The Epistle on Legal Theory

Concerning Alms

١٣٧ 137 Concerning Alms the obligation respecting it except on those occasions when it is not possible to pray toward it, and that is during combat, or while fleeing, and under similar circumstances during which prayer is not possible. In this regard, Prophetic Practice also confirms that one not omit the prayer during its appointed time, and that the prayer be performed in whatever way may be feasible for the one praying. Concerning Alms God said: «Perform prayer and pay alms.»212 God also said: «Those performing prayer and paying alms»213 and «Woe to the worshippers who are heedless of their prayers; who make a show, but withhold assistance.»214 A certain scholar said that this refers to obligatory alms. God also said: «Take alms from their possessions, by which you might purify them and make them clean, and pray for them. Your prayers are a comfort for them. God is Hearing and Knowing.»215 This verse is expressed in unrestricted terms, applying to property in general . It is possible to interpret it as pertaining to some kinds of property and not others, however, and Prophetic Practice indicates that alms are in fact due on some kinds of property and not others. Since property is of different kinds, including livestock, God’s Emissary assessed alms on camels and goats and commanded, as far as we have been informed, that one assess cattle in particular, apart from other livestock. Then he assessed them at different amounts, just as God decreed through the words of His Prophet. People had livestock that included horses, donkeys, mules, and other animals, and since God’s Emissary did not assess anything from those, and established the practice that no alms be levied on horses, we 228 229 230 231 ١٣٨ 138
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