Compiled by Dr. Norlain bint Muhammad Dindang

Contents

Khutbah No. 1

The Power of Words

By Sheikh Arshad Gamiet

Royal Holloway College/Univ. of London /UK. 2nd June 2000

A-ْuthu billahi minash shaytanir rajeem. Bisillahir rahmanir raheem.

Al hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alameen. Was salaatu was salaamu ‘alaa ashrafil mursaleen. Sayidinaa wa nabi’na wamoulanaa Muhammadin wa’ala aalihee wa sahbihee wasallim.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,

Our khutbah (Friday Sermon) today is about The Power of Words. No matter who we are, no matter where we live, or what we do in our daily lives, we all depend on the proper use of words, to convey our thoughts and feelings to one another…. Certainly the more articulate and wise we are in the use of words, the more effective we can be in our society.

Whatever we choose to do as a career, we can certainly do it better by mastering the skill of good communication. But we must understand the power of words, and we must harness that power, in order to serve our wider responsibilities, and to serve Allah. Never be careless about words. Words are vital instruments. Words are the means by which we can study our past and leave a legacy for the future. It is the means chosen by Allah to reveal His message and to preserve it for future generations, for all time to come.

Words can be weapons. Words can wound, humiliate and inflict pain far greater than physical violence. Words can be used to inflame passions, to arouse anger, to declare war and to destroy. But just as potent as they are as weapons, Words can also heal wounds and make peace. They can be soothing to those in grief, they can offer hope to those in despair. Indeed, well-chosen words have a power and a beauty that can project well beyond one lifetime. Think of the great works of literature that still enrich our lives today, centuries after they were written.

Islam is pre-eminently, a faith founded on the power of words. It is very significant that the prophetic mission of RasoolullaAaSallal lahi ‘alayhi wasallam, began with just one word, “Iqra’!" “Read!"

The development and growth of Islam is due to the persuasive power of the Word of Allah, as it touched the hearts and minds of those seeking enlightenment, throughout the ages.

The first verses to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad, declared the Power of the Divine Word:

“Iqra’ bismi rabbi kallathee khalaq

Khalaqal insana min ‘alaq

Iqra’ warab bukal akram

Allathee ‘al-lama bil qalam.

Al-lamal insaana maa lam ya’lam…

“Read, in the Name of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) who created!

Read, and your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is most Gracious,

He Who taught Man the use of the Pen;

Taught Man that which he did not know.”

Throughout the literature of Qur’an and Hadith, the Believers are urged to use words wisely in their relations with all people. Sura An-Nahl, sets this out eloquently in verse 125,

“Ud’u ila sabili rabbika bil hikmati wal mou’eedatil hasanah…"

“and invite to the path of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), using wisdom and beautiful preaching.”

Wisdom and beautiful preaching, rather than words of anger or abuse, is what the Holy Qur’an prescribes. This is the only way we can hope to win the hearts and minds of others, to the way of Islam.

Who can forget the moment when Sayyidina ‘Omar first heard the words of Al-Qur’an? He had just been told that his sister had joined the Muslims, so in an angry rage he went over to her house, with his sword in hand. Then, just as he passed her open window, he heard the words of Allah being recited. These words carried such beauty and persuasive power, that it stopped an angry and aggressive man, in his tracks. As he stood and listened, it slowly melted his heart, and aroused such a deep desire within him, to identify and accept the Author of those beautiful verses. When he heard that these were the revealed words of Allah, he immediately went out to find Rasulullah, and to announce his acceptance Islam.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us also, like Sayyidina ‘Omar, allow the beautiful words of Allah to tame our hearts and the desires within us, and to transform us into the noble Ambassadors of Allah, which is our Divine destiny.

innallaha wa malaaikata yusallona alan nabi. Ya ay yuhal latheena amanu sallْoalayhi wasalli mْ tas leema. Allahumma salli ala Muhammad, wa ala ali Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ala meen, innaka hameedun majeed.

Second Khutbah:

Sub’ hanallahi wal hamdu lillah, wala hawla wala quwwata illah billah yu althi yual theem

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,

Last year I heard a khutbah in South Africa, where a Sudanese brother used the term, Heart-to-heart missile. He was describing the power of sincere advice. When we find ourselves deeply moved by inspiring words, these words can touch our hearts in a special sort of way that changes our lives dramatically. It feels like being struck by a missile … in this case, a heart-to-heart missile. When this happens, we instinctively want to share the good news with our loved ones. And when they are affected in the same way, then they also, are hit by a heart-to-heart missile.

We’ve heard of Cruise missiles, Scud missiles, and Patriot missiles, air-to-air and surface to air missiles. Sometimes they hit their targets, sometimes they don’t. A Sincere word, loving advice, the heart-to-heart missile never misses its target. In order to benefit, we must ensure that our hearts are pure, and soft, and receptive to guidance, then we can be targets for heart-to-heart missiles. And the more we purify our hearts, and allow ourselves to be influenced by good advice, the more Allah smiles on us, and gives us the honor to fulfill His Divine Plan.

Dear brothers and sisters, when we open our hearts to the influence of the Noble Qur’an, the Word of Allah will grow within us and make us strong. And when we strengthen our Faith, Iman, we can more effectively fight on the information battlefield.

Today we hear terms like info-warrior, and the battle for hearts and minds. Yes, indeed there is a war of ideas, there is an information jihad out there, and we must do our best to present the message of Islam truthfully, powerfully and effectively.

History teaches us that no power on earth can resist an idea whose time has come. In the 7^th Century, Islam was the idea whose time had come. Islam saved mankind. Neither the Romans nor the Persians could stop it. Today, at the dawn of the 21^st century, Communism lies dead and buried, and Islam remains the only real challenge to Secular Materialism. Today, Islam is the idea whose time has come.

In many ways, the war of ideas, the battle for hearts and minds, is much more important than any military conflict. Military campaigns are won and lost, territories change hands over and again, but ideas endure. And in the realm of ideas, Islam will always triumph. Truth ultimately prevails over falsehood. This is borne out in the words of Al-Qur’an:

“Wa qul ja-al haqqa wazahaqal batil. Innal batilla zahooqaa[n].”

“Truth has come, and falsehood has perished; Falsehood by its nature, is bound to perish.”

But dear brothers and sisters, although the ultimate victory of Islam is guaranteed by Allah, you and I must still work hard, to earn the good pleasure of our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer). Our place in al-Jannah is by no means guaranteed. You and I will be judged by our words and deeds, by our intentions and actions.

In the information jihad, the most powerful weapons are not guns and missiles, but wise words and good actions.

It is not enough for us to know Islam well. We Muslims must also become effective and influential communicators. We must master communications technology and psychology. Those of us who are gifted communicators, like our teachers, broadcasters, writers, poets and artists, must refine their skills till they attain a level of excellence ...then we must transmit the message of Islam in a beautiful, powerful and effective manner.

Our dear Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.), was a communicator without equal. When he spoke, it was with absolute sincerity. His thoughts, and words and deeds were of the same substance. There was no contradiction in his personality. Armed with the Message of Truth from Allah, he was an information-warrior, and a military leader, a strategist and a statesman of exceptional brilliance. He commanded implicit obedience from his devoted followers, and even his enemies regarded him with deep admiration and respect.

One English writer who admired him greatly was Thomas Carlyle, who wrote these words 80 years ago in his book, (On Heroes and Hero Worship, and the Heroic in History, London, 1918).

“… These Arabs, the man Muhammad, and that one century. It is as if a spark had fallen, one spark on a world of what seemed black unnoticeable sand, but lo, the sand proves explosive powder, blazes heaven high from Delhi to Grenada: I said: the Great Man was always as lightning out of heaven; the rest of the men waited on him like fuel, and then they too would flame … How one man single-handedly could weld warring tribes and wandering bedouins into a most powerful and civilised nation in less then twenty years….” .

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Islam,

Let us pray to Allah, subhanallahu ta ‘Ala, to help us become like the fuel that flamed with the light of Islam, many centuries ago, when Muslims led the world from darkness into light. Despite the material prosperity we see around us today, we do indeed live in an age of spiritual darkness. Modern man has a spiritual hunger that only Islam can satisfy. Dear Muslims, let us not fail in our duty, to hold up the light of Islam, in our thoughts, in our words, and in our actions.

Let us also make a special prayer for those who are busy with exams at this time. Whether it be GCSE’s, A-levels, or university examinations. It can be a stressful time for them and for their families. May Allah in His infinite mercy and wisdom, help those who are writing exams, to achieve excellent results. May Allah guide us all in the correct use of words, in our exams, in our speech, in our work, our homes and in our relations with one another. May Allah guide us all, to use the right word, in the right place, at the right time. Ameen!

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Source: http://www.khutbahbank.com/

Knowledge and Learning

By Sheikh Husayn Aal-Sheikh

(Khutbah) Friday Sermon, Jumaadal-Aakhirah 12, 1422 (August 31, 2001) 

 All praise is due to Allah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the noble Messenger, his family and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Knowledge and education occupy a great position in Islaam. It is by knowledge that one increases one’s rank and wins valuable booty. “Allaah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allaah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” The Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever takes a path in search for knowledge, Allaah will facilitate for him a path to Paradise.” (Muslim)

Propagating knowledge is an obligation on everyone. It includes knowledge in all aspects of human life. the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Seeking for knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

Brothers in faith! Each nation has goals and interests to achieve by its education. Nations strive to achieve lofty goals and objectives through their institutes of knowledge and education, the most prominent of which is inculcating in their growing generations the spirit of education, its concepts and types.

An educationist was asked about the future of a nation and he replied, “Show me its educational system so that I can tell you about its future.”

Therefore, learning and education in all their aspects are a great means for creating a generation that will believe in the concept of its nation and its values. They are also the vehicle of progress for the society as a whole.

Fellow Muslims! Knowledge according to Islaam is the guarantor of progress to any community by the permission of Allah. The only means that let it occupy a high position is its noble characters, virtues, development, civilisation, reform and prosperity.

In Islaam, knowledge has great goals that guarantee happiness for individuals and peace for societies in this world and the next. The Islaamic Ummah, being an Ummah of faith based on a divine message, aims at implementing Allaah’s law in this life in all its spheres. There is no wonder then that learning in all its forms becomes a tool for creating generations that will believe in what Islaam stands for and have faith in that true and pure creed that the message of Islaam preaches.

Islaam encourages knowledge and learning and lays emphasis on education in its capacity as the basis and foundation through which correct concepts can be imbibed in men’s hearts about their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), and because of the effects that those concepts have like controlling one’s behavior and direction which consequently leads to victory and happiness for mankind. Allaah says,

“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah.”  (Faatir 35: 28)

Islaam regards education as a tool for building a better society in all aspects of its life under the shade of complete adherence to the Way of Allaah and criteria of rejection and acceptance laid down by His injunctions so that the life may be practically reformed. Allaah told His Prophet (s.a.w.s.),

“Say, (O Muhammad): ‘Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all for Allaah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. He has no partner.’”  (Al-An’aam 6: 162: 163)

Education and learning in Islaam are made to achieve goals that include – with Allaah’s permission – producing generations that owe their thoughts and feelings to their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and follow the instructions of their religion in their cultural and imaginative life thereby making them proud of their faith, and making them direct their thoughts towards what will benefit them in their religious and worldly affairs.

Brothers in Islaam! Education in Islaam is a way of impressing noble concepts in the minds of young people so as to make them their guides in their behaviors and other aspects of their life. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “I was sent only to perfect the noble characters.”

Our religion encourages seeking for knowledge and awareness that provides good for individuals and communities and keep the life of this world moving in accordance to the will of Allaah. Allaah says,

“And He has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him.” (Al-Jaathiyah 45: 13)

Therefore all aspects of knowledge that actualise  the concept of dignity of labour and inculcates sound ideas in the mind that leads to constructive deeds is one of the goals of Islaam. Islaam aims at producing a believing generation that works for its religion and its world and takes part in developing its Ummah and society within a framework of noble life full of honour, dignity and supremacy. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “The strong believer is better than the weak one though in both of them there is good.”

O teachers! O educators! Let these goals be the direction of all your attentions and let their actualisation in the Muslim youth be your aim. Create a youth that will owe his obligation to Islaam firstly and then to his country.

Try your best to inculcate in their minds true allegiance and love for Islaam and for the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Endeavour to let them know the realities of this religion. Teach them to hold fast to Islamic morals and noble conducts in their homes, schools, on the road, in the market place and in all fields of life. Those are your responsibilities and duties toward your Ummah; and know that, “Every one of you is a shepherd and each one of you will be held responsible for his flock.”

Fellow Muslims! The enemies of Islaam top their priorities with an education policy that will serve their interests and produce a generation that adopts their concepts and traditions and give them their allegiance. Allaah says,

“They wish that you reject faith as they have rejected (faith) and thus that you all become equal.” (An-Nisaa 4: 89)

Enemies of Muslims plan to harm them and their religion by all means possible. One of their means of achieving that is that they storm the Muslim countries with educational systems that aim at depriving Muslims of allegiance to their religion and replaces their correct Islaamic concepts and traditions with secular ideas and an education that is based on freedom from religious obligations and neglecting of noble moral conducts.  These systems of education have infinite harm hidden in lack of regard for religion and exterminating its manners and qualities.

Fear Allah, dear Muslims, keep to the path of your religion and endeavour to actualise its goals. Your affairs will be set right for you.  Your minds will be purified and you will live a happy life.

Fellow Muslims! The best thing upon which one can exert his efforts and spend all his money and time is to seek for the knowledge of the Book of Allaah; to learn it, reflect upon its meaning and understand it. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The best among you is the one that learns the Qur’aan and then teaches it.” So, direct your children to learn the Qur’aan and memorise it especially during this age that facilities for that are quite abundant. If you do that you will have commendable returns and happy results. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allaah raises some people with this Book and relegates others by it.”

Let your endeavours be extended also towards teaching your children ahadeeth, the Prophet’s life history, his noble characters and his exalted virtues, for there is no good in any education that is devoid of those great concepts and lofty manners. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “When Allaah wants good for someone, He gives him the understanding of the religion.”

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22/mdn/Khutbah40.htm

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Khutbah No. 3

Important Principles in the Islamic Knowledge

By Sheikh Husayn Aal Sheikh

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madinah, Al Munawarra, Dhul-Qa‘dah 11, 1422 (January 25, 2002)

 All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Prophet, his family and companions.

Brethren in faith! Among the general fundamentals that exemplify the Islamic system is the public and individual responsibilities. Abdullaah bin ‘Umar narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you will be held responsible for his flock…” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadeeth gives the Islamic nation a principle of reform, fruitful gift and desired success. It enables every Muslim to feel a sense of responsibility towards his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and then to his society. It is a responsibility that when he fulfils it with all sincerity, he will succeed and if he neglects it he will fail and lose.

Fellow Muslims! Knowledge occupies a high position in Islam. Rather, Islam regards it as the greatest responsibility and trust. The Muslim nation is now at the crossroad while its enemies and all other kinds of evil lay in wait for it in order to destroy its message and extinguish its light through hostile forces, poisoned cultures and polluted systems. The Ummah therefore, has never need to adhere to the pure path of Islam in education, legislation and the rest of all its affairs as it is now in order to be able to attain the fundamental goal which is the happiness of this world and the hereafter.

It is among the prerequisites of following this straight path that the Muslims should have pious scholars and sincere callers to the way of Allaah whom they can benefit from their knowledge, follow their instructions and emulate. In view of this, there are some basic concepts that must be borne in the mind by every student:

One: Justice and fairness in words and deeds. Allaah says,

“Verily, Allaah enjoins justice, goodness and giving (help) to the kith and kin.” (An-Nahl 16:90)

He also says,

“And whenever you give your word, say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfil the Covenant of Allaah. This He commands you that you may remember.”  (Al-An ‘aam 6:152)

The policy of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa‘ah  (the strict followers of the Prophet’s Sunnah) is therefore characterised with justice, moderation, fairness and balance. Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Whoever is conversant with the history of hadeeth scholars and their conditions will notice that they are the most sincere, most religious and most pious and the farthest from lie and falsehood among the Muslims. They are therefore in the best position to know the authentic sayings of the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), for they are fair in their explanation of the conditions of the narrators and do not allow that any narrator been declared unreliable with no just cause.”

One must therefore stay away from whims, desires and bigotry is his sayings and deeds, for doing that instigates people against one another and causes them to speak ill of others. Allaah says,

“And follow not your desire, for it will mislead you from the path of Allaah.” (Saad 38: 26)

It is by pleasing Allaah that the justice can be established on the earth.

Two: To be always united under the Sunnah, to cooperate in good deeds and shunning of all differences and dissention. Ahlus- Sunnah in their policy, hold fast to the Rope of Allaah which is the Glorious Qur’aan and keep away from disunity. Allaah says,

“And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (i.e. the Qur’aan), and be not divided among yourselves.”  (Aal ‘Imraan 3:103)

He also says,

“And be not as those who were divided and differed among themselves after the clear proof have come to them. It is they for whom there is an awful torment.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:105)

Imaam At-Tahaawee said, “We believe that being united with the majority of the Muslims is the correct path and that disunity is error and torment.”

Disunity is among the trials that Allaah warns against when He says,

“And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong.” (Al-Anfaal 8:25)

The companions of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) understood the objectives of Islamic law and that is why they remained united. Abu Daawood reported that Abdullaah ibn Mas‘ood prayed four complete raka‘ahs  behind ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan in Mina during Hajj in spite of the fact that he is rightly of the opinion that it should be shortened to two.  When he was asked about that he said, “Disunity is evil, disunity is evil, disunity is evil.” Undesirable differences are the ones  that cause oppression and disregard for truth which eventually leads to bloodshed, unlawful seizure of properties, enmity and hatred among Muslims.

Three: Compulsorily referring back to Allaah and His Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in all issues. Allaah says,

“If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger if you believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” (An-Nisaa 4:59)

The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever lives long among you shall see a lot of differences. So hold fast unto my Sunnah and the path of the rightly guided successors after me.” (Ahmad and others)

Ibn Abil ‘Izz said, “As for the fundamental and secondary issues that are controversial among the Muslims; if they are not referred to Allaah and His Messenger, their truth will not become manifested.…and if Allaah does not have mercy on the Muslims, the undesirable difference may occur among them that will lead them to call one another disbelievers or to jail one another, or to beat or kill one another.”

Four: Exerting efforts to know the goals Sharee‘ah and to act and speak according to these goals.

 The Islamic law is in essence, established for the benefit of man, and man should follow that law in all his actions. However, people can not know this except through the scholars who are well-versed in understanding the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and understand the events. If the explanation of all that is beneficial or harmful is not referred to the people of knowledge, there is likely to be great misconceptions. If this aspect is not adequately and carefully dealt with under the light of Sharee‘ah, there could be afflictions  and trials.

Five: Adhering to true understanding of Islamic texts, for the origin of all falsehood is the wrongful interpretation of these texts. Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “Majority of innovations have their roots in misunderstanding of Islamic texts, for those who established innovations had wrongful perception of the Word of Allaah which they used to back up their innovations.”

Six: To be completely and perfectly aware that Islam takes into consideration the consequences of all things.  It is a sign of one’s deep understanding of Islamic law to look at the ends and the consequences of everything including the fatwa’s (Islamic legal decisions). A student should not only look at the immediate benefits of an issue, for the issue that seems to have  immediate benefits may turn out in the end to be very harmful. Ash-Shaatibee said, “In Islamic law, consequences of actions are given special considerations regardless of the action being in accordance with Sharee‘ah or not. This is because the scholars do not decide on lawfulness or otherwise of an action before they know its consequences.” Man may say a word or do an act which he thinks may benefit Islam, while there are evidences that indicate that it actually cause greater harm, for many an action was carried out based on decisions that are formed for the purpose of reform without looking at its consequences, which was not in accordance with Sharee‘ah and its goals but rather generate terror among people and bloodshed.

Seven: Having knowledge of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence and ways of deriving evidences. This is very important for students so as not to fall into mistakes. The scholars say, “It is part of following the ambiguous evidences to take to absolute evidences before looking at its restricted aspects or to take to general rules and disregard its particular aspects like making particularized or restricted evidence a general or unrestricted one or vice versa without any tangible evidences. This may cause grave mistakes. For instance, the Khawaarij who revolted against ‘Alee said, “There is no judge save Allaah”, misinterpreting the Word of Allaah, “The judgement is but Allaah’s.” They thereby gave this verse a wrong meaning.

Eight: To strongly abstain from giving legal decision on new occurrences and other issues without adequate knowledge, for in Islam, being qualified to give legal decisions need wide knowledge and it also has its own conditions. Therefore no one but the adequately qualified should venture into that area. Allaah says,

“And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: This is lawful and this is forbidden so as to invent lie against Allaah.”  (An-Nahl 16:116)

This is the way of the scholars among the righteous predecessors; they spoke only about what they knew and kept silent from that which they had no knowledge of. Imaam Maalik said, “It is incumbent upon a person not to speak on an issue until he knows everything about it. Even the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who is the leader of all Muslims would not answer a question posed to him until he received a revelation to that effect from Heaven.” One should also not hasten to reject evidence generally, for what man is ignorant of is more than what he knows. Allaah says,

“And of knowledge, you mankind have been given only a little.” (Al-Israa 17:85)

Lastly: Abiding by the truth as soon as it becomes manifested. That is the characters of the righteous and truthful people; and knowledge is a lost property of a believer. ‘Umar wrote to Abu Moosa Al-Ash‘aree: “Do not let a decision you make today prevent you from going back to the right opinion and the truth whenever you discover it, for truth can never be falsified. Going back to the truth after recognising it is better than continuing in falsehood.”

Brethren in Islam! It is the responsibility of all to consult the pious scholars because of their erudition in discovering the rules and the knowledge of the lawful and unlawful things. Allaah says, “So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.”  (Al-Anbiyaa 21:7)

However, following the scholars is not what is primarily intended, but the knowledge that they possess and their understanding of the Sunnah. As a scholar has said, “No scholar should be followed unless he himself follows the Islamic law. If he is however found to have to diverted from a particular aspect of Sharee‘ah, he should not be followed.”

The generality of the Muslims should know that the truth is only known through the knowledgeable and pious people, for they are the guides to the right path and following them is obligatory.   

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22mdn\Khutbah61.htm

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Khutbah No. 4

Importance of Tawheed

By Sheikh Husayn Aal Sheikh

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madinah Al-Munawarrah, Sha’baan 19, 1423  (October 25, 2002) 

All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb of all the Worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his household and companions. 

Fellow Muslims! It is in order to actualize the worship for Allaah Alone, that all creatures were created, that Messengers were sent and Books were revealed. It is in this act of worship, that people are divided into believers and disbelievers; the fortunate and the wretched. For actualization of worship for Allaah Alone is the foundation of religion and its basis. 

The position of Laa ilaaha illa Allaah (There is no god but Allah) in Islaam is too great to be described. It is a great word that has immense virtues and noble qualities that can never be encompassed. It is the very essence of the mission of all Messengers. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 

“We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): ‘None has the right to be worshipped but I (Allaah), so worship Me.’”   (Al-Anbiyaa 21:25)

 Laa ilaaha illa Allaah is the most trustworthy handhold. Whoever holds fast to it is saved and whoever neglects it perishes. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

 “Whoever disbelieves in Taaghoot and believes in Allaah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break.”  (Al-Baqarah 2:296)

 The statement of Tawheed is the most correct thing and the best word. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 

“The Day that Ar-Rooh (Angel Jibreel) and the angels will stand forth in rows, they will not speak except him whom the Most Gracious allows, and he will speak what is right.”  (An-Naba’ 78:38) 

Ibn Abbaas said, “What is right is ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah.’” 

Laa ilaaha illa Allaah is the greatest of all righteous deeds. In Musnad, Aboo Dharr asked the Messenger of Allaah, “Is the word ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ among righteous deeds?” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever says: ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah, Wahdahu laa shareka lahu, lahul mulku walahul hamdu wahuwa alaa kulli sha’yin qadeer’ (‘There is no God but Allah, the only true God, who has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom (of the universe) and to Him all praises are due, and He has the power to do everything‘) 100 times everyday. It will be for him an equivalent of freeing ten slaves; 100 good deeds will be recorded for him and 100 sins will be wiped out for him; and none will do a better deed than him except one who does more than that.”  (Bukhari 8/412 and 4/514)

If this word had to be measured against the heavens and the earths, it would have outweighed them. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Prophet Noah told his son: ‘I command you with the word ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ for if the seven heavens and earths were to be placed on a scale and ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ was to be placed on a scale, the word ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ would have outweighed them. If the seven heavens were to be in an obscure circle, the word, ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ would have shattered them.’” 

Among the merits of the word is that, there is no barrier between it and Allaah. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “No one says ‘Laa ilaaha illa Allaah’ sincerely from his heart except that the gates of the heaven is opened for him until the word reaches the Throne (Al-’Arsh) as long as the man keeps away from major sins.”  

Laa ilaaha illa Allaah salvages its sayer from Hell. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.), when he heard a Mu’adhdhin saying: “Ash’adu an laa ilaaha illa Allaah”, he said, “He has gone out of the Fire.”  (Muslim) He also said, “Allaah has made it forbidden to Hell-Fire anyone who says, “Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah” seeking by that the pleasure of Allaah.”  (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) 

Laa ilaaha illa Allaah is the best and greatest act of worship. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The best act of remembrance is the word: Laa ilaaha illa Allaah and the best supplication is Alhamdulillah”. Whoever says this word sincerely from his heart will be the most fortunate to have the intercession of the Messenger of Allah. In Saheeh Bukhaaree, Aboo Hurayrah asked the Prophet (s.a.w.s.): ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Who will be the most fortunate to win your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?’ The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) answered: ‘O Aboo Hurayrah! I have wished that none shall ask me this before you because of what I see of your endeavour to learn knowledge. The most fortunate person to win my intercession on the Day of Resurrection is the one who says, ‘Laa ilaaha illaa Allaah’ sincerely from his heart.’

Brethren in Islaam! With all these noble rewards and great virtues, the Muslim should know that saying of this word can never be accepted from one who says it with his tongue only. He should rather also fulfil its obligations and conditions that are mentioned in the Qur’aan and Sunnah. When Al-Hasan Al-Basree was told that some people are saying: “Whoever says, Laa ilaaha illa Allaah will enter Paradise?” He said, “Whoever says it and fulfil its obligations will enter Paradise.”  When someone asked Wahb bin Munabbah: “is not Laa ilaaha illa Allaah the key to Paradise?” He answered: “Yes. But there is no key without teeth. So if you bring a key with teeth, the door will be opened for you and if not, it will not be opened.”  

Brethren in faith! The word of Tawheed will not be accepted without fulfilling its obligations by denouncing polytheism and affirming the Oneness of Allaah and having a sure belief in its meaning. 

This great word means that any other thing besides Allaah is not a deity to be worshipped and that worshipping any other thing besides Him is falsehood. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 

“That is because Allaah, He is the Truth and that which they invoke besides Him is falsehood; and that Allaah is the Most High, the Most Great.” (Luqmaan 31:30)

Indeed, Laa ilaaha illa Allaah has a meaning that must be understood. For all scholars agree that mere saying of this word without understanding its meaning and implementing its obligations is of no avail. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 

“And those whom they invoke instead of Him have no power of intercession – except for those who bear witness to the truth knowingly (i.e. believed in the Oneness of Allaah, and obeyed His Orders) and they know.”  (Az-Zukhruf 43:86)

So whoever says this word and yet directs acts of worship like supplication, slaughtering, vowing, seeking for aid, repentance, fear and highest level of love for others besides Allaah, is regarded as one who associate partners with Allaah even if he says Laa ilaaha illa Allaah.

The real meaning of Laa ilaaha illa Allaah is there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah Alone without any partner. 

Brethren in faith! This word is not a mere word that has no meaning as some people think. It is rather a word that carries the greatest meaning. It means, to be free from worshipping any other thing besides Allaah; It means worshipping Allaah Alone through having hope of Him and fearing Him; returning to Him in repentance and putting trust in Him; it means invoking Him Alone and seeking for His aid. Whoever believes in this word and does not ask but Allaah and he does not perform any act of worship except in seeking His pleasure alone. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘Verily, I am commanded to worship Allaah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only. And I am commanded this in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allaah as Muslims. Say: ‘Verily, if I disobey my Rabb, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day.’ Say: ‘Allaah Alone I worship by doing righteous deeds sincerely for His sake only.’”  (Az-Zumar 39:11-14)

The word of Tawheed is that pure word by which hearts move out of darkness, shirk, superstitions and illusions. It is by fulfilling its obligations that a Muslim can be regarded as truthful in his worship and sincere in his love for Allaah and his humility to Him. 

Brethren in faith! The one who believes in the Oneness of Allaah fulfils the meaning of the word of Tawheed and always make his heart remember Allaah; he obeys His orders and refrain His prohibitions; he respects His limitations and always seek for His pleasure. His whole life is humbled absolutely for Allaah (s.w.t.) Alone. 

“Say: ‘Verily, my prayers, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, the Rabb of all the worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.’” (Al-An’aam 6:162-163)

 Fellow Muslims! Human life cannot be upright without the word of Tawheed and implementing its meaning in all aspects; and the Ummah cannot prevail or be saved from all calamities except by deriving its values, concepts and laws from the Word of Tawheed, and submitting to its obligations. The word of Tawheed enjoins man to conquer his lusts as it directs the society in all its relationship and orders. It controls the life of man in all aspects and enjoins it on men to submit themselves to Allaah and abide by His Law. 

The word of Tawheed makes it obligatory on Muslims to follow the law of Allaah in all their affairs. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

 “But no, by your Rabb, they can have no faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (An-Nisaa 4:65)

Fellow Muslims! When will the Ummah review her situations? When will she wake up from her heedlessness? When will she understand that she has wronged herself much by keeping far from the path of Allaah and His Messenger? When will those who based their economy system on usury and follow laws other than Allaah’s heed the warning? When will this strong affinity to this worldly life and being totally engrossed in its lusts stop? The Messenger of Allaah said, “Let the slave of Dinar and Dirham (money) and luxurious clothes perish.”  

Brethren in faith! Muslims are totally in dire need of what can make them proud of their faith and what can give them hope of a bright future, so that the Word of Allaah may prevail and the word of disbelievers defeated.

 Muslims must have sense of responsibility and leadership and the first thing that must be reformed and purified is their faith. Their faith should be purified from all kinds of innovation; the Sunnah should be absolutely distinguished from Bid’ah and the correct thing should be distinguished from error. So, whenever there is a sincere determination and truthful intention and the correct path is followed, the affairs of the Muslim, will be in order, their ranks will be united and their nation will be strong. Allaah (s.w.t.) says, 

“It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with wrong (by worshipping others besides Allaah, that will have security and they are the rightly guided.” (Al-An’aam 6:82) 

Brethren in Islaam! However strong the calamity and tribulations experienced by the Ummah of Tawheed, she shall always be firm on the truth in terms of her faith, conduct and system of life; and never can any difficulty she experiences create any doubt in her as regards her faith and basic principles. Allaah (s.w.t.) says about truthful believers who were affected with calamities, 

“But they never lost heart for that which befell them in Allah’s Way, nor did they weaken nor degrade themselves. And Allaah loves the patient.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:146)

The Ummah of Tawheed knows that whatever befalls her is only meant to test her. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

 “And that Allaah may test (or purify) the believers and destroy the disbelievers.”  (Aal ‘Imraan 3:141)

 Muslims are therefore, passionately urged not to forsake or cast doubt on any aspect of this great religion, for doing that is the greatest loss and that no glory can Muslims achieve without this religion. 

Fellow Muslims! Enemies of Islaam are employing all their energies and efforts to alter pure concepts and cast doubt on this religion and Islaamic Law and way of life. Let us therefore, remain steadfast and confront the evil actions of the enemy.

Fellow Muslims! Nothing can join the ranks of Muslims except Tawheed in the face of which all slogans and other ideologies should vanish. 

Allegiance should be given to Allaah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) Alone. Let the brotherhood among you be the one based on this religion, for that is the only source of power and glory.

Though the world is now submerged in wars and contentions over material possessions of this life, the Muslim Ummah should endeavour to fulfil her responsibility of guiding the world to the Straight Path and to all that is good. This should however be done under strict adherence to the basics of this religion

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http://www.khutab.org/eng/23/mdn/Khutbah100.htm

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Khutbah No. 5

Correct Belief is the Foundation of Deen

By Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin Al-Qaasim

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madina Al-Munawarra, Dhul-Hijjah 24, 1422 (March 8, 2002)

All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb of the Worlds. May peace and blessings be upon Allah’s Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah for it is the fear of Allaah that illuminates the hearts and erases sins.

Brethren in Faith! Allaah has endowed us with His favour on us by ordaining for us a religion that is compatible with human nature and intellect, suitable for all times and places, combines between knowledge and worship, between saying, deed and belief and beside which Allaah will never accept any other religion. He says,

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:85)

In this religion, there is a word that whoever says it sincerely from his heart and acts in accordance with its meanings, seeking there from the pleasure of Allaah, will enter Paradise with no reckoning and no punishment. The word is “La ilaaha illa llaah” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah). It is the best word and deed and the highest part of eemaan. Whoever says it truthfully is elevated to highest rank of religion. Saying this word alone is not enough to make one a Muslim, but one should also know its meaning and act according to all that it necessitates like refuting associating partners with Allaah in worship and believing in the Oneness of Allaah. One must also believe in the authenticity of its meanings and purports. A Muslim who is truthful in his belief always surrenders to Allaah in all legal matters and in all his affairs. He never ask for his needs except from Allaah Alone and never seeks for the removal of his sorrows except from Him. Allaah says,

“And if Allaah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He and if He touches you with good, then He is able to do all things.” (Al-An‘aam 6:17)

Supplicating to Allaah alone is a great act of worship. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Nothing is dearer to Allaah than supplicating to Him.” (Ahmad)

Ibn Abbaas said, “The best act of worship is supplication.”When calamities and afflictions befall you and all avenues are closed in your face, call unto Allaah for He gives to whoever calls Him and protects whoever seeks refuge with Him. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said, “When you ask, ask from Allaah and when you seek for help seek it from Allaah. Know that if all the people gathered to benefit you with something, they can not benefit you except with that which Allaah has written down for you and know that if all the people gather to harm you with something, they can never harm you except with that which Allaah has written down for you.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

Also, do not look down upon invoking Allaah for even insignificant matters. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Invoke Allaah for everything even for your shoelace when it is broken, for if Allaah does not make it easy, it will not be easy.” (Abu Ya’laa)

As for the dead, they can never do themselves any benefit or harm let alone benefiting others. They themselves are in need of who will invoke Allaah for them as Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  has recommended us to pray for them when we visit the graveyards.

Our Rabb hears and sees and it is an act of disregard for His Rabbship to seek an intermediary between yourself and Him while praying or supplicating, for He says,

“Invoke Me, I will respond to your invocation.” (Ghaafir 40:60)

It also negates the belief in the Oneness of Allaah to sacrifice animals for other than Allaah. He says,

“Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, the Rabb of the Worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded and I am the first of the Muslims.” (Al-An ‘aam 6:162-163)

Circumambulation of the House of Allaah is also an act of worship that entails submission and humbleness for Allaah. Therefore, circumambulating graves earns one forbiddance from entering Paradise. Further, swearing by Allaah when necessary is a sign of glorifying Him while swearing by others means a disregard for Him. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said,

“Whoever swears by others than Allaah has disbelieved or committed an act of shirk.” (At-Tirmidhee)

Whoever takes an object as a protection against evil eye or get a benefit has been cursed by Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  when he said, “Whoever wears a talisman, may Allaah let him not achieve his aim.”(Abu Daawood)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  has even refrained from taking an allegiance from a person who was wearing talisman. ‘Uqbah bin ‘Aamir narrated that some people came to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  to give their allegiance. He took the allegiance of nine of them and withheld his hand from the tenth. They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, you took allegiance from nine of us and withheld your hand from this man.” He said, “He is wearing a talisman.” So the man broke the talisman and the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  took allegiance from him and said, “Whoever wears a talisman has associated partners with Allaah.” (Ahmad)

Brethren in Faith! Whenever you are in hardship, take refuge with Allaah, for He answers the invocations. Whoever has faith in Allaah, seeks his needs from Him and surrenders all his affairs to Him, Allaah will provide for his needs and make all difficult things easy for him. But whoever believes in others than Him and depends on his own knowledge, intelligence, talismans and power, Allaah will leave him to all that and disgrace him. Of the things that destroys one’s religion is visiting the magicians, sorcerers  and fortune-tellers. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Whoever visits a fortune-teller or sorcerer and believes in what he says has disbelieved in what is revealed to Muhammad.” (An-Nasaa’ee)

Whoever requests the sorcerers to harm other people will have that harm returned to him. Allaah says,

“But the evil plan encompasses only him who makes it.” (Faatir 35:43)

Darkness can not be prevented through another darkness and the darkness of sorcery can only be prevented or removed through the light of the Qur’aan and not by similar sorcery. Allaah says,

“And We sent down of the Qur’aan that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe.” (Al-Israa 17:82)

Dear Muslim brother, hold fast unto your correct belief for it is your most precious possession and know that shirk blows out the natural light that Allaah endows you with and that it is a cause of misery. Allaah (S.W.T.) says,

“So hold you fast to that which is revealed to you. Verily, you are on the straight path. And Verily, this is indeed a reminder for you and your people and you will be questioned (about it). ” (Az-Zukhruf 43:43-44)

Brethren in Islaam! The first thing that man will account for on the Day of Resurrection is prayer. Do not therefore be negligent with congregational prayers. Do not prefer laziness to obeying your Rabb. Endeavour to have share of the bountiful reward that Allaah has provided for those who observe the prayer. It is in accordance with man’s relationship to his Rabb that doors of blessings are opened for him. Keep away from sins, for it makes acts of obedience difficult for you.

Call people to Islaam, for that gives Islaam more glory and that is the path of the Messengers of Allaah. That is the best speech and the most honourable. Endeavour to know the conditions of those whom you call to the way of Allaah as well as the things that they need. Help people solve their problems but do not burden people with your own problems.

Dear Pilgrim! Seek forgiveness for your sins and repent to Allaah, what matters in a deed is its ending in a perfect and righteous manner and not the defects at its beginning. The sign of an accepted act of worship is to follow it up with other righteous deeds. Qataadah said,

“This Qur’aan leads you to your ailments and remedies. As for your ailment, it is your sins and as for your remedies, it is seeking forgiveness from Allaah, for that leads to Paradise, increases you in power and blessings and removes from you afflictions.”

Abul Minhaal also said,

“Man has no neighbor in his grave that will be dearer to him than his acts of seeking forgiveness.”

