Lessons from the Currency Invalidation in India

Cont’d from page 3

it will be too late. May God forgive us and keep us among the righteous.

The Ultimate Winners
[28:83] We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.

Ayaz

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Reflections on the Demonetization Of The Indian Rupee

We know that it’s not money in itself that’s bad. It’s the idolization, the greed and the consequent violation of God’s laws that get people into trouble. In the example in 18:32-46, wealth caused the individual to grow arrogant, to think he was somehow special and immune to trouble, to forget about God and growing his soul, to fail to see that money was just like anything else in this fleeting world. This is the pattern of human failing. 

 

[74:11-15] Let Me deal with one I created as an individual. I provided him with lots of money. And children to behold. I made everything easy for him. Yet, he is greedy for more.

The 500 and 1000 rupee notes became idols to many. We learn from Quran that idols cannot judge (40:20), cannot create anything and are powerless (13:16, 46:4), and idols do not bring us closer to God (39:3). God grants perfect security and happiness for believers who are devoted to Him alone without committing idol worship.   [6:82] Those who believe, and do not pollute their belief with idol worship, have deserved the perfect security, and they are truly guided.

People were hoarding the money, evading taxes and not sharing. In God’s system, charity is multiplied manifold and returned. We know we must give full weight and measure when we trade (83:1-3). We know that God doesn’t burden a soul beyond its means (6:52, 7:42, 23:62).

In this financial upheaval, it turns out that small is big. A grand gesture of charity done with arrogance and showing off will gain less with God than a small charity done with kindness and pure heart.

[92:5-7] As for him who gives to charity and maintains righteousness. And upholds the scripture. We will direct him towards happiness.

Trying to get change in this economy is frequently difficult. All the banks have to give out are 2000 rupee notes, so we’re always out looking for change.

Well, let’s look for change within ourselves, within our submission. How can we do better, be more righteous, more appreciative. God will grant us the change if we sincerely seek it.

Another outcome of the demonetization is standing in line at the bank, trying to deposit old notes, trying to get new money. But we have to do what we have to do. And that’s true in our submission as well. The practices that God has given us are for our own good. We need to do them cheerfully and reverently.

This whole situation came out of the blue, so the lesson is to always prepare for the future because we never know what’s around the corner. How can I do better in my submission today to prepare for meeting God tomorrow?

One of the reasons for this whole thing was to turn “black money” into “white money.” Black money is money illicitly earned and never taxed, and we know that God warns us against all illicit earnings (2:79, 4:29, 5:62). Whether this exchange will accomplish that purpose or simply create new corruption is unknown. But in God’s system, we can repent for our transgressions and God will turn our sins into credits.

[25:70] Exempted are those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life. GOD transforms their sins into credits. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Praise God.

Uzair