The Shari’i Silver Dirham and Gold Dinar: Embracing the Hidayah of Allah

The Shari’i Silver Dirham and Gold Dinar: Embracing the Hidayah of Allah

By Hisham Kassim (1 Rabiulawwal 1430 Hijri)

“Show us the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom Thou has bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not Wrath, and who do not go astray.” (Surah al-Fatihah 1:6-7)

It is rather unfortunate that many Muslims today still prefer to store their valuable assets in fiat currencies rather than silver or gold because of the perceived value being attached to them by the central banks of their respective countries. When queried about the wisdom of their choice, the standard answer would normally be that they were still waiting for the Hidayah of Allah to make a better decision.

Hidayah(هِدَايَة)

Hidayah means present or gift in Arabic. In its Islamic context, Hidayah means guidance or leadership as given by Allah Almighty. It is only through the Grace of Allah Almighty that His true and loyal servants are being granted guidance. Thus, Hidayah is actually a very precious and personal gift from the Creator bestowed upon whoever He pleases. It is a guiding Light or Nuur from Allah Almighty which He, in His infinite Wisdom places in the heart of His tried and tested true believer, one who has proven his unconditional love for his Creator.

The Neglected Element of Taqwa in The “1,000 Dinars” Verse

The Neglected Element of Taqwa in The “1,000 Dinars” Verse

By Hisham Kassim (10 Muharram 1430 Hijri)

“… And for those who fear Allah (Taqwa or high God-consciousness), He [ever] prepares a way out. And He provides for him from [sources] he never could expect. And if anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is [Allah] for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.” (Surah at-Talaq 65:2-3)

Historically, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) never named the above passage from the Holy Qur’an the “1,000 Dinars” verse, but many unverified stories have appeared over the years including one version where Prophet Khidr (‘alaihissalam) was somehow responsible for helping some poor man out of debt by advising him to recite this verse daily. As a result, you can find the “1,000 Dinars” verse hung on the walls of many Muslim shops, offices and households all over the country today. The tenacity with which these business and home owners hold on to the faith that this verse will help bring opportunity and other forms of bounty from Allah Almighty is so great that it would be considered almost sacrilege not to believe in its miraculous power of attraction. However, when it comes to income-related aspirations, most Muslims will normally visualize it to be in the form of the local or the various international paper currencies in the market, and not the Shari’i gold dinar that the verse was aptly named after.