By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, March 5, GNA – Imam Yusuf Okine of the Ghana Muslim Mission has cautioned Muslims against arrogance, self-conceitedness and overreliance on material wealth, reminding them that true power and support come only from Allah.
Delivering a sermon during the second session of the Mission’s annual Ramadan Tafsir series, Imam Okine reflected on the parable of the companion with two gardens as captured in the Surah Al-Kahf, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in tawheed and humility.
He said Ramadan was the month of the Qur’an, noting that it served as guidance leading mankind to tawheed – the oneness of Allah.
He cited Surah Al-An’am (6:82), which says those who believe and do not mix their faith with injustice (shirk) would have security and guidance.
Touching on the parable, Imam Okine said Allah gave one man two flourishing gardens of grapevines surrounded by palm trees, with crops and a flowing river between them, demonstrating that Allah could grant worldly wealth even to a disbeliever as a test.
“So wealth is not necessarily a criterion of blessing,” he stressed.
He said the wealthy man boasted to his poorer companion, claiming superiority in wealth and manpower, and arrogantly assumed his gardens would never perish.
He doubted the coming of the Hour and even claimed that if he were returned to his Lord, he would receive something better, Imam Okine said.
He noted that possessions could delude a person into believing they truly owned what had merely been placed at their disposal.
He referenced Surah Al-Humazah, which warns against those who gather and count wealth, thinking it would make them immortal.
He described the man’s attitude as self-conceitedness, explaining that he considered himself superior to his believing companion because of his wealth and even imagined he would be better off in the hereafter despite his disbelief.
He said the believing companion, however, reminded him of his humble beginnings, that Allah created him from dust and a drop of sperm before fashioning him into a man.
“Sometimes it is good to reflect on your humble beginnings when in power to stay on track,” the Imam said.
The believer affirmed his faith, declaring he would never associate anyone with his Lord and advised his companion to say upon entering his garden: “This is what Allah has willed; there is no power except with Allah.”
Imam Okine emphasised that self-glorification was tantamount to shirk, adding that believers should always hope for Allah’s mercy while also fearing His wrath, especially when witnessing the prosperity of disbelievers.
He noted that if Allah wills good for a servant, He may test them with hardship so they may return to Him, whereas others may be left to increase in wrongdoing until a greater punishment overtakes them.
The sermon recounted how the wealthy man’s produce was eventually destroyed, leaving him wringing his hands in regret and wishing he had not associated partners with Allah. He had no group to help him against Allah, nor could he help himself.
“At that moment, support comes only from Allah, the True Lord. He is best in reward and best in outcome. The main lesson from the story is that all ability, power and support come solely from Allah, not from human effort or imagination,” Imam Okine said.
He likened worldly life to vegetation that flourished after rain and then turned into chaff scattered by the wind. He reiterated that wealth and children were adornments of this life, but lasting righteous deeds were better in reward and hope with Allah.
Imam Okine also urged the congregation to support the Mission’s Reconstruction Project as a means of channeling their resources into lasting good deeds.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe