Faithful must hasten to all that is good in this world

Five times a day the minarets in mosques call “Come for success! ( Hayya Alal Falah).” Worshippers will be told today that the call beckons the faithful to hasten to that which is good for them and may bring them happiness in this world and in the hereafter.

Falah means success in this worldly life and earning the dwelling of Paradise in the hereafter, something that can be achieved in many ways.

Success was mentioned in about 40 places in the Quran. In the beginning of Surat al Baqara, the Quran mentions verses that are precise, listing the causes of success.

In it, Allah says: “[Those] who believe in the unseen establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them, and who believe in what has been revealed to you, [Oh Mohammed], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.” (Al-Baqara: 3-5)

Following the commands of God and honouring the Prophet Mohammed will set Muslims on the path to success, the sermon will say.

Likewise, God has prepared success for those who pray regularly. Allah says: “Certainly will the believers have succeeded; they who are during their prayer humbly submissive.” (Al-Muminoon: 1-2)

This is because prayer is among the acts of worship that leads to the path of Allah’s satisfaction and winning His Heavens.

Zakat and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are other ways to attain success, worshippers will be told.

Dhikr is heavy in the scale of good deeds, beloved to God and to perform. Muslims are urged to remember Allah in line with his commands: “And remember Allah often that you may be successful.”

Purifying the soul can be achieved by embracing good manners, improving one’s behaviour and controlling one’s words.

The soul can also be cleansed by being grateful to God for the favours He endowed upon the world and thanking Him for His bounties.

The sermon will tell worshippers to thank God for blessing the UAE with stability, welfare, harmony, unity and the wisdom of the Rulers.

Muslims will be told to pray to Allah to protect the UAE and continue preserving its flag flying high in the sky as He is the Bestower of bounties, the Generous.