The Ten Commandments of computer ethics

Have been defined by the Computer Ethics Institute.



Here is our interpretation of them:



1) Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people: If it is unethical to harm people by making a bomb, for example, it is equally bad to write a program that handles the timing of the bomb. Or, to put it more simply, if it is bad to steal and destroy other people’s books and notebooks, it is equally bad to access and destroy their files.


2) Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work: Computer viruses are small programs that disrupt other people’s computer work by destroying their files, taking huge amounts of computer time or memory, or by simply displaying annoying messages. Generating and consciously spreading computer viruses is unethical.


3) Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's files: Reading other people’s e-mail messages is as bad as opening and reading their letters: This is invading their privacy. Obtaining other people’s non-public files should be judged the same way as breaking into their rooms and stealing their documents. Text documents on the Internet may be protected by encryption.


4) Thou shalt not use a computer to steal: Using a computer to break into the accounts of a company or a bank and transferring money should be judged the same way as robbery. It is illegal and there are strict laws against it.


5) Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness: The Internet can spread untruth as fast as it can spread truth. Putting out false "information" to the world is bad. For instance, spreading false rumors about a person or false propaganda about historical events is wrong.


6) Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid: Software is an intellectual product. In that way, it is like a book: Obtaining illegal copies of copyrighted software is as bad as photocopying a copyrighted book. There are laws against both. Information about the copyright owner can be embedded by a process called watermarking into pictures in the digital format.


7) Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization: Multiuser systems use user id’s and passwords to enforce their memory and time allocations, and to safeguard information. You should not try to bypass this authorization system. Hacking a system to break and bypass the authorization is unethical.


8) Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output: For example, the programs you write for the projects assigned in this course are your own intellectual output. Copying somebody else’s program without proper authorization is software piracy and is unethical. Intellectual property is a form of ownership, and may be protected by copyright laws.


9) Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write: You have to think about computer issues in a more general social framework: Can the program you write be used in a way that is harmful to society? For example, if you are working for an animation house, and are producing animated films for children, you are responsible for their contents. Do the animations include scenes that can be harmful to children? In the United States, the Communications Decency Act was an attempt by lawmakers to ban certain types of content from Internet websites to protect young children from harmful material. That law was struck down because it violated the free speech principles in that country's constitution. The discussion, of course, is going on.


10) Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect: Just like public buses or banks, people using computer communications systems may find themselves in situations where there is some form of queuing and you have to wait for your turn and generally be nice to other people in the environment. The fact that you cannot see the people you are interacting with does not mean that you can be rude to them.




Source: http://computerethicsinstitute.org/

Laylatul Qadr

In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

 

- - - THE ORIGIN - - -

Regarding this night, in a Hadith reported by Anas (Radiallaho Anho) Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said Laylatul Qadr was granted to my Ummah and not to any other Ummah before this .

Regarding the reason for the granting of Laylatul Qadr, various reasons are mentioned. One reason, according to some Ahadith is given thus: Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) used to look at the longer lives of the earlier people and was saddened when pondering over the much shorter lives of his own Ummah. If His Ummah had wished to compete with the people before them in the doing of righteous deeds, because of their shorter lives it would be impossible for them to either emulate or surpass them. To compensate for this difference in their life span, Allah in His infinite mercy granted them with this night of great blessing.

This means that if any fortunate one of this Ummah spends 1 such night in the worship of his maker, he would have gained the reward for Ibaadah of 1000 nights (approx 83 years and 4 months).


Still another report states that our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) once mentioned the names of the four most pious people from among the Bani Israel who each spent eighty years in Allahs sincere service, worshipping Him, and not sinning in the least. They were Nabi Ayyub (Alaihi Salaam),Zakariyya (Alaihi Salaam), Hizqeel (Alaihi Salaam) and Yushaa (Alaihi Salaam). The Sahabahs heard this with astonishment. The Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) appeared and recited Surah Qadr, wherein the blessings of this night was revealed.

