).’ They said, ‘Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you.’ ... Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord. They rejoice in the bounty provided by God and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve. They glory in the grace and the bounty from God, and in the fact that God suffereth not the reward of the faithful to be lost (in the least) ... Those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in my cause, of fought or been slain, verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath - a reward from the presence of God, and from His presence is the best of rewards."

Sura 61:4,11-13 (God loves those who fight in His cause without wavering. He will give speedy victory, forgiveness of sins and admission to paradise to those who fight with all they have.)
"Truly God loves those who fight in His cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure ... that ye believe in God and His Apostle, and that ye strive (your utmost) in the cause of God, with your property and your persons. That will be best for you, if ye but knew! He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to gardens beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in gardens of eternity. That is indeed the supreme achievement. And another (favour will He bestow), which ye do love - help from God and a speedy victory. So give the glad tidings to the believers." "In them (each) will be fruits of every kind, two and two... They will recline on carpets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade. The fruit of the gardens will be near (and easy to reach)... In them will be (maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched ... like unto rubies and coral."

Sura 4:74-78a (rewards for fighters against Satan, but not for the cowardly)
"Let those fight in the cause of God [Jihad] who sell the life of this world for the hereafter. To him who fighteth in the cause of God - whether he is slain or gets victory - soon shall We give him a reward of great (value). And why should ye not fight in the cause of God and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is ‘Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors, and raise for us from Thee one who will protect, and raise for us from Thee one who will help!’ Those who believe fight in the cause of God, and those who reject faith fight in the cause of evil. So fight ye against the friends of Satan. Feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan. Hast thou not turned thy vision to those who were told to hold back their hands (from fight) but establish regular prayers and spend in regular charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold, a section of them feared men as - or even more than - they should have feared God. They said, ‘Our Lord! Why hast Thou ordered us to fight? Wouldst Thou not grant us respite to our (natural) term, near (enough)?’ Say, ‘Short is the enjoyment of this world. The hereafter is the best for those who do right. Never will ye be dealt with unjustly in the very least!’ Wherever ye are, death will find you out. Even if ye are in towers built up strong and high!"

Sura 4:90,91 (two classes of deserters may be given leniency)
"Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If God had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then God hath opened no way for you (to war against them). Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people. Every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto. If they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever ye get them. In their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them."

Sura 4:95,96 (God gives a higher grade and reward to those who strive and fight in God's cause.)
"Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of God with their goods and their persons. God hath granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in faith) hath God promised good, but those who strive and fight hath he distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward - ranks specially bestowed by Him and forgiveness and mercy. For God is oft forgiving, most merciful."

Sura 4:100 (sure reward for those who die in the cause of God)
"He who forsakes his home in the cause of God, finds in the earth many a refuge, wide and spacious. Should he dien national and international matand his Apostle, his reward becomes due and sure with God, and God is oft-forgiving, most merciful."

Sura 22:58,59 (good provision of admission to a pleasing place for those who die in the cause of God)
"Those who leave their homes in the cause of God, and are then slain or die, on them will God bestow verily a goodly provision. Truly God is He who bestows the best provision. Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased, for God is all-knowing, most forbearing."

Sura 22:78 (struggle for God's cause in sincerity and under discipline)
"And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive (with sincerity and under discipline)."

Sura 48:22-24 (In 628 AD the Muslims attempted to enter Mecca to perform the pilgrimage. They were stopped on the edge of the city by Meccan forces. No fighting took place, but the two parties came to an agreement called the Treaty of Al-Hudaybiyah, in which the Muslims would be permitted to perform the pilgrimage a year later in return for a 10 year truce.)
"If the unbelievers should fight you, they would certainly turn their backs. Then would they find neither protector nor helper. (Such has been) the practice (approved) of God already in the past. No change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of God. And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Mecca, after that He gave you the victory over them."

Sura 49:15 (True believers spend all in God's cause.)
"Only those are believers who have believed in God and His Apostle [Mohammad], and have never since doubted, but have striven [jihad] with their belongings and their persons in the cause of God."

