Taken from today's The Brunei Times Opinion
Dear Editor
SHARING and caring are fundamental pillars of social justice in Islam.
Regrettably most of us today (whether individuals, companies, youth or elderly) do not understand and appreciate the importance of working for charity.
Indeed, globalisation and modernisation have brought us selfishness, greediness, credit cards and shopping mall culture and finally accumulation of wealth.
They have made us live in comfort zone as if we are going to stay in this world forever.
This motion is indeed sickening and misleading and the outcome will be very harmful to the society at large.
We should learn that to be selfish, greedy and careless towards others is undoubtedly foreign to our Islamic culture and values.
Sadly, most young generations are adversely affected and such behaviour is totally unacceptable in Islam.
On the contrary Islam taught us moral values based on Islamic business ethics principles those are sharing and caring for other humans especially to children with special needs (CSN) in order to bring happiness and hopes to those unfortunate people in the community.
Therefore, the concept of life in Islam is clear and obvious that is a short journey of struggle, hard work and sweating until we die.
Ultimately, death can happen to all of us at any moment and there are no differences between old and young, but has sudden death taught us some lessons?
Sadly no, except for a few. Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the role model for humanity, said:
"When a human dies three things will stay behind him that is (a) good work (b) knowledge that generates benefit to the community, finally (c) a good son with good Islamic manners who makes dua for his parents after his death.
This is what the life of Muslim believers is and the rest of the worldly life is of no significance whatsoever.
Allah says: "The parable of those who spend their property in the way of Allah is as the parable of a grain growing seven ears (with) a hundred grains in every ear; and Allah multiplies for whom He pleases: and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing". (Surah Al-Baqarah: 261)
This verse is self-explanatory that is to say when we give charity there will be abundant rewards from God whether material, moral and spiritual.
Allah (the real Owner and the Providers and Sustains) wants us to give for charity in order to show mercy and happiness to others in pain.
The public has been completely shocked when they heard the sad news that Smarter (Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training, Education and Resources) is on the verge of shutting down due to lack of financial assistance.
Smarter president Malai Hj Abdullah Malai Hj Othman whom I met recently has announced that in his speech delivered on Teacher's Day and Hari Raya celebration.
Indeed, he is a man of wonderful mission that is to help children with autism by giving them full support to enable them to succeed and integrate in the community.
But now his centre is in financial difficulty that requires urgent help.
It is time for us to act responsibly and show our solidarity with Smarter by setting up funds for this unique centre on the following plans:
(1) $1 from primary, secondary and high school students.
(2) $2 dollars from university students.
(3) $5 from master students.
(4) $10 lecturers.
(5) $20 Senior lecturers.
(6) $30 Associate Professors.
(7) $40 Professors.
(8) Companies $1000.
This everlasting charity (sadaqah jareeyah) will surely have a great rewards from Allah and it will generate multiplier effects to Smarter.
However, Malai Hj Abdullah needs a long-term plan and different methods of fund raising.
It is my moral duty and responsibility to write and forward my proposal to the public to show their full support for Malai Hj Abdullah.
I pray to Allah to accept our deeds and show us the real path of happiness, that is charity. Amen.
Saad Al-Harran
Gadong
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