Requirements For Attaining God’s Mercy: The Importance of Zakat (7:156 – 7:158)

Requirements For Attaining God’s Mercy: The Importance of Zakat

[7:156] “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
*7:156 The importance of the obligatory charity (Zakat) cannot be over emphasized. As instituted in 6:141, Zakat must be given away upon receiving any income—2.5% of one’s net income must be given to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien, in this order (see 2:215).

[7:157] “(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.”
*7:157 Muhammad is prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 and John 14:16-17 & 16:13.

[7:158] Say, “O people, I am GOD’s messenger to all of you. To Him belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no god except He. He controls life and death.” Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messenger, the gentile prophet, who believes in GOD and His words. Follow him, that you may be guided. 

In 7:156 what does it mean “righteousness…in the Hereafter”?
To be with God in His Kingdom is righteousness. Doing God’s command and not objecting is righteousness. The people in Hell are still blaming, lying, and jealous.

How do you pay Zakat if you are self-employed?
Calculate the money you take out of the business for your own needs and pay Zakat on that amount. If the money never leaves the business and stays in the business then it isn’t realized. We pay Zakat on the net.

Do you have to pay Zakat on a loan?
Zakat is on income, a loan by definition is debt so we wouldn’t pay Zakat on a loan.

What if someone gives you a large gift like a house – do we pay Zakat on that?

Interesting that God’s retribution befalls whomever He wills, yet His mercy encompasses all things.

God’s mercy even encompasses the disbelievers and the unrighteous? 

[2:126] Abraham prayed: “My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and provide its people with fruits. Provide for those who believe in GOD and the Last Day.” (God) said, “I will also provide for those who disbelieve. I will let them enjoy, temporarily, then commit them to the retribution of Hell, and a miserable destiny.” 

[41:21] They will say to their skins, “Why did you bear witness against us?” They will reply, “GOD made us speak up; He is the One who causes everything to speak. He is the One who created you the first time, and now you have been returned to Him.”

Michael Rubinstein: See invisible motion, hear silent sounds. Cool? Creepy? We can’t decide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHfhorJnAEI

What does it mean to follow the messenger?
The messenger is a mouthpiece for God to deliver His message.

[5:92] You shall obey GOD, and you shall obey the messenger, and beware. If you turn away, then know that the sole duty of our messenger is to deliver the message efficiently.

[5:99] The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver the message, and GOD knows everything you declare and everything you conceal.

[24:54] Say, “Obey GOD, and obey the messenger.” If they refuse, then he is responsible for his obligations, and you are responsible for your obligations. If you obey him, you will be guided. The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver (the message). 

Gentile: someone who is not Jewish more…
adjective ▸concerning religions and cultures that are not Jewish

[2:78] Among them are gentiles who do not know the scripture, except through hearsay, then assume that they know it.

[3:20] If they argue with you, then say, “I have simply submitted myself to GOD; I and those who follow me.” You shall proclaim to those who received the scripture, as well as those who did not, “Would you submit?” If they submit, then they have been guided, but if they turn away, your sole mission is to deliver this message. GOD is Seer of all people. 

[3:75] Some followers of the scripture can be trusted with a whole lot, and they will give it back to you. Others among them cannot be trusted with a single dinar; they will not repay you unless you keep after them. That is because they say, “We do not have to be honest when dealing with the gentiles!” Thus, they attribute lies to GOD, knowingly.

[62:2] He is the One who sent to the gentiles a messenger from among them, to recite to them His revelations, purify them, and teach them the scripture and wisdom. Before this, they had gone far astray. 

Quran: Muhammad’s Miracle*

[29:48] You did not read the previous scriptures, nor did you write them with your hand. In that case, the rejectors would have had reason to harbor doubts.

First Revelation:
[96:1] Read, in the name of your Lord, who created. [96:2] He created man from an embryo. [96:3] Read, and your Lord, Most Exalted. [96:4] Teaches by means of the pen. 

Second Revelation:
[68:1] NuN,* the pen, and what they (the people) write.

Third Revelation:
[73:1] O you cloaked one. [73:2] Meditate during the night, except rarely. [73:3] Half of it, or a little less. [73:4] Or a little more. And read the Quran from cover to cover.