Indeed, we are in need!

Goodness is abundant in our nation, and this is something that does not require confirmation. Many of Kuwait’s wealthy people allocate part of their wealth for charity. This money is often given to the poor and needy, with only a small portion directed toward helping students or those suffering from illness. However, today we need to change this approach. We need donors who will allocate part of their wealth to support noble values.

Giving to the poor and needy is undoubtedly a great source of goodness, and as Muslims, we cannot ignore the specific obligations of Zakat. But we often forget that our Creator, the Almighty, has divided charity into nine distinct categories, covering various areas. Among these categories, for which we rarely see the wealthy allocate funds despite its importance, is the category of beneficial knowledge.

My message to the wealthy of our nation, who are considering leaving part of their wealth for charity, is that they must designate funds to support noble values and fundamental needs that preserve our nation. This category of charity is one that does not cease to benefit its owner after death.

We can imagine funds dedicated to fighting deviation, defending the Arabic language and restoring its status as a language of science, and combating the scourge of drugs. Such funds would undoubtedly contribute to the revival of noble values in our societies and help create generations that are proud of their culture.

Today, if you want to help patients, you will find many wealthy individuals rushing to provide support. But if you ask for funding to build a university for the Arabic language, you will find little to no interest. Many complain about the spread of drugs, yet no wealthy individual has provided support for a project to monitor, analyze, and provide solutions for this tragedy.

Today, we all see what is going on in our Arab countries, in the form of ferocious attacks on the language of our nation. A ferocious attack that seeks to replace our Arabic language with English. Scholars recognize the danger this poses to our nation’s future and development, yet they find no wealthy individuals willing to allocate a third of their wealth to establish institutions that teach in Arabic. Our language needs the opportunity to compete and demonstrate its true value.

I ask Almighty Allah to inspire those who are able to dedicate a third of their wealth to this noble cause. Knowledge, when invested in, will have an impact not only on individuals but on the entire nation. I also ask those among the wealthy who are still alive and seeking a charitable cause that will benefit them in front of their Lord, to consider allocating part of their wealth for beneficial knowledge. This could be done by establishing institutions with a clear mission — institutions that, for example, revive the Arabic language and open schools where Arabic is the language of instruction. This is wealth invested in the revival of a nation.

local@kuwaittimes.com