Helping Others As a Means of Self-Purification: EP 14 - Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi

Introduction

The speaker introduces the topic of the lecture and explains why he decided to change it at the last minute.

Changing the Topic

• The speaker explains that he changed the topic of his lecture on short notice.

• He talks about how his organization, Epic, is involved in helping various city-wide organizations.

• He mentions that they have a relationship with a charity to provide shelter for homeless people during freezing temperatures.

Importance of Helping Others

• The speaker emphasizes that self-purification cannot be achieved without helping those in distress.

• He cites Prophet Muhammad as an example of someone who spent 40 years helping others before receiving revelation.

• The speaker states that showing mankind what it means to be a worshipper of Allah involves interacting with society and helping others.

Purification of the Heart

• The speaker explains that giving unto others is the ultimate teskia (purification).

• He quotes a Hadith stating that the best people are those who are most beneficial to others.

• Another Hadith emphasizes having genuine compassion, care, love, and respect for others as signs of having a pure heart.

Softness of Heart

• The speaker cites a Hadith where someone complains about having a hard heart and wanting softness.

• He concludes by emphasizing the importance of having a soft heart and being kind to others.

Softness of the Heart

The speaker encourages listeners to get involved in the lives of those who are less fortunate and contribute positively to society. He emphasizes that softness of the heart is gained by helping others, not by isolating oneself.

Getting Involved in Society

• Softness of the heart is gained by getting involved with the creation of Allah and helping others.

• Muslims should not become cut off from broader society as our religion consists of giving back to society.

• Muslims should think about how they can contribute positively to their corporation, neighborhood, and colleagues.

• Helping others should not be done as a tactic for PR or conversion but rather for the sake of Allah.

Giving Back to Society

• Muslims need to consider what impact they are making beyond their mosque and give back to society.

• Feeding the hungry, sponsoring orphans, and building shelters are all ways that Muslims can positively impact broader society.

• Giving food without asking about religion, skin color, ethnicity, mosque affiliation or anything else is what Islam teaches us.

• Helping others is purifying our hearts. If someone converts as a result it's great but it shouldn't be our intention.

Conclusion

• Softness of the heart is gained by bringing happiness to other people.

• There is no ultimate deschia (purification/sanctification/purging/cleansing/clarification/enlightenment/education/guidance/upliftment/development/improvement/refinement/perfection/polishing/maturity/moral elevation/spiritual growth/transformation/change/reform) of your own heart until you help the hearts of other people.