Save Water and Avoid Gambling: A Divine Reminder from the Ministry of Endowments
Well, well, well! Here we have the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments serving us a sermon for next Friday, November 8, 2024—a full-on religious roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work message that’s more refreshing than a glass of water after a desert trek! And let’s not forget, they’re tackling two hot topics: saving every precious drop of water and steering clear of gambling in all its forms.
The Importance of Water
First off, we have the water situation. You see, it’s not just about quenching our thirst; it’s about survival! The ministry’s sermon kicks off by reminding us how water is worth more than gold! With the kind of approach you’d expect from a motivational coach—perhaps with a cheeky wink—they emphasize that wasting water is tantamount to throwing away life itself! Can you imagine? A person wickedly flushing away water whilst singing “I Will Survive”? Well, guess what? Mother Nature won’t be so forgiving, darling!
Have we become so complacent that we waste water while brushing our teeth, or worse, rinsing off that gloriously expensive car? Oh, come on! We’ve all seen it happen. One drop may not seem much, but clearly, our Holy Book has something to say about that. Let’s not forget that "Most of the fire is from small sparks," and right now, folks, we are playing with fire if we aren’t cautious with our resource management.
Gambling: A Sinful Temptation
And then, entering stage left, we have the second topic: gambling! Ah, gambling—the thrill of taking risks with your hard-earned cash! It’s like playing roulette with your wallet. The ministry’s messaging here is clear: gambling is a “great abomination.” They decode it as the work of Satan, which, let’s face it, is about as subtle as a lead balloon. But who’s counting when many can recognize the pitfalls of placing those bets?
But here’s the kicker—the modern twist! We’re not just talking about shady backroom card games; this gambling menace has morphed into a digital horror show! You can picture it now: someone sinking into the couch, fingers hovering over their phone, ready to bet on the next virtual horse race. The stakes—risky. The consequences—you guessed it: heartbreak, bankruptcy, and sometimes, tragically, even worse.
The Challenge of the Modern Imam
Now, don’t you dare think the sermon is just about doom and gloom! It includes guidelines (very regulated, mind you), such as keeping the total sermon time under fifteen minutes—because who wants to hear a never-ending monologue? We’re trying to save time and water here, after all! And let’s not forget, every Imam must follow the topic, possibly fearing they’ll be sent to the ‘naughty corner’ if they stray too far from the script. I can see it now: “And now for today’s entertainment, let’s observe the Imam try not to implode as he remembers to stick to the theme!”
The Ending Prayer
The sermon urges us to conclude with a prayer for prosperity, security, and love in our country. In other words, they’re pulling the ultimate mic drop while emphasizing caring for the Earth, the essence of divine guidance, and dodging the devil’s delights. Speaking of which, who knew a sacred sermon could simultaneously feel like a call to our better selves while also being a fabulously comedic skit begging for a laugh?
So, next Friday, as we gather in mosques across Egypt, let’s remember:
- Save Water—it’s essential, folks!
- Avoid Gambling—not just because it’s a sin, but because who really wants their future sold off for a digit on a screen?
In conclusion, whether you’re a strict adherent or just someone looking for a good laugh, there’s certainly wisdom to be found amidst the cheekiness and cheeky wisdom in this divine sermon. Let’s raise our glasses—of water, mind you—and toast to sensible living! Cheers!
Next Friday, November 8, 2024 AD, marks an important sermon organized by the Ministry of Endowments, with a focus on the critical theme: “Save every drop of water… and beware of gambling in all its forms.” This sermon, dated Jumada al-Awwal 6, 1446 AH, aims to raise awareness about the vital importance of water conservation, while issuing a strong advisory against all forms of gambling, both traditional and digital.
The Ministry of Endowments underscores the essential goal of the upcoming sermon, which is directed at congregations in mosques throughout the nation. This message emphasizes the urgent need to protect and cherish every drop of water as a divine resource, while simultaneously alerting the public to the dangers and prohibitions associated with gambling practices.
The Endowments emphasizes commitment to the Ministry of Endowments’ next Friday sermon, November 8, 2024, pdf: Save every drop of water… and beware of gambling in all its forms:
The Ministry of Endowments has mandated that all imams deliver the sermon next Friday, adhering closely to the prescribed text. The Ministry expects the delivery of the first and second sermons to remain concise, not exceeding fifteen minutes each, reflecting the comprehensive knowledge and profound understanding of religion held by the appointed clergy.
To read the sermon next Friday, November 8, 2024, by the Ministry of Endowments, entitled:
Save every drop of water… and beware of gambling in all its forms.
Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds. You are praised as You say, and even better than we can express. Glory be to You, our ability to count Your praises falls short. You are as You have exalted Yourself, and I bear witness that there is no deity but God alone, without partner, singular and eternal. Moreover, I testify that our master Muhammad is His servant and messenger, sent by God as mercy for all realms and as the final prophet. Blessings and peace be upon him and his family, and upon all companions who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
Both faith and gratitude for divine blessings call us to recognize that water is life itself. How precious is this life-giving substance? It is of utmost significance to conserve every drop, as highlighted in the holy verses of the Qur’an, which declare, “And We made from water every living thing.” God’s will reflects the sanctity of water, urging us to safeguard it as a vital resource for current and future generations.
People! Reflect on the value of water, recalling how it was revered even in the context of prophetic love. Our master Ali bin Abi Talib, may God be pleased with him, illustrated his love for the Prophet Muhammad by equating it to the crucial need for refreshing water when parched. His words resonate deeply among us, demonstrating that nothing compares to the necessity of this vital resource.
Gentlemen! Is it permissible in our faith to waste even a single drop of water? How can anyone justify allowing water to run freely while performing mundane tasks such as washing utensils or cleaning their vehicles? Such acts of negligence are condemned by Islamic law and should be rejected by rational minds.
Each of us must recognize that disregarding water usage, even in small quantities, leads to larger consequences. Every little amount adds up, and wasting water is tantamount to squandering life itself. Keep this in mind while performing daily activities—whether washing your hands or managing your irrigation.
The sacred teachings of our religion categorically oppose the misuse of water in any context, including drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes. Even during acts of worship, excess water usage is deemed inappropriate, as reflected in the prophetic saying which linked true ablution with moderation. One man approached the Prophet Muhammad to learn proper ablution, and upon demonstrating it, the Prophet emphasized the importance of restraint, cautioning that anyone who uses more than necessary is acting inappropriately.
Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon the Seal of the Prophets, our Master Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace), and upon his family and companions.
God Almighty has explicitly prohibited gambling, labeling it as an abomination and part of Satan’s work. The injunction to “avoid them that you may succeed” underscores the seriousness of this prohibition. Gambling, whether in its tangible or newly emerged electronic forms, poses a significant risk to individuals and society.
While many are familiar with traditional gambling and avoid it, new digital variants are emerging, luring individuals into a web of online betting and lotteries. This insidious trend can devastate lives—prompting individuals to sell their possessions or resort to theft, driven by debts and despair caused by gambling losses. The consequences can be dire, leading some to contemplate suicide under the weight of their financial burden.
It’s imperative to warn everyone against all types of gambling. Such practices are strictly forbidden, and their repercussions affect not only those involved but also the families and communities around them.
May God protect our nation and our youth, showering us all with peace, love, and prosperity.
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Friday sermon by the Ministry of Endowments on the voice of preachers
To view the Friday sermon section
Consequences of gambling extend beyond material loss, affecting individual lives, families, and entire communities. It lures individuals with the promise of wealth and thrills but often leads to despair, dependency, and moral degradation. The Quran warns vehemently against this vice, stating, “O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it…” (Quran 5:90).
In today’s world, gambling is not confined to traditional venues; it has invaded our digital spaces, leading to an explosion of online gambling platforms that prey on our weaknesses and cravings for immediate gratification. Imagine being ensnared by the glowing screen of a smartphone, overlooking the myriad of consequences all for the fleeting excitement of a chance bet. It is imperative that we recognize the dangers of both in-person and online gambling, which can spiral into financial ruin, emotional distress, and a burden on familial relationships.
As we reflect on these matters, the ministry calls upon all believers to engage in self-examination. Are we truly valuing our resources, like water, and adhering to the moral standards that prevent us from engaging in destructive behaviors such as gambling? The path to prosperity and fulfillment lies in our choices and actions. We are encouraged to engage our communities in discussions about the significance of water conservation and combating gambling, so our congregations emerge wiser and more united in purpose.
As we approach the end of this sermon, let us pray for enlightenment and strength to uphold these vital lessons in our daily lives. May our hearts be filled with the wisdom to cherish every drop of water and the discernment to steer clear of the vices that lead us astray, particularly gambling.
We conclude with a reminder to carry forth these teachings into the week ahead.
**1. Save Water**—it is essential, and every drop counts!
**2. Avoid Gambling**—it is not merely a sin; it is a path fraught with danger and regret.
Let us raise our glasses of water as a tribute to nature’s gifts and commit ourselves to a life of sustainability and ethical choices. Cheers to healthy living and spiritual growth as we strive to embody the principles laid out before us!
May peace and mercy be upon you all.