Sura 9:19-22 (Jihad is greater than other service, and of the highest rank in the sight of God)
"Do ye make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque, equal to (the pious service of) those who believe in God and the last day, and strive [jihad] with might and main in the cause of God? They are not comparable in the sight of God, and God guides not those who do wrong. Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive with might and main in God's cause with their goods and their persons have the highest rank in the sight of God. They are the people who will achieve (salvation). Their Lord doth give them glad tidings of a mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of gardens for them, wherein are delights that endure. They will dwell therein for ever. Verily in God's presence is a reward, the greatest (of all)."

Sura 9:25,26 (fighting in the battle of Hunain Jan. 31, 630)
"Assuredly God did help you in many battlefields and on the day of Hunain. Behold! Your great numbers elated you, but they availed you naught. That land, for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and ye turned back in defeat. [YA: But God did pour His calm on the Apostle and on the believers, and sent down forces which ye saw not. He punished the unbelievers; thus doth He reward those without faith."

Sura 9:122 (not everyone should go to fight, and those who stay are equal with those who go)
"Nor should the believers all go forth together. If a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them..."

STAGE FOUR: (AFTER CONQUERING MECCA) -General Amnesty
The holy prophet marched on Mecca with an enormous force, said to number more than ten thousand men. With minimal casualties, he took control of Mecca. He declared an amnesty for past offences, except for ten men and women who had mocked and ridiculed him in songs and verses. Some of these were later pardoned. Most Meccans converted to Islam and subsequently destroyed all the statues of Arabian gods in and around the Kaaba.

It is important to consider that while fighting is permitted as part of Jihad, strict guidelines are laid for the war. According to Islamic teachings, a Muslim army should only fight against those who are fighting us. (22:3940) We are not allowed to hurt women, children, innocent people, old people, farmers, the sick, nor are we allowed to harm plants, homes, property or animals. Anyone who declares an armed Jihad, but then doesn't follow these rules, is a wrong-doer and must be stopped.

Islam is totally against the random violence and senseless killing. According to the Qur'an, "If you kill a life it is as if you killed all life." Of course the life in question is of an innocent person. (See 190,2:229 and 16:90 for example.)

It is important to reiterate that while there can be a need of armed Jihad at times, which may need the services of young and healthy, every Muslim has to be involved in bigger Jihad which is struggle against one’s desires and worldly temptations which are forbidden by Allah SWT. This is important to know, because making Jihad is any action which is done to further the cause of Allah. Even giving da'wah in a tough place, going to learn knowledge or donating money when it's a hardship can be a type of Jihad. (4:81).

Let me repeat: The Prophet once mentioned to a companion of his after a battle that "You have left the lesser Jihad, now you are coming to the greater jihad. The struggle against yourself."

From the above it is clear that Muslims at any particular time need to assess their situation and follow Jihad accordingly. Today, we are in the Meccan phase. We are weak and in some parts of the world persecuted. We do not have many options except seek justice through legal means such as at United Nations, through peaceful protests and through political lobbying. We also will have to face persecution with patience as long as we are weak. We have to gradually build ourselves in strength. Once we are strong militarily, we should fight those who attack us but in doing so strictly follow the principles of Islam.

It is very unfortunate that many extremist groups are trying to take short cuts and violating the principles of Islam and making their followers do a great sin in the form of terrorism.

While there can be a need of fight or war in difficult situations, in general Islam preaches love and peace for the entire mankind. The "root" of the word "Islam" in Arabic is SALAMA which is the origin of the words Peace & / or Submission, a submission to God and peace to all humanity. Islam that teaches the message of peace and love can never teach hatred and terrorism.

E) DAWAH

Dawah is also an obligation and important duty for all Muslims.

The purpose of Da‘wah is to invite people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to understand the true spirit of Islam as expressed in the Qur'ān and the sunnah of the prophet. Dawah or Call towards Islam, is the means by which our holy Prophet spread the message of Quran to mankind. After the Prophet, his followers or Ummah assumed the responsibility of the Dawah and prophets companions did a great job in spreading his message to many corners of the world.

Dawah is a word in Arabic that means "to invite" or "to offer to share."