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng /22\mdn\Khutbah67.htm

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Khutbah No. 6

Sincerity

By Sheikh Alee bin Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Hudhayfee

 Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madinah Al-Munawarra,  Dhul-Qa‘dah 21, 1421 (February 16, 2001) 

All praise is due to Allaah Who revealed the illuminating verses and guides with them, those whom He wishes from the darkness to Light. I thank Him for His blessings. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship save Him and that Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is His Servant and Messenger. O Allaah! Bestow peace and blessings upon the Prophet, his household and companions and all those who follow them.

Dear Muslims! Fear Allaah for the fear of Allaah is your provision for the hereafter and a guarantee of good life in this world. You should be aware that Allaah is Self-Sufficient Who needs nothing from His creatures. He benefits not from the obedience of the pious ones among you, nor does the disobedience of the sinful ones hurt Him. He says: “Whosoever does a good deed, it is for his own self, and whosoever does evil, it is against (his own self) Then to your Rabb you will be made to return.” (Al-Jaathiyah 45:15)

Since man is created for the worship of Allaah, Allaah has explained all types of worship for him in the Qur’aan and Sunnah so that he can move closer to Allaah by doing all that Allaah enjoins and abstain from all that He forbids. Allaah says: “O you who believe! Bow down, and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Rabb and do good that you may be successful”. (Al-Hajj 22:77)

He also says: “And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it).”  (Al-Hashr 59:7) The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) also said: “Whatever I forbid you, abstain from it and whatever I command you to do, do what you are able to therefrom; for, those before you destroyed not but for their incessant questions for their Prophets and their disagreement with them.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Worship is a way of seeking closeness to Allaah through recommended acts with love, humility and total submission to Allaah. He says: “And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Rabb and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped.” (Az-Zumar 39:54)

Brothers in Faith! Pleasure of Allaah cannot be attained except through worshipping Him and abstaining from sins according to His Light. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever performs a deed upon which there is no command from us will have it rejected.” (Muslim) The condition for accepting acts of worship is to be sincere in the act. It is sincerity that purifies a deed, increases it and makes it blessed. it is in fact, a trial that Allaah test His servants with. He said: “(It is He) who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty the Off-Forgiving.” (Al-Mulk 67:2) He also said: “Verily, We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (Mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds.” (Al-Kahf 18:7) Ibn Katheer said in his exegesis of the above verse: “Allaah did not say “more in deeds” but says: “best in deeds”. A deed can not then become good except when it is done sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone and in accordance with the path of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Whenever a deed losses one of these two conditions it becomes null and void.” Allaah has enjoined sincerity when carrying out acts of obedience to Him and when abstaining from forbidding things when He said: “And they were commanded not, but that should worship Allah, and worship none but Him alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salat (Iqamah-as-salat) and give Zakat; and that is the right religion.” (Al-Bayyinah 98:5)

He also says: “So worship Allah (alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only, (and not to show-off and not to set up rivals with Him in worship) Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only.” (Az-Zumar 39:2-3) “Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (r.a.) said: I heard the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) saying: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.”. (Al-Bukhaaree & Muslim)

The meaning of sincerity is to purify one’s intention and deeds from all things that can render it void like showing-off and innovations. Actions can have same form and shape but may differ in reality according to the truthful intention and sincerity and bad intention and insincerity. The one who is sincere in his actions will be among the nearest ones to the pleasure of Allaah and the insincere one will be among the accursed and punished ones. Allaah describes those who are sincere in their intentions and deeds and mentioned their rewards when He says: “But the Messenger and those who believed with him (in Islamic Monotheism) strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives (in Allah’s cause). Such are they for whom are the good things, and it is they who will be successful.” (Al-Tawbah 9:88) As for those who are insincere He says: “Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them.” (An-Nisaa 4:145)

To further underline the importance of sincerity and the gravity of hypocrisy, Allaah categorized those who do good to two groups. One will be in Paradise and the other will be in Hell. As for those who will be in Paradise, they are the ones who carry out their deeds in sincerity to Allaah and the second group that will be in the Hell are those who show-off. The following Hadeeths give a vivid illustration of the importance of sincerity. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Benefits of this world are for four men only. A servant of Allaah whom Allaah favoured with wealth and knowledge. He fears Allah, does good to his kin and recognizes Allaah’s rights in that wealth; this servant is of the best rank. The second one is a servants whom Allaah favours with knowledge and does not give him wealth but he is sincere and says: ‘If only I had money I would do like so and so’. He and the first person will be equal in terms of reward because of his good intention. The  third one is a servant whom Allaah blessed with wealth without knowledge, spends his wealth uselessly, does not fear his Rabb, nor do good to his kin and neither recognizes Allaah’s rights in that wealth. This one is of the worst rank. The fourth one is a servant whom Allaah neither blessed with wealth nor  knowledge and he says that: If only I had wealth, I would do like so and so; he and the third person will be equal in sin because of his mischievous intention.” (Al-Tirmidhee) Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) also said: “The first person to be judged on the day of  Resurrection are: a man who was martyred; he will be brought to the presence of Allaah, Allaah will let him know his favour on him and he will know it, Allaah will then ask him as to how he used the favour. He will reply that he fought in the cause of Allaah until he was martyred. Allaah will then say: ‘You have lied. You only fought so that people might say: He is brave and it has been said’. Then Allaah will command that he be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell. Then a man who learnt knowledge and taught it and read the Qur’aan will be brought forward. Allaah will tell him (after making him recognize His favour on him):  ‘What have you done with it?’ He will say: ‘I learnt knowledge and I read the Qur’aan for Your sake’. Allaah will say: ‘You have lied. You only learnt knowledge that it may be said: He is ‘Aalim and you read the Qur’aan, so that it may be said: He is Qaaree and it has been said’. He will then be ordered to be dragged on his face into Hell. Then a man whom Allaah enriched with different kinds of properties will be brought forth. Allaah will make him recognize His favour on him and when he recognizes it, Allaah will ask him: ‘What have you done on it?’ He will answer: ‘I have not left a cause in which You like that a spending be made except that I have spent in it for Your sake’. Allaah will then tell him: ‘You have lied. You only spent so that it may be said: He is generous and it has been said’. He would then be commanded to be dragged on his face and thrown into the Hell.” (Muslim) Aboo Hurayrah (r.a.) narrated that he said: “O Messenger of Allaah! Who will be the luckiest person to win your intercession? He replied: He who says: “Laa ilaaha illa Allaah” [There is no deity worthy of worship save Allaah]’ from his heart with sincerity.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

Dear brethren! If we continue quoting evidences on the importance of sincerity it will be exhaustive. Therefore let us be among the sincere ones for, they are those who enjoin the protection of Allaah and His immunity. They are immunized from tricks and insinuations of Satan and they are really His prosperous party. Allaah says of Satan: “He (Satan) said: “O my Rabb! Because You misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (Mankind) on the earth, and I shall misled them all. Except them You chosen, (guided) slaves among them.” (Al-Hijr 15:39)

Further, the major requisite for accepting one’s repentance is the actualization of sincerity in deeds. Allaah says: “Except those who repent and do righteous good  deeds, hold fast to Allaah, and purify  their religion for Allaah (by worshiping none but Allaah, and do good for Allah’s sake only, not to show-off), then they will be with the believers. And Allah will grant to the believers a great reward.” (An-Nisaa 4:146) ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (r.a.) wrote a letter to Aboo Moosa Al-‘Ash’aree (r.a.) in which he said: “Whoever gets his intention purified, Allaah will suffice him in whatever is between him and people.”. ‘Alee (r.a.) said: “Do not be concerned with smallness of deed; rather be concerned with the acceptance of that deed.” One of the devotees said: “Indeed there are some servants of Allaah who understand. They acted upon that understanding and they were sincere in their acts; then their sincerity summoned them to all the gates of good.”

Dear Muslims! Hold fast to this great pillar and seek with your deeds the pleasure of Allaah and the everlasting abode of hereafter. Purify your intentions and motives for Allaah Alone and seek nearness to him only with acts that were done and recommended by your Messenger (s.a.w.s.). Allaah says: “Whoever hopes for the meeting with his Rabb, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Rabb.” (Al-Kahf 18:110)

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 Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng /21\mdn\Khutbah12.htm

   Khutbah No. 7

Allaah’s Mercy Upon the Creation

By Sheikh Saalih bin Humayd

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Muharram 15, 1423 (March 29, 2002)

All praise is due to Allaah. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet (s.a.w.s.),  his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and take lessons from those who have gone before you. They have been taken away by death and you will certainly follow them. Allaah says,

“Have they not travelled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not  the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.” (Al-Hajj 22:46)

Dear Muslims! Mankind are in need of mercy of the Merciful Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) as they are in need of love and compassion. They are in need of a forbearing one who can tolerate their ignorance and weakness. They are in need of a big heart that can give and not take, and that can alleviate their distress and sorrow and not add to it.

Indeed, apathy relegates man to the position of animal or makes him look like a lifeless tool or stone. Man is distinguished from other things by his heart and soul and not only by his flesh and bone. It is by soul and heart that he feels, reacts, shows compassion and feels pains. Mercy is a perfect quality in the human nature that makes man feel the pain of others and makes him try to remove that pain, as it makes him overlook people’s faults, wish for their guidance and excuse them. Compassion is a manifestation of a perfect nature and good manners that makes man act righteously and sees him through the crises. The Messenger of Allaah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Allaah makes mercy one hundred parts. He revealed a part thereof to the earth. It is by this single part that the creatures show compassion among themselves, that is why you see an animal raises up its hoof so as not to harm its young.”

Mercifulness is an attribute of our Rabb that befits His Majesty and does not resemble that of His creatures in any way. He is the Most-Merciful of those who show mercy and his mercy encompasses everything. The angels of mercy, while invoking for the believers, praise their Rabb by this great attribute. They say,

“Our Rabb, You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge. So, forgive those who repent and follow Your way and save them from the torment of the blazing fire.” (Ghaafir 40:7)

Umar said: Some captives were brought to the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  and there was a woman among them whose breasts were full of milk. Suddenly, this woman saw an infant in the midst of the captives. She took hold of it, brought it into her bosom and started suckling it. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  then told the companions, “Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire?” We said, “No, By Allaah she would not, if she is able not to.” He then said, “Allaah the Exalted is more merciful with His slave that this woman with her child.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

Brethren in Faith! Allaah’s mercy is the link between Him and His slaves. It is out of His mercy that He sent Messengers and revealed Books to them. It is also by His mercy that He will reward those who believe and do good deeds. Allaah says,

“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Rabb  and a healing for that (disease) which is in your breasts – a guidance and a mercy for the believers.” (Yoonus 10:57)

The rightly guided believers get mercy in accordance with their guidance. The more a slave is guided, the more his portion of Allaah’s mercy will be. It is through mercy that Allaah ordained commandments and prohibitions and created undesirables in this world so that man would not rely on the pleasure of this life but rather seek for the bliss of the Hereafter. He sent His Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  Muhammad as a mercy to mankind and He says,

“And We have sent you not (O Muhammad) but as a mercy for the worlds.” (Al-Anbiyaa 21:107)

Allaah sent him with a knowledgeable and kind heart; a good conduct, compassionate nature and generous hand. He is the most compassionate of Allaah’s slaves and most patient. Allaah says about him,

“And by the mercy of Allaah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:159)

Islaam is also a message of blessing, peace and mercy for all mankind. Islaam calls unto mutual compassion and makes that a sign of faith. When a compassionate and good-hearted Muslim meets people, he becomes generous with them and strives to alleviate their sufferings. The Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  said, “You can never be (true) believers until you show mercy to one another.” The companions said, “We all show mercy, O Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.) !” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  replied, “It is not the compassion that anyone of you shows to his friend. It is the compassion and mercy that you show to the people in general.” (At-Tabaraanee)

You are not required to show mercy to your acquaintances only but to the generality of people and the sayings of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  shows this. He said in one of these sayings, “Allaah does not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to people.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Ibn Battaal said, “This hadeeth encourages showing mercy to all creatures including the believer, the unbeliever, the animals, the slaves and others. It also includes feeding the needy, assisting others to carry their loads and not oppressing others by even beating.”

Fellow Muslims! Allaah’s mercy is sought through obeying Him and His Messenger and standing firm on the matter of Islaam. Allaah says,

“And obey Allaah and the Messenger that you may attain mercy.”  (Aal ‘Imraan 3:132)

It is also sought through the fear of Allaah, He says,

“And fear Allaah that you may receive mercy.” (Al-Hujuraat 49:10)

Mercy can also be attained through observance of prayers, paying Zakaah, enjoining good and forbidding evil. Allaah says,

“The believers, men and women are supporters of one another; they enjoin (on the people) all that is good and forbid all that is evil; they perform prayer, give the zakaat and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah will have mercy on them. Surely, Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (At-Tawbah 9:71)

Man, because of his sins and shortcomings, is in need of Allaah’s mercy. Allah says,

“Why seek you not the forgiveness of Allaah that you may receive mercy.” (An-Naml 27:46)

Also, one of the major causes of Allaah’s mercy is to show mercy to His slaves. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Those who show mercy to their fellow beings will be shown mercy by the Merciful Rabb . So, show mercy to those on the earth, He Who is in the heaven will show mercy to you.” (At-Tirmidhee)

It is for this reason that a believer who is strong in his faith is distinguished by kind-heartedness. He has compassion for the distressed and the poor, aids the wronged and hates crimes. He is always a source of good and peace for those around him.

Fellow Muslims! Since this is so, one’s parents are the most deserving of one’s mercy. Being kind to them brings mercy and happiness. They are followed by one’s children. Usaamah bin Zayd said, “The Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  would sit me on his thigh and sit Al-Hasan on his other thigh and then say: O my Rabb,     I am compassionate with them, so show mercy to them.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

There are however some people whose hearts are devoid of compassion and are harsh in their behavior and words. The Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  once kissed Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn in the presence of Al-‘Aqra‘ bin ‘Aabis. Al-‘Aqra‘ said, “I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  then looked at him and said, “He, that does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

The rights of kith and kin are also connected with those of the parents. The Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Bond of kinship is a branch of mercy, so whoever maintains it, Allaah protects him and whoever severs it, Allaah will cut him off.” A Muslim should not cut his relationship with his relatives by not assisting them or commiserating with them in times of hardship. Surely, harshness and severing the bond of kinship deprive one of Allaah’s blessings and favour and expose one to His wrath.

Among acts that bring mercy are treating servants and employees in the best possible way, being gentle with them and over-looking their shortcomings. One should not maltreat them, force them to do what they cannot or laugh at them. For, when Allaah gives one an authority over something and misuses it, He withdraws it and that can lead him to undesirable ending. Anas bin Maalik said, “I served the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  for ten years and he never rebuked me once or told me about something that I did: Why did you do that? or something I did not do: Why did you leave that?” (Muslim)

In another Hadeeth, a man came to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  and asked him: How many times should I overlook the errors of my servant? The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  replied: “70 times in a day.” (Abu Daawood)

There are however some heartless and cruel people who exploit the weakness of the servants and inflict all kinds of harm on them. It is about these people that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Whoever beats a person with a whip wrongfully, revenge will be taken on him on the Day of Resurrection.”

Taking care of the sick and the disabled also brings mercy, for they live an incomplete life and are unable to achieve their aims because of their conditions. We should therefore, be gentle with them and beware of harming them. Cruelty in dealing with them is a great sin for Allaah says,

“No blame is there upon the blind nor is there blame or sin upon the lame, nor is there blame or sin upon the sick.”

(Al-Fath 48:17)

As for the children, they are also in need of special care and compassion. The Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  said, “He who does not show compassion to our young ones or recognizes the honour of our elderly ones is not of us.” (Ahmad and Tirmidhee)

Brethren in Faith! Islaamic injunctions and teachings pertaining to showing compassion do not restrict it to fellow human beings alone but commands that we extend it to animals as well. Paradise was opened for a whore who fed a dog with water and her sins were forgiven while conversely, a woman was made to enter the Fire for her detention of a cat with no food until it died.

If showing mercy to a dog could remove the sins of a whore, then showing mercy to mankind should perform wonders. Conversely, if detaining a cat could earn a woman Hellfire, then how much more could wrongful detention of innocent human beings earn!

Islaam also takes care of animals even to the point of slaughtering. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  said, “Allaah prescribes kindness in everything: when you kill an animal, kill it with kindness and when you slaughter an animal, slaughter it with kindness. Let the slaughterer amongst you sharpen his knife and give his slaughtered animal the least pain.”

Fellow Muslims! Mutual showing of mercy fosters unity as excessive fun weakens the hearts and does not let one feel the pain of others and their distress. A man came to the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.s.)  complaining about his hard heart. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  told him: “Do you want to soften your heart? Show mercy to the orphans, rub your hand on his head in compassion and feed him from your food, your heart will become soft.” It is only from the heart of the unfortunate one that mercy is removed. Allaah said,

“Is it they who would portion out the mercy of your Rabb ? It is We Who portion out their livelihood in this world, and We raise some of them above others in rank, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy of your Rabb  is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass.”

(Az-Zukhruf 43:32)

Brethren in Faith! Mercy is not mere affection with no compassion, sense of justice and orderliness. It is rather a quality that recognizes the rights of all. When a doctor performs surgery or amputates the limb of a sick person, he only does that for the greater benefit of the sick and out of compassion for him and in order to get him healed. So is the implementation of Islaamic legal punishments that aims at stopping the insolent fellows from continuing in their shameless acts and force them to follow the right course. This is mercy in its actual sense. Allaah says,

“And there is a (saving of) life for you in the Law of Equality in punishment, O men of understanding, that you may become pious.” (Al-Baqarah 2:179)

Showing compassion to the criminals is major act of cruelty to the whole society and encouragement for the criminals to continue their shameless acts. That is why the Qur’aan calls this kind of compassion a pity and does not call it mercy. Allaah says,

“Let not pity withhold you in their case, in a punishment prescribed by Allaah.” (An-Noor 24:2)

The sternness that Islaam abhors is the one that does not help in actualizing justice or preventing evil deeds but which is mere harshness that emanates from perverted manner or whimsical desires.

One may however wonder how can a Muslim be stern with the disbelievers while conversely being compassionate to believers as shown in this verse,

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers and merciful among themselves.”  (Al-Fath 48:29)

The fact of the matter is that, Islaam came with comprehensive mercy that excludes no man or animal. But there are some men and animals that pose danger and terror to the whole mankind. Therefore, it is in the interest of mankind to stop the evils of those men and animals as a token of compassion for them and for the rest of the creation.

Islaam is a message of peace, blessing and mercy for all the worlds, but there are some creatures who would not let the world have this peace and mercy. It then becomes inevitable to stop those creatures and prevent them from disturbing the peace of other creatures. Allaah says,

“My Mercy embraces all things. That (mercy) I shall ordain for those who are pious and give zakaah and those who believe in Our signs. Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet (i.e. Muhammad, s.a.w.s.) who can neither read nor write.”  (Al-A’raaf 7:157)

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/23 \mkk\Makkah70.htm

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Khutbah No. 8

Showing Gratitude to Allaah 

By Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin Al-Qaasim

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madinah Al-Munawarra, Shawwaal 23, 1422 (December 27, 2003)

 All praise is due to Allah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Allah has bestowed many of His Great favors on His slaves. His right Hand is always full of gifts and He is generous every all day and night. He portions out provision for whomsoever He wishes with no reckoning. He tests His servants with blessings as He tests them with calamities. He says,

“And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.” (Al-Anbiyaa 21:35)

Allah gives favour with all this and the trial of luxurious life is greater than that of difficult times, for the beneficiary needs to be patient and grateful. Poverty and wealth are sources of trial, but man must always be persevering and thankful to Allah in all things He commands or forbids and all things He decrees. Piety is based on these two things. Allah makes a combination between gratitude and eemaan when He says,

“Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him.” (An-Nisaa 4:147)

Almighty Allah also tells us that showing gratitude to Him is the purpose of creation. He says,

“And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Him).” (An-Nahl 16:78)

He says that He is pleased when thanked,

“… And if you are grateful, He is pleased with you…” (Az-Zumar 39:7)

He created the night and the day for reflection and for showing gratitude to Him. He says,

“And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.” (Al-Furqaan 25:62)

He divides His slaves to two: the grateful and the ungrateful. He says,

“Verily, We showed him the way whether he be grateful or ungrateful.” (Al-Insaan 76:3)

Allah also tells us that He regards only those who thank Him as those who worship Him and that whoever does not thank Him is not among His worshippers. He says,

“And be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed He Whom you worship.” (Al-Baqarah 2:172)

He praises the first Messenger He sent to the earth with His Words,

“O offspring of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nooh (Noah)! Verily, he (Noah) was a grateful slave.” (Al-Israa 17:3)

He commanded Prophet Moosaa to receive the prophethood, the message and His Divine speech with him with gratitude, He says,

“O Moosaa! I have chosen you above men by My Messages and by My speaking (to you). So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful.” (Al-A‘raaf 7:144)

He praises His friend Ibraaheem for being thankful to Him. He says,

“Verily, Ibraaheem was a leader, obedient to Allah and he worshipped none but Him, and he was not of those who were polytheists. (He was) thankful for His (Allah’s) Graces.” (An-Nahl 16:120-121)

He commanded Prophet Daawood to be thankful and He says,

“Work you, O family of Dawood with thanks.” (Saba‘ 34:13)

Allah also tells us that Prophet Sulaymaan said,

“My Rabb! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for your favours which you have bestowed on me and on my parents.” (An-Naml 27:19)

Allah also commands His Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)  to be grateful to Him and He says,

“Nay! But worship Allah (alone) and be among the grateful.” (Az-Zumar 39:66)

The first admonition that Allah gave man was to be grateful to Him and to his parents. He says,

“And give thanks to me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.” (Luqmaan 31:14)

The Prophets also commanded their peoples to thank Allah. Prophet Ibraheem told his people,

“Seek your provision from Allah and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him.” (Al-‘Ankaboot 29:17)

Fellow Muslims! None draws lessons from signs of Allah but the grateful. Allah says,

“Thus do We explain variously the signs for a people who give thanks.” (Al-A‘raaf 7:58)

Showing gratitude to Allah is also the admonition that the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave to his companions. He said to Mu‘aadh: “O Mu‘aadh! I love you. So do not stop from saying at the end of every prayer, “Allahumma a‘inee ‘alaa dhikrika washukrika wa husni ‘ibaadatika.” Meaning, “O Allah! Help me to remember You, to give thanks to You and to worship You in the best way.” Ibn Taymiyyah said, “I ponder over the best invocation and I found that it is: “Allahumma a‘inee ‘alaa dhikrika washukrika wa husni ‘ibaadatika.”

When Satan, the enemy of Allah knew the high position that showing gratitude to Allah occupies and that it is one of the greatest acts of worship, he made efforts to keep people away from it. Allah tells us that he said,

“Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and you will not find most of them as thankful ones.” (Al-A‘raaf 7:17) 

Our Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was the most grateful one to his Rabb. He left this world while he never ate his fill of barley bread. He once tied a rock unto his stomach out of severe hunger. His past sins and future sins were forgiven for him. He would stand up in prayer during the night so long so that his feet would be cracked and yet he would say: ’should I not be a thankful slave?’

Showing gratitude to Allah is safety from punishment. Allah (s.w.t.) says,

“Why should Allah punish you if you have given thanks (to Him) and believed (in Him)?” (An-Nisaa 4:147)

Prophet Loot was saved from punishment because of his gratitude to Allah.  Allah says in His Book about the people of Loot,

“Verily, We sent against them a violent storm of stones (which destroyed them all, except the family of Loot, them We saved in the last hour of the night; as a favor from Us. Thus do We reward him Who gives thanks.” (Al-Qamar 54:34-35)

When the people of Saba showed ingratitude to Allah and disobeyed Him. Allah removed His favour from them and made them taste punishment.

Also, in Sooratul Qalam, the people of the garden were ingrate to Allah for His Blessings and denied the poor the part thereof. So Allah visited their crops with a tragedy that turned them into particles of dust.

Al-Fudayl bin ‘Iyaad said, “Always thank Allah for His blessing, for seldom does a favour of Allah return to a people after it has been removed from them.”

Any blessing that does not bring man closer to Allah is actually a calamity. Showing gratitude preserves the existing blessing and brings about the lost one.

Alee bin Abee Taalib said, “The favour of Allah is retained by showing gratitude to Him and showing gratitude brings more blessings; and more blessing will not cease to come from Allah until man stops giving thanks. If a Muslim has a favourable position in the sight of Allah and preserves this position and thanks Allah for it, Allah will give him a greater position; but if he is ungrateful, Allah will make that blessing a trap for him.”

Al-Hasan said, “When you see your Rabb showering blessings on you while you are disobeying Him, be careful. For Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says,

“We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not.” (Al-A‘raaf 7:182)

Sufyaan said while commenting on this verse, “Allah will continue to shower them with blessings while He will prevent them from giving thanks.”

Almighty Allah has condemned ingrate among His slaves. He says,

“Verily, man (the disbeliever) is ungrateful to his Rabb.” (Al-‘Aadiyaat 100:6)

Fellow Muslims! It is by thanking Allah and obeying Him that doors of the blessings of this world and the Hereafter are opened for man. Allah (s.w.t.) says,

“And if the people of the towns had  believed and had the piety, certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth.” (Al-‘Araaf 7:96)

Showing gratitude to Allah can be with tongue, heart and the limbs. Thanking Allah with the heart means attributing all favours to Him. Thanking Him by the tongue means praising Him much for the blessings. Praising Allah is the highest degree of gratitude and it is among the first verses of the Glorious Qur‘aan.

Thanking Allah with the limbs means making use of them in deeds that please Allah and not to use them in things that displease Him. Showing gratitude with the eye means one should not use it to see forbidden things; gratitude of the tongue means one should speak only the truth; gratitude of the ears is to refrain from using them to listen to gossip, slander and all kinds forbidden things.

Allah also commands that the parents must be thanked. He says,

“Give thanks to Me and to your parents.” (Luqmaan 31:14)

Among manifestations of showing gratitude to them is to be dutiful to them, to seek for their pleasure and to be humble to them. It is an act of sin to be unkind to them, to be angry with them or to disobey them in matters that do not contradict Islaamic injunctions.

The most fortunate of men is the one who takes Allah’s blessings as means to the abode of the Hereafter and the most wretched is the one who makes use of Allah’s favours for his lustful desires. Allah (s.w.t.) says,

“Allah is full of bounty to mankind; yet most of mankind give no thanks.”  (Ghaafir 40:61)

Brethren in faith! Gratitude is one of the qualities of our Rabb and the most beloved of His creation to Him is he who give thanks. Equally, the most detestable of them to Him is he who is ungrateful. So, Allah is Full of thanks and loves the grateful.

To give thanks to whoever does good to you among mankind is part of thanking Allah. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “He who does not thank men, does not thank Allah.” (Ahmad)

However, when you do a good deed to someone, do not expect him to thank you. Expect your reward from Allah and be satisfied with whatever Allah gives you, you will be the most grateful of all men. Do praise and extol Allah much, for that is of the greatest acts of worship. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The one who eats out of the provision of Allah and gives thanks to Him is like the one who fasts and is patient.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

He who does not give thanks for little blessings will not give thanks for greater ones. When Aboo Mugheerah was asked, “How is your morning?” He said, “We wake up in the morning immersed in Allah’s favours but we are unable to give thanks to Him.” Men are only but two: one who is tested with well-being in order to know how grateful he will be, and the other who is tested with an affliction to know how patient he will be. Try, therefore, dear brethren to combine between patience, gratitude and piety in order to be among the most truthful worshippers of Allah.

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/23/mdn/Khutbah109.htm

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Khutbah No. 9

Fear of Allah

By Sheikh Usaamah Al-Khayyaat

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Sha’ baan 5, 1423  (October 11, 2002)

 All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  of all the Worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and be dutiful to Him. Know that you are going to meet Him and He will reward each person for what he has done. 

“Whoever does an atom weight of good will see it and whoever does an atom weight of evil will see it.” (Zalzalah 99:7-8) 

Brethren in faith! In the course of being preoccupied with worldly materials, man has neglected the foundations of faith and Tawheed which he should strictly adhere to. Man, when he is afflicted with tribulations and hardships, a kind of fear makes him forget himself and turns him away from what actually benefits him. He starts to be afraid of his future as to what it holds in hidden for him and this leads to fear that which he should not fear. Is it then proper for a Muslim to forget his belief in the Oneness of Allaah? How should he forget that while he recites the Book of his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  every morning and evening and finds there that Allaah explains the Islaamic Monotheism and blocks all ways that lead to associating partners with Him. He commands man to fear none but Him and to hope for none but Him. Allaah says, 

“Verily, We did send down the Torah to Moses, therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets who submitted themselves to Allaah’s  Will judged for the Jews. And the Rabbi’s  and the Priests (too judged for the Jews by it after the Prophets), for to them was entrusted the protection of Allaah’s  Book, and they were witnesses thereto. Therefore, fear not men but fear Me and sell not My verses for a miserable price. And whosoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, such are the disbelievers (of a lesser degree).”  (Al-Maaidah 5:44) 

He also says, 

“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his friends, so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.” (Aal Imraan 3:175) 

Since the fear of Allaah occupies such a high position, there is no wonder then that it is one of the qualities of the angels, about whom Allaah says, 

“They fear their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  above them, and they do what they are commanded.” (An-Nahl 16:50) 

It is also a quality of the Prophets, about whom Allaah says, 

“Those who convey the Messages of Allaah and fear Him, and fear none save Allaah. And sufficient is Allaah as a Reckoner.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:39) 

It is also the quality of those who maintain the Houses of Allaah, about whom He says, 

“The Mosques of Allaah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, perform prayers and give Zakaah and fear none but Allaah.  It is they who are on true guidance.”  (At-Tawbah 9:18) 

Brethren in Islaam! One should fear only Allaah, Who is the sole Controller of the affairs of all creatures. He is the Living Who never dies, the Sustainer of all creatures Whom they are all in need of. Others are weak, incapable and mortal and none of those whom people fear besides Him is capable of benefiting or harming himself nor does he has power over death, life or resurrection. The heart of His slave is between two of His Fingers which He turns as He wills, as it is narrated in the hadeeth. 

All creatures are actually no more than means to what Allaah has pre-decreed of the fates of His slaves. The Messenger of Allaah said in his popular admonition for Ibn Abbaas, “Know that if all the people gather to benefit you with something, they cannot benefit you except with something which Allaah has written down for you and if they gather to harm you with something, they cannot harm you except with something that Allaah has pre-decreed on you. The pen has been raised and the book is dried.” (Ahmad) It is by this hadeeth that we know the error of the person who claims that he fears Allaah and yet fears those who do not fear Allaah. 

Man must rather fear Allaah alone. As for him who does not fear Allaah, he is too mean to be feared, for he is a wrong-doer and one of the friends of Satan. Allaah has commanded that such a person should not be feared. As to the fear of his potential harm, that cannot be except by the confirmation of Allaah and if Allaah wants to prevent his harm and evil, He prevents it, for all affairs belong to Him; and he is only given power over his victim because of the latter’s  sins. But when man fears his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), fulfills his duty to Him, puts His trust in Him, returns to Him in repentance and seeks for His forgiveness, Allaah protects him from the evil of every man and will not give anyone power over him. Allaah says, 

“And  whoever puts his trust in Allaah will suffice Him.” (At-Talaaq 65:3) 

He also says, 

“And Allaah would not punish them while you (Muhammad) are amongst them, nor will He punish them while they seek (Allaah’s) forgiveness.” (Al-Anfaal 8:33) 

Brethren in Islaam! The benefits of fear of Allaah are clear and their impacts are obvious. The fear of Allaah leads to sincerity in one’s  deeds and constancy. It leads to good manners and keeps one away from bad manners. It is the way to happiness in this world and the Hereafter, leads to security against the greatest  horror and to the Paradise and safety from Hell. Allaah says, 

“(The believers are) those unto whom the people (hypocrites) said: ‘ Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you, therefore, fear them.’   But it (only) increased them in faith, and they said, ‘Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).’  So they returned with grace and bounty from Allaah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allaah. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.” (Aal Imraan 3:173-174) 

Brethren in faith! There is indeed in the Word of Allaah, “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah.” (Al-Faatir 35:28) a clear evidence of the impact of the knowledge about Allaah in creating His fear in the hearts of His slaves. The more man knows about Allaah, the greater his fear of Him becomes. This, therefore, makes it necessary that utmost attention must be given to this knowledge and that no effort must be spared to acquire it, spread it, and call to it.

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/23/mkk/Makkah97.htm

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 Khutbah No. 10

Repentance

By Sheikh ‘Alee Ibn Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Hudhayfee

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madinah Al-Munawarra, Rabee ‘ul-Awwal 5, 1423 (May 17, 2002) 

All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  of all the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Brethren is faith! Fear Allaah, turn to Him in repentance and seek for His forgiveness, He will multiply your reward and forgive you your misdeeds.

Fellow Muslims! The best and the perfect condition of man is to be in agreement with Allaah in all that He loves and is pleased with, and in all that He loathes and detests. Man should love what Allaah loves, and hates what He hates. Hating which that Allaah hates cannot however be without firstly having a pure and sincere repentance from all sins, and standing upright in obedience to Allaah and keeping away from forbidden things.

Sincere repentance is the highest position of the sincere slaves of Allaah, the noblest position of the true believers and the goal of the pious ones.

The Prophet of Guidance (s.a.w.s.) has extolled repentance and explained that it is the best thing that man can have in his life. He has told Ka‘b bin Maalik on the occasion of Allaah’s acceptance of his repentance, “Rejoice in this day which is your best day since your mother gave birth to you.” Ka‘b said, “People came meeting me group by group and congratulating me on the occasion of Allaah’s acceptance of my repentance and they were saying, “We congratulate you on the occasion of Allaah’s acceptance of your repentance.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Allaah has made repentance obligatory on all categories of this ummah: those who are foremost in good deeds; those who follow a middle course in acts of worship; and those who wrong their own souls by committing forbidden acts. Allaah says,

“And all of you ask Allaah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.” (An-Noor 24:31)

The Messenger of Allaah said, “O you people! Return to Allaah in repentance and seek for His forgiveness; for I return to Him in repentance 100 times in a day.” (Muslim)

Repentance is a manifestation of human fallibility and imperfection. An adult and sane Muslim cannot do without committing one sin or the other in acts of worship, or an act of forgetfulness or negligence or a mistake or a sin. That was why the Messenger of Allaah said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if you have not been committing sins, Allaah would have taken you away and brought into existence those who would be committing sins,  and they would seek for His forgiveness and He would forgive them.” (Muslim)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  also said, “All of you are mistake makers, and the best of the mistake makers are the repentant ones.”

Among the attributes of Allaah is that He accepts the repentance and is happy with that, out of generosity and kindness. He says,

“And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves and forgive sins, and He knows what you do.”  (As-Shooraa 42:25)

The impacts of the beautiful Names of Allaah also manifest in the universe. The attributes: the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful necessitate the existence of a repentant creature who can receive mercy, just as the Names: the Creator and the Sustainer imply the existence of the created and the sustained. All other Names of Allaah are like that. They so entail His great Attributes that their impacts are seen on the creation. It is therefore incumbent on man to carry out the obligation of repentance at all time, for it is Allaah Who accepts the repentance and gives reward for it; and He magnifies that reward and removes the sins.

Repentance is one of the highest degrees of servitude to Allaah possessed by the Prophets and Messengers as well as the pious slaves of Allaah. Allaah says, about Prophet  Ibraaheem,

“Verily, Ibraaheem was without doubt, forbearing, used to invoke Allaah with humility, and was repentant (to Allaah all the time again and again).” (Hood 11:75)

Allaah also says,

“Allaah has forgiven the Prophet, the emigrants (from Makkah) and the Ansaar (the Muslims of Al-Madeenah) who followed him in the time of distress (Tabook expedition) after the hearts of a party of them had nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them, Full of Kindness, Most Merciful.” (At-Tawbah 9:117)

He also said about Prophet Moosaa,

“He (Moosaa) said: ‘I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of believers.” (Al-A‘raaf 7-143)

Allaah the Exalted also mentions repentance as one of the qualities of true believers who have sold their souls and wealth for Paradise. He says about them,

“Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success. (The believers whose lives Allaah has purchased are) those who turn to Allaah in repentance, who worship (Him), praise (Him), who fast (or go out in Allaah’s cause), who bow down in prayer, who prostrate themselves in prayer.” (At-Tawbah 9:111-112)

The blessings of repentance are reaped in this world and the Hereafter as well. The reward of repentance includes purification of the hearts, erasure of sins and multiplication of good deeds. Allaah says,

“O you who believe! Turn to Allaah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) will expiate from you your sins and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow  on the Day that Allaah will not disgrace the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  and those who believe with him. Their light will run forward before them and (with their records of deeds) in their right hands. They will say: Our Rabb! Keep perfect our light for us and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things.”  (At-Tahreem 66:8)

Among the reward of repentance is a good life under the shade of eemaan, contentment and peace of mind. Allaah says,

“Seek forgiveness of your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment for a time appointed, and bestow His Grace to every one who deserves grace.”  (Hood 11:3)

Of the rewards of repentance also is obvious blessings from the heavens and on the earth, blessings in productions and children, health in body and protection against calamities. Allaah says about Prophet Hood and his people,

“(Hood told them): ‘O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Rabb  and repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals.” (Hood 11:52)   

The Messenger of Allaah said, “Whoever sticks to seeking forgiveness from Allaah, Allaah will provide for him a way out of every hardship and a succour from every distress and He will provide for him sustenance from unexpected sources.” (Aboo Daawood)

If al-Istighfaar (seeking for forgiveness) is mentioned in isolation from repentance, it includes repentance. Repentance is success and victory as well as safety from all sorrows. Allaah says,

“But for him who repented, believed and did righteous deeds, then, he will be among those who are successful.”  (Al-Qasas 28:67)

Allaah also says,

“Allaah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Al-Baqarah 2:222)

Brethren in faith! Allaah is happy about the repentance of His slave out of kindness to and honour for him. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Allaah is indeed happier with the repentance of His slave when he turns to Him in repentance than a man among you who was on his camel in a waterless desert, whose camel escaped with his food and drink. Having lost all hope of finding it, he retreated to the bottom of a tree and slept off. He woke up and suddenly found his camel standing before him. He took hold of its rein and exclaimed out of excessive joy, ‘O Allaah! You are my slave and I am Your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer). ’ He made a mistake out of an excessive joy.”

Allaah the Exalted has also called to repentance the greatest of all the people in committing shirk, those who call Prophet ‘Eesaa the son of Allaah. He urges them,

“Will they not turn in repentance to Allaah and ask for His forgiveness? For Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al-Maaidah 5:74)

He also opens the door of repentance for the hypocrites who are the worst of all people when He says,

“Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth of the Fire; no helper will you find for them. Except those who repent (from hypocrisy), do righteous deeds and purify their religion for Allaah.” (An-Nisaa 4:145-146)

The Messenger of Allaah said, “There was a man among those who were before you who have killed a hundred persons. He asked a religious scholar whether there was still a chance of repentance for him. The scholar answered in affirmative. The angels of mercy then took away his soul and Allaah forgave him.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

Repentance means turning to Allaah, abandoning the sin, abhorring it and regretting one’s negligence in acts of worship.

