An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
5. Piety
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appointed times, pay
zakat,
fast during Ramadan,
make a pilgrimage to the House of God and carry
on the holy struggle.” Bashir replied, “I shall do
everything. But there are two things, which are
beyond my capacity. One is
zakat.
The truth is, I
have just ten she camels. Their milk provides food
for my household and they are our only means of
travel and transportation. Secondly, there is the
holy struggle. I am a faint-hearted man. It is said
that those who turn away from the field of battle
bring down upon themselves the wrath of God. I
am afraid that if I have to do battle, I shall be
overcome with fear and run away, thus incurring
the wrath of God.” The Prophet withdrew his hand,
saying: “Bashir, without giving alms or taking part
in the holy struggle how will you enter heaven?”
(KANZ AL-UMMAL)
THINGS ASKED FOR AND THINGS GIVEN
FREELY ARE IN TWO SEPARATE CATEGORIES
The Prophet sent a gift to Umar, which he returned.
Asked by the Prophet why he had done so, Umar
replied: “Messenger of God, did you not tell us that
we had best not take anything from anyone?” The