"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof and forbidding al-Munkar all that is bad. And it is they who are successful." [HQ3:104]

The Prophet (pbuh) has said: "Convey from me, even one verse." [al-Bukhaaree] Conveying the message therefore does not require a high level of scholarship, it is in fact a responsibility of each and every Muslim, according to his or her ability.

The Prophet (pbuh) has said: "Whoever guides [another] to a good deed will get a reward similar to the one who performs it." [Saheeh Muslim] Also, "By Allah, if Allah were to guide one man through you it would be better for you than the best type of camels." [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [HQ16:125]

It is heartening to note that Dawah movements have sprung all over the world over last few decades.

Perhaps the first such movement of recent times started in north India in the form of Tablighi Jamaat in 1930s. This movement primarily aimed at Islamic spiritual reformation by working at the grass root level, reaching out to Muslims of all socio-economic back grounds. From its roots at Deoband and Saharanpur in north India, It rapidly spread to all corners of the sub-continent and subsequently reached most regions of Muslim world and even Europe and US. However, it maintained itself out of any political affiliations and controversies.

Subsequently several spiritual and political movements in various Muslim countries sprung up in various parts of the world, many of them reactionary against colonialism and western(modern) domination.

With the advent of electronic media, it became very easy for any movement to spread its message at a rapid rate. Over the past decade the Internet has made it a lot more speedier, particularly in the western world. Various ideological groups are actively promoting their cause, generally targeting the young.

It is important to understand that true Dawah is that which has the purest intent of spreading the truth and knowledge. Some extremist ideological movements have used unfair means in brainwashing young minds and carrying out extremist actions. They have certainly created a bad name for a noble act of dawah.

I have serious reservations with ideological movements who have political ambitions and who target young, in particular university students. Lately university campuses have become a hub of such movements around the world. University students are young, energetic and can make lot of noise. They tend to fall in love with a concept blindly and thus are an easy target for such ideological movements. These student, at this tender age, may have the ability to understand the concept and may thus be attracted to it, yet they do not have the maturity to fully comprehend the issues pertaining to the implementation of such ideas. Moreover, by indulging in such activities, students divert from their main objective i.e. studies, and many end up seriously effecting their professional careers. The responsibility in such matters falls on the leaders of these ideological movements. They can introduce their ideological concept to the students but should not allow them to actively engage in such activities till they have obtained their degrees. It would be wise if only people over 25 are allowed full membership of these organisations.
Another important issue is that most ideological movements start believing that their particular concept captures whole of Islam. Thus they start undermining others. It should be understood that Islam is much bigger than any particular Dawah movement.

The actions and manners of Muslims should be the greatest source of Dawah. We should be truthful, honest, knowledgeable, kind and a fine example for others. Once that happens, others will start believing us...surely actions speak louder than words.

E) ZAKAT

While Zakat is already included as one of the pillars of Islam, I wish to discuss it due to some matters which may be of interest to readers and scholars for their consideration.

Zakat is defined by several schools of thoughts as giving out of only a limited portion of one’s wealth i.e. 2.5% of annual saving. Additional charity is classified as Sadaqah. Let us analyse the quranic verses relating to charity and see if current definition of obligatory Zakat meet the criteria Allah SWT has ordained the Muslims to follow:

[2:3] who believe in the unseen, observe the Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity

[2:43] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.

[2:83] We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: "You shall not worship except GOD. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people amicably. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give charity (Zakat)." But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse.

[2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at Allah. Allah is seer of everything you do.

[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.

[2:215] "They ask you about giving: say, "The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien." Any good you do, God is fully aware thereof."

[2:219] They ask you about intoxicants and gambling: say, "In them there is a gross sin, and some benefits for the people. But their sinfulness far outweighs their benefit." They also ask you what to give to charity: say, "The excess." GOD thus clarifies the revelations for you, that you may reflect,

[2:254] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the provisions we have given to you, before a day comes where there is no trade, no nepotism, and no intercession. The disbelievers are the unjust.

[2:262] Those who spend their money in the cause of GOD, then do not follow their charity with insult or harm, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement.

