Ramadan 19, 1447

The Greatest of Sins

Seventy Sins that Allah Likes That We Forsake

Building on the last blog about The Greatest of Sins ….

The BELLY is home to three of the greatest of sins

9- The Ninth Great Sin: Usury

Allah  said: ﴾But Allah has made trade lawful and made usury unlawful﴿(1). The Prophet  said: “Avoid the seven great destructive sins." and people asked, "O Allah's Messenger! What are those?" He answered, "….and usury...”.(2)

Any loan that brings profit to the lender, is considered usury. Fudala Ibn Ubaidullah, one of the Prophets companions said: “Any loan drawing profi t is a type of usury”.(3)

This can be explained through situations where money grows with money only, and not with proper trade. Loan interest falls under this category, for both the lender and the borrower, and for the one who deposits money in usurious banks to receive interest. All money coming from interest is strictly prohibited and should not be used into any profi t of any kind, and has to be given out for public use. Exception is made to Islamic Banks and also to loans taken under strictly dire situations, based on the jurisprudence rule that strict necessities give permission to certain prohibitions.

Such as one who is lost in a desert without food or water and is getting close to death, when he finds a bottle of wine. He is allowed to drink from it an amount that keeps him alive. Equally, a person who is required to undergo a lifesaving surgery that he could not afford, and he could not find a legitimate loan. He is then allowed to take a loan from a usurious bank to save his life.

10- The Tenth Great Sin: Taking the Orphans’ Money and Committing Injustice Towards Them

Allah said: ﴾Those who consume the property of orphans unjustly are truly swallowing fire into their bellies; soon they will burn in the blazing Flame﴿(4)

This means that those who unjustly take the money of the orphans, are in fact consuming fire into their bellies, a fire that will ignite on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet  said: “Avoid the seven great destructive sins." and people asked, "O Allah's Messenger! What are those?" He answered, "….and consuming the orphan’s money.”(5) Al Sadi said: “The one who unlawfully consumed the money of an orphan is resurrected on the Day of Judgement with fire coming out of his mouth, his ears, his nose and eyes, and he is therefore infamously known and the consumer of the orphan’s money.”(6)

Abu Barza relayed that the Prophet  said: “Some people are resurrected on the Day of Judgement, with fire coming out of their mouths, the people asked him: who are those O messenger of Allah? (He answered: have you not read the verse ﴾Those who consume the property of orphans unjustly are truly swallowing fire into their bellies﴿(7))(8)

.Abu Huraira relayed that the Prophet said: “I forbid the money of the two weak: the orphan and the woman”(9). This hadith indicates that the Prophet  imposed restrictions on that money and forbade taking it unjustly.

11- The Eleventh Great Sin: Consuming Alcohol and Other Intoxicants

In fact, addiction to drugs is one of the gravest of sins just like addiction to drinking alcohol. If the alcohol addict dies before repenting, he is tormented in Hell Fire, and Allah is more knowing. In addition, no good deed is accepted from a drunk person. It is a grave sin to drink any intoxicant even in small amounts, and such act should be avoided completely in compliance to the Words of Allah : ﴾Believers, intoxicants and gambling and stones mystical practices and divining arrows are all abominations devised by Satan. Avoid them, so that you may prosper. Satan seeks to sow enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and gambling, and to keep you from the remembrance of Allah and from your prayers. Will you not then abstain?﴿. (10)

The drinker of alcohol was repeatedly scolded in various hadiths. The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Every intoxicant is prohibited. Allah has made a covenant regarding those who drink intoxicants to give them some tinat al-khabal to drink.”

He was asked what that was, and replied that “it was the sweat and discharge of the people of Hell” (11). Believers should always remember the curse connected to alcohol whether drinking or serving or selling or even socializing around it without drinking.

________________________

(1) Al Baqara: 275.

(2) Transmitted by Al Bukhari in his Sahih, from Abu Huraira Hadith 6857, Chapter of Limits,

Defamation of Chaste Women.

(3) Transmitted by Al Baihaqi in Al Sunan Al Kubra, from Fudala Ibn Obeid, Hadith 10933,

Chapter of Collection of Usury Types- Any Loan Drawing Profit is Usury.

(4) Al Nisa: 10.

(5) Transmitted by Al Bukhari in his Sahih, from Abu Huraira Hadith 6857, Chapter of Limits,

Defamation of Chaste Women.

(6) Transmitted by Al Tabari in Jamaa Al Bayan fi Tawil Al Quran, 26/7.

(7) Al Nisa: 10.

(8) Hadith transmitted by Ibn Habban in his Sahih from Abu Barza, Hadith 5566, Chapter of Alms,

Warnings to the One Obstructing the Alms-About the Torment of the Day of Resurrection.

(9) Transmitted by Al Hakem in Al Mustadrak from Abu Huraira, Hadith 7167, Chapter of the

Food- About the speech of Omar.

(10) Al Maeda: 90-91.

(11) Transmitted by Muslim in his Sahih from Jaber, Hadith 2002, Book of Drinks Chapter: Every intoxicant is Khamr and all Khamr is Haram.

Nutritious Recipe

from my kitchen with love

🥗 Tabbouleh Salad 🌿🍋

Tabbouleh is a refreshing and nutritious Mediterranean salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, and bulgur (or quinoa for a gluten-free option), all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. 🥗🌿

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Vitamins & Antioxidants 🍅🌱 (Parsley & mint boost immunity and detoxify the body)

• Heart-Healthy Fats 🫒 (Olive oil supports heart health)

• High in Fiber 🌾 (Bulgur/quinoa aids digestion & keeps you full)

• Iron & Protein 💪 (Quinoa & spinach offer extra nutrients)

A light yet filling dish, perfect as a side or a healthy meal! 💚✨

🥒 Ingredients:

• ½ cup fine bulgur wheat (or quinoa for a gluten-free option) 🌾

• 1 cup boiling water 🔥

• 2 bunches fresh Italian parsley (or fresh spinach for a fusion twist) 🌿🥬

• ½ bunch fresh mint (finely chopped) 🌱

• 3 medium tomatoes (finely diced) 🍅

• 2 green onions or ½ small red onion (finely chopped) 🧅

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 🍋

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 🫒

• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂 (or to taste)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Bulgur or Quinoa:

• If using bulgur, soak in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then drain.

• If using quinoa, cook according to package instructions and let cool.

2️⃣ Chop the Herbs & Vegetables:

• Finely chop the parsley or spinach, mint, tomatoes, and onions.

3️⃣ Mix Everything:

• In a large bowl, combine the bulgur or quinoa, parsley or spinach, mint, tomatoes, and onions.

4️⃣ Season & Toss:

• Drizzle with lemon juice 🍋 and olive oil 🫒.

• Add salt & black pepper to taste.

• Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

💡 Tips:

• 🥬 Serve in romaine lettuce "boats" or cabbage leaves for a fresh, crunchy bite!

• 🌱 If using spinach, don’t mix the ingredients until ready to serve, as the dressing can affect its freshness.

• ❄️ Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Here are some nutritious facts about parsley and spinach 🌿🍃:

Parsley 🌿

✔ High in Vitamin C 🧡 – Boosts immunity & skin health

✔ Rich in Vitamin K 💚 – Supports bone health & blood clotting

✔ Packed with Antioxidants 🌟 – Helps detox & fights inflammation

✔ Aids Digestion 🏃‍♀️ – Reduces bloating & supports kidney health

Spinach 🍃

✔ More Iron 💪 – Supports red blood cells & prevents anemia

✔ High in Folate 👶 – Essential for pregnancy & cell growth

✔ Good Source of Protein & Fiber 🌾 – Keeps you full & supports muscle health

✔ Rich in Magnesium ⚡ – Helps muscle function & relaxation

✨ Sahtein! 😋🎉

From One Seed to Seven Hundred: The Power of Giving

Building on our last blog about The Economic Strategy of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz ….

Omar ibn Abdul Aziz (Umar II) is widely recognized for his transformative financial policies, particularly his utilization of Zakat and Sadaqa Jaria to eradicate poverty and establish long-lasting social welfare programs. Here’s a detailed look at how he implemented these charitable sources:

1. Effective Management of Zakat

Zakat was the backbone of Omar II’s economic reforms. He ensured its proper collection and distribution, making sure that wealth was equitably circulated rather than accumulating among the elite.

• Poverty Eradication: He restructured zakat distribution to such an extent that, in some regions, officials couldn’t find poor people to receive it, as needs had already been met.

• Direct Welfare Programs: He ordered that zakat funds be used not only for the poor but also for settling debts, freeing slaves, and assisting new converts to Islam.

• Support for Business Growth: He provided interest-free loans to struggling merchants and farmers to help them become self-sufficient rather than relying on continuous aid.

2. Infrastructure & Facilities Built Using Zakat and Sadaqa Jaria

Omar ibn Abdul Aziz expanded and developed numerous facilities funded through sadaqa jaria (continuous charity) to benefit the community for generations. These included:

A. Public Works & Infrastructure

• Roads & Bridges: He improved road networks to ease travel and trade. Zakat funds helped build and maintain these roads for caravans and pilgrims.

