Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, who has granted us the gift of life, sustenance, and countless blessings. We gather here today on this blessed day of Jummah, a day designated for worship, reflection, and spiritual growth. As Muslims, Friday offers us an opportunity to reconnect with our faith and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. Today’s Jummah Khutbah will focus on the virtues of charity, drawing inspiration from the life of our beloved brother Ali Banat, whose dedication to charity is an exemplary model for us all.
The Importance of Jummah Khutbah
The Jummah prayer is more than just a weekly obligation. It is a powerful reminder of our purpose on this Earth and our responsibilities as Muslims. Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
“O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jummah, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.” (Qur’an 62:9)
This verse emphasises the importance of setting aside worldly distractions and making time to come together as a community to remember Allah. As we gather for this Jummah Khutbah, let us reflect on how we can embody the principles of Islam in our daily lives, with a special focus on the virtue of giving.
The Power of Charity in Islam
Charity is one of the cornerstones of our faith. It purifies our wealth, benefits those in need, and serves as a testament to our submission to Allah. In Islam, charity (Sadaqah) is not simply an act of kindness; it is a means of achieving spiritual elevation and gaining proximity to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” (Tirmidhi).
This highlights the eternal significance of giving for the sake of Allah. Through charity, we not only help those less fortunate, but we also secure a place of protection and mercy for ourselves in the hereafter.
Ali Banat: A Life Transformed by Charity
Let us take a moment to reflect on the life of our brother, Ali Banat, whose dedication to charity has left an indelible mark on the world. Ali Banat was a successful businessman from Australia, living a life of luxury, but his life took a profound turn when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rather than succumbing to despair, Ali saw his illness as a “gift” from Allah – a chance to reevaluate his priorities and dedicate himself entirely to serving others.
Ali Banat’s story is a remarkable reminder of how short and fragile life is. With his remaining time, Ali devoted himself to the cause of charity, founding the Muslims Around the World (MATW) Project.
Through this initiative, he focused on helping those in impoverished areas, particularly in Africa. His work ranged from building schools and mosques to providing essential resources like clean water and medical care.
In a moving video that went viral, Ali Banat shared his reflection on his wealth and lifestyle before his diagnosis, calling it a test from Allah. He said, “This life is a test, and the wealth we accumulate is part of that test. When we are called back to Allah, none of these material things will matter. What will matter is how we used them to serve others.” This perspective of viewing life’s challenges as a divine test is something we all can learn from, especially when it comes to our approach to charity.
The Role of Charity in the Hereafter
Ali Banat’s life was a practical demonstration of how to use one’s resources for the benefit of others, and it serves as a reminder that charity is one of the best forms of investment in the hereafter. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him.” (Muslim).
Ali’s legacy continues through his ongoing charitable work, ensuring that even after his passing, the benefits of his deeds continue to reach him in the hereafter. This concept of “Sadaqah Jariyah” (ongoing charity) is one of the most beautiful aspects of Islam. The money we give in this life continues to benefit us long after we are gone, as long as it continues to help others.
Imagine the number of orphans who are now being educated, the number of families who have clean water, and the countless lives that have been improved because of the charity that Ali started. All of this is Sadaqah Jariyah. Let us strive to leave behind a similar legacy, no matter how small or large our contributions may be.
Jummah Khutbah – Lessons from Ali Banat’s Life
From Ali Banat’s life, we learn several critical lessons that we can incorporate into our own lives, especially when it comes to charity:
- Charity is not about the amount but the intention: Ali Banat emphasized that what counts is the sincerity behind our charity, not the amount we give. Whether it is a large donation or a simple act of kindness, it is the intention to please Allah that matters most.
- View life’s challenges as opportunities for growth: Ali’s cancer diagnosis transformed his life and gave him a new purpose. His response to adversity teaches us that hardships are a test from Allah and can be an opportunity to refocus our lives toward what truly matters.
- Wealth is a test: Ali Banat referred to his wealth as a test from Allah. In a world that often encourages accumulation and indulgence, his perspective reminds us that our material possessions are temporary and are best used in the service of others.
- Ongoing charity is the best investment: The concept of Sadaqah Jariyah teaches us that our charitable deeds continue to benefit us even after death. Therefore, we should seek out opportunities to give in ways that have long-term, sustainable impacts.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As we conclude this Jummah Khutbah, let us reflect on the life of Ali Banat and the role of charity in Islam. Jummah is a day of reflection and renewal, a time to reset our spiritual compass and strive toward the good. Let us ask ourselves, how can we better serve humanity through charity? How can we make the most of the blessings Allah has given us, not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others?
Let us leave here today with a renewed intention to give, not only out of our wealth but out of our time, our knowledge, and our hearts. The MATW Project continues Ali Banat’s legacy, and it reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference, no matter our circumstances.
May Allah accept our prayers, forgive our shortcomings, and guide us to be among those who live and die in service to Him and to humanity. Ameen.