Dear Brothers and Sisters!
The time we live in is one in which personal interest is prioritised and selfishness has become widespread among people. Unfortunately, caring about others’ troubles and trying to ease their difficulties is sometimes viewed as incompetence. Today, ego has almost been glorified and elevated. This situation weakens social solidarity and as a result, people become isolated. Undoubtedly, one of the most effective ways to overcome the selfishness that traps modern humans in depression is through the act of charity (infaq), as commanded by Allah. Allah (swt) describes the righteous as follows: “They believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided them...”^[1] Infaq is to share the wealth and blessings that Allah has entrusted to us with others. It means protecting and caring for those in need. It is to make an effort to be beneficial to our family, relatives, neighbours, fellow believers and all of humanity.

Dear Jama’ah!
One of humanity’s greatest misconceptions is believing that the wealth and possessions one holds truly belong to them. People often fall into the idea that they are the owners, rather than the trustees, of the blessings given to them. In reality, the true Owner of all wealth (Mâlikü’l-Mülk) is none other than Allah (swt). That is, Allah is the rightful owner of all property and the sole sovereign of the entire universe. Allah (swt) provides sustenance to whomever He wills, distributing His blessings from His infinite treasures as a test for humanity. Yet, some people forget that what they possess is ultimately a gift from Allah. A clear example of this is Qarun from the time of Prophet Mûsâ (a.s.), who failed his test. When Allah told him, “Use the wealth I have given you in My way to earn your reward in the Hereafter, but do not neglect your share of the world. As I have bestowed upon you, so should you bestow upon others.”^[2]

Qarun arrogantly considered his riches to be solely his own. He replied, “Why should I? If this wealth has been given to me, it is not by chance, but only through knowledge I possess.”^[3] This display of pride ultimately led to his fall.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!
May Allah (swt) grant us and our loved ones abundant and continuous sustenance through His name “Ar-Razzâq” (The Provider) and enable us to spend what He has given us in His way. Spending what Allah gives us for His cause is one of the most important acts of servitude. This duty is expressed in the Qur’an: “They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good, it is for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and travellers. And whatever good you do, Allah truly knows it well.”^[4] Those who spend and share what has been given to them are the ones who truly thank Allah. Those who regard blessings as solely their own and hoard them without sharing are unfortunate, enslaved by what they possess. They are captives of the wealth and property they think they own. Sharing and supporting those in need both frees the heart and blesses our wealth. This blessing is beautifully illustrated in the Qur’an: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears, and in every ear, a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.”^[5]

 Dear Jama’ah!
In the hadith recited at the beginning of our khutba, our Prophet (saw) highlights that those who can spend the wealth Allah has given them in His cause are truly admirable. As in previous years, our organisation invites us to do good through this year’s Infaq Campaign. Across 14 regions across the globe, 16 projects will be constructed with your contributions. Mosques, new branches, educational centres and schools will be built and developed. The good deeds carried out in these places will be our everlasting records of charity. We invite you to share from the blessings you have, to join those who give with sincere gratitude and to support the spread of goodness.

May Allah (swt) accept our infaq.

[1] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:3

[2] Surah Al-Qasas, 28:77  

[3] Surah Al-Qasas, 28:78 

[4] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:215

[5] Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261

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