IECRC (USA & Canada)

Volume 1, Issue 1 (Part 2)
May 31, 2003 / Rabi’ul Awwal 29, 1424

Today, when we consider social responsibilities, we naturally turn to western thought because many of the underdeveloped nations are so dependent on the generosity of the larger and richer nations. Gradually, and unconsciously, we instill in our youth that generosity and charity belong not to us, but to other people. As we grow older, the need to identify with our community becomes intense and we begin to bond with one another. Thus, often, we learn later in life that charity is one of the major tenets in Islam. The cycle begins and we perform acts of charity during the Holy months, but that is not the true meaning of charity, not at least the way our leader (peace be upon him) taught us. In fact, our Holy Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the epitome of charity because it was a continuous act carried out with a tender heart and good feeling toward the receiver, and not a consideration only at certain times of the year. Thus, he conducted himself in ways that demonstrates the importance and valuable lesson that we have ignored because charity is the most important aspect in Islamic social life. Without charity, there can be no egalitarian society; therefore, performing acts of kindness to our fellow human beings regardless of their faith is akin to the kind of charitable works that we have been taught as Muslims.

In fact, people from all cultures and religious backgrounds come to the center, receive help, and go off with a cheery smile only to visit again the following week. Today, financial gain in every possible discipline is sought and that is one of the reasons why so many people who are in dire need cannot receive the help. On the other hand, this center is not narrowed in its vision of the kind of help people can receive, but no problem is too small or too large to receive help. Yusuf Talal De Lorenzo in his translation of Muhammad Al-Ghazali’s text entitled, Remembrance and Prayer “The Way of Prophet Muhammad” explains how the prophets and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lived their lives on complete dependence on Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala. Furthermore, helping those in need (charity) creates a closer relationship to Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala and that should always be our final aim. Lorenzo translates this idea as: “It is tempting to say that the heart of Muhammad, upon him be peace, and only his heart, was the one to listen to the crier’s warning to tear away the barriers of neglect and race to the Sacred, Supreme One” (25). What other lessons do we need other than the two words “neglect and race” to understand that it is our obligation as Muslims to nurture our fellow human beings? We should find comfort in learning that human nature itself makes that comparison, but not in such clear terms as has been passed down to us by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). For example, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) the son of a damask weaver, physically hungered in the dreadful forties for sustenance. He struggled financially and his parents had no means other than to have him work in a cotton factory at the age of thirteen. Later, by his own energy and hard-work ethics, he became industrious and achieved great wealth. However, he did not keep his wealth, but gave back to his community (a lesson that was taught to us by our great leader, peace be upon him). In 1900, he published The Gospel of Wealth, where he states his famous axiom, “the man who dies rich dies disgraced.” Carnegie’s philosophy on philanthropy should not be confined to monetary gain. In fact, those who are rich in God-given qualities have just as much responsibility to their fellow human beings. Thus, we can go further and state that men and women who die rich spiritually and emotionally without sharing their God-given talents with others do a great injustice to their fellow human beings. That is the philosophy of our Muslim teachings and as such the IECRC commits to the most profound teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when it counsels people of all races. It is because we are not performing acts of noble deeds, but allowing an illuminated life to appear before us.

Furthermore, during the counseling sessions, women play a major role. Sisters Fahmiza Jasmine Ali, Rukshana Kahtoon, and Shagufta Chand express their hospitality and warmth as they take attendance and graciously seat the visitors. Simultaneously, two other great women provide snacks to those waiting for their turn for advice. Sister Shahida Abid serves tea and cookies to the people; while Sister Bushra Chaudhry brings her delicious gourmet lunch that she cooks with so much enthusiasm and delight. They make the waiting for all the needy a little easier and a little more cheerful.

Khalida Kareemi

Ms. Kareemi is a Bay Area resident and she enjoys writing.