As the discussion began this morning, we now taking a look at the many possessions and materialistic items that we have which we should be grateful for.

So this morning my colleagues began the discussion on how we need to be grateful for our wealth and they discussed that having wealth is actually a good thing as it allows you to pay Zakaat, feed the fasting and spend on the poor.

Many people (especially the rich) use the wealth of Hadhrat Uthman (RA) as a justification to have wealth, ok, that’s fine, but why don’t we look at his spending in the path of Allah and use that as an example as well.

The Muslims needed water, who purchased the well of Rumah with his own wealth and made it free for the Muslims?

The Muslim army was marching to Tabuk, who equipped half of this army?

It was narrated from Abu Salamah bin ‘Abdur-Rahman that ‘Uthman (RA) looked out over them when they besieged him and said:

“By Allah, I adjure a man who heard the Messenger of Allah, on the day when the mountain shook with him, and he kicked it with his foot and said: ‘Be still, for there is no one upon you but a Prophet or a Siddiq or two martyrs,’ and I was with him.” Some men responded and affirmed that. Then he said: “By Allah, I adjure a man who witnessed the Messenger of Allah, on the day of Bai’at Al-Ridwan, say: ‘This is the Hand of Allah and this is the hand of ‘Uthman.'” Some men responded and affirmed that. He said: “By Allah, I adjure a man who heard the Messenger of Allah say, on the day of the army of Al-‘Usrah (i.e. Tabuk): ‘Who will spend and it will be accepted?’ And I equipped half of the army from my own wealth.” Some men responded and affirmed that. Then he said: “By Allah, I adjure a man who heard the Messenger of Allah say: ‘Who will add to this Masjid in return for a house in Paradise,’ and I bought it with my own wealth.” Some men responded and affirmed that. Then he said: “By Allah, I adjure a man who witness Rumah being sold, and I bought it from my own wealth and allowed wayfarers to use it.” Some men responded and affirmed that.

So if a person has wealth there are many other avenues in which they can spend their money.

What about building a masjid? SubhanAllah! every salaah or good deed that is done their will accrue for you tremendous reward.

You could establish a madrassah or learning institute in an impoverished area, every child that learns and studies there and all the good that will come out of it, will earn you rewards.

You could even construct an orphanage, or shelter for the homeless and again earn yourself great rewards.

You could maybe try and copy Hadhrat Uthman (RA) and dig boreholes and wells and thus provide drinking water in drought-stricken areas.

You could sponsor a student, or sponsor an Ustaad or donate to an Islamic organisation.

In summary there is so much good you could do with your wealth, therefore be grateful to Allah if Allah has granted you wealth, and give the necessary dues demanded from you.