• Water Systems: He dug wells and built aqueducts to provide clean drinking water to villages and towns. This was a major form of sadaqa jaria, benefiting communities for generations.

B. Education & Religious Centers

• Schools & Islamic Learning Centers: Omar II established madrasas (Islamic schools) using zakat funds to ensure that both children and adults had access to education.

• Mosques: He funded mosque construction and ensured scholars and imams received financial support to continue their religious duties.

C. Healthcare Facilities

• Hospitals: He set up public hospitals (Bimaristans) where patients were treated for free. These hospitals were open to both Muslims and non-Muslims, making them some of the earliest welfare-based healthcare centers in the world.

• Pharmacies: He arranged for medicines to be provided to the sick, funded by zakat and sadaqa.

D. Orphan & Widow Support

• Housing & Stipends: He created government stipends for orphans and widows, ensuring they had food, shelter, and financial stability.

• Marriage Assistance: Zakat funds were used to help young women from poor families get married, covering wedding expenses and providing financial support.

3. Long-Term Vision of Sadaqa Jaria

Unlike short-term financial relief, Omar II prioritized sadaqa jaria—investing in sustainable projects that would continue benefiting people long after his rule. Some examples include:

• Irrigation Systems: He revived abandoned farmlands and funded irrigation projects to boost agriculture, ensuring food security for future generations.

• Libraries: He commissioned the copying and preservation of Islamic knowledge, ensuring intellectual and religious learning continued.

4. Inspiration for Today’s Welfare Models

Omar ibn Abdul Aziz’s approach to zakat and sadaqa jaria provides a model for modern social welfare programs. Governments, NGOs, and charities today can learn from his strategies by:

✔ Ensuring proper collection and fair distribution of charitable funds.

✔ Investing in long-term projects like education, healthcare, and public services.

✔ Creating self-sufficiency programs rather than fostering dependency.

Supporting Hadith & Verses

Omar II’s policies aligned with key Islamic principles, such as: "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and the needy, and for those employed to collect [zakat]... and for bringing hearts together [for Islam]…" (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60). The Prophet ﷺ said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three: Sadaqa Jaria (ongoing charity), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Sahih Muslim).

Call to Action

Following Omar ibn Abdul Aziz’s example, organizations like Mozaic can use zakat and sadaqa jaria to:

✅ Fund educational and vocational programs for refugees.

✅ Build sustainable income through entrepreneurship classes and workshops.

✅ Invest in small businesses to uplift communities.

✅ Provide the tools needed to thrive not only to survive such as digital literacy, certificate enrollment, credential evaluation, and mentorship.

👉 Your contributions today can create a lasting impact just as they did in Omar II’s time. Donate to Mozaic and be part of a legacy of sustainable giving!

Unlock Potentials for Refugees and Underserved Families https://mozaic.kindful.com/?campaign=1352842

Du’a of the Day

دعاء لإخواننا وأخواتنا الأحبة في غزة

• اللهم يا شديد، يا من يبدأ الخلق ثم يعيد، يا عزيز ذو انتقام، يا منتقم يا جبار، يا مكور الليل على النهار، يا قهار يا قهار يا قهار، يا مجير، يا نعم المولى، يا نعم النصير، يا نعم المجيب، يا صادق الوعد، يا عظيم الوعيد.

• اللهم إليك أشكو ضعف قوتي، وقلة حيلتي، وهواني على الناس، يا أرحم الراحمين، أنت أرحم الراحمين، إلى من تكلني؟ إلى عدو يتجهمني، أو إلى قريب ملكته أمري؟ إن لم تكن غضبانًا علي فلا أبالي، غير أن عافيتك أوسع لي، أعوذ بنور وجهك الذي أشرقت له الظلمات، وصلح عليه أمر الدنيا والآخرة، أن تنزل بي غضبك، أو تحل علي سخطك، لك العتبى حتى ترضى، ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بك.

• يا رب إني أحب العفو لأنك تحب العفو، فإن كان قضاؤك النافذ وقدرتك الماضية أن ينيب الظالم أو يتوب، أو يرجع عن ظلمه، أو يكفّ مكروهه عنّا، فاهدِه إليه الساعة الساعة، وتب عليه واعفُ عنه يا كريم. وإن كان في علمك غير ذلك، وكان مصراً على طغيانه، فأسألك يا ناصر المظلوم إجابة دعائي، فخذه من مأمنه أخذ عزيز مقتدر، وأفجئه في غفلته، مفاجأة مليك منتصر، واسلبه نعمته وسلطانه، وأعره من رحمتك التي لم يقابلها بالشكر، وانزع عنه سربال عزك الذي لم يجازه بالإحسان، واقصمه يا قاصم الجبابرة، وأهلكه يا مهلك الطغاة، وأخذله يا خاذل الفئات الباغية.

