Pure heart, key salvation boat in hereafter: Dr Abdelkafy

Dr Abdelkafy said one should feel sorry about his sins, indeed gives them up, pledges never to repeat them again, and seeks pardon from whoever he has been unfair to, if any.

Dubai: Whereas no one is perfect, and humans always make mistakes, man is in a dire need for the right boats of salvation in life and the hereafter, and duly uses his senses in good deeds as ordered by Allah.

This was affirmed by popular Egyptian scholar Dr Omar Abdelkafy in his lecture at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry late on Thursday as part of the 22-lecture programme of the 19th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.

The global competition, attracting over 86 contestants from across the globe this year, is organised under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It is all as clearly stated by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him): "All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent often," he added. “Such imperfection has been met with unlimited mercy and tolerance from the Most Forgiving, Almighty Allah, who urges, accepts and rewards repentance.”

Dr Abdelkafy said one should feel sorry about his sins, indeed gives them up, pledges never to repeat them again, and seeks pardon from whoever he has been unfair to, if any.

“If sins are smelly, no one would be ready to talk to or even come closer to us whereas good deeds, even if little, are always advisable, on condition that they are done from the bottom of one’s heart.”

One's senses, mainly the eye, tongue, ears, and belly are some of the major weak points from which the devil misleads man, he elaborated. “Man should be very watchful to his senses, most importantly the heart; the king of all organs, followed by his eye which is in direct contact to the heart.”

One should also worry about his tongue and never talk unless he thinks and filter his speech, Dr Abdelkafy underlined. “The ears of a true Muslim only listen to good things as people in most are more attentive to others’ faults.”

While fasting is mainly meant to make Muslims feel and share the hunger and thirst of the poor, some people gain more weight his month, he wondered. “Ramadan is a month of fasting not eating, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to advice Muslims to only eat halal or permissible food, and never be full up.”

Naming some boats of salvation, Dr Abdelkafy said purifying the heart, holding oneself account for every single word or deed, behaving well, befriending good people, and showing mercy and compassion to others, and smiling to others are some of the many boats of salvation one should stick to.

“Islam is so easy, simple and reasonable religion (of Islam) is easy, and whoever makes it rigour, it will overpower him. So, follow a middle course (in worship); if you can't do this, do something near to it and give glad tidings and seek help (of Allah) at morn and at dusk and some part of night.”

Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, CEO of National Bonds Corp, said the award plays a significant role in spreading the tolerant message of Islam via a series of valuable lectures delivered by renowned scholars.

“Naming Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak the Islamic personality of the year is a well-deserved honouring, and gentle appreciation to her relentless effort for the numerous services she rendered to the UAE women, leave alone her social and humanitarian white hands in every nook and corner.”

Dr Yousef Ibrahim Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources at DEWA, said they have always been very keen to co-sponsor part of the Award activities in view of strategic and social partnership with the award. “The 19-year-old award has become a leading hub for Quran top memorisers worldwide.”

Tayeb Al Rais, Secretary General of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation, said the Dubai International Holy Quran Award, gaining popularity around the planet, has remarkably developed over the last 18 years in terms of the Islamic personality, branches, and lectures. “It has fruitfully encouraged the memorization and beautiful recitation of the Holy Quran as well.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE