Monday, August 10, 2009

Bait ul Maal

Bait ul Maal: Instead of extracting any definition of this word from any dictionary or thesaurus lets first think ourselves, what can be a good classification of this word for a common man of any era? General answer will be, it is a depository where all the reserves and assets are accumulated for any functioning body. Without discussing further on it, let’s jump to another question.

What is a welfare state and how does it function?

An interpretation of a welfare state mentioned by Wikipedia is:

“A model in which the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. This responsibility in theory ought to be comprehensive, because all aspects of welfare are considered and universally applied to citizens as a "right".

Excellent! This means when it’s a citizen’s right, someone can ask that till which extend state should be responsible, as expenses will never end. So the terminology “right” means “basic resources necessary to maintain a good standard of living.”

Now the second part, how does welfare state functions? Again we will try to find out common man’s perception for this question.

The simplest answer can be, the more you earn the more you deposit into BAIT UL MAAL in form of taxes and the accumulated amount will be utilized for the welfare of people. (Memorize it)

Last question, what is Khums? It is a pillar of Islamic Economic System. You can now see the beauty of our religion, remember, in a welfare state “the more u EARN the more you have to pay” but in Islamic system the “the more you SAVE the more you pay”.

Any sensible person can conclude that KHUMS based system is far better than Welfare State System but the point is, “Welfare” can be seen in welfare states but where is “Welfare” in khums based societies?

Before proceeding further on this topic let’s make an assumption that every Shia Isna Asheri person is paying khums regularly, if someone is not paying Khums, I doubt calling him Shia Isna Asheri as in our religion who ever has grabbed the right of Janab-e-Sayyeda (s.a.) is considered to be lanatullah no matter how honorable is he considered by other people.

Now if most of shia isna asheri sect followers are giving khums and also we are receiving huge amount of khums/zakat/donations etc. from other places like African, European and North American countries why is so that still there are huge number of shia isna asheri persons who are living below average life and those who are somehow able to maintain their routine expenses are collapsed in case of any unavoidable conditions. Is there any central point today where a momin can go and put forward his issue and a good solution is provided to him?

Any ideas? Why in-spite of fulfilling our religious duties in terms of finance, we are unable to implement a true Islamic society?

Khums is just one pillar, Zakat, Charity, Sadqa are also financial duties of a momin. What can be done to implement the ideal condition, let’s make a model for Khoja community and it can be broaden to entire shia community.

Suppose in Karachi, most of the Khoja community people give their khums to 8-12 different organization/individuals (it can be listed very easily), first of all those 8-12 people should structure an internal group and apart from their respective projects/activities this committee should be combined under one umbrella and form a BAIT UL MAAL, for now let’s assume “Organization A” is formed which comprises of several other organization and individuals who have the permission from mujtahid to collect khums. All khoja community members plus international community who send their funds in Karachi should deposit their khums/zakat/charity to “Organization A”, this organization should be further sub-divided into different departments like Food, Education, health, marriage, emergency relief, professional development, madressas, imambargah fund etc etc. Depending on the current need and with consensus of all members, budget should be allotted to each department and when any of the khoja community members or any organization is in any kind of need, they can contact respective department and after following a pre-defined procedure the department can help the person.

Does it seems difficult? Believe me this is happening today also but the only change is, it will be done under one platform and in more managed way. Currently the funds are utilized without any co-ordination and due to this there is a high chance that different people are working on similar activities and other activities are not focused at all. Entire concept of interest free loans can also be introduced by this organization and the movement of funds can definitely bring a good change in our community.

Another benefit of this one window unit will be setting up project priorities. For example few years back there were no quality madressas in our community and there was urgent need to start good madressas, by the grace of Almighty Allah, several madressas are now operating in different areas specially soldier bazaar. Now what is the current need? To improve and enhance quality of existing madressas or building up a new madressa in same area & same lane?

