What it says about money in the Qur'an?

Question: For some reason I have been thinking about the issue of money and what has been written about it in the OT and NT. (I'm also curious what it says about money in the Qur'an.) ...I know the bible says the *love* of money is the root of all evil; then there is the story about the rich man and the camel and the eye of a needle. My question is: does the bible differentiate between those who have money and use it wisely, and those who have money and use it only to live lavishly? My money does not come from family, but from some fortunate financial decisions I made in my youth. I do not live lavishly; in fact I live decidedly below my means. I sure hope that the bible doesn't say that God will exclude all rich people from heaven. If that is so, I have a problem.

Answer: Very briefly, money/wealth is a means of trial. We are not encouraged to hoard money, rather it is seen as a societal economic tool which should stay in circulation for the benefit of all rather than in coffers to rot. We are advised that wealth is among the things of this world and will be left behind upon death. The best we can do is use it, and if we use it for good causes, we earn rewards which we carry with us to the Hereafter. We are encouraged to spend, whatever is left after fulfilling our needs, on the poor, the needy and in the way of God (helping the society and promoting the religion). As far as spending on the poor and needy is concerned, we are advised to first look to our immediate relatives, and then move out towards others. Thus, depending on whatever one’s financial status, one can help as many as possible. Most jurists agree that the recommended minimum amount of charity is 2.5% of our wealth (only after one is able to meet one’s basic needs) which is known as zakat, which must be distributed annually among those who need it. Quoting a relevant passage below:

