The principle is to first remove the harm and then reap the benefits

Main Topic

An explanation of the fundamental Islamic principle that removing harm and evil takes priority over attaining benefit, applied to our daily life and acts of worship.

Key Lessons

• Before filling a container with pure water (doing good deeds), one must clean out the filth and seal any leaks (eliminating sins and spiritual defects).
• Acts of worship such as Hajj, Umrah, and Qurbani must not be corrupted by sins like free-mixing, vanity, and neglect of purdah.
• The commercialization and ritualization of Deen can erode the true spiritual purpose behind acts of ibadah.
• True success requires taking Deen seriously, guarding one's actions, and preparing for the Hereafter.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:115): "Did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?"
• Prophetic descriptions of the severity of punishment in Jahannam, including scorpions the size of mules and snakes the size of camels.

Practical Advice

• Ensure income and funds used for worship like Hajj and Qurbani are completely halal.
• Maintain proper Islamic modesty, purdah, and boundaries during religious gatherings and travel.
• Refrain from filming and sharing unnecessary videos of Qurbani that can cause harm or misrepresent Islamic practices to non-Muslims.
• Minimize cell phone usage in the masjid to preserve focus and respect for the house of Allah Ta'ala.