Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

Friday Sermon

8 October 2021 / 1 Rabiulawal 1443H

Uswatun Hasanah – The Act of Giving

Beloved brothers and sisters,

Let us all increase our taqwa of Allah (s.w.t.) by carrying out all His commandments and abandoning all His prohibitions. Hopefully with our continuous attempts and efforts, we are able to become amongst those who embody noble character.

Brothers and sisters,

If we were to ponder upon the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), we will recognize how the Prophet (s.a.w.) was a very generous leader. Indeed, the Prophet (s.a.w.) never rejected the wishes and requests of those in need.

In fact, if we look into the history of Rasulullah (s.a.w.), we will also find how he continued to give whether he had a lot or little for himself. Not having much did not stop him from providing help and assistance. That is our main goal in this world, to become contributing and dedicated human beings. This corresponds with the words of Allah (s.w.t):

Meaning: "Indeed, you, O Muhammad, are of a great noble character." (Al-Qalam verse 4).

In another hadith, the Prophet (s.a.w.) once said: "Give gifts to each other so that you will love each other." (Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari).

Brothers and sisters,

This hadith is indeed in line with our human nature and instincts. As human beings, we will feel happy when we receive gifts from others. Especially if the gift is very useful and valuable for us. Such actions will evoke a sense of appreciation for those who give. It will thus instil happiness and comfort between the recipient and the giver.

This is encouraged in Islam. The love and warmth that are forged between individuals will improve our social relations.

However, in our attempt to fulfil the religious call to be generous to others, we must always remember to do so with justice. In giving help or extending assistance to those in need, let us not overlook our main responsibility, that is our own family members. We must prioritise them and ensure that they are on the receiving end of our kindness and generosity, before anyone else. Let us not be too eager to extend help to others when our own family members are in need.

Brothers and sisters,

Being generous and contributing is not limited to giving money to those in need, but it also includes anything beneficial that can also bring individuals closer to Allah. This is also considered as a charity.

For example, contributing to public good and wellness, whether through volunteering at mosques or social welfare organisations, giving words of encouragement to those who are in difficulty or cheering up those in distress, can also be regarded as charity.

Brothers and sisters,

This is one of the qualities of noble character shown by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) that we should follow and apply in our daily lives. The act of giving and reducing the burden of others must be applied as much as possible, especially in today’s unpredictable situation. Let us contribute within our own means and capabilities.

Brothers and sisters,

In today’s climate where many of our dealings and transactions are done online, it is important for us to ensure that the help we provide for others is properly and responsibly managed. This would prevent us from falling victim to online scams. As of today, there are still individuals who are being targeted and have been tricked by online scammers. Thus, let us continue to contribute to the registered and trusted organizations.

In light of this, I would like to share with you a trusted organization such as The Singapore Red Cross (SRC), that is conducting a donation drive to support the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Let us help our brothers and sisters who are affected through our donations. More information on the donation can be found at SRC’s website. May our contributions give strength and a glimmer of hope to those affected to continue their lives.

May Allah grant us sincerity in giving and help us nurture the spirit of dedication and commitment to positively contribute to the country, society, family and our own selves. Amin. Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin,

أَقُوْلُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَ أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيْمَ لِي وَ لَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ

 

Second Sermon

الْحَمْدُ للهِ حَمْدًا كَثِيرًا كَمَا أَمَرَ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَن لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَنَا مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فَيَا عِبَادَ الله، اِتَّقُوا اللهَ تَعَالَى فِيمَا أَمَرَ، وَانتَهُوا عَمَّا نَهَاكُم عَنْهُ وَزَجَرَ.

أَلَا صَلُّوا وَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى النَّبِيِّ الْمُصْطَفَى، فَقَدْ أَمَرَنَا اللهُ بِذَلِكَ حَيْثُ قَال فِي كِتَابِهِ الْعَزِيزِ: إِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَـا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ وَ بَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ.

وَارْضَ اللَّهُمَّ عَنِ الخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ المَهْدِيِّينَ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ وَعُثْمَانَ وَعَلِيِّ، وَعَن بَقِيَّةِ الصَّحَابَةِ وَالقَرَابَةِ وَالتَّابِعِينَ، وَتَابِعِي التَّابِعِينَ، وَعَنَّا مَعَهُم وَفِيهِم بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ.

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالمُؤْمِنَاتِ، وَالمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ، الْأَحْيَاءِ مِنهُم وَالْأَمْوَاتِ. اللَّهُمَّ ادْفَعْ عَنَّا الْبَلَاءَ وَالوَبَاءَ وَالزَّلَازِلَ وَالْمِحَنَ، مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، عَن بَلَدِنَا خَاصَّةً، وَسَائِرِ الْبُلْدَانِ عَامَّةً، يَارَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ. رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ.

عِبَادَ اللهِ، إِنَّ اللهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ، وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَيَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ، يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ، فَاذْكُرُوا اللهَ الْعَظِيمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ، وَاشْكُرُوهُ عَلَى نِعَمِهِ يَزِدْكُمْ، وَاسْأَلُوهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ يُعْطِكُمْ، وَلَذِكْرُ اللهِ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللهُ  يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ.