have repaid him. In praying for the benefactor in addition to rewarding him there is encouragement for him as well as an incentive for others to give.

4 – Al-Bukhārī said that Abū al-ʿĀliyah explained: “Allah’s ṣalāh upon His servant is His praising him before the highest company.”

Al-Azharī added: “Ṣalāh from Allah is mercy; from the angels it is seeking forgiveness; and from human beings it is humble entreaty and supplication.”

5 – Paying zakāt to the Muslim ruler may take two forms: at times he sends collectors to the owners’ watering places and fields, and at other times they bring it to him. Both methods are permissible.