A Story

The Khalifah,Umar bin Abdul Aziz Rahimahullah ordered the following proclamation to be sent to all cities in his dominion:

“All praise be to Allah,and we pray to Him to grant His choicest Blessings to Rasulullah Sal’am.The aim of sending this proclamation is to remind you that these earth-quakes are signs of the Wrath of Allah,the Most High.I have written to the people of every city(in the Chaliphate)that they should gather in open grounds outside,on specified dates and places and pray to Almighty Allah in all humility.It is also desired that those in possession of sufficient money should give it in charity to the poor.Allah Most High says:

“He is successful,who purifies himself(or pays the poor-tax)(Allamah Thanwi’s note:To some interpreters of the holy Quran,the word “tazakka” is derived from “zakat” meaning the poor-tax.Obviously Umar bin Abdul Aziz Rahimahullah entertained the same view).And remembers the Lord and prays”(Al-A’la:14-15)

I advise you to submit to Allah as Adam as. did saying:

“Our Lord,we have wronged ourselves.If Thou forgive us not and have not mercy upon us,surely we are among the lost”(Al-A’raaf:23)

As Nooh as. said:

“Unless Thou forgive me and have mercy upon me,I shall be among the lost”(Hud:47)

And as Yunus as. said:

“There is no Allah save Thee,Be Thou glorified!Lo!I have been a wrong-doer”(Al-Anbiya:87)

(Taken From Jazaa Ul A’maal By maulana Asyraf Ali Thanwi Rahimahullah)