Further on, this organization can highlight the current need of our community and most of the efforts should be made in that area. Let’s discuss current situation’s example, these days most the people are affected with the recession, many people are losing their jobs and many small business man have no choice left other than to windup their business, so the current need is some support for affected people, this could be providing loans/donations so their business can survive or generating some job opportunities etc. Another main stream requirement is the inflation support unit, the organization can devise a formula; let’s say a 2+2 (2 adult & 2 children) family needs Rs. 20,000/- to maintain a average living standard and current monthly income is Rs. 15,000/-, organization can look for different options to compensate the deficit, it can be either depositing Rs. 5,000/- into his bank account on monthly basis and on other side groom the person, his wife or any elder child so he can overcome the deficit.

I can write a complete book on “One Unit Operation and the concept of BAIT UL MAAL” but I think the core concept is mentioned for your thoughts, we all know that when Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s) will come, he will form a true Islamic State where a poor person will not have to wait whole day long standing in front of a donor to receive a Rashon of Rs. 500/-

Can we not start to implement some Islamic economic system rules in our community and leave the rest on Allah (s.w.t) and Masoomeen (a.s.), they are always there to help and guide us.

33 comments:

  1. A.o.A,
    Very well said. I am highly positive on your thinking and appreciate that you have chosen this topic as I think this was somehow required for somewhere in our community. Khums has been an obligation on us, where most of the people doesn't even know about this. Everyone who is reading this topic, I request you to let your relatives and friends who are not giving khums get knowledge about it. This will not only benefit them, but you will also be rewarded. No one has the right to seize the right Of Bibi Sayyeda (s.a).

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  2. very nice though .. in my opinion the first and the most important thing is leadership. in Iran whatever the conditions are and what ever are the conflicts but the entire nation is following one leadership, the grand Ayatullah Khameni and his order is treated as final .. but we are not having any supreme religious authority in our country.

    After martyrdom of Shaheed Arif Hussain we are not united on any leadership. if we have one supreme authority different projects and plans can work under his guidance.

    wsalam

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  3. do u think these mullas will ever let this happen? why ur every article seem to be a dream and far away from reality. My dear brother, either you are very optimistic or you are very ignorant, have you ever thought that how come a normal person who was living a below average life when becomes mulla and come up into funds handling suddenly becomes rich and start living a lavish life, driving a million rupee car and living in luxury house without having any obvious means of income?

    Do think.

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  4. hehehehehe...
    the answer to ur question why more then half of our shia community is below the average life is........
    nothing other then this KHUMUS

    here the only question arise is.. are the waqils accountable... somebody ask this question to ayatullah sistani, instead of replying he walks out in anger..
    i don't know what should i take from his action.. but if this is the way our religious leaders acts.. we will definately head towards the wrong path.

    to the author..
    ur thinking is too good..
    or i would say its a nice fiction..
    but if implemented it would help everyone..
    the only question is who will take the first step.... and how can we stop these mulla party who wants there name to be enlighted all the time.

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  5. one question....

    why we emphasis on khumus more then zakat..
    where as the zakat system is mentioned in quran...not khumus. why fatwa of khumus is always revised, however zakat is still on goats and sheeps and food matetrial, gold silver, etc . in past goats and sheeps were the status symbol.. but now a days a poor person is a shepherd and status symbol is changed.. then why zakat is on that poor guy... not the richest persons of the society..... he only pays khumus.

    also i want to correct the author here, he stated sadqa is the financial duty of momin, sadqa is not our duty, we take it out for our safety ...

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  6. its obvious that why a person who lives a below average life wants to become mulla.
    we have seen the imense growth in this profession. also the other benefit is that no one can question you once u are the aba kaba.... and funds are unlimited

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  7. a good idea but i will also agree to above mentioned point that who will take the first step?

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  8. Plz do not make a mess of this article. Author has clearly described that Khums is a wajib duty of every single person and who ever is ignorant in his duty is lanat ullah.

    Also there is no point debating about Khums as a duty but yes the proper utilization of khums is the main issue which need to be discussed.