• اللهم أرغم أنفه، وعجّل حتفه، ولا تجعل له قوة إلا قصمتها، ولا كلمة مجتمعة إلا فرّقتها، ولا قائمة علو إلا وضعتها، ولا ركنًا إلا وهنته، ولا سببًا إلا قطعته.

• اللهم إن أبناء غزة لك، ضعفاء بين يديك، قد خذلهم القريب، وظلمهم البعيد، وتآمر عليهم العالم، وأغلقت عليهم الأبواب إلا بابك، وانقطعت عنهم الأسباب إلا إليك، ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بك.

• اللهم كن لهم عونًا ونصيرًا، احفظهم بحفظك، وارزقهم السكينة في قلوبهم، والصبر في محنتهم، والنصر في معركتهم، اللهم إنك ترى وتعلم، فلا تتركهم لأعدائك، ولا تجعلهم فريسة للمجرمين، أنزل عليهم نصرك الذي وعدت عبادك الصالحين، ومدّهم بمدد من عندك، يا حي يا قيوم، يا ذا الجلال والإكرام.

• اللهم اجبر مصابهم، واشف جرحاهم، وارحم شهداءهم، وافتح لهم أبواب رحمتك، وأبدلهم بعد خوفهم أمنًا، وبعد ضعفهم قوة، وبعد ذلهم عزة، وأذق أعداءهم من العذاب ما يشفي صدور قوم مؤمنين.

• اللهم هذا الدعاء ومنك الإجابة، وهذا الجهد وعليك التكلان، فاجعل لنا فيه القبول، يا أرحم الراحمين، وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين.

Duaa for Our Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Gaza

• O Allah, the Almighty, the One who begins creation and brings it back, the Ever-Powerful Avenger, the Supreme, the Subduer who turns night into day and day into night, the All-Victorious, the Ever-Protecting Helper, the Best of Supporters, the Best of Responders, the Truthful in Promise, the Great in Warning.

• O Allah, to You alone, I complain of my weakness, my lack of means, and my insignificance in the eyes of people. O Most Merciful of the Merciful, You are my only refuge. If You are not angry with me, I care not for any other suffering, yet Your protection and mercy are broader for me. I seek refuge in the light of Your Face that has brightened the darkness and through which all matters of this world and the Hereafter are resolved, from Your wrath descending upon me or Your displeasure overtaking me. To You alone belongs all return, and there is no power nor strength except through You.

• O Lord, I love forgiveness because You love forgiveness. If it is in Your decree that the oppressor may repent, return, or cease his tyranny, then guide his heart at this moment and forgive him. But if You know otherwise and he persists in his wrongdoing, then I beseech You, O Helper of the oppressed, to answer my prayer. Seize him from his stronghold with the might of a Supreme Power, surprise him in his heedlessness with the strike of a Mighty King, strip him of his blessings and authority, take away his undeserved honor, and break him, O Breaker of the tyrants, O Destroyer of the transgressors.

• O Allah, humiliate him, hasten his end, do not let him hold power except that You shatter it, do not let him unite except that You disperse him, do not let him rise except that You bring him down, do not let him find strength except that You weaken him, and do not let him find a cause except that You sever it.

• O Allah, the children of Gaza cry out to You, abandoned by their brethren, wronged by their enemies, and betrayed by the world. Every door has closed upon them except Yours. Every means has failed them except their hope in You. There is no strength nor power except with You.

• O Allah, be their Helper and their Aid. Protect them with Your divine care, grant them peace in their hearts, patience in their trials, and victory in their struggle. O Allah, You see and You know; do not leave them to their oppressors, nor let them fall prey to the criminals. Send upon them Your promised victory and aid them with divine support from Your heavens.

• O Allah, heal their wounded, have mercy on their martyrs, relieve their suffering, and open for them the doors of Your mercy. Replace their fear with security, their weakness with strength, and their humiliation with honor. Let them taste the joy of Your justice and let their enemies taste the torment that will satisfy the hearts of the believers.

• O Allah, this is my supplication, and the answer is with You. This is my effort, and reliance is upon You. Accept it from us, O Most Merciful of the Merciful. And may peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

  
  

  Ameen