By Mallam Harun Umar
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his noble family, and his righteous companions.
Respected brothers and sisters, today, we continue our discussion on the importance of swiftness in virtuous deeds. As we explored last week, hastening in good actions is a profound characteristic of the believer. It reflects a deep understanding of the transient nature of life and the eternal rewards of righteousness.
To briefly recap what we discussed last week, we said, the following virtuous deeds demand swiftness.
Performing the Five Daily Prayers. We said, the regular and punctual prayer is the foundation of our faith. We also said, seeking forgiveness constantly. We added that seeking Allah's forgiveness is essential for our spiritual purity.
We also discussed repaying debts. We agreed that promptly fulfilling financial obligations is a moral imperative. We also said, conducting funerals. We saw that hastening the funeral rites is a sign of respect for the deceased.
We also saw why performing marriages, and expediting the marriage process is encouraged to prevent fitna.
Another virtuous deed we discussed was delivering Justice. We said , swift and impartial judgment is a cornerstone of a just society. We also said, facilitating the conversion to Islam, by assisting those who wish to embrace Islam should be done promptly. And we stopped at reconciliation. We said, resolving disputes quickly is a noble act.
Today, we will delve into additional virtuous deeds that require swiftness. Let us begin with seeking knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey. We must seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Knowledge is light, and it illuminates our path in this world and the Hereafter. As Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr." Satan is more scared of one knowledgeable person than a whole community. He feels that a knowledgeable person cannot be deceived to commit errors because, he knows.
The next virtuous deed is fulfilling promises. A person of integrity keeps their word. Breaking promises erodes trust and harms relationships. Prompt payment of wages is also very important. Timely payment of wages is a basic human right. Delaying payment is unjust and can lead to dire consequences. It is sad to see people who after the Labourer has completed their job, they start to find fault because they do not want to pay. Let us know that on judgement day, we will be called to account.
Another virtuous deed is enjoining good and forbidding evil. Speaking out against wrong and advocating for righteousness is a duty for every Muslim. If you know the truth and you are silent, you are guilty of bidding the truth. And this can cause destruction. Also, speaking the truth timely can help to prevent crisis.
Let us also note that giving charity is a means of purifying wealth and seeking Allah's pleasure. It is a form of investment in the Hereafter. Do not think that giving charity will depreciate your wealth. Be informed that your wealth is a test. Therefore, strive hard to pass the test.
Seeking medical treatment while sick is also very important. Taking care of one's health is a responsibility. Delaying treatment can worsen illnesses and lead to complications. Do not delay it for any reason. The earlier, the better and it is a healthy person who can worship and do virtuous deeds than a sick one.
Another virtuous deed is performing dhikr and dua. Regular remembrance of Allah and supplication are essential for spiritual growth and protection from harm. Do supplication before and after every activity.
Let us know that speaking truthfully is another virtuous deed. Honesty is a hallmark of a righteous person. Always strive to speak the truth, even if it is bitter.
Also learn the habit of eating breakfast because , a healthy breakfast provides energy for the day and enhances focus and productivity. Even if you are fasting, please break according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Once it is time to breakfast, do not delay it.
Planting trees is another virtuous deed. Planting trees is a sustainable act of charity that benefits both the present and future generations. Islam has thought us the benefits of tree planting before forestry practices which encourages tree planting now. Tree planting is a charity that continuously attracts reward as long as the tree exits and people benefit from it.
Removing obstacles from the path is also virtuous deed. Clearing obstacles from the path of others is a form of kindness and compassion. It is sunnatic to do so and very rewarding.
Teaching others is also a virtuous deed. Sharing knowledge is a noble act that can benefit countless individuals. It reward is forever as long the knowledge is passed from one person to another.
In conclusion, swiftness in virtuous deeds is a characteristic of the true believer. By hastening in good actions, we can draw closer to Allah, purify our souls, and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to prioritize virtuous deeds and to act upon them promptly. Ameen
Mallam Harun Umar writes from the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board's Central Mosque Benin City
