Hamdanid dirham. Nasir al-Dawla Abu Muhammad al-Hasan and Sayf al-Dawla Abu’l-Hasan Ali (942-967)

Syria, Aleppo; 353 H = 964

Diam: 2.60 cm

Islam’s obligatory tax, zakat, is commonly set at 2.5 % of a person’s total wealth and is donated annually to the poor and needy. In certain Islamic countries, the state collects the tax, while in others, it is donated on a voluntary basis. The inscription on this rare coin from the Hamdanid dynasty in northern Syria (905-1004) tells us what fate awaits he who forgets to use his money in accordance with Islam:

“And there are those Who bury gold and silver And spend it not in the Way of God: announce unto them A most grievous penalty.”

(Sura 9, part of verse 34)

Right up to modern times, it has been traditional in large parts of the Islamic world to furnish coins with religious mottos.

Inv. no. C 554

Guided tours for schools

Islam - the religion seen through art

Islam

Item no. 4 of 10

Hamdanid dirham. Nasir al-Dawla Abu Muhammad al-Hasan and Sayf al-Dawla Abu’l-Hasan Ali (942-967)

Syria, Aleppo; 353 H = 964

Diam: 2.60 cm