As is the tradition every Friday, Allah (SWT) has blessed us with life so that we may continue learning more about our noble religion of Islam.
Today, as we encourage one another every Friday, it is important that we go early to the mosque for prayers and also listen to the sermons and teachings of Imams, Sheikhs, scholars, and other learned servants of the faith.
These teachings are important because they guide our lives in this world.
Before we go deeper into today’s topic, let us first begin by thanking our Creator, Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala, the Most Merciful, the Creator of the heavens, the earth, and everything within them.
Every day and forever, there is none worthy of worship and praise except Allah (SWT) alone.
After thanking Allah (SWT), let us also take this special moment to send blessings, prayers, and salutations upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
We should be grateful to Allah for the gift of life, even as our nation currently faces several economic challenges.
On the lips of every citizen today are the rising fuel prices and the high cost of living that continue to burden ordinary people. My dear brothers and sisters, in today’s column let us discuss corruption, which has deeply affected various government institutions and shaken our economy.
At present, blame is spreading everywhere among our politicians following the emergence of the fuel scandal in the country.
The Qur’an condemns fasad (corruption and mischief). In Surah Al-Qasas 28:77, Allah says: “Do not seek corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not love the corrupters.”
Allah has outlined four forms of corruption. The first is greed for wealth, which includes bribery, acquiring property through fraud, and engaging in deceitful business practices.
The second type of corruption forbidden by Allah is the abuse of power, especially by leaders who oppress and enslave the very people who elected them.
Allah also forbids violence and bloodshed. Taking part in murder or destruction of property is regarded as declaring war against Allah.
The fourth type of corruption is moral decay in society, which includes hypocrisy and betrayal.
When one examines all these forms of corruption, it becomes clear that there is hardly any type in which some of our leaders have not participated.
They continue to swim and drown in an ocean of corruption.
Every day, public resources are squandered while leaders grow richer and richer, eating in excess as citizens continue to suffer in deep poverty.
For the corrupt, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:85 warns: “On the Day of Resurrection, they will be subjected to the severest punishment.”
Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:33 further speaks strongly against corruption: “They may be killed, crucified, have their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides, or be exiled from the land.”
Before looting public wealth, every leader should know that punishment awaits.
Leave a comment