Imaam An-Nawawee said, “Repentance is obligatory. If the sin committed against Allaah, there are three conditions for its repentance: (1) to abandon the sin right away, (2) to regret having committed it and (3) to determine never to do it again. If any of these three conditions is absent, the repentance will be invalid. If the sin is however committed against a human being, the conditions for its repentance are four; the above-mentioned three and the fourth is to free oneself from the rights of the offended man by giving back the money or similar thing to its rightful owner. If he has falsely accuse someone of fornication for instance, he should ask the victim to pardon him or give him the opportunity to avenge; if it is backbiting, he should also seek for the victim’s pardon. A Muslim repents from all sins. If he however repents from some sins, his repentance from those particular sins will be valid and his other sins shall  remain recorded against him.

Brethren in faith! Stories of repentant believers and causes of their repentance are pleasant to hear. Each repentant slave had thought deeply, reflected upon his past life, imagined his future life, and remembered death and its agony, the grave and its darkness, the path and its slipperiness, the record of deeds and the guidance of the Messenger and his Sunnah. So the lights of guidance illuminated in his heart and the darkness of heedlessness disappeared. He then wept for his sins and regretted his previous negligence. He fell down in front of his Most Merciful Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  saying, “O my Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), I turn to You in repentance and I have regretted So accept my repentance and forgive my sins. If you drive me away from You, who is he that can provide shelter for me?” Having seen his sincerity, Allaah forgave him and return His favours on him.

There is among the slaves of Allaah a man who repented from highway robbery, another repented from fornication, another repented from drinking alcohol, another repented from being unkind to the kith and kin, another repented from transacting in usury and bribery, another repented from being undutiful to parents and another repented from usurping other people’s wealth unjustly. Congratulations to every repentant man. Such has become a new born through his sincere repentance, for the real part of man’s life is that in which he obeys Allaah.

Brethren in Islaam! Repentance is an obligatory act that must be done at all times and it is more compulsory in some honourable times and places. It is more compulsory after committing any sin, after doing any good deed, when one reaches the age of forty and when one is going to bed so that one will not die without having repented. Allaah says,

“O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allaah. And whoever does that, then they are the losers. And spend in charity of that which We have provided you before death comes to one of you, and he says ‘My Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) ! If only you will give me respite for a little while, then I should give Zakaah of my wealth and become among the righteous. And Allaah grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allaah is All-Aware of what you do.” (Al-Munaafiqoon 63:9-11)

Fellow Muslims! Allaah says,

“And turn in repentance and in obedience with true faith to your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  and submit to Him before the torment comes to you, and then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not. Lest a person should say, ‘Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allaah and I was indeed among those who mocked (at the truth). Or lest he should say, ‘If only Allaah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the pious. Or lest he should say when he sees the torment, ‘If only I had another chance, then I should indeed be among the righteous.” (Az-Zumar 39:54-58)

Brethren in faith! The Muslim ummah is in dire need of repentance especially in these days that they are suffering from different kinds of hardship. They seriously need to turn to Allaah in repentance in order to attain Allaah’s mercy and to win victory over their enemies. For Muslims have no way out of their difficulties except through sincere repentance. In a Qudsee hadeeth, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  narrated that Allaah (s.w.t.) says, “ I will be to My slave as he thinks of Me. Whoever remembers Me in his heart, I will also remember him. Whoever mentions Me among a group, I will mention him among a better group; whoever moves closer to Me an inch, I will move closer to him an arm’s length and whoever comes to Me walking, I will come to him running.” (Al-Bukhaaree)          

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 Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng /23\mdn\Khutbah77.htm

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Khutbah No. 11

Worship Your Rabb Until There Comes Unto You the Certainty

By Sheikh Saud Ash-Shuraym

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Shawwaal 6, 1422(December 21, 2000)  
 

 All praise is due to Allaah Rabb of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

  Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and be conscious of Him in private and public. Worship Him as if you see Him, and even though you do not see Him, He sees you.

“And put your trust in All-mighty, the Most Merciful, Who sees you when you stand up (alone at night for prayers) and your movements among those who fall prostrate. Verily, He, only is the All hearer, the All knower.”   

Brethren in faith! There are lessons in the passage of days and nights, and the days move quickly like clouds. The people shall continue moving until they finally end in Paradise or Hell. Also, the speed by which days and nights move now confirms the meaning of closeness of times one to another which is one of the signs of the Hour as the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has informed us. This is therefore, a great opportunity for the wise people to awaken, do good deeds and have sincere repentance. Allaah says,

“It is He who has put the night and the day in succession for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.”   (Al Furqaan 25:62)   

Muslims have recently spent a whole month enjoying the blessings of their Rabb between supplications, prayers, and remembrance of Allaah, alms giving and recitation of the Quraan. But, alas, these days and their memories passed so quickly as if they were autumn leaves blown by a strong wind.  
 
Dear Muslims! When one compares people’s situation in Ramadaan and after it, one will certainly see signs of laziness and negligence in terms of doing righteous deeds as if acts of worship and repentance are only meant for Ramadaan. These people are ignorant of the fact that Allaah is the Rabb of all months and that Ramadaan is only meant to be an occasion for renewal of one’s resolve to worship Allaah and persevere in that. That is why Allaah says after prescribing fast for His slaves, “So that you may have piety”.

In view of this, it is incumbent on us to consider the realities of worship and its impacts and not its forms, for there are those who have nothing to show for their fasting except hunger and thirst and will have no reward for their worship save tiredness and night vigil. This is further confirmed when one hears people asking one another as to how many times they have recited the Qur’aan and listened to sermons and admonitions during Ramadaan. Do not these people hear how Allaah dealt with ‘Aad people who were very tall like lofty pillars, the like of which were not created in the land? Do they not read about what happened to ‘Aad, Thamood and the people of Prophet Loot? Do they not consider the Qur’aan carefully? Had it been from other than Allaah, they could surely have found therein much contradictions.”  

Where is the heart that is submissive to Allaah? Many hearts have become grassing ground for heedlessness. The youth never desist from their exuberance and the elders do no do righteous deeds. We have neglected the Book of our Rabb publicly and privately hence we are as far from pure deeds as Mount Safaa is from Marwa. Allaah says,

“Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’aan, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? Verily those who have turned back (have apostatized) as disbelievers after the guidance have been manifested to them, Satan has beautified for them (their false hopes) and (Allaah) prolong their term (age).” (Muhammad 47:24-25)

Brethren in faith! Do not be deluded by your determination to shun the dictates of your whims in Ramadaan by yielding to temptations after it, for lustful desires have many intrigues. Remember that many a brave man have been dealt a deadly blow by those whom he underestimated. The person becomes negligent of his duties to Allaah after he has been doing them perfectly or fall back to sins after he has abstained from them is actually the farthest one from prosperity even if he deceive himself with seasonal acts of worship. He is also likely to be punished by being deprived of the joy and sweetness of worship. As for the believing men and women, whose private is as clean as their public and they do worship Allaah at all times, they will have the sweetness of worship and Allaah will provide them with their needs for they are the ones who sincerely follow the path of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in constancy in the acts of worship.

Brethren in Islaam! Ramadaan is distinguished among other months as far as acts of worship are concerned, but this does not mean that acts of worship should only be performed in Ramadaan. The Messenger of Allaah was generous all his life and his generosity increased in Ramadaan. He also used to seek refuge with Allaah from retreating from good deeds. He used to say, “I seek refuge with You from recession after advancement.” Allaah also discourages this situation when He says,

 “And be not like her who undoes the tread which she has spun after it has become strong.” (An-Nahl 16:92) 

The supplication that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to make also confirmed this. He used to say, “O Allaah! Make this life for me an increase in good deeds.” He does not therefore restrict good deeds to Ramadaan alone, but followed the commandment of his Rabb that goes thus,

 “And worship your Rabb until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” (Al-Hijr 15: 99) 

Brethrens in faith! Human beings are no doubt imperfect. The law of Islaam therefore, does burden them with what exceeds their capability. They are however required to hold fast –at all times- unto the trustworthy handhold (the religion of Islaam) that will make them attain the pleasure or their Rabb in this world and the next and which will save them from destruction and protect them against all evils however little their acts of worship may be. The Messenger of Allaah said, “O you people, do whatever you can of the righteous deeds, for Allaah will not cease to accept your deeds and bless you as long as you do not feel bored. The dearest of all good deeds to Allaah is the one done continuously even if it is little.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

In view of this, dear brothers, there are established acts of worship that should be done at all times and never change even after Ramadaan like Salaah (prayer), Zakaah, invocation of Allaah and repentance, which Allaah enjoins on His slaves when He says,

“And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers that you may be successful.” (An-Noor 24: 31) 

The Messenger of Allaah used to say, “I seek the forgiveness of my Rabb and repent to Him 100 times a day.” 
    

Since you have known this, dear brethren, it then becomes incumbent on you to put it into practice, for you have tasted the sweetness of worship and closeness to Allaah in Ramadaan, do not therefore, spoil that with sins. Further, the continued observation of acts of worship or negligence in that goes back to the works of the heart, for it is the most changing part of the body. That is why the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Heart was given that name because of its inconstancy. The similitude of heart is like that of a feather at the bottom of three which wind blows hither and thither.” (Ahmad). The Messenger of Allaah use to say in his supplication, “O the One who change hearts, strengthen my heart on your religion.”
 

Brethren in faith! It is your right to celebrate the Eid for it is Allaah who made joy and happiness among the resultants of pleasure and certainty of faith and make sorrow and distress among the resultants of displeasure and doubt. Eid should be an occasion for clean recreation and amusement. It is when people exceed the limit of Allaah in their celebration and make it harmful to others  that it becomes unlawful for in that case, people do not make a just  estimate of Allaah such as is due to Him nor do thank Him for His blessings. Alee bin Abee Taalib saw some people playing around in a manner that is displeasing to Allaah on the day of Eid and said, “If the fast of this people has been accepted of them, that is not how thankful people should behave and if their fast is not accepted that is not how afraid people should behave.”   
 

Ibn Al-Qayyim said about happiness, “Surely, Allaah shall bring this ware (happiness and joy) to its merchants (i.e those who know how best to rejoice) and those who know its value, though it may – on the way – fall on hands of those who do not know its value, for many is a carrier of knowledge who is not knowledgeable and many is a carrier of knowledge unto those who is better than him in understanding.” Allaah says,

“The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Torah (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practice its legal laws) but who subsequently failed in those obligation is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burden of books.” (Al – Jumu’ah 62:5)
 

A Muslim, should therefore, not exceed the limits when rejoicing for Allaah does not love such a people because excessive joy generates arrogance and disdain for truth. While commenting on the saying of Allaah,

“From the evil of the whisperer (devil who whispers evil in the hearts of men) who withdraws after one remembers Allaah)” (An Naas 114:4)    
 

One of the commentator said, “The devil stays in the heart of men whenever he is happy or sad, when he remembers Allaah it withdraws.” So fear Allaah during joyful moments for sincere Muslim does not exceed limit nor deviate from the truth when he is happy. Alee ibn Abee Taaalib said, “Each day in which man does not disobey his Rabb is a celebration.”

Fellow Muslims! The Wise Law-Giver has prescribed for you the fasting of six days in the month of Shawaal. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it up with six days fast in the month of Shawwaal is like the one who fasts for the whole year.” It is better to observe this fast immediately after Eid and successively but there is no harm if one separates between them or fasts them anytime in the month but it is not obligatory. Whoever fasts it will be rewarded for that and whoever does not, will not be punished. If one is however consistent in fasting it for years and then becomes unable to do that in a particular year because of an illness or travel, he will get his reward completely as if he has fasted it. The message of Allaah said, “If a man is sick or travels, what he used to do while he was resident and healthy will be written down for him.”

However, it is not permissible for one to fast these six days before he makes up for the missed days of Ramadaan for one will only get reward for six days fasting in Shawwaal if one has not completed the fasting of Ramadaan. Let whoever wants additional reward endeavor to fast on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th of every month for the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has explained that whoever fasts them is like the one who fasts for eternity.  

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 Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22/mkk\Makkah56.htm

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Khutbah No. 12

What is the Impact of Salaah on Us?

By Sheikh Abdur-Rahmaan As-Sudais

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Shawwaal 13, 1422 (December 28, 2001)  
 

All praise is due to Allaah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Noble Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah, hold fast unto your religion and follow the path of the righteous people.

Brethren in faith! Man, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this modern life, is in need of what can give him tranquility and rest of mind, and keep him as far from distress and worry as possible. This aim can however, never achieved except under the shade of Islaam by carrying out acts of worship which are regarded as matchless remedy for all spiritual ailments.

Nowadays, Muslims are being afflicted with calamities that distract them from their fundamental affairs. Passing by them also are memorable and important occasions and seasons the most importance of which is the obligatory five times daily prayers. Many people are actually oblivious of their importance, their place in Islaam and their rules. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Tell me, if there is an overflowing river in front of the house of one of you in which he baths five times a day, will there remain any dirt on him? They said: No dirt will remain on him. He then said, “That is the example of the five daily obligatory prayers by which Allaah erases sins.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Fellow Muslims! It is the vanities of this world and peoples’ preoccupation with them that make them forget the hereafter and subsequently forget those things that lead to Paradise such as this great act of worship. This is the confirmation of the Word of Allaah,

“Then there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up the prayers and have followed lusts. So, they will be thrown to Hell.” (Maryam 19:59)

Brethren in faith! Every Muslim is aware of the place of prayer is the religion of Islaam and its law. It is the pillar of Islaam and the borderline between belief and disbelief. If prayer occupies such an important place in Islaam, it is then disheartening to see among Muslims those who have no regard for this great act of worship. What then is the matter with some people though they live among Muslims, treat the prayer lightly? Let these people change their attitude before the wrath of Allaah comes upon them.

As for you who observe the prayers, rejoice over the mercy of Allaah upon you for having  opened up your hearts for this great obligatory act and rejoice over the reward that Allaah will give you in this world and the next.

O you performers of prayers, the prayer that will be accepted by Allaah has pillars, conditions and manners that need to be fulfilled as there are also common mistakes that people commit and which you need to know. The Messenger of Allaah said, “The worst act of theft is one committed by the one who steals in his prayer.” (Ahmad). This has to do with defects in bowing, prostration and submissiveness.

The Messenger of Allaah also said, “A praying Muslim may finish up his prayer while nothing is written down for him of the reward of that prayer except a quarter or one fifth of that until it reaches one tenth.” (Abu Daawood and others). This tells the Muslim to be attentive as regards his prayer; to perform its ablution perfectly and fulfill its conditions and pillars duly in order not to lose its reward and get punished instead.

Fellow Muslims! Allaah extols the believers, praises them, describes their submissiveness in their prayer and promises them success for that when He says,

“Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers with all solemnity and full submissiveness.” (Al-Mu’minoon 23:1)

Dear prayer observing brethren! The real performer of prayers is the one who carries out all the pillars, obligations and rules of prayer completely and observes it regularly and punctually. He is the one who performs the prayer with all his heart and in complete submissiveness. Submissiveness  and solemnity to prayer is like head to body. Whoever makes his prayer an occasion for thinking over worldly affairs, Satan will steal of his prayer according to the degree of his lack of concentration. He may even not fulfilled the required calmness in the prayer, in which case his prayer will be outright rejected. It has been narrated in a hadeeth reported by At-Tabaraanee the prayer of such a person will be folded as a worn out cloth and cast upon its owner.

Dear Muslims! It is when the time was prolonged  for people and their hearts become hardened and people misunderstood the rites of Islaam that you see those who violate the rules of prayer, hence preventing it from having any impact on their hearts and lives. It does not prevent them from immoral acts and all kinds of evil deeds. If those who commit evil deeds do observe their prayers and fulfill all its obligations, they would have abstained from sins and all that negate the essence of the prayer.

What is our condition today as regards this great obligatory act? Hearts of many of us have become heedless and our minds are engaged in the vanities of this world. Let us go back to the path of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  in this great obligation and other obligations of Islaam in order that the Muslim nation may recover her lost glory  and power. Let the Muslim nation take the proper means that will let them overcome their weakness, and the greatest of these means is prayer for, it refines the individual and reform the society and eliminate the causes of defeat.    

Let us then fear Allaah in all our affairs especially in the prayer, for man’s Islaam depends on it. Let us think about our situation and the evils we have brought upon ourselves because of  our negligence of Islaamic rites especially the prayer. Any nation that that does not stand in front of it’s Rabb  in prayer does not deserve victory or power for, all this is from Allaah alone, and any nation which it’s people do not prostrate for their Rabb  as a sign of glorifying Him and showing their absolute servitude to Him will never be able to stand firm in the face of challenges and afflictions, and tribulations and trials will be their lot. Allaah the Exalted says,

“Guard strictly (five obligatory) prayers especially the middle prayer (i.e. the best prayer – ‘Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience.” (Al-Baqarah 2:238)

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and honour the rites of your religion. Remember the greatness of your Rabb, free your minds from the vanities of this world and observe your prayer with  concentrating and humble minds. Among the things that help to achieve that is looking into the place of prostration while in prayer, putting right hand on the left over the chest and reflecting over the recited verses and the said supplications, lack of looking here and there, calmness and lack of haste or going ahead of Imaam. All this, in addition to the success from Allaah help a Muslim to observe the prayer as prescribed by Allaah and His Messenger.

Dear brethren! A phenomenon that plays a major role in diverting people from solemnity and submissiveness in their prayers is the modern day communication gadgets like mobile phones which people carry along with them to the mosques and keep it with them while praying. This gadget causes inconvenience and harm disturbance to many worshippers. Will this man, who carries with him an instrument that prevents him from enjoying the sweetness of his meditation with his Rabb  have any concentration and submissiveness in his prayer? Let these people fear Allaah in their prayers and let them beware from harming their fellow worshippers. Let them know that, whenever Allaah knows of their desire for good, He will makes it easy for them. Further, if Muslims observe this prayer as prescribed by the Messenger of Allaah, their situation will be put right by the will of Allaah, their societies will be safe and that will be a gateway to victory.

Fear Allaah, dear Muslims and observe your prayers regularly and punctually for, it is a light for you in this world and a treasure in the heaven. When one think carefully about the verses of the Qur’aan, one will note that the order to perform prayer is always made in the form, ‘establish the prayer’ which means to observe it perfectly.

The prayer observing Muslim therefore, has a great responsibility towards himself by observing it regularly and perfectly as he also has a responsibility towards his acquaintances, relatives and neighbors by enjoining them to observe it. Allaah says,

“And enjoin the prayer on your family and be patient in offering the prayers.”   (Taahaa 20:132)

The Imams of mosques also have a major role to play in this matter. They should let people know the importance and rules of prayer and explain to them how to perform it according to the injunction of the Messenger of Allaah which says, “Observe your prayers as you see me doing.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

There should also be a cooperation between the Imaams and their congregations and every one should carry out his responsibility in order that the prayer may bring the desired results insha Allaah.

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 Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22/mkk\Makkah57.htm

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Khutbah No. 13

Al-Ihsaan (Perfection in Acts of Worship)

By Sheikh Dr. Alee Ibn Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Hudhayfee

Khutbah No. 14

The Virtue of Night Prayer
 

By Sheikh Saalih Bin Humaid

 Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Ramadaan  8, 1422 (November 23, 2001)  

 All praise is due to Allaah, May peace and blessings be upon the  Prophet, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah and move nearer to Him. Acknowledge His favours on you by being kind to His creatures and remember Him in times of bliss He will remember you in times of hardship. He never created you for fun and whoever fears Him in this world will  have security on the Day of Resurrection.

Brothers in faith! When one studies history and sees the conditions of the past nations, one will notice that this age is the most-gruesome in human history, the bloodiest and the most destructive. It is in fact paradoxical that things will be like this in a time when civilization, science and technology have reached and unsurpassed power. The present world with all its material progress and useful effects of its technology is still the most barbaric age of the human history. However, this surprise will disappear when the Muslim remembers the word of Allaah,

“They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood) and they are heedless of the Hereafter.” (Ar-Room 30: 7)

Yes! They are heedless of the hereafter. They forgot their Rabb and were oblivious of the purpose of their creation, they were dictatorial in their judgments, they make use of their intelligence, knowledge and science to invent destructive weapons and to struggle for the control of world resources.

It should be noted that if less than half of all these efforts were utilized in giving Allaah His dues and in search of His pleasure, people would have real peace and security, but most of them deny the truth, transgressed, kindled the fire of wars and contentions and caused a lot of financial and political problems. They also oppressed many nations and deny others their rights, so they were held responsible for what they used to do.

In this month of blessings, people of Islaam are announcing that the only  gateway to reform lies in reforming the hearts and making them surrender completely to the will of Allaah. In Islaam,  worship entails wide meanings; it includes sincere faith and a righteous deed. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“In the name of Allaah, Most-Beneficent, Most-Merciful. By the time. Verily! Man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds and recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience.”  (Al-‘Asr 1-3)

Dear Muslims! Man is weak by nature. He can have no strength except by obeying his Rabb. He is faced by evil powers, confronted by lustful desires and fought from all angles by different kinds of difficulties. The only way to overcome these problems is to return to Allaah and seek refuge with Him.

Fellow Muslims! The situation of Muslims today necessitates the talk about the most important act of worship in Islaam which is Salaah (prayer). The Messenger of Allaah resorted to it whenever he became distressed about an issue. Prayer is the water spring that never dries and the treasure that never ends.

Prayer is the pillar of Islaam and the refuge place for the repentant and the scared. It is the light of the devoted slaves of Allaah. It removes the impurities of the hearts   and enlightens them. Whoever is stronger in faith is better in prayer, longer in standing for Allaah in prayer and greater in certainty. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Prayer is the best matter; and let him who can pray as much as possible do that.”

Brothers in faith! Night prayers strengthen the bond between man and his Rabb. The messenger of Allaah said, “The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did not only recommend the night prayer to his nation, but laid an excellent example for that. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim reported that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to stand in prayer in the night so long so that his feet would become swollen.”

In Ramadaan, the Messenger of Allaah used to pray more, when the last ten days came, he would pass the night in prayer, wake his household for prayer and exert himself for greater acts of worship. He said, “The time when man becomes nearest to his Rabb is in the middle of the last part of the night and if you can be among those who remember Allaah in this time, do that.” In fact, there is an hour in the night, which if any Muslim is fortunate to meet this hour and ask Allaah of anything, Allaah will give it to him and the hour is in every night.

 It is by night prayers that dead hearts enlivened, spurred towards good deeds and prevented from evil acts. Ibn ‘Abbaas said, “Whoever loves to find the long standing of the day of  Resurrection less difficult should let him show himself to Allaah in the darkness of the night prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the  mercy of his Rabb.”

The slaves of Allaah spend their nights in prostration and standing; keeping themselves away from the comfort of their beds and subduing their slumber for the joy of moving closer to Allaah, with the hope to attain His promised bliss and out of fear His punishment. The real slaves of Allaah sleep little in the night. To them, night prayer has its sweetness. Abu Sulayman Ad-Daaraanee said, “Those who pray in the night enjoy when they are observing their night prayer more than what the people of pastime and fun enjoy from their pastime. If not because of the night, I would not have loved to remain in this world.” When Umar (r.a.) was dying, he said  “I do not grieve on anything of this life except the night prayer.”

Night prayer is a break-off from this life to get in contact with Allaah. Those who engage in night prayer do not find any sweetness in sleep. They remember the loneliness of the grave and the horror of the Last Day.

Truthful slaves of Allaah stay awake in the night praying and invoking their Rabb out of fear of His punishment and in hope for His blessing and

“No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.”

Though  their intentions and requests may vary, night is their source of making pleas to their Rabb. Some seek nearness to Allaah, some are afraid of the Last Day and other seek forgiveness  for their sins. Allaah then bestows His favours on them and grants them their requests and chooses them because they are contented with little sleep in the night and use the rest of the night in prayer, reading the Qur’aan and remembering of Allaah.

The night is the arena for the  high-minded people. It is the provision for the journey of life. As for the low-minded people, their concern is for this world and they thereby forget the eternal life. Some of the righteous predecessors said, “How can a person who sleeps all night and spend all his day in pastime hope for salvation?”  It is however a pity that youths of this age spend all their night and day in pastime and fun!

Brothers in faith! Inability to observe night prayers hardens  the heart and makes one heedless of the word of Allaah. The Messenger of Allaah was told of a man who would sleep all the night. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Satan has urinated in the ears of such a man.”

Whoever does not have a particular act of worship he observes during the night is negligent of his own rights.  Which type of depravity is greater than having an opportunity to converse with one’s Rabb and allow it to slip away through sleeping and low-mindedness?! We are not talking about those who spend their nights in forbidden things.

Brothers in Islaam! In these days there are  generations of Muslims who spend their nights on useless things like watching immoral TV programmes like music and the like on satellite channels. That is the reason many households complain of lack of interest in night prayers. Somebody complained to Ibn Al-Aswad – one of the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) – saying, “We  are unable to pray in the night!” He answered, “Forsake your sins!”.

Endeavour dear brothers, to pray whatever you can in the night. Try to pray the congregational night prayer in Ramadaan and be constant in that, for it is by patience, perseverance, constancy and sincerity that you can achieve strength and help from your Rabb. Know that minutes of the night are valuable; do not therefore waste them in forgetfulness and shopping. Also, wake members of your family in the night to pray and repent for their sins. The Messenger of Allaah said, “May Allaah bless a man who wakes up in the night and prays; and wakes up his wife and she also prays. If she refuses to stand up, he sprinkles water on her face. May Allaah bless a woman who wakes up in the night and prays and wakes her husband up and he prays, and if he refuses to stand up, she sprinkles water on his face.”

“Say: ’shall I inform you of things far better than those? For the pious ones, there are gardens (Paradise) with their Rabb, underneath which rivers flow. Therein is their eternal home and purified wives. And Allaah will be pleased with them. And Allaah is All-Seer of the slaves.’ Those who say: ‘Our Rabb! We have indeed believed, so forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of Fire.’  They are those who are the patients ones, those who are truthful and obedient with sincere devotion in worship to Allaah. Those who spend (in the way of Allaah) and those who pray and beg Allaah’s pardon in the last hours of the night.”   (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 15-17).

You should also know dear brothers that one of the ways that make prayer easy is to turn back to Allaah with sincerity, to have good thought of Him, to hope for what is with Him and to refrain from committing sins. Also, eat little food, for whoever eats much food will feel heavy and sleep deeply. Wahb Ibn Munabbih said, “Satan loves none more than the one who eats much and sleeps much.” Free your heart from jealousy and hatred. Abstain from innovation, stick to Sunnah and let the fear of Allaah fill your heart. Know also that among the great facilitators of night prayer is the love of Allaah, His Messenger and His Book.

The period of night prayer extends from after the Ishaa prayer till dawn and the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had prayed in all parts of the night. “Whoever wakes up his wife and prays together with her, both will be written among those men and women who remember Allaah much.”

As for the manners of night prayer, it is recommended that one starts with two light raka’ahs and then prays with a tasleem after every two raka’ahs. It is also recommended that longer recitation should be made.  One should also try to observe long bowing and prostration and endeavour to remember Allaah a lot. However, one should not make things hard for himself.  The Messenger of Allaah said, “You should do only what you can, for by Allaah! Allaah will not desist from answering your prayers until you become bored.”

You can also be encouraged to observe night prayers if you remember that you are in noble and preferable days, like this blessed month. The one  who neglects many good deeds in this month is deprived and losses. These are some of the most hopeful days, so fear Allaah and make best use of your time and show Allaah the good that is in you.

Enjoy the blessings of your Rabb, spread salaam, feed people and pray in the night while other people are asleep, your will enter the Paradise of your Rabb with peace.  

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22\mkk\Makkah52.htm

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Khutbah No. 15

The Present Situation of the Muslims

By Sheikh Saud Ash-Shuraym

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Shawwaal 23, 1432 (December 27, 2002) 

All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb of all the worlds, may peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! The excellent Islaamic society is the one in which all its needs are achieved under the Islaamic law which cannot be weakened by crises of all kinds. That is the society whose honour is jealously protected against any aggression. Such is the Muslim society when it is in its best form and stability. But when the Muslim society fails to remain in the right path and the Qur’aan  and Sunnah are abandoned, and the way of Allaah is turned to a lonely track where only few Muslims would want to follow, then the doors of calamities are opened and the bright future is sealed.

The popular belief among people today is that our contemporary world has made a great progress in civilization and materialism and this general belief has made many nations vie with one another to catch up with this industrial progress. But all this is at the expense of piety and honesty. Industrialization progresses but spiritualism retrogresses! Materialism is promoted and adherence to religious teachings is relegated.

This lack of awareness in matters of religion is the main cause of the Muslim weakness. There is no doubt in the fact that real religiosity is to believe in Allaah, to believe in His absolute authority in the earth and to seek for leadership under the banner of Islaam. However, this cannot be achieved except through the means sanctioned by Allaah. It is then that the whole world can be governed by the Muslims in the Name of Allaah, through His Blessing, and in the light of His Law. It is also then that obligation of promoting the virtue and forbidding the vice, calling unto the way of Allaah and fighting in His cause can be maintained. It is only by this that the misconception about Islaam and modernity can be eliminated, so that the ship of Islaam can sail to the shore of glory and power.

It must also be made clear that acts of worship that Allaah ordains do not in any way disturb the progress of material life. And whoever thinks that the mind cannot be resuscitated except through the death of intellect and marginalization of worldly matter, has actually committed great mistake. On the other hand, whoever thinks that, intellectual and material progress cannot be achieved except by marginalizing the belief in Allaah and separating religion from man’s life, has also committed a grave mistake.

Therefore, spiritual purification can be achieved without abandoning the bodily needs and preparation for the Hereafter can be made without necessarily neglecting the life of this world. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“But seek with that (wealth) which Allaah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allaah has been good to you and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allaah likes not the mischief-makers.”  (Al-Qasas 28:77)      

Fellow Muslims! No sane person will doubt the fact that Muslims’   backwardness today, their subordination, their constant distress and their feeling of dejection are all results of their abandonment of the teachings of their religion, their keeping the law of Allaah out of their lives and their betrayal of all covenants. The Messenger of Allaah warned some Muhaajireen saying, “No nation betrays the covenants, except that Allaah imposes their enemy over them and makes them seize some of their wealth; and if the leaders of any nation do not judge by that which Allaah has revealed in His Book, He will create enmity among them.”   (Al-Bayhaqee)

Dear brethren! There are two main causes for the ummah’s weakness. These are:

(1) Following the western trends that are based on materialism and unrestricted thoughts that have become widespread among the Muslims regardless of their educational background. Following these trends has turned many Muslims to promoters of western civilization culture and political system causing thereby corruption moral epidemic and retrogression to their pure societies, and exposing, as a result, the rights and values of the Muslims to violation and elimination. This is the actualization  of a prophecy of the Messenger of Allaah that says, “You will follow the path of those who were before you bit by bit so much that when they enter the hole of a lizard, you will follow them in to it.”   The Companions say: “The Christians and the Jews?”  The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) answered; “Who then could they be?”  (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Which subordination is then was than the one likened  to the dark hole of lizard. This indicates that deliberate subordination is like committing suicide. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“Like those before  you: they were mightier than you in power, and more abundant in wealth and children. They had enjoyed their portion (awhile) so you enjoy portion (awhile) as those before you enjoyed their portion, and you indulged in play and pastime as they indulged in play and pastime.”  (At-Tawbah 9:69)

Ibn Abbaass said: “How similar is this night to the previous one. We were likened to the children of Israel.”   Ibn Mas’ood said, “You are the most similar nation to the children of Israel in manners and way. For you are following their deeds bit by bit. But I do not know whether you are going to worship the calf (as they did) or not.” 

(2) The second reason is that malicious incubus that seeks to eliminate the Muslim identity that is based on Islaam and some Divine injunctions like principles of allegiance and repudiation and the principle of love and hate for the sake of Allaah. This incubus seeks to limit the thoughts of the Muslims to material interests even if they contradict Islaamic injunctions. This incubus tries to drag the Muslims willingly or unwillingly to its den through man-made obligations that seek to make them dependent on the West and its materialism, philosophy and hegemony.

Brethren in faith! These two causes can greatly weaken if not totally ruin the Muslim’s relationship with his Rabb and his religion and turn the Muslims to self-centered individuals who exert their all efforts to attain only mundane benefits regardless of their being lawful of unlawful. Allaah say,

“You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brother or their people.”  (Al-Mujaadilah 58:22)

Jareer bin Abdillaah gave his pledge of allegiance to the Messenger of Allaah that he would give sincere advice to every Muslim and repudiate all disbelievers.

In the light of this, every right thinking Muslim would agree that the disbelievers never gained strength but as  a result of disunity in the ranks of the Muslims who followed their his lustfull desires. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“And indeed, we destroyed generations before you when they did wrong, while their Messengers come to them with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe! Thus do we requite the people who are mujrimoon (disbelievers, sinners, criminals). Then we make you the successors after them that we might see how you would work.”    (Yoonus 10:13-14)  

Fellow Muslims! The Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of  His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) contain causes of weakness that befall the Muslims. These causes are not peculiar with a particular generation of the Muslims but apply to all generations, past, present and future. Allaah explains  in the Qur’aan His method of dealing with wrong-doers  and those who slip away from their religion under false pretexts  at all times and in all places. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“Similar to the behavior of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them –they rejected the proofs of Allaah, so Allaah punished them for their sins. Verily, Allaah is Al-Strong, Severe in punishment. That is so because Allaah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their ownselves. And Verily, Allaah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.”  (Al-Anfaal 8:52-53).

Nevertheless, Allaah is All-Compassionate with His slaves and bestows His favour on them but many human societies do not give thanks to Allaah. They enjoy the favours of Allaah but do not give Him due estimation. So, it is when this situation reaches its peak and when people think that they are independent of Allaah that His wrath comes upon  them and they are made to suffer defeat in this world before the painful torment of the Hereafter.

It is not the way of Allaah to unjustly turn a people’s security to fear, their ease to difficulty and their glory to humiliation. It is the people who really change their ways before Allaah punishes them. For Allaah is Just and does not wrong men with anything, but it is men who wrong themselves.

Therefore, the winds of change and reform cannot blow without turbidity as they cannot blow except from within the ranks of the Muslims themselves. The future of the Muslims can never be shaped by those who do not fear Allaah nor believe in His injunctions. Muslims must themselves shape their future in the light of the Laws of their religion - free from nationalism, regionalism and other slogans of the time of ignorance. As long as the Muslims show Allaah their sincerity and Allaah knows that their intentions are good, and they honestly take refuge with Him however difficult their situation may be, Allaah will give them relief form their sorrow. Allaah (s.w.t.) says  about the polytheist captives of the Battle of Badr:

“O Prophet! Say to the captives that are in your hands: ‘If Allaah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.’” (Al-Anfaal 8:70)

Brethren in faith! Return to Allaah is the only way to salvation, but that should not by mere words or false promises, for if the reality of those false promises is  hidden from  men, it cannot be hidden to Allaah, that is why Allaah followed up His saying about the captives by saying,

“But if they (the captives) intend to betray you (O Prophet), they indeed betrayed Allaah before. So He gave (you) power over them. Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise.”  (Al-Anfaal 8:71)

Therefore, the uprightness of the society, its salvation, its success in its policies and its attainment of the highest position lie in the cooperation, self-refinement and actualization of a good relation with Allaah. It is a source of joy that Muslims possess abundant treasurers  of those concepts but they do not make use of them.

“I have been commanded only to worship the Rabb of this city (Makkah) Who has sanctified it and to Whom belongs everything. And I am commanded to be among the Muslims! And that I should recite the Qur’aan, whosoever receives guidance, receives it for the good of his own self; and whosoever goes astray, say (to him): ‘I am only one of the warnners. And say: ‘All the praises and thanks are to Allaah. He will show you His signs, and you shall recognize them. And your Rabb is not unaware of what you do.’”  (An-Naml 27:91-93) 

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http://www.khutab.org/eng/23/mkk/Makkah109.htm

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Khutbah No. 16

Mankind’s Need for Islaam

By Sheikh Husayn Aal-Sheikh

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madina Al-Munawarra, Rajab 25, 1422 (October 12, 2001)

   All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah in your words and deeds, for “whoever fears Allaah, and keeps his duty to Him, He will provide him a way out (of every difficulty), and He will provide him from sources he could never imagine.” (At-Talaaq 65: 2-3)

Dear Muslims! The greatest blessing that Allaah bestowed on mankind is His sending of Muhammad – peace and blessings be on him – with a pure religion that brings all good to mankind and protects them from all that is evil through its principles of justice, brotherhood, freedom and peace.

Brothers in Islaam! The faith that the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.) established its pillars is the source of all good and felicity for those who follow its guidance. This  faith is the pure tree with ripe and everlasting fruits. Allaah says,

“See you not how Allaah set forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches (reach) to the sky. Giving its fruits at all times by the leave of its Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)…”  (Ibraaheem 14: 24)

Islaam is the treasure of all good for mankind without which they will go astray and live in misery and loss. Allaah says,

“By the time! Verily! Man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds and recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience.”  (Al-Asr 103: 1-3)

The Islaamic creed with which the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was sent is the bringer of all good and prosperity and the preventer of all evil and its causes. Whoever adheres to it will ever remain on the straight path. He will not be carried away by whims nor deceived by the beauties of this world. Allaah says,

“Then whenever there comes to you guidance from  Me and whoever follows My guidance, there shall be no fear on them , nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 38)

Brothers in faith! Only through true faith can man know his appropriate place and march on the path marked for him with light and sure knowledge. He will follow only the right guidance and live his life in righteousness in line with his pure nature and clean conscience far from ugly deeds and behaviors.

Fellow Muslims! The impact of faith is great in the mind and its fruits are wonderful. Apart from its purification of the heart and developing it, it is also an infinite living treasure. It gives man power, perseverance, firmness, peace of mind and hope in this world where there is unending war between truth and falsehood; good and evil, it gives absolute security, complete guidance and perfect light. Allaah says,

“Those who believe and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find rest.”  (Ar-Ra’d 13: 28)

Whoever lives in the vastness of faith, holds fast to its strong rope and follows its illuminating light by living a life that will make him understand the infinite wisdom of Allaah, His vast Mercy, His past laws and His Divine Power. That will then give him peace of mind, because he will know then that whatever good that comes his way has already been predestined for him and that whatever calamity that he suffers has also been predestined for him. He will have no doubt nor worries but march on with firm step towards his virtuous goals.

The Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Observe the rights of Allaah, He will protect you; observe His rights upon you, and you will find him before you. If you ask, ask of Allaah; if you seek assistance, seek it from Allaah. Know that if the whole world gathered together to benefit you, they could not do so except by that which Allaah has destined for you; and if they gathered together to harm you, they could not do so except by that which Allaah has destined for you. The pens have been raised and the sheets have dried.” (Which means everything has already been predestined by Allaah.)

True faith gives man certainty, confidence and power to persevere. IF he is in bliss, he will not be arrogant, but will rather praise his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and thank Him and if he is afflicted with calamity, he will not despair, but will rather have patience and be satisfied with his fate. This is because he exemplifies his faith with clarity and power of will, and derives his power of forbearance during hardship from it. Nothing will then be able to divert him from his faith and his seeking for the pleasure of his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer). He will rather increase in purity, sincerity, truthfulness, patience and firmness. The Messenger of Allaah said, ‘The affair of a believer is wonderful; all his affairs are good for him and that is for none except the believer. When he gets a bliss he thanks Allaah for that, and that is good for him and when a calamity befalls him, he is patient and that is also good for him.’ (Muslim)

Brothers in Islaam! A nation that is governed by the Islaamic creed and its life is controlled by the realities of faith is a powerful nation in itself; a nation that has a natural immunity that enables it – with permission of Allaah – to overcome all hardships and trials; and prevent its children from being affected by despair during calamities. It will rather be a nation that calamities and trials only increase it in good, reform and constructive life. It is actually a nation that has passed through all kinds of tribulations in its long history. If any other nation were to have a similar experience, it would have disappeared from the pages of history. Yes, it is a nation that has been promised a clear victory.

“Allaah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds that He will certainly grant them succession (to the present rulers) in the earth as He granted it to those before them and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam). He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.”  (An-Noor 24: 55)

Brothers in faith! Abandoning the pleasant source of faith, its realities and light of Islaam cause dangerous crises. perpetual darkness and a life that is devoid of happiness or bliss. Allaah says,

“But whoever turns away from My reminder, verily, for him is a life of hardship and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.”  (Taahaa 20: 124)

The winds of evils that blow among mankind these days as well as wars and instability are all a result of keeping away from the divine path. true faith and the correct concept of freedom and equality. Allaah says,

“And transgress not the limits. Truly Allaah likes not the transgressors.”  (Al-Baqarah 2: 190)

Therefore as long as the life is not based on the foundation laid by the Creator, as long as the wise men of the world do not fully recognise sources of evil and as long as the solution to the worlds problems is not based on comprehensive justice and common-sense, there will never be any visible end to wars and the ship of this world will not find its way to the port of peace – regardless of efforts exerted towards this goal.

Fellow Muslims! Some world communities are afflicted with some calamities. The frightening danger does not lie in these incidents but in the methods taken to face the problem and overcome it. Common-sense should be used in tackling them and proper steps should be taken to avoid their reoccurrence. Investigation should be adequately made and conclusions should not be hastily drawn in order to avoid more severe consequences. Allaah says,

“O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a piece of news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.” (Al-Hujuraat 49: 6)

The Messenger of Allaah said, “Deliberateness is from Allaah, while haste is from Satan.”

Brothers in faith! Muslims nowadays are passing through difficult situations and they are surrounded by dangers that threaten their very existence. They are therefore looking towards better conditions. However, there is a fact that should be clear to everybody: this community of ours has a special nature that distinguishes it from other people; that is its belief which is based on total and complete submission to Allaah, the Exalted.

It is this very belief and action according to its injuctions – in all spheres of one’s life that can guarantee the much desired peace and security. Allaah says,

“Truly, Allaah defends those who believe.” (Al-Hajj 22: 38)

Therefore, there is no way for this Ummah (nation) out of its present predicaments except by faithfully returning to Allaah, adhering truly to the sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  and being sincere towards its religion inwardly and outwardly. There is no way out except by loving Allaah and his Messenger with all the hearts and abiding by His law in governance and arbitration and in all matters of life. Allaah says,

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any opinion in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.”  (Al-Ahzaab 33: 36)

Now is the time for dead hearts to awake! Now is the time for the heedless to remember Allaah and for the one deep in the sea of sin to cling to the ship of salvation! Allah says,

“Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe to be affected by Allaah’s reminder and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture (the Torah and Gospel) before (i.e. the Jews and the Christians) and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were rebellious, disobedient (to Allaah).” (Al-Hadeed 57: 16)

O journalists! The obligation of the mass media is to understand its role. The mass media should build and not destroy; correct and not damage. It should be occupied with issues of high importance not trivialities. Let it be an avenue for guiding the Muslim children to their religion and actions that lead towards unity of Muslims, sincerity to this great religion, serving and defending it faithfully.

“And who is better in speech than he who invites men to Allaah’s (religion) and does righteous deeds and says I am one of the Muslims.” (Fussilat 41: 33)

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22/mdn/Khutbah46.htm

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Khutbah No. 17

Muslims Need for the Qur‘aan and Sunnah

By Sheikh Husayn Aal-Sheikh 

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madina Al-Munawarra, Jumaadal ula 30, 1423 (August 9, 2002)

All praise is due to Allâh, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allâh be upon the Messenger of Allâh, his households and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Hearts need a word that soothes them and the ears need to hear words that gladden the hearts and make them have peace and that widens the inner and outer sights. It is a word that no time is enough to say it and no tongue can give it its due whoever pens and papers strive to contain that. It is a word that the ummah is in most dire need of it. In fact, the present deplorable condition of Muslim makes the Ummah’s need for this word more compelling. They are in dire need to treat this word, call unto it, reflect on it and accept it. This word is a talk about the Divine path whose spring never dries and whose bounty never ends.

It is a path which Allâh has chosen for the Muslim ummah to control the lives of the individuals and upon which the foundations of their societies should be built; under a shade of a life full of happiness and peace and that will eventually lead to eternal victory and bliss.

Brethren in faith! This path is the path of the two revelations: the Qur‘aan and Sunnah.  It is the path that has clear landmarks and pure sources that build every excellent value and establishes the greatest civilization that is adorned with blossoming edifice, fruitful bounties and perpetual good. That is the path that leads to the middle road that is based on clear foundations without any element that calls to extravagance, extremism or negligence.

Brethren Islaam! Uprightness in all matters and improved life in this world and the Hereafter are all based on following the Qur‘aan and Sunnah. Whoever accepts the two has accepted all good and achieved the greatest desire. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“Verily, this Qur‘aan guides to that which is most just and right.” (Al-Israa 17:9)

There is nothing that protects human life, guarantees its safety, controls the desires and prevents their harms, preserves the nature except that it is found in the Qur‘aan and Sunnah. The Qur‘aan and Sunnah leads to all that is good and its causes and protects mankind from all that is evil. They contain subtle regulations for body and soul, for the human reason, for individuals and groups, in this world and hereafter. Theirs are regulations that are compatible with sound human nature and useful thoughts, and are accepted by free minds and people of upright reasons. They cure all diseases, activate behaviors and regulate all affairs so that the life may be that tranquility, happiness and peace. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“And We sent down of the Qur‘aan that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islaamic Monotheism).”    (Al-Israa 17:82)

Brethren in Faith! When the life is based on the path of the Qur‘aan and sunnah, that will be an ideal life in which misery will be removed from human minds and disruption will be erased out of his psyche as well as distress and sorrow. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“Whenever there comes to you guidance from Me, and whoever follows My guidance, there shall be no fear on them nor shall they grieve.”   (Al-Baqarah 2:38)

Fellow Muslims! This ummah of ours shall have no glory in this world and the hereafter except by holding fast on to the Qur‘aan and Sunnah in every aspect of their life: in matters of belief law, arbitration, manners and etiquettes. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“So hold you fast to that which is revealed to you. Verily, you are on the straight path. And verily, this is indeed a reminder and your people and you will be questioned.”   (Az-Zukhruf 43:43-44)

Fellow Muslims! The world of today, nations and individuals, is full of ambitions. People eat but they are not satisfied, they drink but they do not have their thirst quenched. This kind of life push individuals and nations are push into crazy movements that can lead to disability, destruction and misery and even lead to great evil and huge destruction. Do the wise men among mankind realize that there is no way out and no salvation except through answering the call of the Creator; a call by which conditions are bettered.

“O mankind! Verily, there has come unto you a convincing proof from your Rabb; and We sent down to you a manifest light (this Qur‘aan). So as for those who believed in Allâh and held fast to Him, He will admit them to His Mercy and Grace (i.e. Paradise), and guide them to Himself by the Straight Path.”   (An-Nisaa 4:174-175)

It is therefore incumbent on the Muslims, the leaders and the lead to follow the right guidance and the protecting way without which they will only live in perpetual distress and toil and an everlasting loss and misery. The Messenger of Allâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.) said, “I have left with you that which, if you hold on to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allâh.” He also said, “I have left you on a bright path, whose night is as clear as its day and from which no one deviates but the doomed.”

Brethren in faith! Now is the time for self-examination. The ummah must now examine herself and her situation. She should wake up from her forgetfulness. Now is the time to review our behavior and deeds in comparison to that of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and his guidance. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“And perform prayers and give Zakaah and obey the Messenger that you may receive mercy.”  (An-Noor 24:56)

Now is the time for the ummah to know that unite and strengthen her ranks and strengthen her relationship with her Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) and with the Sunnah of the Prophet. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe to be affected by Allâh’s Reminder (the Qur’aan) and that which has been revealed of the truth.” (Al-Hadeed 57:16)

This ummah cannot prosper unless she rises to rectify her situation according to the way of her Prophet in all aspects.

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:21)

Fellow Muslims! The enemies of Islaam are bent on disuniting the Muslims and cooperate with one another to deny them their rights and kill the spirit of religion and glory in them. They want to tear up the land, turn its inhabitants into dissenting groups, destroy the youth’s thinking so that they will preserve no religion nor live a good life.

The ummah must know that they have enemies from whose mouths, pens and media comes enmity and hatred. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“Hatred has already appeared from their mouths but what their breasts conceal is far worse.” (Aal Imraan 3:118)

Will the ummah then learn that what afflicts her is fundamentally caused by the their lack of proper application of injunctions of their religion in many aspects of their lives and substituting the law of the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of all the worlds with man-made constitutions. The ummah has tried many ideologies that are far from the Qur’aan and Sunnah but has that earned us nothing more than woeful failure and horrible disgrace? Man-made laws has made the ummah tasted all kind of humiliation and subjugation and made the Muslims live in all kinds of problems. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“Then do you believe in the path of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allâh is not unaware of what you do.”  (Al-Baqarah 2:85)

Fellow Muslims! If our nation lives stages of weakness and disunity and experiences kinds of backwardness, other nations had also experienced kinds of calamities. The decrees of Allâh must come to pass and the days are in turns. The strong in this worldly life cannot be strong for ever and the weak cannot remain weak for ever. But it is of the way of Allâh what He mentions in His Book when He says,

“Allâh will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves.”  (Ar-Ra‘d 13:11)

The Muslim ummah must therefore review her in the light of the way of Allâh and reflect over her places of weakness. They must know that the calamity is great and that the reform lies only in the maintaining a good relationship with the Book of Allâh and the Sunnah of the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam (s.a.w.s.). There is no way out of all these terrible situations and impediments except by having a sincere return to the religion of Allâh, taking absolute refuge with Him and having a total devotion to Him. That is the source of stability, strength and authority and the way to glory and security. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And whosoever fears Allâh and keep his duty to Him, He will make His matter easy for him.” (At-Talaaq 65:2, 4)

Let us understand the way of Allâh in changing things and the paths to glory and authority. Let us view our points of weakness in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and let us mode every aspects of our life according to their injunctions. The Messenger of Allâh (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever lives long among you shall see a lot discrepancies. So hold fast on to my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided successors. Adhere to them strictly and keep away from innovations.”

Brethren in faith! The Muslim ummah cannot earn the quality of the best community with Allâh describes it except holding fast onto the Book of Allâh and following the Sunnah of His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) with resoluteness and having determined submission to their injunctions. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“This is a Book which We have revealed unto you in order that you might lead the mankind out of darkness into light by their Rabb’s leave to the path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all praise.”  (Ibraaheem 14:2)

Let the Qur’aan and the path of the Messenger (s.a.w.s.) strengthen our resolution and spur our determination.

Fellow Muslims! There is a question which we must ask ourselves. Where is the position of the Qur’aan and Sunnah in our judgement and arbitration? Where are their criterion in our economy and media? What is their position in the manners of individuals and societies? Where are their teachings our relationships and undertakings?

Dear brethren! We must carry out a self examination  that will remove all forgetfulness and reawaken the sense of following the guidance of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) . Now tell me! How can the life be fruitful for one  who knows Allâh but yet does not fulfill His rights, reads the Book of Allâh but do not act upon it and claims to love the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) but abandons his Sunnah? How can the one who follows his desires, surrenders to his forgetfulness and follows every rebellious devil attain the much sought after happiness? A man who basis for pleasure and anger is this worldly life that blinds him and renders him deaf; a man whose heart is dead and does not feel hurt by sins and ignorance of the truth. Allâh (S.W.T.) says,

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allâh and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in heir decision. And whoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:36)  

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng 22\mdn\Khutbah89.htm

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Khutbah No. 18

Extolling the Qur‘aan and Sunnah

By Sheikh Salaah Al-Budayr

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madina Al-Munawarra, Rajab 4, 1422 (September 21, 2001)

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 Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng 22/mdn\Khutbah43.htm

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Khutbah No. 19

 Loving the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and Following Him

By Shaykh Abdur-Rahmaan As-Sudays

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Rabee ‘ul awwal 19, 1423 (May 31, 2002)

 All praise is due to Allaah, Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  of all the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his family and companions.

Fellow Muslims! In the days that tribulations and crisis have overwhelmed the Muslims, that sorrow has clouded its pure sky and guidance has become confused with error and falsehood with truth, the only way out is the fear of Allaah. Fear of Allaah illuminates the way to guidance and removes the darkness of ignorance and error. Whoever Allaah endows with piety has been endowed with a light by which he can march to salvation and has been saved from erroneous beliefs, thoughts and manners, for Muslims are in need of piety and certainty of faith more than ever before in order to attain victory by the permission of Allaah.

The Muslims have never been in need of piety and certainty of faith as they are to attain victory by the permission of Allah.

Fellow Muslims! There is an important factor that we must not forget in spite of the challenges that we are facing today; a factor upon which the victory, glory and civilization of Islaam are built and that can rescue us from the abyss of dissention. The factor is that we are a nation of pure faith, universal message and Tawheed (Islaamic Monotheism) that is based on sincerity to Allaah and following the way of Muhammad –peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him. This factor is an all important one that must be an topic of every place and time till the Day of Resurrection. The best thing that Muslims can be concerned about and which the reformers can talk of is the matter of Islaamic belief, the Sunnah of the Messenger and the Prophetic history. This is the best source of education for the Ummah; for nothing pleases man better than speaking about the one he loves, especially if the beloved is the Messenger of Allaah, the leader of all men and a mercy to mankind. It is through Allaah and then through Muhammad that this guided nation was built on the Islaamic belief of Monotheism. This is the truth that wise men called unto. There is not a single man in the history who attained what the Messenger of Allaah has attained in terms of honour and glory. His name is mentioned by millions of people and millions of hearts shake at the mention of his name. However, the important thing is to convert this love into pure and subtle following of him in all that he has brought from Allaah. Allaah says,

“If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:31)

Brethren in faith! Muslims are presently in need of deriving lessons from the light of the Prophet, the blessed Sunnah and outstanding history of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) more than ever before. Because it is in this age that the ummah faces waves of tribulations and overwhelmed by whims and different ideologies. It is in this age that the Muslims face most grievous challenges and conspiracies of their enemies whose leaders are those whom Allaah has caused and made of them monkeys and pigs and worshippers of false gods who are the Jews and the Zionists. They are supported in this unholy war by the worshippers of cross and most unfortunately, the secularists among those who claim to be Muslims. The matter however becomes worse when many Muslims are ignorant of their religion and only move along with the trends unquestionably or follow inherited innovations without any verification, though the Messenger of Allaah has said, “Whoever does a deed over which there is no command from us, it will be rejected.” (Muslim)

Brethren in Islaam! O lovers of the Prophet! The following are important aspects of the Prophet’s manners. They are sources of bliss and pure fountains for all those who want to free themselves from idolatry, ignorance and darkness. If many of those who love the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) have missed seeing him with their eyes, there is certainly consolation for them in reflecting over his manners and qualities.

Brethren in faith! We need to march strictly according to the Sunnah and we need to correct our stances according to the way the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had lived. We need to examine and review ourselves, and take from the Sunnah and the Prophet’s life history what can increase us in faith and purify our minds. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) of Islaam was not like any other great man as some may wrongly think. He rather possessed all aspects of human greatness. He should not be taken as a Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  but believed as only a Messenger and a Prophet. He himself said, “Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians have done of the son of Mary. I am only a slave of Allaah and His Messenger.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

It is however saddening that some Muslims do not properly esteem the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) when they have a negative love for him, a love that has no positive impacts on their lives or behavior.

Dear Muslims! Reflect over his guidance in all aspects of religion and life. In area of Tawheed (Islaamic Monotheism), he called unto belief in the Oneness of Allaah for thirteen years in Makkah and ten years in Al-Madeenah. He was the one whom Allaah commanded thus,

“Say: Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  of the worlds. He has no partners. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.” (Al-An ‘aam 6:162-163)

The first obligation of the Muslim who love the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is to emulate him in calling to Islaamic Monotheism and beware of all acts of innovation and shirk that could negate that. He should also emulate him in his manners of worship. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) would stand up in prayer during the night so long that his feet would become swollen and when he was asked, ‘Has Allaah not forgiven you your past and future sins?’ He would say, “Shouldn’t I be a grateful slave of Allaah?”

In the area of good conduct, you will find the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as the exemplar par excellence in generosity, good nature and uprightness. He was always good-tempered, gentle, lenient and never took revenge for himself. That was why Allaah praised him thus,

“And verily, you are on and exalted (standard of) character.” (Al-Qalam 68:41)

He also addressed him saying,

“And by the Mercy of Allaah you dealt with them gently. Had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:159)

Anas (the Messenger of Allaah’s house help) said, “I have never touched a brocade nor a silk softer than the palm of the Messenger of Allaah, neither had I smelt anything more pleasant than the Prophet’s odour. I have served him for ten years and he never rebuked me once, or told me about something I had done, ‘Why have you done this’, or something I had not done, ‘Why have you not done this’. ” These are the great characters and sublime manners! Would Muslims then not follow his example?

In aspects of dealing with his companions and family members he said, “The most-perfect believers in faith are the best among them in morals. And the best among you are those who treat their women in the most perfect manner.”

Also, in his administration of Islaamic state, in his acts of worship, in his jihaad and in his endeavour to convey the message of his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) , he is the best example for all Muslims.

An example of his wisdom in calling to the truth and his gentleness with people vividly shows in the story of the Bedouin man who urinated in a corner of the mosque. When his companions shouted at him he said, “Leave him alone and do not shout at him” . He then told his companions, “You are sent as bearers of glad tidings and not as those who make things difficult for people.” He then gently directed the man and corrected him with wisdom. The Bedouin was so impressed by this act that he said, “O My Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)! Have mercy on me and Muhammad and do not have mercy on anyone besides us.” (Al-Bukhaaree & Muslim)

Another example was the story of Thumaamah bin Uthaal who was captured in a battle and tied to a pillar in the mosque while he was still a polytheist and the leader of his people. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) passed by him and said, “What do you have, O Thumaamah?” He said, “I have good. If you kill me, you would kill a distinguished person and if you would show mercy on me, you would show mercy to a thankful person. And if you need money, ask for whatever you want, it would be given to you.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) then said, -after having honoured him and dealt with him in the best form- ‘Release Thumaamah!’ Thumaamah then went away, took a bath and came back to the Mosque and said, ‘I testify that there is no Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  worthy of worship but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. O Muhammad! By Allaah, there was nothing on the face of the earth that was more detestable to me than your face but now your face is the most beloved face to me on the earth. There was no religion on the face of the earth more detestable to me than your religion but now, your religion is the most beloved to me. There was no land more detestable to me than your land but now your land is the most beloved land to me.’

When the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was asked to curse the polytheists, he said, “I am not sent as a curser, I am only sent as a mercy to mankind.” When he conquered Makkah, he told the disbelieving inhabitants of that city who had been his tormentors, “How do you think I am going to treat you?” He said,  “Well, for you are a generous brother and a son of a generous brother.” He then said, “O Allaah, forgive my people for they know not what they are doing. ” He then faced the Makkans and said, “Go home, you are free.”

Let the whole humanity therefore know this bright pages of the history of the mercy of Islaam and that of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) of Islaam which can be found in the Torah and Injeel (of Prophet (s.a.w.s.) Eesaa). Let this be known, to all those who attack Islaam and its Prophet, that Islaam is full of good and noble traits. Let the whole world recognize the difference between the noble universality of Islaam and their own globalisation that is based on the destruction of all human values. Would the Muslims then not recognise the best way to practically revive their religion and the Sunnah of their Prophet? They should learn lessons from past events and their own experiences especially in these days that the Ummah is undergoing crises. Also, they should not only speak of the qualities of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) but act positively through these qualities to stop those Zionist Jews who desecrate their holy places and commit all kinds of vicious crimes against the rightful owners of Palestine, under the nose of the whole world.

Brethren in Islaam! How can we be speaking about the virtues of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) only when the enemies of Islaam among the atheists insist on their aggression against the Muslims of Chechnya and the idolater Hindus commit their heinous crimes against our Kashmir brothers and other Muslims of sub-Indian continent?

How can we feel satisfied while our situations are becoming worse day in day out. Muslims therefore, should hold fast unto their religion and the Sunnah of their Prophet (s.a.w.s.) with all love, sincerity, cooperation and mutual magnanimity. It is then that they can be united under the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. For the latter part of his ummah cannot be put aright except by that which put their predecessors right. Allaah says,

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allaah, you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much.” (Al-Ahzaab 38:21)

Brethren in Faith! Fill your hearts with the qualities of the Prophet, reflect over them and teach it to your children and households. It should not only be recited at occasions, it should rather be put into practice in reforming your ways and your lives. In these days that there are many new inventions, the Sunnah is the best protection against the evil effect of this inventions. You are in need – more than ever before – of unity under the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah so that the goal of the Ummah can be attained. Every Muslim is manning a strategic position for Islaam according to his ability. So let him take care of his duty as it is due. Show Allaah the best of you and move forward in a balanced way through sure knowledge upon which awareness is based, so that the Ummah can take up her leading role among mankind. 

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/23 \mkk\Makkah79.htm

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Khutbah No. 20

Who Should One Befriend?

By Sheikh Umar As–Subayyil

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Madinah Al-Munawarra, Jumaadal–ulaa 27, 1422 (August 17, 2001)

All praise is due to Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allah as he should be feared and stand firm in your obedience to Him for He has promised those who return to Him and stand firm in their belief in Him best reward He says,

“Verily those who say, ‘Our Rabb is only Allah;’ and thereafter stood firm and straight, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever), a reward for what they used to do.” (Al–Ahqaaf 46: 13–14)

One of the greatest things that help Muslims to have piety and uprightness on the path of truth and guidance is keeping the company of good people and avoiding evil company, for man, by his nature, gets influenced by his friends and companions and adopts their characters and manners. Also, man’s character is known through his brothers and friends as pointed out by the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) when he said, “Man is on the religion of his friend, so let every one of you examine whom he befriends.” (Aboo Dawood and others)

Abdullah ibn Mas’ood said, “Nothing tells about anything more than a man tells about his companions.” Some wise men say. “People think of a man what they think of his companions.”

There is no wonder then that Islam shows great concern on the matter of companionship and friendship so much so that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) directed every individual of the Muslim community to select only righteous and pious people  as friends and companions. He said, “Do not befriend except the believer and nobody should eat your food (with you) except the pious.” (Aboo Dawood and others)

The Messenger of Allah also laid an example for a good and evil companions with perceptible things when he said, “The example of the good and evil companions is like a bearer of musk and a person blowing a pair of bellows. As for the musk bearer, he either gives you some, or you buy from him or at least you get a pleasant smell from him. As for the bellows blower he either gets your clothes burnt or you get an unpleasant smell from him.” (Al–Bukharee and Muslim)

Al–Haafiz ibn Hajar, while commenting on this hadeeth said, “There is in this hadeeth prohibition of keeping the company of those who can harm one in religious and worldly matters; and an encouragement for keeping the company of those who can benefit one in these matters.”

It is then wise and logical that man should only keep the company of those who benefit him in matters of his religion and life, for the best companion is the one who is pious, righteous, possesses noble conduct and manners, has a clear conscience and is ambitious; these characteristics then being completed if he is also learned in the sciences, arts and Islamic Jurisprudence and possesses wisdom. These are the characteristics of those one can feel comfortable and happy in their company because of their sincerity, their assistance during difficulties and one’s safety from any evil act from their part. Whoever is fortunate enough to have a companion with these attributes, that is a sign for his happiness and success. He must therefore hold fast to him, fulfil his right of companionship and be truthful with him. He should also respect him, share with him his happy and sad moments, assist him in hardship and overlook his mistakes, because no man is free of errors and mistakes and it is enough an honour for a man that his faults are at least countable.

Brothers in faith! The worst of all companions is the one who has had a bad influence on his friend, is weak religiously, evil in conduct, has no clear conscience and nothing good is said of his behavior. He is concerned only with achieving his desires even if that is to be at the expense of his religion and manliness. He may even have a total disregard for religion and chivalry and dishonour the rights of friendship. Befriending such a person is a kind of suffering and a sure way to misery because of what he can cause whoever sits with him of calamities by diverting him from remembrance of Allah and His obedience, preventing him from having noble conduct and means of manliness, accustoming him to obscene talk, instigating him to commit immoral acts and making him waste his time in useless amusements, wasteful spending and other forbidden things.

Let us ponder, dear brothers in Islam, over the condition of those who are afflicted with drug addiction, perpetration of immoral acts and earning from unlawful means like usury, bribery and the like and see the bad situation they and their families are in and the evil impact they have on those who mix with them and befriend them. It is in fact a sign of misery that one sits with this set of people who offer nothing to those who sit with them except sorrow and regret for they may destroy for them their religion and conduct and make them lose both this world and the next and that is the most clear loss. Allah says,

“And (remember) the Day when the wrongdoer will bite at his hands,  he will say: O! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger (Muhammad). Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so–and–so as a friend. He indeed led me astray from the reminder (the Qur’an) after it had come to me. And Satan is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need.” (Al–Furqaan 25: 27–29)

Those are some characteristics of the pious and wise people whom one should befriend and some characteristics of bad company and immoral people whom one should beware of.

People, fall into different categories. Some have an inclination to do good and virtuous deeds while others are inclined towards evil. The judicious and discrete person therefore judges people with the criteria of Islamic injunctions and justice. Whoever he sees that his good and benefits outweigh his evil and harm, he takes him as a friend and companion and vice versa. Whoever aspires for friendship and companionship of righteous and pious people will be made fortunate to achieve that in accordance with his intention and efforts.

Brothers in faith! Let us all be reminded that all friendships shall end in enmity and hatred sooner or later except a friendship that is between pious people for it is everlasting in this world and the hereafter. Therefore fear Allah and be dutiful to Him, follow the way of rightly guided people and the pious ones by making friends with only good men and avoiding the sinful and wrongdoers. Allah (S.W.T.) says,

“Friends on that Day (the Day of Judgement) will be foes except al–Muttaqoon (the pious).” (Az–Zukhruf 43: 67)

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allah as He should be feared and die not except as Muslims. Reflect – May Allah have mercy on you – over the condition of many people today, especially the youth and their corruption in matters of belief and manners and see how that was caused by keeping bad company of those who call to falsehood and evil desires through different methods. They spread evil and poisonous materials and see to it that youths leave the path of truth, virtue and order and follow the way of error and allurement in spite of Allah’s warning when He says,

“And obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, one who follows his own lust and whose affairs (deeds) have been lost.”  (Al–Kahf 18: 28)

This phenomenon is a harbinger of doom and calamity for this ummah if the reformers among Muslims and concerned men like scholars, thinkers, educators and journalists do not exert all their efforts and make use of all available means to reform the youth morally and protect them against those who call to evil and those who are slaves of their lustful desires and whims.

Fathers and mothers are therefore obliged before anybody else to take good care of their children, nurture them on Islamic teachings and manners and protect them from bad company and means that lead to evil in order that they may be good children and prosper in this world and the next. Parents, by doing so, will be doing what Allah has made obligatory on them.

Dear fathers and mothers! These are the great responsibilities thrust upon you by Allah, so discharge them diligently. Allah addresses you,

“O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels, stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” (At–Tahreem 66: 6)  

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22\mkk\Makkah38.htm

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Khutbah No. 24

Islamisation of the Educational System

By Sheikh Saalih bin Humayd, PhD

Khutbah (Friday Sermon) in Makkah Al Mukkaramah, Jumaaddal-Aakhirah 12, 1422 (August 31, 2001) 

All praise is due to Allaah. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! I Implore you and myself to fear Allaah, for whoever fears Allaah, He will provide for him light, knowledge and His pleasure and fill his mind with confidence, peace and faith:

“O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allaah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong) and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allaah is the owner of the Great Bounty.”  (Al-Anfaal 8: 29)

“O you who believe! Fear Allaah and believe in His Messenger, He will give you a double portion of His Mercy and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight) and He will forgive you. And Allaah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al-Hadeed 57: 28)

Respect the limits of Allaah and keep to His commandments for you have a pursuer from Allaah and He has invigilators and reckoners over you. Learn lessons from those who were before you, before you become lessons for others and send forth good deeds for yourselves, you will find them with Allaah.

Brothers in Islaam! Every human civilisation has its period; it grows, blossoms and then vanishes. The Islaamic civilisation, however, is an everlasting civilisation; it does not degenerate not does it wane because it possesses an inner power by the permission of Allaah. It derives its power of existence from the perfect and favoured religion of Allaah. Allaah (s.w.t.) subhanahu wa ta’ala says,

“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and chosen Islaam for you as your religion.” (Al-Maa’idah 5: 3)

As long as this ummah holds fast to its Islaam and helps its cause, its civilisation will continue growing and progressing and it will not know any weakness nor degeneration no matter how circumstances are:

“So do not become weak against your enemies nor be sad and you will be superior (in victory) if you are indeed (true) believers.” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 139)

Equally, there is for every nation a civilisation in matters of its belief, religious rites, customs and social relations. Every respected nation forms for itself principles of education that guarantee a safe climate where it can prepare its young generations for its beliefs and concepts and create in them enthusiasm for them and the will to defend them.

Brothers in Islaam! The talk about vitality, steadiness and progress in human civilisations attests to the fact that knowledge and its systems have their vigour, essence and impacts. This spirit is the reality of this knowledge and its deep effects. The knowledge that Islaam established bears within it the spirit of belief in Allaah and of fear in Him, belief in the unseen and belief in the Last Day. It is also full of noble characters and virtues. On the contrary, the system of knowledge that was laid down by paganistic nations such as the Greeks, Romans and others contain only the spirit of the period of ignorance and polytheism. The same can also be said of educational systems that are based on heresy, atheism, materialism and utter disregard for all that cannot be physically felt or bring forth any quick and mundane benefit. This spirit is inherent in their consciences, educational systems, ideologies, philosophies, poetry, narrations and literature. Educational systems of atheist nations and civilisations cannot be like the systems of a believing nation; it can never be suitable for it nor can it be compatible with it.

Fellow Muslims! When this is so, what does the knowledge, education and awareness mean to a community which does not have a dignifying personality, a message, a creed in which it believes, fundamentals which it has affinity to spiritually and physically or a message that it adopts and calls others to?

O Muslims! O educators! Every right-thinking Muslim who loves his religion, his ummah and his country will take an assessing look at the condition of education in many Muslim countries in the light of profits and losses that are being made by these educational policies which these Muslim countries use in their schools, institutions and universities. What is the proportion of the progress achieved to the spent efforts and money? What have our children and the youths gained there from? What is the horrible ideological anarchy, contradictory views and ideas, doubting in matter of religion, indifference towards obligatory acts, revolting against all morals and blind imitation of non-Muslims which are noticed in most of our youths? Why are many of them blind and in spiritual darkness? Why do they denounce themselves and believe in others? The reason for this is that Islaam has become dead in their hearts, they are carried away by other people’s products, they talk gibberish and walk in an effeminate manner. Education did not impress self-confidence in their hearts nor did it tell them of their position or strengthen their aspirations. It did not create in them any sense of responsibility. They are killed without war and their hearts and minds are preoccupied with the thoughts of materials and fashionable dress.

Brothers in faith! Now is the time to take a serious stance and examine ourselves sincerely. We must admit the failure of the foreign educational systems. They have woefully failed to positively educate the individuals and the community. These imported educational systems actually carried out either  of these two things: promoted atheism or separated between religion and worldly matters. These are the fundamentals upon which their studies and theories are based hence taking care of only worldly matters and alienating religion from education.

O educationists! It should be clear to all that sciences, arts, systems and educational theories that appeared – and still are appearing – in the West, East or any other place in the world are merely human experiments in which their authors may be sometimes wrong or right. The useful aspects of those sciences may be taken after making sure that they are free from elements of atheism, corruption and scorning for virtues; one should then give them the touch of eeman before one uses them.

“(Our religion is the religion of Allaah) and which religion can be better than Allaah’s” (Al-Baqarah 1: 138)

It is illogical and unwise for this ummah to adopt these foreign sciences and theories wholly with all their elements of corruption that they contain. Rather, they should lead to increased eeman, piety and God-consciousness.

“It is only those who have knowledge among his slaves that fear Allaah.” (35: 28)

Allaah also says when describing some qualities of men of understanding:

“… and think deeply about the creation of the heaven and the earth saying, ‘Our Rabb! You have not created (all) this without purpose. Glory be to You. Give us salvation from the torment of the fire.” (Aal-‘Imraan 3: 191)

Brothers in faith! The issue of education is one of the major issues in Islaamic countries. It is an issue in its own right because the nation of Islaam is a special one in its nature, policy and goals. It is a nation that possesses a concept, creed, message and Jihaad; hence, education and learning should be subjected to its concepts, its creed and message and all types of education or learning that do not carry these meanings are regarded as betrayal to this ummah.

In Islaam, education does not leave room for sheer human efforts and imported concepts and ideologies to control Muslims and divided them into progressive, reactionaries, socialists, capitalists or whatever.

Education, dear brothers, should not be a commodity to be exported. It is rather a system that reflects the reality of a community and its features. Education should be a system that embodies the aims of the community. It should embody its firm belief, its language, its exemplary way of life and its history.

Muslims therefore need an educational system and policy that suits their nature and is compatible with their noble values in their belief, law, and spirit of jihad in order to regain their glory.

It should be an education system upon which the life of the Muslim can be built and that can include all the classes of the Muslim society that will remain part of his life.

Islaamic education system is the one that caters for all stages of one’s learning life from kindergarten to the highest degree and causes great change in society through reform, uprightness and regaining of the lost glory.  Islaamic education reforms the hearts and purifies the mind.  It recognises talents and human differences.

Education in the Islaamic view means creating real men, refining their intellect, safeguarding manners and actualising the goal of all fields of knowledge  in order that man may be able to live his life in this world according to his noble goals and sublime objectives.

Education is an undertaking by a Muslim to reform himself in matters of his belief, worship and conduct. It is an effort that one puts in order to achieve happiness in this world and the next.

O educators! Whatever people say about happiness and its meaning, it is a sure fact that education in Islaam means to preserve those values upon which Islaam is built, to fight in that cause and transfer it sincerely to the coming generations.

We Muslims know that there is a clear difference between disbelief and belief; religion and atheism; abiding by Islaamic injunctions and slackening in upholding them; the lawful and forbidden. We have lines of demarcation for all that. As for others, their creeds are unclear. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“You (true believers in Islaamic monotheism) are the best of people ever raised up for mankind all that  is good and forbid all that is evil.” (Aal-Imaraan 3: 110)

Fellow Muslims! Fellow educators! Now is the time to formulate an education system and policy in all Muslim countries that will be purely Islaamic in all its aspects. Knowledge should be  recorded and books authored in the spirit of Islaam and in such a way that nothing thereof will be contradictory to it.  (We need to organize) a system of education that will create eeaman and certainty.  If the Muslim ummah can do that it will be creating generations that will think Islaamically. This is in fact a huge responsibility but with energy and above that the permission of Allaah, it will be easy to carry out. Committees and commissions must be set up under the shade of Islaamic governments and their support to carry out these duties and it will be easy insha Allaah with sincerity and determination. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“And say (O Muhammad) ‘Do deeds! Allaah will see your deeds and (so will) His Messenger and the believers. And you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do.” (At-Tawbah 9: 105)

It is through the Islaamic education that a Muslim can become a productive member of his society and carry out the duty of succession he is assigned to perfectly; then, Allaah will increase him in power and grant him good enjoyment. Allaah (s.w.t.) says,

“And seek the forgiveness of your Rabb (Cherisher and SUstainer) and turn to Him that He may grant you good enjoyment for a term appointed and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace.”  (Hood 11: 2)

He also says,

“Ask forgiveness of your Rabb and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain and add strength to your strength.”   (Hood 11: 52)

Islaamic education is rich in great concepts that encourage piety, mercy, altruism, forgiveness, brotherhood and strength. It recognises the rights of Allaah, rights of parents and that of the old and weak people and gives each his due right. Islaamic education promotes morals and ethics like manners of greeting, seeking permission to enter other people’s homes, talking, eating, seeking for knowledge, and visiting the sick.

Islaamic education encourages setting good examples, mutual admonition, sincere acts of worship, seeking the truth, academic research and serious learning. It also protects from arrogance, hatred, jealousy, hypocrisy, self-delusion, love of this worldly life, following the desires, stinginess, etc.

The path of education in Islaam is the straight path, the path of those on whom Allaah has bestowed His Grace of the Prophets, the Siddiqoon (those followers of the Prophets who were first to believe in them like Abu Bakr), the martyrs and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are. It is far from the path of those who have earned Allaah’s wrath and of those who have gone astray.

The Glorious Qur’aan and the pure sunnah are the foundation of Islaamic education in all its stages and the first and foremost model is our Prophet Muhammad –(Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him. It is through him that Allaah taught us that knowledge should proceed sayings and deeds where He says,

“So know that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah, and ask forgiveness for your sins and also for the sins of believing men and women.” (Muhammad 47: 19)

May Allaah provide for the Muslims, their leaders, educators and scholars the light of knowledge, pure conscience, honesty in sayings and deeds and adherence to the straight path of Allaah.

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Source: http://www.khutab.org/eng/22 mkk\Makkah40.htm

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Khutbah No. 25

Inviting People to the Way of Allah