Educational progress remains incomplete without moral and spiritual training; emphasis on character building of the younger generation.
The payment of Ushr serves as an important means of promoting financial purity, social balance, mutual cooperation and human welfare in society, while material and educational progress remains incomplete without moral and spiritual education and training.
These views were expressed by chief of Karwani Islami International Allama Dr. Ghulam Rasool Hami while addressing a large gathering at the Central Jamia Masjid in Indergam, Pattan, Baramulla, on the occasion of Friday prayers. In his address, Allama Hami shed light on various important matters, including lawful earnings, Zakat and Ushr, the rights of fellow human beings, social responsibility, and the moral and spiritual upbringing of the younger generation.
Allama Hami said that Almighty Allah has permitted and encouraged human beings to earn their livelihood through lawful means and to fulfil the needs of themselves and their families. However, Islam has also laid down principles regarding the fulfilment of the rights of the deserving within one’s wealth and its proper and responsible expenditure. He said that the Shariah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has made Zakat obligatory upon those who meet the prescribed conditions and Ushr applicable to agricultural produce, thereby providing a comprehensive system for supporting the needy sections of society and maintaining financial balance. Zakat and Ushr are not merely financial obligations; they also cultivate generosity, compassion, a sense of responsibility and awareness of the rights of others.
Allama Hami said that Zakat becomes obligatory, subject to specific conditions, on gold, silver, cash, business assets and other eligible forms of wealth, while Ushr pertains to agricultural produce, crops, fruits, grains and similar produce. The proper fulfilment of these religious obligations not only assists deserving individuals but also promotes mutual cooperation, goodwill and concern for others within society. He urged affluent individuals to fulfil the lawful rights of the deserving from their wealth and not to neglect the payment of Zakat and Ushr.
He observed that sincere implementation of this system can help reduce the economic gap between the wealthy and the poor, alleviate the difficulties faced by deprived sections of society, and contribute to greater social stability. Referring to the prevailing social situation, Allama Hami emphasised the importance of moral and spiritual education. He said that providing the younger generation with modern and contemporary education alongside moral values, religious awareness and spiritual training is an urgent need of the present time, as it can help protect them from moral deviation, harmful habits, drug abuse and other social problems.
He said that alienation from moral and spiritual values is also one of the significant factors contributing to social deterioration. Therefore, parents, teachers, religious scholars, spiritual guides, and social and religious institutions should collectively play their role in the character building of the younger generation.
Allama Hami proposed that the lives, character and teachings of the Awliya-e-Kiram and great Sufi saints should be appropriately incorporated into educational curricula so that the new generation may become acquainted with noble human values such as love, tolerance, humanity, service to others, patience and mutual respect.
He said that the purpose of education is not merely to obtain degrees and secure employment, but also to develop individuals of strong character and a sense of responsibility who can make a positive contribution to the development and progress of their families, society and country. Allama Hami said that moral and spiritual development is equally essential alongside material advancement.
The foundation of a strong, balanced and peaceful society rests upon values such as justice, honesty, tolerance, human compassion, service to humanity and a sense of responsibility. He stressed that, for social welfare and genuine progress, religious, educational and social institutions must work together and undertake effective and meaningful measures.
