27TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR: GENEROSITY AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN ISLAM- BY DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE

19-12-1444 AH/ 07-07-2023 CE

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim

The overall motive of generosity is welfare of all and sundry. Its magnitude is painted in a similitude of a seedlings and grains planted which produces in manifold. The Glorious Qur'an 3:192 bears categorically that: "A similitude of those who spend in the cause of Allah is like a grain planted which grow seven stock on each of which there are one hundred grains, such that Allah multiplies reward in multiple for whom He wishes, and Allah is Splendid and Knowledgeable."

The sociological intricacies of wealth posts a man for thorough admiration even though he guff in his presentation, as against low accolades given to a poor even though he sounds altruistic.

To this end, it behoves us that one can hardly give what is not owned. Juxtaposing this with the Hadith of the noble Messenger _(SAW)_ , which stipulates that "Whoever is endowed with riches should give out in charity. The same for endowment with knowledge and strength of connections and influence." To a large extent, the import of this appears "The stretch of knowledge is never in its fabulousity and being voluminous but a light thrown in the mind."

In another development, emphasis is laid on the magnitude of giving charity on behalf of oneself and the deceased persons even if it is with only drinking water. In case such is not possible, then with recitation of the words of Allah and per adventure that is not also possible, then with prayer with forgiveness and blessing the acceptance of which you have been promised."

Generosity attracts four main different strength of rewards. These are in thee order of priority in terms of proximity. These according to the above verse include: i. The one done to immediate family members attracts ten rewards; relatives attracts seventy rewards; brethren attracts seven hundred rewards; and less privileged attracts seven thousand rewards.

Above all, the noble Messenger (SAW) placed on record that: "Generosity is a symbolic tree in paradise whose branches spread across the earth, whosoever hangs on to it is led to paradise. Contrarily, niggardliness is a symbolic tree in hell whose branches spread across the earth, whosoever hangs on to it is led to hell.

Summarily, a Muslim is encouraged to be generous not only for the mundane and spiritual benefits but also for humanitarian purposes.

Till we meet in the next edition, Jum'at Mubaarakah to all.

Ma'as Salaamah.

DR. RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN, Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Ipaja Branch Lagos State

- Nigeria