All Khutbahs

In fact, these challenges become more obvious for us living in a developed and modern city like Singapore. Our daily lives are not only challenging, it is coupled with our individual desire to achieve a certain position in life and an improvement in our financial status. These caused us to be competing and outwitting with each other in accumulating wealth, rank and status.

It is therefore clear that knowledge is not simply an exercise of only absorbing information from individuals, books, journals, internet or other platforms. However, acquisitions of knowledge must be complemented through the process of analysis, inquiry and evaluating the contents of the knowledge acquired. This is to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the knowledge we received that will help to eliminate doubts and be replaced with conviction and surety of that knowledge.

Parents equally face such pressures and stress. They experience the fear of potential challenges that will befall their children. With the era of globalization, the influence of negative traits is easily embraced by our youths. And why not? With the proliferation of knowledge, youths are now becoming more intelligent and savvy, as the ability and skills of surfing the internet has become a daily norm for them. This is the price of progress today.

The attribute of ‘Al-Wadud’ is more clearly exemplified in an incident narrated by Imam Bukhari. This story refers to a prostitute of Bani Israil who chanced upon a thirsty, dying dog. She then fetched some water and gave it to the dog to drink. Rasulullah s.a.w. then relates that Allah has blessed and forgiven all her sins due to the mercy that she has shown to the dying dog. SubhanAllah! Look at the Gracious God with the attribute of ‘Al-Wadud’ – a God who is Most Loving and loves His servants who loves good deeds.

Know that the concept of ‘Ihsan’ is the epitome of a Muslim’s character. ‘Ihsan’ also means that we perform our deeds with utmost devotion, sincerity and conviction that Allah is always seeing all that we do, so that we will be more committed and proper in performing our acts of worship, in order to experience blessings and pleasure in our ibadah. 

The wisdom of Allah who plans and determines all things that take place,  sometimes eludes our human understanding and appreciation. The wisdom of Allah, the Almighty, is clearly reflected in the creation of man and the natural laws of the universe existing around us, as well as rules and regulations revealed by Allah to us.

As an insan Rabbani who holds firmly to Allah’s teachings, focuses on the truth of His divine book, and likes good and noble deeds, it is appropriate and necessary for us to learn His names so as to develop our love and closeness to Allah s.w.t. This is also because by knowing the names of Allah, we will become more inclined to learn about the greatness of Allah, and to be able to supplicate and appeal through his noble names and attributes.

There was an incident related in the book of Ibnu Kathir entitled ‘Al-Bidayah Wa Al-Nihayah’ that Caliph ‘Umar Bin ‘Abdul ‘Aziz had made an ijtihad to return all property unjustly seized and restore them to their rightful owners. He assigned his officers to find and search everyday for anyone who is in debt, the poor and the orphans, until their needs are met.

 Based on the historical account recorded in ‘Al-Bidayah Wa Al-Nihayah’, Sayyidina ‘Ali r.a. was appointed as a Caliph within the background of a tense and challenging socio-political climate. He succeeded the third Caliph, Sayyidina ‘Uthman r.a. who was brutally assassinated by the rebels who attempted a coup against the Caliphate.

Sayyidina ‘Uthman r.a. is someone who is very generous and philanthropic, such that he would sacrifice everything, including his wealth for the welfare and interest of his community. In fact, if we were to study the life story of Sayyidina ‘Uthman r.a, we will uncover that all of the good deeds that he had performed were for the benefits of his community, and also in fulfilling the call to be hasten in performing good and virtuous deeds.

Observe the profoundness of Sayyidina ‘Umar’s view and ijtihad; he was able to anticipate the impact and implications of the future, should Al-Quran not be collected and complied as one mushaf or book. With the demise of so many Qurra’ and Huffaz, an immediate decision needed to be made to ensure the survival of Al-Quran. The immediate response of Sayyidina ‘Umar did not only benefit the companions and the tabi’in at that time, but the benefits are also reaped by all of us today.

Therefore, in response to the call of Rasulullah s.a.w., let us reflect upon the first speech made by Sayyidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq after being appointed as the Caliph, as narrated by Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf Al-Kandahlawi in his book ‘Hayaatus Sahabah’: “O People!  I have been elected as your leader, although I am not better than any one of you. If I do any good, give me your support. If I do any wrong, set me right.” 

It is no surprise that Islam emphasises on morals and good character as a key element to overcome challenges in life. Moreover, the laws that Allah s.w.t. ordained are rooted in principles that we cannot defy – and this includes areas related to economics.

Among the noble examples that we can learn from the characters of Rasulullah s.a.w. is his utmost concern in the emotional and social development of children, just as he was as respectful to adults.

When people detach the recitation of Al-Quran from the understanding of the personal conduct and character of the Prophet s.a.w., it will inevitably lead to a deep misconception. This is because they fail to see how Rasulullah s.a.w. lived his life in its different aspects; his human interactions, his business management, his social involvements, his leadership and many others. 

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.