Accra, Oct. 31, GNA – Muslims do not need to be Islamic scholars, religious leaders or wealthy individuals to contribute meaningfully to Islam, Dr Abdul Hamid Kishk Bashir Yandu, an Islamic scholar, has said.

He said every Muslim, irrespective of religious knowledge, financial standing or social status, had abilities and talents that could be deployed to serve the religion and humanity.

“All of us cannot be imams on the minbar every Friday delivering the khutbah, no. All of us cannot be wealthy people giving sadaqa all the time,” he said.

Dr Kishk was delivering a Jumu’ah sermon on the topic: “What’s Your Contribution to the Deen?” at the Cantonment Police Mosque on Friday, October 23.

He said Muslims should move beyond the perception that religious service was limited to preaching, leading prayers or making financial donations, and recognise the various ways they could contribute to the advancement of Islam.

Dr Kishk cited the example of Al-Khabbab ibn al-Mundhir, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, who suggested a change of military position during the Battle of Badr to secure access to water for the Muslim army.

He said the companion’s contribution demonstrated how individuals could make meaningful differences through their knowledge, initiative and particular abilities.

He urged Muslims to identify their individual strengths and use them to support the religion and improve the lives of others.

Dr Kishk said those without extensive Islamic knowledge could also promote the religion through their conduct and interactions with people.

“If you don’t have those knowledge or the knowledge, you deliver the message through your character,” he said.

He further urged Muslims not to underestimate small contributions or dismiss the efforts of others, saying every sincere act of service had value, irrespective of its magnitude.

He encouraged Muslims to support vulnerable people, including widows, orphans and the poor, and use their professional and leadership abilities to promote community development.

Dr Kishk said serving humanity through acts of kindness and social responsibility could also constitute meaningful contributions to Islam.