What is Sadaqah?

By Imam Ghazaali (R.A.H) SADAQAH (giving in charity) is a deed designed to eliminate the spiritual malady of miserliness. But because the heart of the giver is not immune from show and insincerity, it has been emphasized that Sadaqah should always be given secretly. Certainly, Riyaa (show) and miserliness are both very destructive diseases and Sadaqah that is rendered secretly is a powerful remedy to them. In the grave, Riyaa assumes the form of a snake and miserliness takes the appearance of a scorpion and both are set on the sinner to inflict torture and pain. Thus, one who desists from spending in the Path of Allah out of miserliness has, in reality, incurred the punishment of scorpions and one who spends, but with insincerity, has, in fact opted for the punishment of snakes.

SADAQAH SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A FAVOUR If is quite common to feel that one is rendering a favour on which one confers a Sadaqah. This is an absolutely erroneous concept and should be dispelled. At times it is difficult to ascertain the presence of such malady in one's heart. This can be achieved by carefully observing the condition of the heart after having given Sadaqah. For instance, if you expected an expression of gratitude in return of your Sadaqah, or subsequent to your Sadaqah, the recipient showed disrespect to you or maltreated you and this infuriated you, then this evidently explains that the Sadaqah had been by you as a favour.

A CURE FOR THE MALADY A simple technique to eradicate such disease is to regard the needy as your benefactor, for he has become the cause of absolving you from your obligation and replacing the evil disease of miserliness with generosity. Because Zakah and Sadaqah have been imposed to root out the undesirable malady of miserliness, the Prophet (Peace be upon him), considering the object of its imposition would never bring the money of such funds into personal use. He would explain that this is the dirt of (people's) wealth. Hence the Muslim who has become instrumental in washing away the dirt accumulated in your wealth has rendered you a favour and not vice versa. What will your conception be of a surgeon who wishes to operate free of charge? People pay large amounts of money to get their physical ailments removed. Why then are we not grateful to those who remove our spiritual diseases without even charging us a single penny. Moreover, the

physical ailments are of a transient nature and will at the most, result in death, whereas the spiritual ones have far reaching effects that will accompany the person in the afterlife too. Because Zakah and Sadaqah play a chief role in fulfilling the needs of the poor and eliminating starvation from the world, this is also regarded as a pillar of Islam. To facilitate the giving of Zakah and Sadaqah. Allah has firstly ordered the creation to love Him and then made the act of giving in charity a yardstick to measure the extent of love in the hearts of those who claim to do so. To demonstrate this love, believers are commanded to spend in the Path of Allah and thereby distinguish themselves from the false claimants of love. If a human can sacrifice his entire possession for the petty love of another then sacrificing a small proportion of wealth for the Creator should not be felt as a burden. In fact, a Muslim should be prepared to give away all his possessions.

THOSE WHO SPEND IN THE PATH OF ALLAH CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 3 CATEGORIES The ones who belong to the highest are those who give away, wholeheartedly everything they possess thus proving true their claim of love. Abu Bakr Siddeeq (ra) held this rank, which, on one occasion had brought every content of his house before the Messenger of Allah. And when asked, 'What have you left for yourself?' replied, 'Allah and His Messenger (saw) ' On this occasion Umar (ra) had also brought his belongings and in reply to the same question said, 'I have left as much as I brought.' Upon hearing the answers of both, the Prophet (saw) said (addressing the two), 'Your ranks are evident from your replies.' The second category consists of those who, although fail to give away their entire possession, neither spend unnecessarily on other avenues such as personal pursuits. Their spending is not unrestricted and liberal at all times like the first group; rather, they will wait for situations and needs to arise and when they do their generosity will know no bounds. They will spend as much as they are capable of spending. Much of the money they have accumulated stays with them awaiting opportunities for them to spend in the Cause of Allah. The lowest category comprises those Muslims who suffice on paying their annual due. They will neither decrease in that nor increase. The ranks of the above mentioned categories and the degree of their love for Allah can easily be assessed by their conditions, i.e. how much and how frequently they spend. You should endeavour to reach the highest of these categories. If not possible, you should at least avoid being classed amongst the lowest. To achieve this, apart from the obligatory acts, you will need to spend a little everyday. This will allow you to reach the lower stages of the second category, rising above the category of the miserly ones. Muslims who are poor and unable to spend should not be disheartened by their inability, as the

