Islamic finance (Mu'amalat)

As the title above mentioned, I am here to share my views on Islamic finance. I would like to apologies if I write in Malay as I can express things better in my native language. I know that my knowledge in this area is 'peanuts' to even talk about it but I think it's important that I share what I have learned. So if anyone out there who is reading this and know more about this subject, do share your knowledge and may Allah s.w.t guide us. Amin.

I decided to stay back after solat jumaat yesterday to listen to the the extended explanation (tazkirah) of the khutbah, which was about zakat. The ustaz said that in the Quran, most of the time when the command to perform solat is mentioned, the command to pay zakat will follow suit.

To give examples, here are two verses which relates.
[2:43], [4:77]

I believe that out of the many economic views (capitalist,socialist etc.), Islam has the best practices. This is because Islam ENCOURAGES its followers to seek wealth the honest way (halal) and share it with the community (zakat and charity). In Singapore, sadly the Malay community is known for its abundance in 'PhD' holders @ Perasaan Hasrat Dengki (envious,vengeful). Padahal Islam tak pernah ajar penganutnya untuk bersikap sedemikian. What we need here is for out community to support one another. If we see our brothers or sisters in Islam trying to set up a business venture, we should support it.

Purchase the products or services and if we like it, recommend to others and spread the word! But if we feel that somethings can be improved, meet up with the owners and share with them your views so they can improve. Not tell others that this shop is lousy or never to buy at that shop again. This mentality will only make our community decline.

Recently there have been a duo from NUS (National University of Singapore), composing and making songs out of passion and interest. Honestly I'm not really fond of their songs but I still support their efforts with a niat that one day with the whole community behind their back, insyaAllah they will be encouraged to create more interesting songs that can be enjoyed by everybody. Then we can say that our people are not 'backward' or slow. Anyway, what do we have to lose? money? For those of you who are more financially secured, what is $20/$30?

To those who have climbed the ladder and reached high up to the ceiling, NEVER forget to look back and check if anyone behind you needs help. You know the difficulties faced so reach out your hand and lend a hand instead of rocking the ladder and hoarding everything to yourself. Afterall, dari Nya kami datang dan kepadaNya kami dikembalikan.

Wallahu'alam.