UAE Friday sermon: The importance of charity

ABU DHABI // Providing for those in need and engaging in acts of charity are important tenets of being a good Muslim, mosque-goers will be told at this Friday’s sermon.

The notion of giving and helping others, especially those in need, is entrenched in Islam, the sermon will say.

Allah promised that those who train themselves to give generously, both in times of abundance and hardship, will be rewarded greatly.

As the Prophet Mohammed said: “Protect yourself from Hellfire even by giving a piece of date as charity.”

The sermon will preach that feeding the poor and the needy purifies the soul.

It will say that possessions in this world are only loaned to us for a brief period, so the true test is whom would give them away.

As the Quran says: “They ask you (O Muhammed) what they should spend in charity.

“Say: ‘Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need.

“Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.’”

Good deeds, no matter how small, also have a tremendous positive effect on others.

For this reason, the Prophet Mohammed never belittled any good deed.

Even smiling at others or uttering a kind word is considered an act of charity in Islam.

Everything we own belongs to Allah and should be used for the well-being of all of humanity, the sermon will say.

Muslims will never be able to attain righteousness until they are prepared to give away what they love to their brothers and sisters.