No person is prepared to invest in anything if he is not certain of earning a profitable return on that investment. The greater the returns, the more profitable is that investment. Nevertheless, investments of this world will benefit at the most, until one’s death – and that could be extremely near. After death, all these investments would be transferred to the heirs who would use them or abuse them (which is not uncommon). The person who has toiled and laboured to acquire this wealth cannot, after death, benefit from that wealth in the least bit.
However, certain investments are such that one continues to reap benefits even after death. When one can no longer do any good deeds, these perpetual investments continue to earn him great rewards. These are the investments of the Hereafter which are permanent and perpetual. Allah Ta‘ala says, “But you give preference to the worldly life whereas the Hereafter is better and more enduring (remaining eternally)” (Surah Aa’laa v16-17). Furthermore, in reality, only what has been deposited in the Hereafter is what belongs to a person for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has said, “Verily your wealth is what you have sent ahead (to the Hereafter). What is left behind is the wealth of your heirs.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #6442)
One such investment is ‘ilm (knowledge of Deen). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said, “When the son of Aadam (‘alaihis salaam) dies, all actions terminate except from three things; sadaqah jaariyah (continuous charity), that knowledge from which benefit is being derived or a pious son who prays for him.” (Saheeh Muslim #4223)
Sadaqah jaariyah has many forms. To dig a well so that people may freely use its water is sadaqah jaariyah. As long as people derive benefit from that well, the donor will continue earning the great rewards even after his death. The same applies to building a masjid, madrasah, a home for travellers, donating a Quraan Majeed or other Deeni literature, etc.
Imparting the knowledge of the Quraan Majeed and Deen to one’s child is a great investment. As long as he benefits from that knowledge, the reward will also accrue to the parent. Furthermore, by investing in the Deen of one’s child, one would have those pious children who would pray for their parents when their parents have passed away.
Therefore, think before you invest. You will appreciate it when “your eyes have closed” and that could be soon. You will realize what a great investment it was on that day when rands and cents (and all the rest of the wealth and riches of this world) will be of absolutely no value anymore. The only currency of that day will be our good deeds. Also remember, the bigger the investment, and the more sincere the intention, the greater the profits!!!
May Allah Ta‘ala give us the ability to invest in the Deen of our children and earn perpetual rewards, aameen.