Holy Quran Chapter 2 Verses 261- 284 Translation by M Pickthal
261 The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah's way is as the likeness of a grain which groweth seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah giveth increase manifold to whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.
262 Those who spend their wealth for the cause of Allah and afterward make not reproach and injury to follow that which they have spent; their reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them, neither shall they grieve.
263 A kind word with forgiveness is better than almsgiving followed by injury. Allah is Absolute, Clement.
264 O ye who believe! Render not vain your almsgiving by reproach and injury, like him who spendeth his wealth only to be seen of men and believeth not in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness is as the likeness of a rock whereon is dust of earth; a rainstorm smiteth it, leaving it smooth and bare. They have no control of aught of that which they have gained. Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk.
265 And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in search of Allah's pleasure, and for the strengthening of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not, then the shower. Allah is Seer of what ye do.
266 Would any of you like to have a garden of palm-trees and vines, with rivers flowing underneath it, with all kinds of fruit for him therein; and old age hath stricken him and he hath feeble offspring; and a fiery whirlwind striketh it and it is (all) consumed by fire. Thus Allah maketh plain His revelations unto you, in order that ye may give thought.
267 O ye who believe! Spend of the good things which ye have earned, and of that which We bring forth from the earth for you, and seek not the bad (with intent) to spend thereof (in charity) when ye would not take it for yourselves save with disdain; and know that Allah is Absolute, Owner of Praise.
268 The devil promiseth you destitution and enjoineth on you lewdness. But Allah promiseth you forgiveness from Himself with bounty. Allah is All-Embracing, All-knowing.
269 He giveth wisdom unto whom He will, and he unto whom wisdom is given, he truly hath received abundant good. But none remember except men of understanding.
270 Whatever alms ye spend or vow ye vow, lo! Allah knoweth it. Wrong-doers have no helpers.
271 If ye publish your almsgiving, it is well, but if ye hide it and give it to the poor, it will be better for you, and will atone for some of your ill-deeds. Allah is Informed of what ye do.
272 The guiding of them is not thy duty (O Muhammad), but Allah guideth whom He will. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, it is for yourselves, when ye spend not save in search of Allah's Countenance; and whatsoever good thing ye spend, it will be repaid to you in full, and ye will not be wronged.
273 (Alms are) for the poor who are straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land (for trade). The unthinking man accounteth them wealthy because of their restraint. Thou shalt know them by their mark: They do not beg of men with importunity. And whatsoever good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it.
274 Those who spend their wealth by night and day, by stealth and openly, verily their reward is with their Lord, and their shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.
275 Those who swallow usury cannot rise up save as he ariseth whom the devil hath prostrated by (his) touch. That is because they say: Trade is just like usury; whereas Allah permitteth trading and forbiddeth usury. He unto whom an admonition from his Lord cometh, and (he) refraineth (in obedience thereto), he shall keep (the profits of) that which is past, and his affair (henceforth) is with Allah. As for him who returneth (to usury) - Such are rightful owners of the Fire. They will abide therein.
276 Allah hath blighted usury and made almsgiving fruitful. Allah loveth not the impious and guilty.
277 Lo! those who believe and do good works and establish worship and pay the poor-due, their reward is with their Lord and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve. 278 O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah, and give up what remaineth (due to you) from usury, if ye are (in truth) believers.
279 And if ye do not, then be warned of war (against you) from Allah and His messenger. And if ye repent, then ye have your principal (without interest). Wrong not, and ye shall not be wronged.
280 And if the debtor is in straitened circumstances, then (let there be) postponement to (the time of) ease; and that ye remit the debt as almsgiving would be better for you if ye did but know.
281 And guard yourselves against a day in which ye will be brought back to Allah. Then every soul will be paid in full that which it hath earned, and they will not be wronged.
282 O ye who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing. Let a scribe record it in writing between you in (terms of) equity. No scribe should refuse to write as Allah hath taught him, so let him write, and let him who incurreth the debt dictate, and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord, and diminish naught thereof. But if he who oweth the debt is of low understanding, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, then let the guardian of his interests dictate in (terms of) equity. And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses, so that if the one erreth (through forgetfulness) the other will remember. And the witnesses must not refuse when they are summoned. Be not averse to writing down (the contract) whether it be small or great, with (record of) the term thereof. That is more equitable in the sight of Allah and more sure for testimony, and the best way of avoiding doubt between you; save only in the case when it is actual merchandise which ye transfer among yourselves from hand to hand. In that case it is no sin for you if ye write it not. And have witnesses when ye sell one to another, and let no harm be done to scribe or witness. If ye do (harm to them) lo! it is a sin in you. Observe your duty to Allah. Allah is teaching you. And Allah is knower of all things.
283 If ye be on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge in hand (shall suffice). And if one of you entrusteth to another let him who is trusted deliver up that which is entrusted to him (according to the pact between them) and let him observe his duty to Allah his Lord. Hide not testimony. He who hideth it, verily his heart is sinful. Allah is Aware of what ye do.
284 Unto Allah (belongeth) whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth; and whether ye make known what is in your minds or hide it, Allah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and He will punish whom He will. Allah is Able to do all things.

The last two verses of this chapter which follow the above injunctions are beautiful:
Holy Quran Chapter 2 Verse 285-286 Translation by A Yusuf Ali
285 The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His books, and His apostles. "We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His apostles." And they say: "We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys."
286 On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) "Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden Like that which Thou didst lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. Thou art our Protector; Help us against those who stand against faith."

God, Quran, love and good deeds.....

