The Reality of Global Aid: Compassion or Self-Interest? - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi

Friday Juma KhutbaFebruary 28th, 2025- The holy month of Ramaḍān is approaching, and the crescent is expected to be sighted first in West Africa and North America. - The Prophet described Ramaḍān as the best month, with the best days, nights, and hours, full of blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. - It is a month where believers are invited as guests of Allāh, their deeds are accepted, and their prayers are answered. - Sincere intention (niyyah) is essential for fasting, as it gives fasting its true value. - Fasting is unique among rituals because it cannot be performed for show, making it a purely sincere act of worship. - A ḥadith qudsi states that fasting is exclusively for Allāh, and He alone rewards it. - The story of the sons of Adam highlights that Allāh accepts deeds only from those with true piety. - Intentions define the value of actions—those who act for worldly gain receive no divine reward. - Some international aid efforts appear humanitarian but often have hidden selfish motives. - The U.S. has reduced funding for USAID and used military aid to Ukraine with conditions attached. - The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was presented as a mission for democracy but had economic motives. - An executive order (13303) allowed U.S. control over Iraq’s oil revenues, directing funds to the U.S. Federal Reserve. - The UN Security Council mandated Iraq’s oil funds to be held by its Central Bank, but the U.S. unilaterally placed them under American control. - The U.S. continues to control Iraq’s oil revenues, restricting its financial independence. - Despite Iraq’s vast oil wealth, its financial situation remains dire due to external control. - UN efforts to restore Iraq’s financial autonomy have largely failed. - We pray for the zuhur of the Imām to establish true justice in the world.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)