achievements of the rewards of Sadaqah are not only confined to giving in charity and helping the poor. They can be attained by other deeds as well. Any good deed, no matter how small, will earn them an equivalent reward. Some of these are mentioned below: --To visit the sick. --To attend a funeral. --To assist someone in times of need, such as helping a labourer carry some of his weight. -- Interceding on someone's behalf. --To say a good word, such as consoling the grief stricken, or encouraging a despairing one. These are all known as acts of Sadaqah and one does not have to be wealthy to accomplish them.

THE WISDOM BEHIND SPENDING SECRETLY As mentioned before, it is important that when you spend, you should do so quietly and not publicly. A Hadith in this regard states. 'To spend secretly in the Path of Allah extinguishes the Anger of Allah.' On another occasion, it has been mentioned, 'One who spends with the right hand such that it even goes unnoticed by the left (i.e. he exercises extreme sincerity) shall be resurrected among the seven categories of people who will be under the shade of the Throne of Allah on a day when there shall be no shade except that one.' But that should not mean that you wait for the heart to reach that stage in order to spend, for this is clearly a deception from Shaytaan. You should continue to spend, regardless of the conditions of your heart and eventually you will reach your goal and be able to give wholeheartedly. Until then, Allah will reward you abundantly for overcoming your desires of withholding the money. Secondly, spend the best of your possessions in the Path of Allah. Would it not be inappropriate to give something to Allah which you yourself dislike? As explained earlier, such spending has been designed to gauge one's love for the Creator. Hence your selection of wealth will determine the intensity of your love for Him. Thirdly, you should spend wholeheartedly. With respect to this a Hadith states, '(The reward of spending) one Dirham can exceed (the reward of) one hundred thousand Dirhams;' i.e. the reward of one who spends wholeheartedly and unrestrictedly will be multiplied manifold in contrast to one who does not do so. Fourthly, the avenues of spending should also be thoughtfully and carefully chosen. In giving Sadaqah, preference should be given to one who has noble spiritual qualities over one who does not. If all the good qualities are not found in a single person then even the possessor of a single quality will be deserving of your Sadaqah. However, piety and Deeni knowledge should be given preference above all else. For only a pious and an 'Aalim (Islamic scholar) will fulfil the prime objective of the provisions gifted by Allah. They are the ones who live on this earth solely to make preparations for the Hereafter and consider this mortal world to be only a rest house wherefrom the souls will very soon depart.

Hence such persons can surely be expected to utilize your Sadaqah in the correct avenues. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said, 'Feed the pious people.'

Quranic Text Regarding Sadaqah 'The believers ... are steadfast in prayers, and in whose wealth there is a right acknowledged, for the poor and the destitute. (Qur'an 70:22-24). That which you give in usury for increase through the property of (other) people, will have no increase with Allah: but that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied. (Qur'an, 30:39) Only those who believe in Our Signs, who when they are recited to them fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Rabb (only God and Sustainer), nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride. They forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Rabb (only God and Sustainer), in Fear and Hope. And they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them. Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them -- as a reward for their (good) Deeds. Is then the man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and wicked? Not equal are they. For those who believe and do righteous deeds are Gardens as hospitable Homes, for their (good) deeds. (Qur'an, 32:15-19) The likeness of those who spend for Allahs sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures needs, All-Knower). (Quran, 2:261) 'For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women for devout men and women for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allahs remembrance for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.' (Quran, 33:35) Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public have their reward with their Rabb (only God and Sustainer). On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. (Qur'an, 2:274)