    Lastly who ever said these verses
    "somebody ask this question to ayatullah sistani, instead of replying he walks out in anger.."

    Plz answer me on following.

    Did you witnessed this incident personally? If yes then give proper details and if u did not then just shutup.

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  9. Reminder to the author:

    To the writer of this blog site:

    Dear Brother, is it possible that when people are commenting on any blog they use their names or login ids instead of just tagging it as "Anonymous".
    If I want to write something in reply, it’s very difficult to refer that specific comment as different people are using same title Anonymous.
    In short is it possible to remove the word anonymous from [Comment as] pick list.
    Thanks

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  10. Idea is good but it is not so simple as it look like. First of all like all other the main point is who will step up and gather all vakils, secondly in our community almost all social and religious organizations have permission to some extend to collect Khums amount and utilize it in their projects, what will happen to those projects as its a conflict of interest.
    But honestly the idea is superb and if some how it is implemented it will make a huge differnce in our community.

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  11. to hadi:

    you or the author don't have the rights to say any one lanat ullah even if he really is. its between the person and God. don't act like khalifas declairing others kafir or lanat ullah. if you call urself shia, act like one.

    second nobody is debating on khumus as duty.. i just said... why we (shia) emphasis more on khumus and less on zakat... as both are the duties. infact zakat is the 5th duty and khumus is 6th. there are number of occasions i can point out where nobody talks about zakaat, like when there is increase in wealth, like we win a bond or lottery (halal).. mulla say to give khumus.. or for going for hajj pay khumus.. why???

    as per my understanding, khumus is directly related to financial dues of the Ah la-Bayt and their descendants, since they are forbidden from recieving any amount fromthe zakat. now tell me are the number of sadaat more or none sadaat. we as shia just emphasis on khumus as we don't want to grab the right of bibi sayyeda... but my friend tell me will the bibi accept your khumus if you don't help none sadaat who are in need??? am sure she won't.

    and this is my point zakaat being more important.. why none of the mulla, allama or vakil, or ullma or even ayataullah never emphasis on zakat.

    third i agree on ur point about the issue of utilizing the amount... it will always be an issue untill all leaders and all the organization sit under one platform with single leadership and all the expenses are audited.

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  12. good point 'SINGLE LEADERSHIP'
    we shia are unfortunate that are imam is in gaybat, thats why there are several leaders in the community and most of them are working for the fame and money. i praise ismaili and bohri as they are very good followers, they don't care where they headed towards, they just say labiak to what their zahir imam's order and walk in a single path. whereas we shia have so much conflicts even at the highest level. one says do this others says do that... which confuse us and we do want we think is correct.. so there are several path for us. and when there are several path.. there are several leaders..

    so my friend ur dream of single leadership will always be a dream till the zahoor of imam.

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  13. inshaAllah this dream will come true, just need someone to step up and this can be u or me. Dont loose hopes, things will not change until we dont want them to change.

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  14. Salaam

    Another good post! Just wanted to suggest that may be a more feasible step would be to have a centralized database, based on NID numbers. No names of individuals or famlies, just NID numbers, with strict confidentiality maintained.

    If different organizations can agree on this minimal centralization, it can potentially, i) minimize abuse by some people who receive benefits/resources from multiple organizations at the expense of other needy people, ii) provide useful stats on spending and needs of our community, iii) could be helpful to assess the outcome of specific social/welfare projects.

    With regards to the last point, the database can be used to answer questions like, 'are we making people (individuals/families) more dependent or independent with our welfare projects?' One would just need to add a few more parameters (regarding that specific social/welfare proejct) to the centralized database and then trends over period of 3 or 5 or 10 years could be analyzed. The outcome of such research would allow our organizations to reflect on their approach and achievements. That's just one example of what such a database can do.

    The point is that the centralized database can address many of the concerns shared above.

    Personally, I am not a big fan of large umbrella organizations. They tend to become too bureaucratic, inefficient, and insensitive to particular areas/needs of community. Then there are issues of i) ego, ii) claiming credit, and iii) different approaches to different social problems.

    On a more general note... if only our various organizations could develop some protocols or ethics of (professional) coordination with each other, that may be helpful with regards to, among other things, i) information sharing (like the above idea), ii) avoiding redundant projects in the same neighborhood, iii) also sharing our experience and perhaps resources with other communities and those organizations that serve multiple communities (like SFP).

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  15. good points mentioned by "aalisthoughts".
    the idea for centralized DB is mentioned in a previous post on this blog "KPSIAJ Data Analysis" and your points are supporting that post.
    The issue is where to start from? Who will start it? Who will be responsible for managing it?
    First these 3 points shld be decided, only then we can move further.

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  16. if everyone will ask the same question that where 2 start from and who will start than believe me no one will start. We cannot expect anything from mullas.

    My suggestions:

    1. Why not we take the initiative and list down all possible people to whom khoja ppl submit their khums.

    2. Once all ppl are listed we can mutually agree on any one and few of our representative can meet the person.

    3. We will discuss our concerns and ideas with him in detail and ask his opinion.

    4. If he agrees we can make a complete strategy, few points are already mentioned in this blog.

    5. We will start from our home and everyone will give this year’s khums to that person and then we will start awareness programs in our surroundings like family members, relatives etc.

    6. In this way that person will be receiving more funds than previous years.

    7. We can then force that person to utilize the funds according to the agreed strategy.

    Believe me until we will wait for someone to start, it will never start. We have to participate practically if we want to change the society. If you agree to my suggestion then let me know so we can at least take a first step.

    thx

    Muhammad Abbas

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  17. hey muhammad abbas,
    nice suggestion..
    just take the first step

    list down the name of all possible persons..
    so we can mutually agree on any one..

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  18. 1. Khoja Jamaat
    2. Quran o Itrat Academy
    3. Najafi Hall
    4. Mr. Ameen Merchant (Zohra Garden SB # 3)

    I know these 4 accept khums, plz add other names to this list.

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  19. Baitul Mal and MAFLOOK UL HAAL community.

    The article about Khums is a marsiya of maflookul hal Shias. The writer feels pain for the poor state of affairs of momineen despite a superb arrangement of Khums in our Fiqh. The main motive of prescribing Zakat, Khums is to provide a sustained means of finance for meeting the needs of the religion and the momineen.In present world, the taxes imposed by the Govts. carry the same weight age i.e for the welfare of their citizens.

    But the question is where does the system fail to provide welfare? In present day govt. system, it is the corruption of the rulers or the bureaucracy. And why has the Khums failed to provide relief to the momineen or a welfare system? If I use the word 'corruption' then the blind muqallids will issue fatwa e kufr. But if one investigates the matter in right perspective, he should first understand the system and its imposed 'jabr' and the benefits that accrue to Marje or his Vakil or his Damad or his Son.

    So when and where did this system of Ijaza from one's Marje originate? i.e binding the innocent muqallid to pay his khums to the one only (MARJE) whom he accepts for taqlid and not any other Marje like the best among all Imam Khomeni who did not leave private estate at the time of his death? someone asked. There was no answer except that our Imams were Masoom but when we have made our Marje Masoom, not accountable to any body and their collections and spending not transparent, then we will have to bear this all. And indeed the Vakils too are claiming to be Masoom, not to be questioned? /No AGM and no Audited annual accounts///!!!.
    Now check their contribution to welfare activities and compare it with the NGOs/ idaras and Jamaat who have performed well with the Khums collection. Who are today working in Parachinar, Northern Areas and Sind, building/ running madressas/mosques and helping the mominees who have been traumatized by the Taliban or Sipahs? It is private entities who with or without Khums have perfomed superbly by visiting in strife areas under sever conditions, not staying in the elegance and comfort of Dubai, London or Australia.

