Downloadables Khutbahs
for Friday Prayers

To appreciate why Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is a mercy to all the worlds, a Mukmin needs to truly understand the teachings of Rasulullah s.a.w. which has shaped the philosophical world and raised the hearts and minds of men. This awareness should become the provisions in our journey as a Mukmin to know and appreciate the life of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

In essence, Al-Quran is not a book of science. The facts mentioned in the Al-Quran should not be treated as mere facts, which are later forgotten. Instead, Al-Quran is an everlasting miracle (mukjizat) of Rasulullah s.a.w. The Al-Quran was sent for us to contemplate and ponder upon its meanings. The Al-Quran is a Book of Guidance for humankind that is relevant across time and space.

Among the proof of His greatness are the mukjizat or miracles mentioned in the Al-Quran as revealed to the Prophet s.a.w., particularly on the existence of scientific knowledge. There are deep treasures of scientific knowledge contained in the Al-Quran, discovered only after the demise of Rasulullah s.a.w. In fact, it is only in this century that scientists and scholars are able to prove and acknowledge the truth behind scientific discourses that has been long enshrined in the Al-Quran.

Remember, my dear brothers, the Lord who will resurrect us on the Day of Judgment is the same Lord who created us and all that is on earth and in the universe. He created everything from nothing. Remember how Allah created us from a drop of water, viewed as impure by man, until we grew up to be worthy of His creatures. Similarly, that is how Allah will resurrect us from our dry, broken bones on the Day of Resurrection later.

In reality, there are many things that we can do. For example, if we are students studying subjects such as Science, Biology, Geography and so on, we are able to bring ourselves closer to Allah s.w.t. and recognize His greatness, the Lord who Creates. This is the worldview that we should provide for our children: that is, the objective of seeking scientific knowledge and the skills of observation is to enable us to be closer to Allah s.w.t., and to not deny His existence.

It is clear, therefore, that being trustworthy is a noble trait and is an important characteristic that must exist in every one of us. It does not only merit a high position in the eyes of our religion, but it is also an important asset to have in this world, to be exercised in our daily obligations like at the workplace or organization.  Without this important trait, it is not surprising that, from time to time, we see incidences of a breach of trust, resulting from the abuse of power or position.

 When our hearts are constantly occupied with the acts of muraqabah, it will not only raise our status before Allah s.w.t., but also before humankind. For example, the act of muraqabah will transform us into trustworthy and honest employees as we become aware that Allah s.w.t. is always watching our every actions. A Muslim will never cheat nor abuse his position within his company. In fact, he will be someone who is responsible whether or not he is being observed or monitored by his employers.

The reminder of taqwa in every Friday sermon is compulsory, or wajib, as it forms part of the requirements of the Friday prayers. Hence, we are reminded of it during every Friday sermon. It is so important that, failing which, the Friday sermon will not be valid nor be accepted by Allah.

Today, I wish to share with you one simple characteristic that we can apply for ourselves, or for some parents to instill in their children. If we lack this attitude within ourselves, it may lead to the wrath of Allah. In fact, the lack of this attitude will make it easier for one to incline toward performing sins. Without this characteristic, it will make us to be less sensitive to the adverse effects and to the consequences that follow.

The strength of a human is not based on his physical prowess but in his ability to control the movement of his limbs. True courage, is when we are able to overcome our desires from performing acts that are forbidden and hated by Allah s.w.t. 

 

If previously we have not been consistent in performing our prayers or any other obligatory deeds, now is the time that we should perform our personal hijrah. This is because none of us exactly knows the time of his death, and when the ordained time has arrived, there will be no more opportunity for us to repent or to perform our obligations.

Our obligation is to have faith and believe in Him with full conviction. Our obligation is to continue to persevere through our efforts. Our obligation is to put our trust only in Allah. But Allah alone determines our success. We cannot rush in chasing our dreams for success, as this hurried nature will lead to disappointments.

Just a few days ago, our brothers and sisters who performed the hajj have gathered in the plains of Arafah. This holy plain of Arafah was once a witness to an emotional event in the history of Islam. It is at this historic place that Rasulullah s.a.w. delivered his farewell sermon to all of us. Dear brothers, Rasulullah s.a.w. continued to remember his ummah even during his dying moments. If we examine the text of the farewell sermon closely, we will find that the Prophet s.a.w. was not only addressing his companions who were present at that time, but it was also directed to the rest of humanity. This includes all of us here, even though we have never met the Prophet s.a.w. in person. 

This is also a family whose path is not only full of challenges, struggles and sacrifices, but is also accompanied with complete conviction in carrying out the commands of Allah s.w.t. The struggles and sacrifices of this particular family eventually gave birth to an honourable child, well-mannered with an excellent character, gentle with his speech as well as obedient to his parents.

 In explaining the wisdom behind the ritual of tawaf in his book ‘Hikmah At-Tasyri’ Wa Falsafatuhu’, Sheikh Ali Ahmad Al-Jarjawi a renowned scholar from Al-Azhar University explains that the tawaf from the outer paths and the slow yet eventual movement towards its centre, that is the Kaabah, represents the relationship or a human’s journey towards approaching the Lord of the Worlds, Allah s.w.t. 

With a strong command of languages, Hamka managed to read, analyze and research on the works done by Islamic thinkers of his time, as well as scholars from the West. With his ability to command various types of knowledge, his ideas and fresh thoughts were captured through his quality academic writings in various disciplines such as Tauhid, Philosophy, Tasawwuf, History, Tafsir, Literature, Sociology and Politics.

One of the deeds which continues to benefit a person even after he has died, is beneficial knowledge that he leaves behind. This particular characteristic is synonymous with the scholar whom we are commemorating today: a local intellectual who has contributed tremendously to the heritage of Islamic knowledge in this Archipelago. He is a teacher and a guide known for his profound love for knowledge and his writings until the end of his life. The scholar I am referring to is none other than Al-Marhum Ustaz Ahmad Sonhadji Mohamad.