Ahadith Regarding Sadaqah The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'Your smile for your brother is Sadaqah. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is Sadaqah. Your guidance of a person who is lost is Sadaqah.' (Bukhari)

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported Allahs Messenger (SAW) as saying: Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people). (Muslim) Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, 'The example of a miser and the one who gives in charity, is like the example of two men wearing iron cloaks so tightly that their arms are raised forcibly towards their collar-bones. So, whenever a charitable person wants to give in charity, his cloak spreads over his body so much so that it wipes out his traces. But whenever the miser wants to give in charity, the rings (of the iron cloak) come closer to each other and press over his body and his hands get connected to his collar-bones. Abu Huraira heard the Prophet (SAW) saying, 'The miser then tries to widen it but in vain.' (Bukhari) Qais ibn Abu Hazim narrated that.... Allahs Messenger (SAW) said, A Muslim is rewarded (in the Hereafter) for whatever he spends except for something that he spends on building. (Bukhari) Mu'aadh bin Jabal (RA) related from the Prophet (SAW) Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire. (Ahmad, Tirmidhi) Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your cause, and the other (angel) says, 'O Allah! Destroy every miser. (Bukhari) The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'A Muslim does not plant, or sow anything from which a person, animal or anything eats but it is considered as Sadaqah from him.' (Bukhari) The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said:: To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and to prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person in a place where he can not get astray is charity. To remove troublesome things like thorns and bones from the road is charity. To pour water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. To guide a person with defective vision is charity for you. (Bukhari) The Prophet (SAW) also said: The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his Sadaqah. (Ahmad) Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that... Allahs Messenger (SAW) said, Those who have much wealth (in this world) will be the least rewarded (in the Hereafter) except those who do like this and like this (i.e., spend their money in charity). (Bukhari) Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Allahs Messenger (SAW) said: Verily what a believer continues to receive (in the form of reward) for his action and his virtues after his death is the knowledge which he acquired and then disseminated; the pious son that he left behind him; or a copy of the Quran which he left as a legacy; or the mosques that he had built; or the inn that he had built for the wayfarers; or the canal that he caused to flow, or a sadaqah which he gave out of his property in the state when he was healthy and alive. (These are the acts of goodness the reward of which) reaches him even after his death. (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja and Bayhaqi)

Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, Every Muslim has to give in sadaqah (charity). The people asked, O Allahs Messenger (SAW)! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do? He said, He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns). The people further asked, If he cannot do even that? He replied, Then he should help the needy who appeal for help. Then the people asked, If he cannot do that? He replied, Then he should perform all that is good and keep away from all that is evil and this will be regarded as charitable deeds. (Bukhari) Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) narrated that Allahs Messenger (SAW) said, A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given, will not enter Paradise. (Tirmidhi) Abu Hurairah narrated that Abu Dharr said to the Messenger of Allah, The wealthy people have all the rewards; they pray as we pray; they fast as we fast; and they have surplus wealth which they give in charity; but we have no wealth which we may give in charity. Allahs Messenger (SAW) said: Abu Dharr, should I not teach you phrases by which you acquire the rank of those who excel you? No one can acquire your rank except one who acts like you. He said, Why not, Allahs Messenger (SAW)? He said: Exalt Allah say: 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is Most Great) after each prayer thirty-three times; and praise Him say: 'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; and glorify Him say: 'Subhan Allah' (Glory be to Allah) thirty-three times; and end it by saying, 'La ilha illallhu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yomeetu wa Huwa ala kulli shaiin Qadeer.' ( There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the Kingdom, to Him praise is due and He has power over everything.) Your sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea. (Abu Dawud) The Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said: 'Sadaqah (charity) does not decrease wealth.' (Muslim)

What is Lillah?
Lillah meaning 'for Allah', comprises any form of charity given in the cause of Allah on a pure voluntary basis. This charitable giving is over and above the Zakah that one is liable for. For instance, many charitable organisations collect Lillah for Relief Aid, Wells, Masjid and Madresa running costs. These contributions are made through the goodwill of Muslims who give solely for the pleasure of Allah. Zakah can only be spent directly on the poor (money in hand) and not on projects such as construction whereas Lillah can be utilised in constructing Masajid, digging Tube Wells and projects such as the Ummah Children Academy (UCA) and the Deep Boring Rig in Africa (being implemented by Ummah Welfare Trust). Zakah money cannot be used for such projects.