    For Zakat, no Mulla will emphasize on that because the utilisation has been entrusted to the payer and Marje or Mulla can not get anything out of that. It is Khums which has been inflicted with conditionalities to pay to them (as they say) owing to Ghaibat of Imame Zamana. It was as if you are competent on nine accounts of Furue Deen like Namaz Roza etc. but the one i.e Khums, you may not be that competent to have control to utilise it before your own eyes and thru the men of your trust. Indeed you are competent at earning and keeping your account to allocate the share of Khums but not at utilising (according to the Marja or Vakil what ever it is.)
    Now who will bell the cat? Just go and see if the Vakils and Mullas among themselves are on talking terms? Do they appreciate each other’s work? Even when they send a paltry sum to some madressa, each one sends his men separately, spending a good amount but they would not combine the payment to save the disbursement cost. This is because of mistrust and each one wants to put his label and of his Marje (Corporate style)

    Just try by writing some proposal on the centralisation lines and don’t forget to write that they are the ones who would be accepted by the community as the Trustees of that Cenralisation and would not lose the millions that they are fleecing from the millat. Still then, I am sure they would not lend their years to such an idea.
    It is for them that we remain ignorant and blindly follow under the garb of Taqlid, Haqe Zehra and so on. If one who does not pay the Khums, he may be usurping the Haq but what do you say about the ones who buy lavish properties in the Middle East and the West out of the collection taken out of your hard earned money; the money you strive to earn by hook or crook and put yourself liable for Azab on the day of Judgement, but blindly follow to pay the Khums.( Walloho Alam)

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  20. didnt read the whole article but,

    where you have mentiond the statement

    "the more you SAVE the more you pay"

    Is truly a miracle of Islam. WOW!!!!

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  21. to all those who are against marje or the necessity of marja kindly listen to following logical reasoning

    http://www.shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=2cd20eb244b5f745ea88

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  22. Must listen:
    http://www.shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=1c7702ef74788571bf68

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  23. salam, author have written agood article and i appreciate it. I first salute him for his love for sayeda fatima(s.a) and support his words"every Shia Isna Asheri person is paying khums regularly, if someone is not paying Khums, I doubt calling him Shia Isna Asheri as in our religion who ever has grabbed the right of Janab-e-Sayyeda (s.a.) is considered to be lanatullah no matter how honorable is he considered by other people."

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  24. I do not know who is this annonymous.different person or same. at one place he speak against khums and at other place in support of Taqleed. God know who is his marja? Because not a single mujtahid is against Khums.
    ws

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  25. Dear author, You raised a good issue that after having so beautiful system of khums , zakat,and other islamic taxes why still we live below poverty level.why we do not have good medical colleges,degree colleges everywhere. why we beg and wait hours just for recieving rs.500/-?
    The answer is only one, we all are sinners not a single person is masoom.So hinest disdribution is a very difficult job. because of dishonesty in distribution, chaeating, farauds and misuse of khums, zakaat, we are facing problem.
    we already have good system that we pay our all the islamic taxes to our Mujtahid.In so many cases mujtahid issue Ijaza by trusting organisation or person after taking wintess of ulema. In some cases organisation cheat Mujtahids and misuse that khums. If they can cheat Mujtahid then why they will not cheat us? every person says he is an honest but only Allah knows who is honest and what is inside our heart.
    I have suggestion: Keep watch on organisation who have ijaza,Pay sahm e sadaat personally, Ask reciept of mujtahid when you pay to any organisation sahm e Imam(a.s) and pray for early re appearence of Imam e zaman(a.s)

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  26. Oh sorry i forget to add supporting fatwa of my suggestion.
    Supportive fatwa:

