9:60

Fair Distribution Ordered by God

Having established the right attitude a Muslim should have towards God and His Messenger, which is an attitude of total acceptance of their judgement in all situations, the surah makes clear that the final decision on the distribution of charity does not belong to the Prophet. It is all God's decision, and it is He who determines which groups of people are entitled to receive a share. The Prophet's role is only to execute what God has ruled. Obligatory donations are taken from the rich in fulfilment of God's commandment, and they are given to the poor also in fulfilment of His same commandment. Its beneficiaries are certain groups of people specified in the

Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it1 and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

One of my all-time favorite quotes, which you'll find as my status in whatsapp and other apps, was said by Dr. Ahmad AlQadi may Allah, exalted is He, have mercy on his soul and elevate his status, a man that I have never met, a man whom I am told co-founded MAS, and a man whom I've only heard stories of. He said: 'It's called trade, not sacrifice'. It's a simple statement, but it's deep and profound. When you do something for the sake of Allah, or you give something up for his sake, you are making a

not a

. So rejoice in the trade you have made with Allah.

The theme of war and conflict flows throughout the tenth juz of the Qur’an. This juz begins at verse 41 of Surah al-Anfal and ends at verse 86 of Surah al-Tawbah. These two surahs are known as the wartime chapters and are often misquoted by Islamophobes to project a false image of Islam. There are many verses in this juz that are quoted out of context to make Islam look violent and intolerant. Yet there are many other verses in this juz that are ignored that balance or explain these verses and give the full picture. Surah al-Anfal was revealed after the Battle of Badr; Surah al-Tawbah was one of the last Madinan surahs and was revealed after the expedition to Tabook. Both surahs were re