Central Khutbah: “Investing in People – The Most Important Investment”
Investing in people is the greatest investment one can make in life. There are three categories of people who deserve our attention, effort, and love, as they are the foundation of the future and sources of goodness.
Three People Worth Investing In
Sons and Daughters – The Legacy for the Future
Children are the most precious inheritance a person can leave behind. Investing in them does not only mean providing material wealth but also raising them with faith, morals, and true values. Guide them on the path of piety, knowledge, and nobility, for one day, they will be your prayer and your footprint on this earth.
Allah, the Most High, says:
“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire…” (At-Tahrim, 6)
The Spouse – The Person with Whom You Build Your Life
A spouse is not just a life partner but also a best friend, a support in hardships, and a source of joy in moments of happiness. A man should invest in the intelligence of his wife, as she is not only the mother of his children but also the pillar of the family. A woman should invest in the heart of her husband, as the way to a man’s mind is through his heart.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The best of you are those who are the best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi)
The Brother in Islam, Even If He Does Not Share Your Blood – A True Support
A true brother is not always the one with whom you share the same blood, but the one who supports you in faith, morality, and the right path. Stand by your Muslim brother in both difficult and joyful times, for religion is brotherhood, and love for Allah is eternal and imperishable.
Allah says:
“The believers are but brothers. So make peace between your brothers…” (Al-Hujurat, 10)
Three People to Avoid
The Envious – The One Who Cannot Stand Your Happiness
The envious person cannot bear to see others succeed and will always try to diminish your joy. Their heart is filled with hatred, and their words are poisoned.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned:
“Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood.” (Abu Dawud)
The Selfish – The One Who Only Sees Themselves
This person always talks about themselves, does not value others, and believes they are the only one deserving of success. Their presence is draining, and their friendship brings only disappointment.
Allah says:
“And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.” (Al-Isra, 37)
The Miser – The One Who Thinks There Is Not Enough for Everyone
This person lives in fear that others will take their place under the sun. Their greed and jealousy make them a threat to any sincere relationship.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“A man is not a believer if he loves for himself what he does not love for others.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Three Things to Take Advantage Of
Reading – Food for the Soul and Mind
Every book brings new experiences and opens the mind to deeper reflection. The one who reads does not live only one life but acquires the wisdom of past generations.
Travel – A Window to the World
Traveling is not just about changing locations but also about changing one’s perspective on life. Through encounters with different people and cultures, we learn understanding, patience, and gratitude.
Learning from Mistakes – A Step Toward Success
No one is infallible, but those who fear mistakes also fear progress. Every mistake is a lesson, and every lesson is a step toward becoming a better version of oneself.
Allah says:
“And do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of the mercy of Allah except the disbelieving people.” (Yusuf, 87)
Be courageous, be just, be the one who leaves a mark.
Life is a gift, and every moment is an opportunity to do something valuable.
(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on March 14, 2025, at the “Association Islamique et Culturelle Al Rahma” in Differdange)