Different types of Charity and Islamic rulings

Zakah
This is the compulsory alms-giving which Allah has given the order for in the Qur'an. Its status is Farz. Zakah is only eligible upon mature, sane men and women who have the Nisab (threshold (usually around 80-100) of which wealth 2.5% must be given. Zakah must only be given to the specific eight categories mentioned in the Qur'an. If it is not given to any of them, then it will be void and necessary to re-pay. Sadaqah This is a general term for all charities besides the Farz, Zakah. All acts of worship through financial expenditure are by broader definition classified as Sadaqah. Due to there being many types they have been divided into the following two categories both of which have separate rulings:

Sadaqah Wajibah
This is charity which is binding in nature. This includes Sadaqah al-Fitr, etc. This form of Sadaqah is similar to Zakah in that it must be spent on the same categories as defined by the Quran, except that it is not a condition for the beneficiary to be Muslim. This type of Sadaqah includes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Sadaqah al-Fitr Nadhr Fidyah Kaffarah Udhiyyah, Dam and Badanah

Sadaqah al-Fitr: This is a charity which is a duty upon every sane Muslim, who possesses the value of Nisab beyond the basic necessities. Fathers are instructed to give Sadaqah al-Fitr on behalf of those children who have not reached of age. The amount that must be given is equal to 1.6 kg of wheat or 3.2 kg of barley or its like. This does not mean that a person must distribute wheat or barley, one may give its equivalent value. (Because this fluctuates it is improper to specify a price, although it is usually between one and three pounds.) Sadaqah al-Fitr is a very emphasized Sunnah (which according to many is the status of Wajib) which becomes due before `Eid Salah, although it is preferable to give it a few days before `Eid so that the poor

actually receive it and are able to spend it on `Eid day. If one does not give the Sadaqah al-Fitr, it will remain due no matter how much time passes after `Eid. Nadhr: This is an action which becomes necessary due to one imposing it upon oneself. This can be done if one wishes to express gratitude, and the action can take on a number of forms, including Sadaqah. If a person makes such an oath of giving charity, that then becomes Sadaqah Wajibah. If they are unable to uphold the oath, they will have to give Kaffarah, and may be sinful. Fidyah: This is compensation for missing Salah or Sawm for a person who cannot perform them due to being in terminal illness or being deceased (in which case it is given out of a third of the wealth) or in the event of a person making a minor mistake in Hajj. The amount for each missed Salah or Sawm, or each minor mistake in Hajj is to give 1.6kg of wheat or its value (i.e. the same amount given for Sadaqah alFitr) to the poor. Fidyah is generally Sadaqah Wajibah. Sadaqah Nafilah may be given in addition either from the deceaseds estate or on their behalf in which case both the giver and the deceased are rewarded. Kaffarah: This is major compensation and like Fidyah it is also Sadaqah Wajibah. It applies in various situations such as if a person breaks a fast intentionally, breaks an oath, or kills someone, Kaffarah would then be binding as the form of redemption. There are five actions for which kaffarah will be necessary, however, they fall under two types. The greater Kaffarah: For redemption of this a person may free a slave (which is no longer applicable) or fast for sixty consecutive days (If a person breaks a fast intentionaly they would need to fast for sixty consecutive days, unless they can't fast due to poor health or old age, there are no exceptions to this). Failing that one may feed sixty poor people for a day (i.e. two meals a day, each meal is equivalent to a fidyah). This Kaffarah applies to: * Intentionally breaking Sawm (fast) * Breaking Zihar (To consider ones wife as Haram for oneself by comparing her to a Mahram - anyone too closely related to be marriageable) * Being the direct cause of someones death (this is coupled with the set punishments). Note: In the instance of not being able to feed sixty people in a single day then he may feed one person for sixty days, but in this case if he were to try to quicken payment of this by giving all the money in one day to one person, kaffarah would not be fulfilled, and his offering would only be equal to one days feeding. The lesser Kaffarah: For redemption of this a person may free a slave (which is no longer applicable) or feed ten poor people for two meals in one day, or give each one of them clothing. Failing this, he may fast for three consecutive days (The order is also different from the greater Kaffarah). This Kaffarah applies to:

