Giving Preference To Others By Moulana Ismail Akoo

Main Topic

• The inevitability of death, preparing for the eternal Akhirah, and embodying the noble quality of Ithar (preferring others over oneself).

Key Lessons

• Life in this world (dunya) is filled with uncertainty—wealth, health, and status can vanish instantly, whereas death is the only absolute certainty for every human being.
• True wisdom lies in preparing for the eternal life after death rather than investing all energy into temporary worldly pursuits.
• Ithar means giving preference to others over oneself, whether in wealth, rights, or personal feelings, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions (radiyallahu 'anhum).
• Personal offenses should be forgiven, but injustice (zulm) against others or against Deen must be stood up against, regardless of who is affected.
• Fair dealing and sincerity (naseeha) in business bring divine blessings (barakah) in wealth and life.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Ali 'Imran (3:92): "Lan tanalul birra hatta tunfiqu mima tuhibbun" (You will never attain righteousness until you spend out of that which you love).
• Surah Al-Hashr (59:9): "Wa yu'thiruna 'ala anfusihim wa law kana bihim khasasa" (They give preference over themselves, even though they are in privation).
• Incident of the poisoned mutton at Khaybar, where the Prophet ﷺ refrained from personal retaliation against the woman who poisoned it.
• Story of Salama ibn al-Akwa (radiyallahu 'anhu) giving his shield to his uncle Amir (radiyallahu 'anhu).
• Pre-Islamic confederation Hilful Fudul, praised by the Prophet ﷺ for protecting the oppressed.
• Narration of Jarir ibn 'Abdillah al-Bajali (radiyallahu 'anhu), who insisted on paying 800 dirhams instead of 300 for a horse to fulfill his pledge of sincerity to every Muslim.

Practical Advice

• Perform a daily self-assessment (muhasabah) to evaluate how much time is devoted to the Akhirah compared to worldly affairs.
• Practice giving preference to others in everyday interactions—in family life, community matters, and financial transactions.
• Oppose injustice and support anyone being oppressed, regardless of their background or race.
• Conduct business with complete honesty and generosity, trusting that barakah comes from obeying Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala rather than exploiting others.