[2:267] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the good things you earn, and from what we have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out the bad therein to give away, when you yourselves do not accept it unless your eyes are closed. You should know that Allah is Rich, Praiseworthy.

[2:270] Any charity you give, or a charitable pledge you fulfill, GOD is fully aware thereof. As for the wicked, they will have no helpers.

[2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided). Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of GOD. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.

[2:273] Charity shall go to the poor who are suffering in the cause of GOD, and cannot emigrate. The unaware may think that they are rich, due to their dignity. But you can recognize them by certain signs; they never beg from the people persistently. Whatever charity you give, GOD is fully aware thereof.

[2:274] Those who give to charity night and day, secretly and publicly, receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:277] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, and observe the Prayers (Salat), and give charity (Zakat), they receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:280] If the debtor is unable to pay, wait for a better time. If you give up the loan as a charity, it would be better for you, if you only knew.

[3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.

[3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable.

[4:38] They give money to charity only to show off, while disbelieving in GOD and the Last Day. If one's companion is the devil, that is the worst companion.

[4:77] Have you noted those who were told, "You do not have to fight; all you need to do is observe the Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)," then, when fighting was decreed for them, they feared the people as much as they feared GOD, or even more? They said, "Our Lord, why did You force this fighting on us? If only You respite us for awhile!" Say, "The materials of this world are nil, while the Hereafter is far better for the righteous, and you never suffer the slightest injustice."

[4:162] As for those among them who are well founded in knowledge, and the believers, they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you. They are observers of Prayers (Salat), and givers of the charity (Zakat); they are believers in GOD and the Last Day. We grant these a great recompense.

[5:12] GOD had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And GOD said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Prayers (Salat), give regular charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend GOD a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path."

[5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins. Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD's revelations are the unjust.

[5:55] Your real allies are GOD and His messenger, and the believers who observe the Prayers (Salat), and give the charity (Zakat), and they bow down.

[6:141] "Eat from their fruits, and give the due alms on the day of harvest"

[7:156-157] "And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat), (3) believe in our revelations, and "(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel. He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."

[9:11] If they repent and observe the Prayers (Salat) and give regular charity (Zakat), then they are your brethren in religion. We thus explain the revelations for people who know.

[9:18] The only people to frequent GOD's masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give regular charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones.

[9:54] What prevented the acceptance of their spending is that they disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and when they observed the Contact Prayers (Salat), they observed them lazily, and when they gave to charity, they did so grudgingly.

[9:60] Charities shall go to the poor, the needy, the workers who collect them, the new converts, to free the slaves, to those burdened by sudden expenses, in the cause of Allah, and to the traveling alien. Such is GOD's commandment. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[9:71] The believing men and women are allies of one another. They advocate righteousness and forbid evil, they observe the Prayers (Salat) and give regular charity (Zakat), and they obey GOD and His messenger. These will be showered by GOD's mercy. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

[9:103] Take from their money a charity to purify them and sanctify them. And encourage them, for your encouragement reassures them. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

[14:31] Exhort My servants who believed to observe the Prayers (Salat), and to give (to charity) from our provisions to them, secretly and publicly, before a day comes where there is neither trade, nor nepotism.

[16:75] GOD cites the example of a slave who is owned, and is totally powerless, compared to one whom we blessed with good provisions, from which he gives to charity secretly and publicly. Are they equal? Praise be to GOD, most of them do not know.

[16:90] GOD advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed.

[17:26-29] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the travelling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.
The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord. Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner. You shall not keep your hand stingily tied to your neck, nor shall you foolishly open it up, lest you end up blamed and sorry.

[21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and regular charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers.

[22:35] They are the ones whose hearts tremble upon mentioning GOD, they steadfastly persevere during adversity, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.

[22:41] They are those who, if we appointed them as rulers on earth, they would establish the Contact Prayers (Salat) and regular charity (Zakat), and would advocate righteousness and forbid evil. GOD is the ultimate ruler.

[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion - the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Muslims" originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give regular charity (Zakat), and hold fast to Allah; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.

[24:37] People who are not distracted by business or trade from commemorating GOD; they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give regular charity (Zakat), and they are conscious of the day when the minds and the eyes will be horrified.

[24:56] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give regular charity (Zakat), and obey the messenger, that you may attain mercy.

[30:38] Therefore, you shall give the relatives their rightful share (of charity), as well as the poor, and the traveling alien. This is better for those who sincerely seek GOD's pleasure; they are the winners.

[30:39] The usury that is practiced to increase some people's wealth, does not gain anything at GOD. But if you give to charity, seeking GOD's pleasure, these are the ones who receive their reward manifold.

[41:7] "Who do not give regular charity (Zakat), and with regard to the Hereafter, they are disbelievers."

[57:7] Believe in GOD and His messenger, and give from what He has bestowed upon you. Those among you who believe and give (to charity) have deserved a great recompense.

[64:16] Therefore, you shall reverence GOD as much as you can, and listen, and obey, and give (to charity) for your own good. Anyone who is protected from his own stinginess, these are the successful ones.

[98:5] All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion.

[107:1-7] Do you know who really rejects the faith? That is the one who mistreats the orphans. And does not advocate the feeding of the poor. And woe to those who observe the contact prayers (Salat) - who are totally heedless of their prayers. They only show off. And they forbid charity.

[108:1-2] We have blessed you with many a bounty. Therefore, you shall pray to your Lord (Salat), and give to charity.

[6:114] "Shall I seek other than God as a source of law, when He has revealed to you this book fully detailed?"

[16:89] "We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything."

[6:114]"......He has revealed to you this book fully detailed."

It is obvious from the above verses that Allah SWT has ordained Muslims to give charity in abundance. Not only are beggars and the destitute to be helped, our immediate relatives, neighbours, orphans, travellers and people who are short of means should be given financial help. Allah SWT is telling us to give from the good things we earn and not from the leftovers, which we may not like to consume our-self. Offering zakat of 2.5% of annual saving is not mentioned in the Quran and it needs serious discussion. It was suggested by the honourable scholars to suit the social circumstances at the time. However, such a meager amount does not create a social balance today which is desirable in an Islamic society. People living in western countries which have social welfare scheme and are able to create reasonable social equity, would realize how much spending in charity would create a just social structure. On average, an income earner in these western countries pays nearly 20% of his income in tax, nearly half of which is spent on social security. There are additional taxes on assets when bought or sold or on income produced by assets. Thus 10% of income seems to be a reasonable figure. 2.5% on non income producing assets (such as gold & silver) seem to make sense to discourage hoarding. The Zakat is also prescribed for some kind of income produced by certain assets but there is no Zakat on income earned through personal exertion. Such income has increased exponentially in modern work environments as better educated people are able to produce high returns for their corporate employers. It is high time that these high income earners are obliged to pay Zakat to make them socially and religiously responsible towards their fellow beings.

People in western countries give extra charity, apart from tax, through which some extremely successful charitable bodies provide extra help to the needy. This extra charity can be considered the equivalent of Sadqah in Islam. I feel there is an urgent need for the Islamic institutions to work on this issue and come up with a formulae which helps in creating sufficient funds from Zakat to establish socially just societies in Muslim communities around the world. Muslim institutions should seriously consider applying Zakat to income as well as assets subject to certain tests. People who are asset rich but income poor need to be given some concessions while people who are income rich but asset poor should not be relieved from this very important duty as a responsible member of any community.

CONCLUSION

From above we conclude that a practicing Muslim has to have far more essential characteristics than the ones currently prescribed under the pillars of Islam. It is essential on every Muslim to do good deeds, to attain knowledge, to have patience, to engage in inner Jihad and to make Dawah, irrespective of one’s gender, health, age and financial status. Ulemas should formulate a strategy to actively promote these essential characteristics so as to send a clear message to Muslims from childhood. This will inshallah help Muslims in becoming better human beings and Momins, lovable to mankind and to their creator.

I would like to invite comments from scholars and Muslims who contemplate so that the above concept is discussed further to form a final theory on the subject.

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