MUHAMMAD’S TEACHINGS TO MANKIND
“ The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, sent a man from the family of Makhzūm to collect the alms (2). The man said to Abū-Rāfi', "Accompany me so that you can get a share of the alms (3)." But Abu-Rāfi' replied, "Not until I consult the Messenger of God, peace and blessings of God be upon him." Abū-Rāfi' then set off to ask the Prophet who replied, "Indeed, charity is not permissible for us; and certainly people's manumitted slaves are [considered] members of their household (4)". Footnotes: (1) Abu-Rāfi' al-Qibṭī was a manumitted slave living within the household of the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him. (2) (Prescribed almsgiving): Zakāt is one of the five pillars of Islām; a sum equivalent to 2.5% of a Muslim's wealth exceeding a determined threshold, which is stored over one year, is paid annually for the benefit of the needy. (3) People employed to collect, store and distribute alms money are entitled to a share of the alms. (4) Since Abū-Rāfi' was the freed slave of the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, and he lived in his house, he was considered a member of the Prophet's family. ”
