Introduction
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We gather here today on this blessed Friday, a day of reflection, mercy, and renewed commitment to our faith. Every Friday is an opportunity for us to realign our hearts with the message of Islam, reminding ourselves of the responsibilities we carry as Muslims. Today’s Friday sermon will focus on the significance of charity in our lives, taking inspiration from the exemplary life of our late brother, Ali Banat, whose journey was a testament to the transformative power of giving.
The Blessings of Friday
The day of Friday, or Yawm al-Jumu’ah, holds a special place in Islam. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is better for you if you but knew.” (Qur’an 62:9)
This verse emphasizes that Friday is not just any day. It is a day set aside for the remembrance of Allah and for reflecting on how we live our lives. As we gather today, let us reflect on how we can best use the blessings Allah has given us, particularly the blessing of wealth, to help those in need.
The Role of Charity in Islam
Charity is one of the central pillars of Islam. It is a means of purifying our wealth and, more importantly, our hearts. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills.” (Qur’an 2:261)
This verse is a powerful reminder that charity is not just a financial transaction—it is a spiritual investment that Allah rewards many times over. Every act of charity, no matter how small, brings with it divine blessings that far exceed its value.
Ali Banat: A Life Dedicated to Charity
One of the most profound examples of living a life of charity is the story of Ali Banat, a successful businessman whose life took a transformative turn after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Ali Banat referred to his illness as a “gift,” as it allowed him to reevaluate his life’s purpose. Instead of focusing on the material wealth he had accumulated, Ali dedicated the remainder of his life to serving others through charitable works.
Ali Banat’s story is deeply moving because it demonstrates how adversity can be turned into an opportunity to draw closer to Allah. Faced with the certainty of death, Ali’s response was to give away everything he had for the sake of others. He founded the Muslims Around the World (MATW) Project, an organization focused on helping those most in need, particularly in impoverished regions of Africa.
Through this project, Ali Banat built schools, provided clean water, supported orphans, and established sustainable programs that continue to benefit communities even after his passing.
The Eternal Rewards of Charity
Ali Banat’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the rewards of charity, both in this life and the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim)
Ali Banat’s charitable efforts fall into the category of Sadaqah Jariyah—ongoing charity that continues to benefit him even after his death. Every well that he helped dig, every orphan he supported, and every mosque he built continues to bring him rewards in the hereafter. This is a powerful lesson for us all: the wealth and time we invest in charity today will continue to benefit us long after we are gone.
Key Lessons from Ali Banat’s Life
From the life of Ali Banat, there are several important lessons we can draw:
- Charity is about intention, not amount: Ali Banat constantly emphasized that what matters most in charity is not how much you give, but the intention behind your giving. Even the smallest act of kindness, when done sincerely for the sake of Allah, can bring immense rewards.
- Wealth is a test: Ali Banat saw his wealth as a test from Allah. He often spoke about how he once lived a life of luxury but came to realize that true wealth lies in how we use our resources to help others. For all of us, this is a reminder that the money and possessions we have been blessed with are not ours to keep—they are entrusted to us by Allah to be used in ways that benefit humanity.
- Adversity is an opportunity for growth: Ali Banat’s reaction to his cancer diagnosis teaches us that even the greatest hardships can be a “gift” from Allah if we use them to draw closer to Him. Instead of despairing, Ali used his illness as a catalyst to completely transform his life and focus on what truly matters.
- Sadaqah Jariyah is the best investment: By investing in projects that continue to benefit people long after his death, Ali Banat ensured that his legacy would endure. Whether through building a mosque, providing education, or supporting orphans, we should all strive to leave behind acts of charity that continue to bear fruit even after we have left this world.
A Call to Action: Following Ali Banat’s Legacy
As we conclude today’s Friday sermon, I want to leave you with a question: What will your legacy be? Ali Banat’s life is a testament to the fact that we all have the ability to make a difference, no matter our circumstances. Whether we are wealthy or not, each of us has something to give, whether it be our time, our skills, or our money.
On this blessed day of Friday, let us renew our commitment to giving. The MATW Project continues the legacy of Ali Banat, and it is a reminder that we too can leave a lasting impact on this world.
As the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best charity is that which is given in secret and to the poor” (Tirmidhi).
Let us strive to give sincerely, for the sake of Allah alone, knowing that every penny we give, every act of kindness we perform, is a step closer to the eternal reward awaiting us in the hereafter.
Conclusion
My dear brothers and sisters, as we leave this Friday sermon, let us remember that the true value of wealth lies not in how much we accumulate, but in how much we give. Let us follow the example of Ali Banat, whose life was transformed through charity, and strive to leave behind a legacy of giving that continues to benefit others long after we are gone.
May Allah accept our prayers, purify our intentions, and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.