Zakat - A Tax Or An Investment? - The Reality Of Zakat

[MEOC 1]

Zakat - A Tax or An Investment? - The Reality of Zakat

 

Zakat is often described as a "tax" or "levy" by Muslims. But Zakat is neither a tax nor a levy. Rather, it is an

investment for the present and for the future. Zakat has the meaning of purification and growth. It is part of worship to Allah (SWT).

 

"Whatever you lend out in usury to gain value through other people’s wealth will not increase in Allah’s eyes, but whatever you give in zakat, in your desire for Allah’s approval, will earn multiple rewards"[Qur'an 30:39]

"...So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah . It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful" [Qur'an 73:20]

 

Zakat is about sending things forward or investing for the future. It is this practice that removes our attachment to the world (especially wealth), enabling us to purify our souls and grow our account for the Hereafter. Zakat is training for purification and growth for our entire life. It is this important dimension of Zakat that makes it a pillar of Islam, coming even before the fast of Ramadhan and the Hajj.

 

MEOC is pleased to present the forthcoming important seminar on Zakat in association with the National Zakat Foundation (NZF). This seminar is delivered by one of the foremost scholars and thinkers of the western world today:Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Oxford University. No doubt, the seminar will address the outer dimensions or the practical aspects of Zakat. But the focus of the seminar would be the higher purposes or the inner dimensions of Zakat which, if really understood, make Zakat a spiritual goldmine (for self purification - tazkiyyah) and a miracle of Islam.

Zakat - The 3rd Pillar of Islam

The Inner and The Outer Dimensions of Zakat

By Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi

 

When: Sunday 15th July 2012 Time: 10AM - 6PM

 

Venue: Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge

 

Facilities: Free parking, crèche/childcare, book stalls, food stalls, free 2-nights stay at the Masjid

 

Advance/On-line Tickets: From £18 onwards

 

Register at: Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars (CISS): Register

 

Testimonials

 

 

"As a non Muslim (currently!) I have been delighted by the whole experience of the MEOC lectures and have found them so helpful in my studies and 'quest for the Truth'. I had been doing lots of reading and studying and had started to read the Qur'an and this lecture seemed to come at the perfect time.The whole experience has been well organised, welcoming and informative and the depth and breadth of knowledge of Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akran Nadwi is truly inspiring and motivating. Excellent course delivery with suitable breaks allowing for reflection and brief stretch of legs, plus useful and interactive question and answer sessions.The two lectures I have attended thus far have benefited me enormously and I look forward to more God willing." - Sarah Jarman, Bedford (Sarah is now a Muslim)

 

 

"Jazakumullah khair for the efforts of the MEOC for arranging these blessed gatherings of knowledge. The seminars I've attended so far have several elements that make them very special, starting from the choice of topics themselves which cater to the more profound needs of the people rather than addressing some superficial issues that seem to be more fashionable today. Even the content of the seminars and the manner of teaching by Shaikh Akram Nadwi are directly focussed towards developing a deeper understanding of these issues. In these seminars, one gets a glimpse of the years of learning that have gone into the brilliant scholarship of Shaikh Nadwi. Furthermore his knowledge seems to be blessed by an acute understanding of the needs of the Ummah. The seminar on the 'Legacy of Ibrahim (a.s.)' was exceptionally beautiful, wherein, the Shaikh in his own words confessed that he was attempting to transmit, not knowledge, but the state of his heart, to the others present. While the knowledge and the insight that one gains into the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the history of Muslims through these seminars is invaluable, I personally feel that these sessions are more than just one-day courses. I am inclined to call them gatherings of Remembrance of Allah, and we all know the blessings of such gatherings!" - Mohini Verma, PhD Student, Cambridge University

 

 

More Testimonials: http://courses.meoc....stimonials.html

 

 

MEOC is pleased to present this important seminar on Zakat in association with the National Zakat Foundation (NZF). Launched in 2011, NZF is a groundbreaking initiative which aims to utilise Zakat funds and voluntary donations collected in the UK for the benefit of local, deserving recipients. This group includes some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including widows, orphans, refugees, the aged as well as the homeless. The work of NZF covers five core areas which together form an end-to-end service for the Muslim community in the UK with respect to Zakat: Awareness, Education, Calculation, Collection and Distribution. For more information, please visit www.nzf.org.uk. NZF is an initiative of Mercy Mission UK, charity number 1122922.