Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Haddad, Grand Mufti and Director of the Fatwa Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, called on the entire community to contribute to the "Father’s Endowment" campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. The campaign, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, aims to honor fathers in the UAE by establishing a sustainable endowment fund, with a quarter of its proceeds allocated to providing medical treatment and healthcare for the poor, needy, and those unable to afford it.
Legitimacy of Charity
Dr. Ahmed Al-Haddad said that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum continues to initiate virtuous projects in this blessed month, reflecting his long-standing commitment to doing good and benefiting others.
He added: "Here is the wide door of charity that has been opened to us by the man who is dutiful to his parents, generous with his people, and secure in his community—His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Through this endowment, the 'Father’s Endowment,' he invites everyone who can contribute, no matter how small, to honor their parents. The duty to honor one's parents in life continues after their death, as the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: 'When a person dies, all their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.' The ongoing charity can come from the child or anyone else, and can also be done by a person for themselves."
Dr. Al-Haddad further pointed out that the Companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them) were keen to continue honoring their parents even after their passing, despite the immense care they showed them during their lives. "We are more deserving of this," he said. He also mentioned that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has set an example by initiating the "Father's Endowment," just as he did last year with the "Mother’s Endowment." "Anyone who is able should not hesitate to contribute as much as they can, to honor their father, which will in turn be a reason for their children to honor them, as the saying goes: 'Honor your parents, and your children will honor you.'"
Honoring Parents Does Not End
The Grand Mufti and Director of the Fatwa Department in Dubai emphasized that the "Father’s Endowment" is a noble initiative. It is a true reflection of honoring the father, who is the cause of the child’s existence, and the one who worked hard and strove until the child was able to stand on their own. Even after his passing, the father still deserves care and attention. The child’s duty to honor the father continues, as the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "A child cannot repay a father, except if he finds him as a slave and buys him to set him free." This, however, is an impossible case, as it refers to an old situation where a child could potentially free their father if he were a slave, but the point is that the father’s kindness cannot be repaid fully by the child.
Dr. Al-Haddad explained that the real meaning is that even if the child could free their father from slavery, they would still not be able to fully repay the father's favor, because the blessing of parenthood is immeasurable, and no blessing can compare to the blessing of Islam.
Noble Objectives
It is worth noting that the Father’s Endowment campaign is part of the "Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives" umbrella. The campaign seeks to honor fathers by giving everyone the opportunity to donate in the name of their father, promote the values of honoring parents, compassion, solidarity, and community welfare, and enhance the UAE's position in the field of charity and humanitarian work. The campaign also aims to develop the concept of charitable endowments and create a broad social movement that contributes to achieving the noble goals of this Ramadan endowment campaign.