Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

Friday Sermon

28 May 2021 / 16 Syawal 1442H

Continuous Good Deeds as Preparation for the Hereafter

My dearest brothers,

Let us strengthen our taqwa by increasing our good deeds, for it will be rewarded even when we are no longer in this temporary world. May Allah (s.w.t.) bless all our efforts. Amin.

My beloved brothers,

This world is a place for us to cultivate for our life in the hereafter. We will all leave this temporary abode for another that is everlasting. Therefore, let us together work towards preparing ourselves as long as we are breathing.

Let us first reflect upon the words of Allah (s.w.t.) that emphasised the importance of contribution towards others. Allah (s.w.t.) says:

Which means: “Indeed, it is We who bring the dead to life and record what they have put forth and what they have left behind, and all things We have enumerated in a clear register.”

Allah (s.w.t.) explains in this verse that every effort and deeds that are carried out in our life will be written and recorded. Indeed, in this particular verse, Allah (s.w.t.) asserts how “what we have left behind” will be recorded too. This is the reality of our lives, my dear brothers. We are granted limited time and opportunities. Therefore, what are the efforts we can carry out that will leave a positive impact? Be it for those around us or for our community in general.

Let us reflect upon this advice from our Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.): “If a child of Adam leaves this world, all his deeds will end except three: continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a child who prays for him.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim).

This guidance shows how Islam teaches us to not only think about ourselves, but to care and think about others. Islam advocates for us to spread goodness, such as donating a part of our wealth to others, be it to a welfare organisation, among many others. All of these efforts will result in continuous reward.

My dearest brothers,

There are many opportunities for us to bring goodness to others, which will benefit us in the hereafter. One of the ways that we can contribute is through Wakaf Ilmu, which is an effort where the contributions will be used for the benefit of religious education institutions as well as needy students who require assistance. This is our initiative to strengthen the Islamic religious education in Singapore.

Other than this, we have witnessed how the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin foundation has consistently given assistance and support to the communities who are facing crisis. I would like to share with you that the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Foundation (RLAF) is still accepting donations for Palestine until 30 May 2021. Information on how to donate can be found on the websites of MUIS and also Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Foundation (RLAF). 

My dear brothers, 

In addition, Islam has never limited contribution to just wealth. In fact, the companions of our Prophet (s.a.w.) always strived to contribute goodness. Those with less wealth would contribute their energy and ideas. All kinds of contributions were accepted by our beloved Prophet (s.a.w.).

Therefore, my dear brothers, what is the type of contribution that we can give as an investment for our hereafter. Is it by contributing our expertise and skills? Or by dedicating our time as a volunteer?

My dear brothers,

Remember that Allah (s.w.t.) does not look at how large our contribution is. What is important is a heart that is pure. Our Prophet (s.a.w.) reminded us in a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim: “Verily Allah does not view your body and face, but He looks at your heart and deeds.”

May Allah (s.w.t.) accept all the efforts we have exerted and may it benefit us in the hereafter. Amin. Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.