According to my understanding of Islam, as is in the Quran, all those who believe in the Unity of the One and Only Creator, worship Him alone, do good deeds and live a good honest life, and bear with patience whatever trials life brings their way, take care of those around them especially the poor, needy and orphans, and do all this not to be seen of ( and rewarded/applauded by) men, but for the love of God, have nothing to fear, as Allah is Most Just, Most Merciful, Ever Loving, and nobody will suffer any injustice in the least.
Also, Allah invites all humans again and again to guidance and truth, and offers forgiveness for all things past, if a person willingly comes to truth, and solemnly resolves to give up all sinful deeds and live a just and faithful life. In fact, the doors of repentance are open till before the time a person sees the angel of death/ knows that his/her time is up….. as then it is too late……. We are required to realize the Oneness of the Only Creator/Sustainer through the signs (and science) all around us. We are supposed to reflect and wonder and arrive at the conclusion ourselves that all this around us is not mere chance, that there must be a Creator and all this is His creation, and that it stands to reason that there can be no more than One Creator.
Allah has sent prophets and books for guidance to mankind throughout the ages. Muhammad was the last messenger, and the Holy Quran the final revelation, which Allah has thus taken it upon Himself to protect it from changes, as no more revelations are to be sent. As this is a divine book, and we humans would wonder whether this actually is the very word of God, Allah has kept multiple layers of miracles in it to appeal to all ages and all intellects. It appeals to the morality of our very conscience, and seems to speak the same language. It focuses on the rights of individuals and relations, and strives to create a socially just and vibrant society, where justice, compassion and peace are the order of the day. It exhorts it readers to wonder, look around, explore all things around, and gives such exact descriptions of certain scientific phenomenon that one wonders just how could anybody except God Himself author such a perfect account of everything. Historically, it narrates the accounts of the prophets and the peoples of the past in terms so precise and to-the-point, without unnecessarily romanticising, unlike any such description found in any other book. It foretells certain facts which have turned out to be true. It is mathematically guarded such that not a single alphabet of the Arabic text can be deleted or altered. And to those who’ve read it before, reading again and again reveals layers upon layers of meaning, spiritually raising the reader to higher dimensions of understanding and faith.
To know that God is, and to love Him and obey Him, as He deserves to be loved and obeyed, for to Him we owe all thanks, for the gift of life and all else, and to Him is our final return.

Infinite punishment for a finite act??

Question: ....And yet, I think there is also a thing called wrong, that all of us can and have committed, myself included. There is no way that a finite creature can perform a finite act that merits infinite punishment, .... But punishment of some kind, yeah I can see it.....I just can't see it as eternal, or as hinging on whether or not one believes in Jesus as God and the only way to know God. Even Catholics, rigid as they are, don't believe that. It strikes me as pure crap.

Answer: It is the seriousness of the crime, not the length of it. For example, a person commits murder at but a point in time, but it is the seriousness which earns him the death sentence or life imprisonment.
Now, if the after-life is to be infinite, I figure the sentences there will also be infinite in nature as but a consequence of the very nature of infinite life. After all, if every moment of this life is a trial for the after-life, then every action is such that it matters an eternity. I guess its difficult for us to comprehend/ come to terms with this concept, bound as we are in this capsule of earth/space/time. To re-state my favourite analogy, a lot of what lies in the future career of a person depends on how well he/she takes his/her high school/college/university exam…. the exam is but for a few hours, but a lifetime depends upon it!

Miracles, special experiences and thin places

In response to someone who has given up on existing religions, and is looking for a special experience:

We experience God daily, in the miracle we call life, all around and within us!
As far as personal special experiences are concerned, they are just that………. moments far too precious to put up for scrutiny and threadbare analysis. Thin places, mystical experiences, dreams and visions, these are to be experienced and felt….. a special blessing to those who receive it. They cannot be adequately put in words, appropriately explained or discussed, and cannot be employed for the task of convincing others of the truth of the matter. Prophets and messengers bygone experienced and spoke of such encounters, performed miracles for the people…… how many actually believed or converted to that? People who are drawn to faith will profess faith in the absence of any miracle, and those who doubt will continue to find excuses such as magic or hallucination or something similar to write off such things. We can discuss facts and ideas, but discussing an experience… I don’t see the point of that.

Common Word between People of the Book

I quoted this verse in a forum, which generated the following exchange:
Holy Quran 3:64 Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah. that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (atleast) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will) ."

Question: "O People of the Book! Come to the common Word (Kalimah) between you and us." (Quran 3:64)
"Behold! The angels said: "O Mary! Allah gives you glad tiding of His Word(Kalimah). His name will be Jesus son of Mary, the Messiah, held in honor in this world and the hereafter and one of those nearest to Allah." (Quran3:45)
Is there any relationship between the two verses above? Can we say theKalimah (The Holy Quran or Jesus Christ) is the instrument and the means with which the One has revealed Himself to all of us? Can someone believe in the Oneness of Allah, yet deny his Word?

Answer: As you know, Arabic is a complex language where the same word can mean differently in different contexts, especially when one attempts to translate it in another language. The verse I quoted (3:64), uses the word kalimah.Now what R is referring to (3:45) is another use of the same word, and is trying to draw some sort of parallel. But the fact is that throughout theQuran, Allah has repeatedly told us that:

• When He wills something, He just says Be and it becomes (that is all is needed is just a word or Divine Will).
• Allah willed Jesus without a father, and thus he was conceived and born, and that his creation is similar to the creation of Adam. Adam was without parents, Jesus was without father.
• We are reminded that Jesus was a messenger, he came to confirm that which was already with the Jews, that is The Torah, he reconfirmed the Laws and taught their wisdom to his people(I think there is a verse in the Bible to that effect, where Jesus is reported to have said that he has come to confirm the law, not to do away with it).
• Prophet Muhammad was sent as the final messenger to mankind. He came to reconfirm the message brought by all the prophets who preceded him. As the original message was from the same creator, thus the same, he was sent to remove all the man-made changes, and restore it to its pristine beauty.
• Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad as the guidance for mankind and preserved by Allah such that no alphabet or word has been changed since it was revealed.
• 3:64 is self explanatory as the common word/terms are defined in detail
  Holy Quran 3:64 Say: "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah. that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than Allah." If then they turn back, say ye: "Bear witness that we (atleast) are Muslims (bowing to Allah's Will) ."
• As Muslims, we are required to associate NO partners with Allah, thus even though we have a very high regard for Jesus and his mission, believing that he was a human is an article of faith, since we believe that the Holy Quran is the unadulterated, untampered word of Allah, and we cannot pick and choose what we believe in.
• Furthermore, in the Quran, Allah tells us that there is no confusion/doubt in it. Thus, if we are not sure about the correct interpretation of some verse/word, we put together the various verses throughout the Quran to get the larger picture, and then it usually is self-explanatory

Some verses about Jesus:

• 2:87 And verily We gave unto Moses the Scripture and We caused a train of messengers to follow after him, and We gave unto Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's sovereignty), and We supported him with the Holy spirit. Is it ever so, that, when there cometh unto you a messenger (from Allah) with that which ye yourselves desire not, ye grow arrogant, and some ye disbelieve andsome ye slay?
• 2:136 Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and untoHim we have surrendered.
• 2:253 Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spake, while some of them He exalted (above others) in degree; and We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty) and We supported him with the holy Spirit. And if Allah had sowiled it, those who followed after them would not have fought one with anotherafter the clear proofs had come unto them. But they differed, some of them believing and some disbelieving. And if Allah had so willed it, they would not have fought one with another; but Allah doeth what He will.
• 3:45 (And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).
• 3:59 Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.
• 4:171 O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word which He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not "Three" - Cease!(it is) better for you! - Allah is only One Allah. Far is it removed from HisTranscendent Majesty that He should have a son. His is all that is in theheavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is sufficient as Defender.
• 5:46 And We caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in their footsteps, confirming that which was (revealed) before him in the Torah, and We bestowed on him theGospel wherein is guidance and a light, confirming that which was (revealed)before it in the Torah - a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off(evil).
• 5:116 And when Allah saith: O Jesus, son of Mary! Didst thou say unto mankind: Take me and my mother for two gods beside Allah? he saith: Be glorified! It was not mine to utter that to which I had no right. If I used to say it, then Thou knewest it. Thou knowest what is in my mind, and I know not what is in Thy Mind. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Knower of Things Hidden
• 61:6 And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic.

http://www.searchtruth.com/ translator:Picthall


Update [June 19, 2019]
Please read Virgin Birth and Human: Body or Soul? for a better explanation of the what was given to Mary.