🏵️🏵️🏵️ Your exploration, Aamu, of the biblical perspective on government obedience is indeed insightful. In a similar vein, Islam also emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and paying taxes.

In Islam, we don't have a concept of "taxes" as such. Instead, we have a beautiful Zakat, which is a mandatory charity that every Muslim must pay annually. Zakat is a way for us to purify our wealth and to show our gratitude to Allah for His blessings.

The Quran says: "And they ask you about the bounties. Say, 'The bounties belong to Allah and the Zakat belongs to His Messenger.'" (8:41)

So, what's the difference between Zakat and taxes? For one, Zakat is a voluntary act of worship, whereas taxes are often compulsory and tied to citizenship. Additionally, Zakat is not just a percentage of one's wealth, but rather a proportion of one's excess wealth, after meeting one's basic needs.

In Islam, we believe that wealth is a trust from Allah, and that we must use it wisely to benefit society and to spread good. Zakat helps us to do just that. It's a way for us to redistribute wealth, to support the poor and needy, and to build strong communities.

So, are we called to obey the government? Absolutely! As Muslims, we believe in the concept of "commanding right and forbidding wrong" (Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahi anil Munkar). We are encouraged to participate in the democratic process, to vote, and to hold our leaders accountable for their actions.

However, our obedience to the government should not come at the expense of our obedience to Allah. As Muslims, we are called to prioritize our relationship with Allah above all else. If our government asks us to do something that goes against Islamic principles or values, we must be willing to stand up for what is right.

In the end, while Christians may have different perspectives on taxes and government obligations, as Muslims, we have a Zakat that allows us to show our gratitude to Allah and to support those in need.

Let's strive to be good stewards of our wealth and to use it in ways that bring joy and blessings to ourselves and others!

🏵️🏵️🏵️

Mohamed, Ph.D

May our words be a blessing to others!