Download PDF: [S] A Bangle of Fire

It is reported that once a female appeared in front of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – with her daughter. This young girl had gold bangles around her wrist. The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then asked the mother, “Do you fulfil the Zakaah for these bangles?” She replied that she did not do so. The Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then asked her, “Are you happy that on the Day of Judgement in place of these, Allah Almighty makes you wear bangles of fire?” When she heard this, she took out these bangles and placed it in front of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and declared that this now belongs to Allah and His Prophet – – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. (Sunan Abu Daud)

 

There is no doubt that when a person has real fear for Allah Almighty, then this fear protects and saves him or her for many evils. This is the reason that after explaining about the importance of fulfilling the Zakaah, the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – warned her about the Divine Punishment which might befall her and this had an immediate impact on this blessed female.

At the same time, perhaps we can also say that this lady was not aware of the proper rules of Zakaah and saying what he said was also as a method of lesson for his Ummah. However, look at the amazing Imaan of this female that the minute she came to know of the proper rules, she immediately gave these bangles away. She did not concern herself whether there was any financial loss. She was more concerned about the Hereafter. She also handed a lesson to Muslim females of the future that this world and the beauty of this world is only for a few days. If one ignores this and chooses the beauty of the world instead, then the punishment of the Hereafter is eternal. Therefore, she was convinced that it was better to heed the advice of the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – which was better than having to face the Fire of Hell.

 

Our advice to our Muslim sisters is that they should also take account of all their valuables and seek the advice of a qualified Imaam who would be able to educate them on whether they owe Zakaah on certain items or not. We make Du’a that Allah Almighty blesses our Muslim sisters with this concern and responsibility. Ameen.