An investigation into how local culture influences people’s behavior would reveal that the overwhelming majority of our philanthropists and do-gooders spend their money on building mosques. Huge amounts continue to be spent to build mosque all over the Kingdom.
Building mosques is of course a good thing. Almighty God ordered us to build places for worship and promised rewards for those who do so. Charity and divine rewards, however, are not confined simply to building mosques. Charity can operate in many fields while rewards for good deeds do not go only to those who build mosques.
Charity is not limited to one specific field as some may think. Our religion encourages us to perform charitable acts but without limiting ourselves to any specific fields. Islam leaves the door wide open for those who want to spend their money for the public good and benefit. Not only that but the rewards and benefits that come from certain types of charity far exceed those for building mosques. This is especially true if the good work answers an urgent public need. We mean, for example, building schools, hospitals, and specialized medical centers for the treatment of certain diseases, social and cultural clubs, orphanages, vocational training centers that help young people learn a skill and find work, thus reducing unemployment, helping young people of both sexes marry and start families.
The list is long and addresses the pressing needs of many people. Thus, contrary to what is believed by many rich people in this country, there are many good works that bring men and women closer to God and guarantee His rewards besides building mosques.
The government has built mosques in almost every city, town, village and hamlet in the country. There is virtually no place without a place of worship. It is time our philanthropists joined hands with the state to identify areas where their money could be used — with the understanding that the money would be used to meet public needs. Our philanthropists are known for spending generously on charity but they need to set priorities and focus on areas of the most immediate and greatest benefits to the public.
