Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has urged Indonesian Muslims to unite and help strengthen the national economy at the family and community level to bring Indonesia on par with other major global economies.

Muslims must not only toil to perform religious rituals, but they must also not neglect their duty to boost their households’ economic conditions and livelihoods in their community, Amin said adding, the religion considers economic activity performed by Muslims for earning a living as a good deed.

“Allah the Almighty has said, through The Holy Quran, that if Muslims have completed their prayer obligation then they must disperse in the land to seek Allah’s bounty. We must also remember that eradicating poverty is our duty as well,” Amin said while delivering a sermon after the congregational Friday prayer at Al-Mujahidin Mosque within the Central Sulawesi Governor’s Office complex in Palu city on Friday.

“Even Prophet Muhammad said, as narrated by an authentic Hadith, that Muslims, particularly male Muslims, who are leaving their home to make a living for their wife, children, parents, and family members, are regarded to perform a good deed,” he added.

“But if they otherwise seek fortunes only for personal pride and to enrich themselves, then they are seeking the way of the Devil,” Amin remarked.

The Vice President warned that poverty would make Muslims physically and spiritually weak and easily swayed to commit heinous acts prohibited by Islam.

He also highlighted the necessity of innovation in all economic aspects to establish a resilient economy amidst fierce economic competition.

“The government is striving to empower the people’s economy and eradicate poverty to create Muslims who will be resilient in their economy,” Amin said.

Source: Antara News