1. All Sins Forgiven on Worshipping during this Night

Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anhu) reports (Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said, Whoever stands in prayer and Ibaadah on the night of Power with sincere faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, his previous sins are forgiven (Targheeb from Bukhari and Muslim)

COMMENTARY
In the above Hadith "standing" refers to Salaah as well as any other form of Ibaadah, as for example Zikr, Tilaawah etc. The phrase ...with sincere hope of gaining reward means that one should be sincerely occupied with Ibaadah solely for the pleasure of Allah and to receive reward from Him. This should not be done for others to see, or to deceive them.

It will be noted that the Hadith speaks about previous sins being forgiven. The Ulama have said that this forgiveness are mentioned in the Hadith above and other Ahadith, refers only to minor sins. Major sins can only be forgiven, according to the Quran after sincere repentance, with the vow and promise never to return to such sins again. This is the reason why the Ulama are unanimous that major sins are not forgiven except by sincere repentance. Hence, whenever, forgiveness of sins mentioned in the Ahadith the Ulama specify it to be minor sins.

2. To be deprived of Laylatul Qadr is to be deprived of all Good

Anas (Radiallaho Anho) reports : "Once when Ramadhan began, the Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "A month has verily come upon you, wherein lies a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses such a night has indeed been deprived of all that is good and none is deprived of it, except he who is really unfortunate."

Note: Who can have any doubt as to the misfortune of the person who is either deprived or deprives himself of the great good of Laylatul Qadr ? There are those who, during their service and terms of employment, have to stay awake by night throughout the year. How easy should it be for the sake of gaining the reward of over eighty years of worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to stay awake for one night in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's service?

Because of lack of interest there is no desire in the heart. If that were present then even a thousand nights in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) would become exceedingly easy. It is this urge and desire that we must create. Our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) had been promised time and again that he had nothing to fear in the Akhirah and had been given good news as to his exalted position. Yet night after night he was seen in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) so much so that his feet would became swollen.






3. Descent of the Angels

Anas (Radiallaho Anho) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "On Laylatul Qadr, the Angel Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) descends upon the earth with a group of Angels making Dua for blessings for every servant of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) whom they see in worship, standing or sitting and engrossed in Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's praise. Then on the day of Eid , Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) boasts about them to the Angels (who had been critical at the time of Adam ( Alaihi Salaam) 's creation), 'O My Angels, what is the reward of that worker who had done his job very well?' The reply: 'O our Sustainer, his reward should be given to him in full.' To this Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) replies, O' My Angels, verily My servants, the males among them as well as females, have today duly performed their obligatory duty, thereafter they set forth to place for Eid Salaah raising their voices in Dua to Me. I swear by My Honor, by My Grandeur, by My Grace and by My Exalted Position, that I shall surely answer the Dua 's of these people. 'Thereafter, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) addresses the people: 'Go forth, I have forgiven your sins and have replaced your evil deeds with righteous ones.' These people then return from the place for Eid Salaah in such a condition that their sins stand forgiven."



It is reported that Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam, after his descent, commands the Angels to go to the house of everyone busy with worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and greet him by shaking his hands. There upon the Angels spread forth, visiting every House, whether large or small, whether in the Jungle or on a ship, wherein a believer lives to shake his hands.

However, certain houses are not entered: The house wherein a dog of a pig is found, the house wherein there is someone who has committed adultery and is still unclean because he has not even taken a bath after it and the house wherein pictures (images) of men and animals are displayed.

How unfortunate that Muslims houses should be deprived of the blessed entry of Angels simply because there are pictures of men and animals being displayed, solely for the sake of decoration.

A single picture may have been hung by some member of the Household, as a result of which the complete household is deprived of these blessings.

4. When to look for Laylatul Qadr?

Aisha (Radiallaho Anha) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said "Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan".

Note: According to the great majority of the religious scholars, the last ten nights commence on the 21st night. Such is the case whether the month of Ramadhan consists of 29 days or 30. S0, one should seek Laylatul Qadr on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th night.





5. Precise Knowledge of Laylatul Qadr was taken away

'Ubaadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) said "Once the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) came out to inform us of the (correct date of) Laylatul Qadr. Unfortunately, a quarrel took place between two Muslims, whereupon He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said 'I came out to inform you as to when Laylatul Qadr occurs, but because two people quarreled with each other, the knowledge of the correct date was taken away. Perhaps that is better for you. So, seek it among the ninth, seventh and fifth nights.'"

Note: Three important points are referred to in this Hadith. Firstly it tells us of a quarrel, as a result of which the knowledge of the precise night of Laylatul Qadr was lost to us. Arguments and quarrels are always the cause of loss of blessings.

Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) inquired of the Sahabah: "Shall I inform you of an action that is better than Salaah, fasting and charity?" The Sahabah replied: "Certainly." Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) then said" "Maintain peaceful and good relations amongst yourselves, for verily quarrels among yourselves destroy (shave off) faith," i.e. just as a razor shaves off the hair, so does quarrelling affect the Deen.




Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said that he who severs relations with a brother Muslim for more than three days and dies in this state, will go straight to Jahannam. In another Hadith, it is stated that on every Monday and Thursday, the actions of human beings are brought before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). Then through His mercy (as a result of certain good deeds), forgiveness is granted, except to the idolaters and those who set up equals to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), However, regarding those two people between whom a quarrel has taken place, friendship having been cut off, it shall be said, "Leave their affair in suspense until such time as they become reconciled."

Another Hadith states that, when actions are produced before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) every Monday and Thursday, repentance is accepted from those who repent and forgiveness is granted to those who seek pardon. As for those who had arguments (with each other) they are left as they were.






6. Signs of Laylatul Qadr
' Ubadah Ibn Saamit (Radiallaho Anho) reports that he asked Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) about Laylatul Qadr, He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied "It is in Ramadhan, during the last ten days on the unevenly numbered nights, either 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or the last night of Ramadhan. Whosoever stands in worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Among the signs of this night is that it is a serene, quiet, shining night, neither hot, nor cold but temperate as if a moon is shining clear and no meteors are shot at the Shayateen on that night. It lasts until the break of the dawn. Another sign is that at morn, the sun rises without any radiant beams of light, appearing rather like the moon in its fullness. On that day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) prohibits the Shayateen from rising up with the sun."

7. What One should make Dua for in Laylatul Qadr

Aisha (Radiallaho Anho) reports "I said 'O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) , should I find myself the Laylatul Qadr, what shall I ask of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) ? Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied, 'Say, "O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, You loves to pardon, so pardon me.""

source: http://www.marrymecity.com/lailatulqadr.htm

Be Proud of Our Effort

bangga, kepada diri kita atas apa yang kita lakukan...
bangga, atas apa yang kita dapatkan, dengan jerih payah kita sendiri...
bangga, dengan apa yang kita hasilkan, walaupun sedikit...

I love to be Me...
I Proud to be My Self...

19 Points about last 10 nights of Ramadan

In the Name of Allah, the Most

Gracious, the Most Merciful...

**1- Name of this night is: AL-Qadr (the decree).

After all what we knew about this night,Can we miss this night? Can we be lazy during the last 10 nights?

**2- when this night? At month called Ramadan..at the last 10 nights(it is one among them)

**3- which night among the last 10 nights of this month?..it is hidden (no one know when exactly…and each year it comes different …but prophet of God told us it comes at(the 21st night..or 23 or 25 or 26 or 29^th night)..and scholars said it is not stable night(i.e: may be this year it is at the 21st night but the next year it comes a the 27^th night etc)

 **4- the creator(Allah)(God) informs that He sent the holy Qur'an(the book of Islam religion) down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which

The creator(Allah)(God) says:(We sent the Holy Qur'an down on a blessed night.) (44:3)

 This is the Night of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan.

**5- The creator(Allah) says(The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the  Qur'an.) (2:185)

**6- Companions have said : "the creator(Allah)(God) sent the holy Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.''

**7- Imam Ahmad (one of the biggest scholars) recorded that Abu Hurayrah (one of prophet companions) said:"When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say:

(Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)''

**8-the Messenger of Allah said:

 (Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and expecting reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins.)

**9- the angels descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend when the Qur'an is recited, they surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge.

