UAE Friday Sermon: co-operating in goodness

Worshippers will be advised to adhere to a heartfelt consciousness (Taqwa) of Allah during the Friday sermon.

“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.” says the Quran.

Allah has ordered to co-operate with each other in goodness, as he says, “And co-operate in righteousness and piety.” [Qur’an: 5:2]

Similarly, the Messenger of Allah encouraged such co-operation by saying, "Allah will be in the aid of His dutiful servant as long as he is in aid of his brother." [Sahih Muslim: 2699]

Co-operation is the mutual putting forth of assistance to the other, the sermon will say.

We will find in the books on the life of the Prophet Muhammad pages full of illumination about mutual co-operation.

For the Prophet used to constantly help his companions, assisting them in their labour and the building of structures, always helping them in whatever needs they may have had.

Sayyidina Uthman ibn Affan narrates: “Indeed, I swear by Allah, we kept the companionship of the Prophet during both travel and during his stay and he used to console us with both the little and the lot.” [Musnad Ahmad: 504]

The Prophet put forward for us several examples in how to interact with society in light of the best of ways, co-operation that brings about results in a manner that may not be attainable were we to remain isolated individuals.

The Prophet implanted into the hearts of His Sahaba this desire to help others in the good in all aspects of life.

From these aspects mutual help is put into action. So we see Abu Dhar Al Ghifari repeatedly asking the Prophet: “What is the best of deeds?”  until the Prophet the responded by saying: “Aid someone in their labour [when they are incapacitated]” and the Prophet also said: “A believer is the brother of another believer. He protects him against loss and defends him behind his back.” [Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad: 239].

In these Hadith is an encouragement to help other people, to take on their responsibilities if they fall ill or are incapacitated, to perfect one’s care and concern.

The phrase “defend him behind his back” means to literally defend and protect his honour in his absence, and to come to his aid as much as is in one’s capacity. All of this is from the understanding of mutual co-operation.