Whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness and in the worship of his Lord admit no one as a partner

(Surah Khaf, verse 110)

Serving humanity is a part of Deen but it cannot supersede the main pillars of Deen

Unfortunately nowadays there are some Muslims who love to be identified as liberals. They proclaim that Humanity comes first, then comes Religion. In actuality, serving humanity cannot be accomplished without fulfiling our duties first, as instructed by Islam.

Hatim Ta’ee’s charity;  Monumental, but the result?

Hatim Ta’ee was an Arab well known for his charity. He was very rich and used to donate more than what people expected him to give.It is said that one day his neighbor came and requested for a spoonful of sugar. When Hatim’s wife was giving her a spoonful of sugar, he said, “Give her a bag of sugar (instead of just giving a spoonful)!” Such was his generosity!

Hatim had a son, Adi bin Hatim. He (accepted Islam and) was concerned about the circumstances his father had to face after death. One day, he asked our Prophet (SAW) about his condition, “My father spent on poor and needy and he was also good in joining relations with relatives.” The Prophet ﷺ informed him, “Your father’s charity was due to an intention (fame) and he got it”.

Once Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet ﷺ about the good deeds of some people before his advent and how would they be dealt if they died without faith? He replied, “ Hellfire! Because they did not believe in Akhera”.

The six pillars of Emaan are to believe in Allah, His Messengers, His Books, His Angels, Qadar and The Day of Judgement. If anyone has doubts even about a  single pillar,  he is not a Believer. No matter how many good deeds you perform, there has to be faith and intention before it,  otherwise they would not be counted as good deeds on the Day of Judgement.