    We give it to any organisation, Idara who said they have Ijaza, without varification. always verify, period of Ijaza, Limit of Ijaza and ask proper receipt Issued by your Marja e taqleed.
    A important rule from Ayatullah sistani on payment of Khums issue.
    In The Name of The Almighty
    The Honorable Scholar Sayyid Murtaza Al-Kashmiri, may his achievements continue,
    Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah Wabarakatoh
    I ask Allah The Most High, The Omnipotent to always guide & support you.
    In response to inquiries from Momineen, we emphasize once again that paying Islamic dues to whoever holds an authorization (Ijaza) is not sufficient. A demand for a receipt issured by us(ayatullah sistani or him or any of his Liaison officers(nayab)) must be made [to the person receiving the Islamic dues]. Bearing in mind that discrepancies in adhering to the Ijaza may occur either through forgetfulness, error or similar situations. A clear conscience by the payer (of Islamic dues) cannot be attained unless a receipt is obtained as above.
    I ask Allah The Blessed The Most High to grant everyone that which is good and beneficial.
    Wassalamu alikum warahmatullah Wabarakatoh
    Seal and signature of Ali Al-Hussaini as-Seestani 3 Ramadhan 1425

    http://www.islam-laws.com/matters/KhumsFatwa.pdf

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  27. oh wow!!!
    thanks for the info "voice of the people"

    well tell meevery mujtahid renews the fatwa of khumus

    but why not he see upon zakaat... the fatwa for zakat is same as it was at the time of holy prophet.. on sheep and goat... that time it was the standard symbol.. but now only poor people keep goats and sheeps..

    is this bcuz if we give regular zakat from our money.. there will be less saving.. means less khumus???

    don't be emotional... am not blamming anyone... its just and practical approach of a small human mind.

    just want to know the answer why khumus is more valueable tax in shite then zakaat.. even tough zakat is mention several times in quran where as khumus only once.

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  28. Dear anonymous,You asked a good question but i am sorry to say you earned a lot sin in the month on ramazaan by asking question tell meevery mujtahid renews the fatwa of khumus"

    All the masael of Khums and zakat are same and none of mujtahid change it. It is an order of Holy quran and Mujtahid issue fatwa on that basis.
    You also forget or intentionally removed Zakat on GOLD,SILVER because you was aware that by adding these iteams you can not blame on Mujtahids.
    I think now it is clear that Gold and silver are more valuable than money.
    It is also Mustahab to pay zakat on Wealth: That is the money collected by a person to use in business transactions.

    Now just two verse of Holy Quran to show you that you objected on Order of Holy Quran and earned lot of gunaah and i suggest you to do isteghfaar.
    Believers, many rabbis and monks consume other people's property by false means and create obstacles in the way of God. Those who horde gold and silver and do not spend (anything out of it) for the cause of God, should know that their recompense will be a painful torment (9:34)
    (Note you can see Gold silver here, which is not made my any Mujtahid)
    Know that whatever of a thing you acquire, a fifth of it is for Allah, for the Messenger, for the near relative, and the orphans, the needy, and the way-farer...(8:41)
    (you can see here whaever a thing you acquire)
    so dear anonymous when you speak on islamic matters or create doubt on most learned Mujtahids think twice and do proper study.
    In a recent message on moon sighting Grand ayatullah sistani said Every person must act according to the rules of his/her Marja-e-Taqleed as is the case with rulings on all other Fiqh issues on which Jurists differ. It is important to educate Mumineen to accept these differences and not allow these to be a source of discord and animosity between them.
    ws

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  29. very well said Voice Of The People. When I read the comment from Anonymous I was also preparing some solid and realistic answers but you have justified it very well.

    Anonymous .. I know that these are natural questions which can arise in any of common person’s mind but instead of getting harsh and taking out conclusions from your own, your duty is to seek the answers from ulemas. Every rulings of islam is based on some logic and when logic is not clear one should never pass any statement for anyone.

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  30. one request to all: Please don't use "Anonymous", use your name or nick so it is easier to answer all individuals.
    Thanks

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  31. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  32. Beautiful article, I truly liked it from depth of my heart and the comparison of welfare state and Islamic state is absolutely correct. It is our sins and lackings that we are not taking advantage from this pure and beautiful system.

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  33. Khums letay to hain, khums detay bhi hain kay apni jaibain bhartay hain

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