**10- "this night is security in which Devil cannot do any evil or any harm.

**11- The matters are

 determined during this night, and the times of death and provisions are measured out (i.e., decided) during it.''

**12- The creator says:(Therein is decreed every matter of decree.) (44:4)

**13-The angels giving the greetings of peace during the Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the mosque until the coming of Fajr (dawn).'''

**14- at this night (There is peace.) "This means all of it is good and there is no evil in it until the coming of Fajr (dawn).''

**15- what are signals of this night??....the Messenger of Allah said: (The Night of Al-Qadr occurs during the last ten (nights). Whoever stands for them (in prayer) seeking their reward, then indeed Allah will forgive his previous sins and his latter sins. It is an odd night: the ninth, or the seventh, or the fifth, or the third or the last night (of Ramadan).

**16- The Messenger of Allah also said,

 (Verily, the sign of the Night of Al-Qadr is that it is pure and glowing as if there were a bright, tranquil, calm moon during it. It is not cold, nor is it hot, and no shooting star is permitted until morning. Its sign is that the sun appears on the morning following it smooth having no rays on it, just like the moon on a full moon night.

**17- (Seek it in Ramadan in the last ten nights. For verily, it is during the odd nights, the twenty-first, or the twenty-third, or the twenty-fifth, or the twenty-seventh, or the twenty-ninth, or during the last night.)

 **18-the Messenger of Allah said about the Night of Al-Qadr,

 the angels who are on the earth during that night are more numerous than the number of pebbles.

                                                       19what the creator said about this night ?  in the holy Quran book?

God said:

The creator says:(1. Verily, We have sent the holy Quran down in the Night of Al-Qadr.) (2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is) (3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) (4. Therein descend the angels and Jibril  by their Lord's permission with every matter.) (5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.)

Please Don't stop Loving Egypt

------------------------------------------------
By Dr.Hesham ElTayeb
------------------------------------------------

Egypt - a country in which you can not just plunge into the grand millennial history and mystery, but also get a lot of wonderful impressions of an unforgettable vacation. How? Each defines for himself. After all, Egypt is rich not only in their sights and antiquities. Tourists can choose from a large abundance of entertainment. Beach vacation, diving, go-carting, horse riding and camel riding, jeep tours in the desert, visits to museums, golf courses, the famous Egyptian shopping, restaurants, water rides. All this can be found in this ancient country. As the Seven Wonders of Egypt: the Nile, Red Sea, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, the temples at Abu Simbel, the ancient culture of the pharaohs and the Bedouins.



1) Tourists on horses and camels, visiting the historical monument - the pyramids of Giza , located not far from Cairo . The pyramids are the only one of the ancient seven wonders of the world that has survived to this day. In addition, they entered the list of new seven world wonders, drawn up in 2008.





2) The Sphinx of Giza - a huge figure of the creature with the body of a lion and a human head is located on the west bank of the Nile near Cairo . The picture in the background we see the pyramid of Khufu. The Great Sphinx -is the biggest stone statue on the ground. Believed that it was created ancient Egyptians in the third millennium BC, between approximately 2520 and 2494 years. BC






3) Attraction of Cairo - the ensemble of the mosque-madras of Sultan Hassan. The mosque was built between 1356 and 1363 years. AD during the reign of the Memlukes. It is believed that the stones for its construction were taken from one of the great pyramids of Giza .


Mohamed Ali mosque is located in the citadel of Cairo and was built on his order between 1830 and 1848. This mosque has become the largest mosque built in the middle of the first 19. It was erected in honor of Toson, son of Mohammed Ali Pasha, who died in 1816.




5) The Egyptian Museum , located in Cairo , which contains the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.





6) The golfer who plays on the field for the game of golf at the hotel «Oberoi House», overlooking the pyramids of Giza .





7) Khan al-Khalili is considered the biggest shopping area in Cairo .





8) Pyramid Meyduma located on the edge of the desert 70 kilometers south of Cairo and is the first Egyptian pyramid with aboveground burial. Ancient Egyptians believed that the higher the buried person, the closer he becomes to the god of the sun. At the foot of the huge building covered with crumbling stones.





9) Fortress Kait bay the 15th century building is situated on the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria .





10) The famous Alexandrian science library - top beauty and splendor.





11) The steamer " Sudan " sails on the Nile River in the direction of the Egyptian city of Aswan .





12) Hotel «The Old Cataract» (old threshold) in the city of Aswan situated on a hilltop, so the windows overlook the River Nile.





13) Temple of Horus in Edfu second largest temple in Egypt after the Temple of Karnack , and one of the best preserved. This temple is dedicated to mountain - God with the head of a falcon.




14) Tourists visiting the columns, decorated with hieroglyphs in Karnack temple in Luxor . Few sights can compare with the Egyptian Karnack complex in the greatness of columns, obelisks, setae and decorated stones.





15) The walls of the Temple of Karnack in Luxor decorated with images of the pharaohs. During the 40 years the temple complex has been studied and restored the Franco-Egyptian team of archaeologists.





16) Tourists visiting the Colossi of Mammon - two huge stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.






17) Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, in Luxor, built of limestone. She became a 5-m pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt and the rules for longer than any other woman of the Egyptian dynasties.






18) Temple of Abu Simbel was erected 20 years: from 1244 to 1224 years. BC Temple made by UNESCO's World Heritage List, is part of the Monuments of Nubia, which run from Abu Simbel to fillet (near Aswan ).




19) According to UNESCO, the monastery of St. Catherine is the oldest active Christian monastery in the world.




20) Tourist climbed on a huge limestone, formed as a result of sandstorms in the white desert, Egypt .





21) Camels on the Red Sea on the beach Canyon in Dahab. Camel Safari - one of the most popular attractions in Southern Sinai .





22) In the Red Sea is home to over a thousand species of invertebrates and 200 different species of corals, in addition, it is the most northern tropical sea. Red Sea - a popular place for divers and lovers of swimming Snorkeling.





23) Tourists relax on the terrace on the street . It is considered the main street of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Zakat

In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate

"May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"

Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.


Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah
As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu



Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam.

It has been mentioned, along with daily Prayers (Salaat / Namaz), over seventy times in the Quran.

Allahs word commanding ".....and establish regular Salaat and GIVE regular Zakat....." are referred to in many parts of the Quran.


From this we can conclude that after Salaat, Zakat is the most important act in Islam.

Just as Salaat is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily, so is Zakat the main act of worship which has to be performed monetarily. Those who fulfill this duty have been promised abundant reward in this world and hereafter.


Whoever evades Zakat has been sternly warned in the Quran and Hadith of the consequences.

Linguistically, ZAKAT has two meanings: purification and growth. Technically, it means to purify ones possession of wealth by distributing a prescribed amount to the poor, the indigent, the slaves or captives, and the wayfarer.


There are many major benefits of giving Zakat:

It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such it is to be spent according to the His commands.
Zakat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.
Zakat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgment of gratitude. The receiver of Zakat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.
Economically, Zakat is the best check against hoarding. Those who do not invest their wealth but prefer to save or hoard it would see their wealth dwindling year after year at the rate of the payable Zakat. This helps increase production and stimulates supply because it is a redistribution of income that enhances the demand by putting more real purchasing power in the hands of poor.



Zakat is obligatory upon a person if :

He or she is an adult, sane, free and Muslim.
He/she must possess wealth in excess of specified minimum (Nisaab) excluding his or her personal needs (clothing, household furniture, utensils, cars etc. are termed article of personal needs).
It should be possessed for a complete lunar year.
It should be of productive nature from which one can derive profit or benefit such as merchandise for business, gold, silver, livestock etc.



The amount of wealth which makes one liable for Zakat is called Nisaab.


Gold 87.48 Gram 7.50Tolas 1350Grains 2.8125Troy Oz.
Silver 612.36Gram 52.50Tolas 9450Grains and 19.6875 Troy Oz.


