Obamination: Eid-Mubarak

President Barack Hussein Obama issued this statement September 19 '09.

"As Muslims in the United States and around the world complete the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, Michelle and I would like to extend our personal greetings on this joyous occasion. Eid is a time to celebrate the completion of 30 days and nights of devotion. But even on this festive occasion, Muslims remember those less fortunate, including those impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease. Throughout the month, Muslim communities collect and distribute zakat-ul-fitr so that all Muslims are able to participate in this day of celebration. As I said in Cairo, my Administration is working to ensure that Muslims are able to fulfill their charitable obligations not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year. On behalf of the American people, we congratulate Muslims in the United States and around the world on this blessed day. Eid Mubarak."

One sentence stands out from the rest.

As I said in Cairo, my Administration is working to ensure that Muslims are able to fulfill their charitable obligations not just during Ramadan, but throughout the year.

What are their 'charitable obligations'? Book H, Chapter 8 of Reliance of the Traveller lists eight categories of Zakat recipients. H8.17 lists the seventh category.

H8.17: Those Fighting for Allah

The seventh category is those fighting for Allah, meaning people engaged in Islamic military operations for whom no salary has been allotted in the army roster (O: but who are volunteers for jihad without remuneration). They are given enough to suffice them for the operation, even if affluent; of weapons, mounts, clothing, and expenses (O: for the duration of the journey, round trip, and the time they spend there, even if prolonged. Though nothing has been mentioned here of the expense involved in supporting such people's families during this period, it seems clear that they should also be given it).

How is the Zakat allocated?

H8.7: The Eight Categories of Recipients

It is obligatory to distribute one's zakat among eight categories of recipients (O: meaning that zakat goes to none besides them), one-eighth of the zakat to each category. (n: In the Hanafi school, it is valid for the giver to distribute his zakat to all of the categories, some of them, or to confine himself to just one of them (al-Lubab fi sharh al-Kitab(y88), 1.155). )

So the terrorists and their dependents would receive a one eighth share of the total Zakat.

What is due? Zakat is a complex subject, I will confine this to one issue: earned income.

H4.2

The zakat-payable minimum for gold is 84.7 grams, on which 2.1175 grams (2.5 percent) is due. The zakat-payable minimum for silver is 592-9 grams, on which 1408225 grams (2.5 percent) is due. There is no zakat on less that this.

(N: One must pay zakat (n: 2.5 percent) on all money that has been saved for a year if it equals at least the market value of 592.9 grams of silver (n:that is current during the year). While there is a considerable difference between the value of the gold zakat minimum and the silver zakat minimum, the minimum for monetary currency should correspond to that of silver, since it is better for the poor.)

• Assume a silver price of $17.00 per ounce.
• 1oz = 28.3495231 gm.
• 592.9 gm = 20.91 ounces [Rounded for display, not for calculation.]
• 20.91*17 = $355.54

A Muslim who saved more than $355.54 would pay 2.5% of the savings exceeding that minimum.

Here is the report of one organization.

2008 Annual Report (PDF)

Zakat Foundation raised $2,052,038 in 2008 and dedicated 87% to our programs, 5% to management, and 2% towards fund raising.

That represents a potential provision of $51,300.95 for terrorism from one organization in one year. Why; what did Allah's Messenger say about this subject?

Sunan Abu Dawud Book 14, Number 2497:

Narrated AbuUmamah:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: He who does not join the warlike expedition (jihad), or equip, or looks well after a warrior's family when he is away, will be smitten by Allah with a sudden calamity. Yazid ibn Abdu Rabbihi said in his tradition: 'before the Day of Resurrection.

Sunan Abu Dawud Book 14, Number 2520:

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As:

The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: The warrior gets his reward, and the one who equips him gets his own reward and that of the warrior.

Sahih Muslim Book 020, Number 4668:

It has been narrated on the authority of Zaid b. Kbalid al-Juhani that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Anybody who equips a warrior (going to fight) in the way of Allah (is like one who actually) fights. And anybody who looks well after his family in his absence (is also like one who actually) fights.