[QUOTE]
format_quote Originally Posted by
jimbo123
Salam,
I'm confused about something. I went to a Khutbah last week where the imam said that the truly pious person lives as though each step he takes is like his last one. Of course the Prophet peace be upon him was the most pious out of all of us.
Doing something differently from how the Prophet (pbuh) did it, doesn't have to take away from a man's piety as long as he isn't disobeying Allah and following the Sunnah to the best of his ability. Depending on where we live, things are done differently in different parts of the world and in different ages.
So... if he (PBUH) were alive in this day and age would he save up money? Let's bear in mind that today if someone were to buy a house, it would take years to pay off the mortage.
It's not a question of what the Prophet (pbuh) would have done if he was here today. That's irrelevant because he already left us with guidence which includes this time and the times to come.
However, a person can save up to buy a house. Yes it would take years, but that's a choice a person makes himself. Another option is to borrow money from family and friends (you'd need lots) and pay back later. Or if emigrating isn't an option, one can rent a house. With so many ways to avoid a mortgage, there really is no need to indulge in the haram.
I also have another question. If you write in your will that you want to
give away all your money to charity or to development of a mosque, would Allah accept this reward, assuming it's carried out after you die?
That is ok only as long as there are no inheritors or debts to be settled. Otherwise, it is preferable to leave one third of the wealth to charitable purposes. According to some scholars it's less than one third of the property as it was reported about Abu bakr As-Saddiq, 'Ali Ibn Abu Talib and Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them). Abu Bakr As-Saddiq (ra) said:
"I bequeathed the amount which Allah has determined for Himself."
The amount indicated in this phrase in that mentioned in the Qur'anic verse:
"And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it..." (Qur'an: Al-Anfal:41)
Source: A summary of Islamic Jurisprudence Vol 2. Inheritence: Wills. (page 225-226).
P.S. One should always consult a scholar before making a will and in the case of having made one already without consultation, have it reviewed to make sure those entitled aren't left out, since a will can be changed at any time.