Friday sermon: Let the new year begin with good deeds

As 2017 approaches, people are encouraged to be positive and ask Allah for a year of happiness and prosperity, worshippers will hear on Friday.

Friday’s sermon emphasises the importance of having a good omen.

As a hadith by Prophet Mohammed says: “Allah, the Most Exalted, says ‘I am as my servant thinks of me, so let him assume about me whatever he wishes.” So if one thinks good of Allah and has positive expectation, so it will be.

People are also expected to be proactive in doing good deeds “and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous. And whatever good they do - never will it be removed from them”, states the Quran.

Even if a good deed seems so small, one should not bypass its rewards. As another verse in the Quran states: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.”

The sermon reads: “This should really motivate people to race to acts of goodness and promote them in their communities, boosting thereby compassion among people.”

And good deeds vary in type and form, as it could be any act that brings welfare to the public.

The sermon cites easing the hardship of others, helping people in need, supporting charitable organisations and carrying out volunteer work as examples.

“Allah, the Most Giving, will recompense the doers of good in this world by facilitating their affairs and removing their troubles and distress.”

There is also an etiquette to giving, as a verse from the Quran says: “If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you.”

The sermon also concludes by quoting Prophet Mohammed when he said: “Whoever can benefit his brother should do so.”