* Breaking/violating Yamin (an oath) * Breaking Ila (To take an oath on not having conjugal relationships with ones wife) Udhiyyah: This is also known as Qurbani or sacrifice. It is Wajib upon all mature Muslims who, on the day of `Eid al-Azha, possess Nisab. Whoever qualifies for this is required to purchase a sheep or goat of more than one year in age, and slaughter that in the name of Allah after the `Eid prayer preferably on the same day. The sacrifice can also be done on the two days after Eid. If one fails to make the sacrifice in these three days he will still have to donate the value of the animal (this remains Wajib). From the meat he may eat himself and feed his family and also distribute meat amongst the poor Muslims. One is not responsible to give Zakah or any necessary Sadaqah for ones spouse nor ones mature children - they are responsible for themselves. One is however, responsible for only giving sadaqah al-fitr for ones minor children, however, neither Zakah is given from their wealth, nor Udhiyyah given on their behalf. Note: One may slaughter goats or sheep, which constitute one sacrifice each, or one may slaughter a larger animal (i.e. cow or buffalo) which will be counted as seven sacrifices each. In the event of living in a wealthy country, it is better that one sacrifices one part locally to fulfil the Sunnah of sacrificing oneself; and to arrange for the remaining sacrifices to be performed in a poorer country, where the poor may also partake of it. Dam is of two types. one is like Udhiyyah in the sense that it is a religious requirement on adult Muslims. The only difference is that it is specific to people who are performing Hajj. This Dam is called Dam ashShukr. The second type of Dam, like fidyah, is a means of compensation for mistakes in Hajj, but the difference is the magnitude of the mistake. Fidyah is given in lieu of minor mistakes while Dam is in lieu of major mistakes. Dam, like Udhiyyah, is the sacrifice of a sheep or goat. It can also be made a part (i.e. 1/7) of a larger sacrifice. Badanah is like Dam, but while Dam is the sacrifice of a sheep or goat, Badanah is the sacrifice of a large animal, i.e. a cow or camel. This is the largest penalty in Hajj, and is specific to three acts.

Sadaqah Nafilah
This is charity which is not binding in nature but is optional. This type includes alms given for the removal of difficulties, philanthropic (to give out of mercy to the less fortunate), the general giving of any Halal item to any one etc. This type does not need to be spent on the specified categories to be rewarding nor does it have to be spent on Muslims, although if spent on poor Muslims it would be more rewarding. This can also be bequeathed in ones will (in which case it would be only up to a third of the deceased persons entire estate).

The following are types of Sadaqah Nafilah: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Lillah Waqf Aqiqah Sadaqah for the upliftment of difficulties Sadaqah for the expiation of sins Charity above the amount of Zakah and Sadaqah Wajibah.