Nisaab of cash, stock or bonds, other cash assets is the equivalent amount of Gold or Silver. Nisaab is calculated by adding up the cash value of all the assets such as gold, silver, currency etc. and if it is equal TO or in excess of the minimum Nisaab as specified in the above table, the Zakat is due at the rate of 2.5%.


The payment of Zakat is compulsory on the excess wealth or effects which is equal to or exceeds the value of Nisaab, and which is possessed for a full Islamic year. If such wealth decreases during the course of the year and increases again to the value of Nisaab before the end of the year, the Zakat then must be calculated on the full amount that is possessed at the end of the year.




TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS IMPOSED:

Gold and silver, in any form.
Cash, bank notes, stocks, bonds etc.
Merchandise for business, equal to the value of Nisaab.
Live stock.
On income derived from rental business.



DISTRIBUTION OF ZAKAT:

Zakat should be given as soon as possible after it becomes due.
All of the Zakat can be given to one person or to several persons.
A poor man cannot be paid for his work from Zakat nor can Zakat be given in payment of services, except to the people appointed by the Islamic government to collect Zakat.
Zakat will only be valid if the recipient is made the owner of that amount. If, for example, a few needy persons are fed a meal from Zakat money, then Zakat will not be fulfilled as they were not made owners of the food.
Zakat cannot be given for the construction of Masjid, Madrasah, Hospital, a well, a bridge or any other public amenity.
Zakat can be paid in kind from the same merchandise on which it is due, or alternatively, it could be paid in cash.




TYPES OF WEALTH ON WHICH ZAKAT IS NOT IMPOSED:

On any metals other than gold or silver.
Fixtures and fittings of a shop, car, trucks or any delivery vehicle etc., which is used in running business.
Diamonds, pearls, other precious or semi precious stones which are for personal use.
There is no Zakat on personal residence, household furniture, pots and pan, personal clothing, whether they are in use or not.
There is no Zakat on a person whose liabilities exceed or equal his assets. (Home Mortgage in this country is not to be counted as personal liability for the Zakat purpose).




RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAT:





The recipients of Zakat, according to Quran are as follows: "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom." (Quran 9:60)


FUQARA: people who are poor and who possess more than their basic needs but do not possess wealth equal to Nisaab.
MASAKEEN: people who are destitute and extremely needy to the extent they are forced to beg for their daily food rations.
AL-AMILEEN: people appointed by an Islamic Government to collect Zakat.
MU-ALLAFATUL-QULUB: persons who have recently accepted Islam and are in need of basic necessities who would benefit from encouragement by Muslims which would help strengthen their faith.
AR-RIQAAB: slaves who are permitted to work for remuneration and have an agreement from their masters to purchase their freedom on payment of fixed amounts.
AL-GHAARIMEEN: persons who have a debt and do not possess any other wealth or goods with which they could repay that which they owe. It is conditional that this debt was not created for any un-Islamic purpose.
FI-SABILILLAH: persons who have to carry out an obligatory deed which has become obligatory on them and subsequently (due to loss of wealth) are unable to complete that obligation.
IBN-US-SABEEL: persons who are travelers and during the course of their journey do not possess basic necessities, though they are well to do at home. They could be given Zakat in order to fulfill travel needs to return home.




PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE GIVEN ZAKAT:

Zakat cannot be given to the descendants of Muhammad (P.B.U.H);
Zakat cannot be given to parents and grandparents. In the same manner one's children and grandchildren cannot be given Zakat. A husband and wife cannot give Zakat to each other.




VIRTUES OF ZAKAT: Allah says in the Quran: "The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom He pleases." (Quran 2:261)



It is stated in the Hadith that by giving Zakat the following benefits are derived:

Gain the pleasure of Allah.
Increase in wealth and protection from losses.
Allahs forgiveness and blessings.
Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death.
A shelter on the Day of Judgment;
Security from seventy misfortunes.



THE PUNISHMENT FOR NOT GIVING ZAKAT:

Allah says in the Quran: "And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding." (Al-Quran 9:34-35)



http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6499663-concept-of-zakat-in-islam

10 Things to learn from Japan

1. THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER
No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

7. THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly!