Ramadhan is the holiest month of the lunar calendar. In this month Muslims observe fast, which enables them to understand the plight of the poor and the hungry. Wealthy Muslims love to pay Zakat to their poor relations and others especially in this holy month. Apart from this, Ushr – one tenth of agricultural production – has also to be paid to the downtrodden. Alms and donations are exclusive. On, or preferably before, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr each Muslim has to offer a certain amount of wheat, date, etc. or money equivalent to it to the poor.
Islam has strictly prohibited usury or interest. With these instructions one can imagine the type of society Islam wants us to build. In an un-Islamic society we see great struggles between the haves and the have-nots. Let us help build a better, interest-free, egalitarian society by following the teachings of Islam.
Kausar Fatima
Gulbarga