Lillah: This is Sadaqah Nafilah but is a type that does not have the condition of having to be passed into the possession of a person, as it can be given to institutes (e.g. Masajid, hospitals, schools, orphanages, etc). Waqf: This is to allot something as a trust for a certain cause. This can be during ones lifetime or bequeathed in ones will (up to the value of a third of ones estate). When executed, the donation becomes the property of Allah I (and thus has specific rules regarding it), and its beneficiaries are to remain those named as the cause (e.g. the poor, orphans, students, the people of a certain locality, etc.) The difference between this and Lillah is that with Waqf ownership is not given to people or institutes but only the benefits are ascribed. Like todays trusts, Waqf also requires the care of trustees over it. Aqiqah: This is the sacrifice of an animal or two as thanks to Allah for the birth of a child. With this too can members of the locality be fed, preference again is for the poor and close family members. Sadaqah for the Removing of difficulties: This type of Sadaqah is Lillah. One, at the time of donating, should ask Allah to make easy ones deliverance. This can be understood from the Hadith: Sadaqah soothes the Lords anger and protects against a bad death. (al-Tirmidhi, al Bayhaqi) Sadaqah for the expiation of sins: This type of Sadaqah is also Lillah. One, at the time of donating, should ask Allah to forgive ones shortcomings. This can be understood from the verse: Indeed good deeds take away bad deeds. Quran, 10:114 Charity above the amount of Zakah and Sadaqah Wajibah: This type of Sadaqah is the essence of Lillah. Although not categorized as necessary, this type of charity, as long as from pure means and with pure intentions, is always accepted by Allah. It is also this type that Allah I has described as a beautiful debt, as He treats this charity as a loan which He will repay in the hereafter. Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan? For (Allah) will increase it manifold to his credit, and

he will have (besides) a liberal reward. Quran, al Hadid, 57:11

Other Types
Sadaqah Jariyah: This Sadaqah is not a separate category but it is really any Sadaqah Nafilah which is spent on a cause of long term benefit (e.g. wells), and in essence is very similar to Waqf. Qarz Hasan: This literally means to give a good loan. In the language of the Qur'an this term is used for Sadaqah Nafilah. The rewards of Qarz Hasan are thus exclusive to Sadaqah. Loans given to Islamic institutes and then forgiven become this type of Sadaqah. Presently, this term is often used to denote Qarz. Qarz: This means an Islamic loan. Islamic here means that two things must be upheld from the side of the creditor: the first that neither interest can be charged nor any other benefit (advantage or gifts) be taken in lieu of the loan; the second is that at no time can the creditor show any signs of self-glory, or remind the debtor of the favour/help given (this does not mean that he/she cannot ask for payment). This type of loan may be given to either an individual or an institute, and if the conditions are upheld, it is immensely rewarding for the creditor. Interest In Islam the taking and also giving of interest have been expressly forbidden. This presents problems in secular countries, wherein no loan or mortgage is ever done without it. In so far as taking loans which charge interest are concerned, it can only be said that unless it is a life-or-death situation one must stay away from such loans, to avoid the Wrath of Allah. But what should one do about the interest accumulated in ones own bank account? This issue is also something that unfortunately affects many of us. What is established is that it is not at all permissible for one to utilise this for ones own benefit. To avoid the anger of Allah, one should give the interest money accumulated to charity. This, whilst being the most practically beneficial way of disposing the money, is not going to be positively rewarding. But due to it being in accordance with Allahs Will, in that this method of disposal saves one from further sin, it is still beneficial. Haram income Included under this broad heading are earnings generated by not only the sales of Haram items, but also Halal items acquired though Haram methods (e.g. lying to get benefits, lying to increase the price of selling items etc).

Here the method of disposal is to return items to the rightful owners. If this is not possible because the owner is not known or any other legitimate reason, then the method of disposal is the same as that of interest money. If one has spent a great portion of ones life in Haram earnings to the extent that the majority of ones possessions are of Haram origin, then what is the way of redeeming oneself in the Eyes of Allah? The answer to this is often very difficult to digest. In short, the entire possessions of Haram earnings must be disposed of in the same way that interest is disposed. This presents the problem: how then are brothers/sisters in such a situation meant to live? For this the most accommodating way would be that they take into account how much of their wealth is of ill earnings, then turning to a Halal means of income, whatever immediate amount they can dispose of (in charity) they do. Then over as short a period of time as possible they try to pay off this debt they owe to Allah.