Mohammed: The Greatest of All
All praises are due to Allah, who has made the declaration of monotheism a shield and fortress for His servants. His is the praise, blessings, and sovereignty.
O Allah, bestow praise and peace upon our Master Mohammed, his family, and his pure and righteous companions.
Servants of Allah, I urge you and myself to maintain a state of wariness (taqwa) towards Allah and to obey Him. Likewise, I caution both you and myself against rebellion and disobedience to His command. This day holds numerous significant aspects.
Allah states, “All praise to Allah, who made the declaration of monotheism a protection and fortification for His servants. His is praise, blessing and dominion.
O Allah, praise and bestow peace upon our Master Mohammed, his family, and his pure, righteous companions.”
Servants of Allah, I Call Upon You and Myself to Embrace Taqwa and Obedience
Dear fellow Muslims, I urge both you and myself to embrace taqwa, a sense of wariness and mindfulness of Allah’s commands, and to steadfastly obey Him. Likewise, I admonish both you and myself against any inclination towards rebellion and disobedience to His divine order. The significance of this day should not be underestimated. Remember that when the appointed time of death arrives, Allah grants no respite to anyone. He is fully aware of all our actions.
Muslims, Allah has bestowed upon us the greatest blessing: our beloved Master Mohammed, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Allah states: “Indeed, Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Quran), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Quran) and Al-Hikmah [the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet (i.e., his legal ways, statements, acts of worship)], while before that they had been in manifest error.” (Quran 3:164)
Prophet Mohammed’s compassion extended not only to his companions but also to Jewish and Christian communities. For instance, he had a Jewish neighbor who would daily irritate him by placing the dirt he swept in front of the Prophet’s house. However, the Prophet would patiently gather and dispose of the dirt without resentment. One day, upon not finding the trash, the Prophet inquired about his Jewish neighbor, who was unwell. He went to visit him, which greatly surprised the neighbor. Through this act of compassion, the neighbor recognized the truth and bore witness to Islam’s veracity.
Prophet Mohammed: A Beacon of Mercy and Kindness
Prophet Mohammed exemplified kindness towards all individuals, whether friends or foes. He was a paragon of mercy and benevolence, with a heart brimming with compassion. Even in the face of adversity caused by nonbelievers, he responded with unwavering mercy and kindness. Despite their attempts to harm him, he persistently sought to guide them onto the right path.
The Messenger was indeed a blessing, and his message to humanity was one of mercy. Allah, the Almighty, proclaims: “And We have sent you (O Mohammad) not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” (Quran 21:107)
His mercy towards believers was vividly expressed through the deep bond of love shared among Muslims. They lived as brothers, providing mutual assistance and support. Allah affirms: “Severe against disbelievers and merciful among themselves.” (Quran 48:29)
Moreover, his benevolence extended towards nonbelievers as well, as they too lived in harmony alongside believers.
It comes as no surprise that even animals were recipients of Prophet Mohammed’s kindness. He advocated against causing harm to animals or humans. He cautioned owners against overburdening animals or neglecting their welfare, emphasizing the importance of compassionate treatment.
Even the realm of plants was not exempt from his mercy. Our Master Mohammed conveyed: “He who cuts a tree, Allah puts his head in fire.” This saying illustrates that cutting down a tree, one that could provide shade and comfort to people, without a valid reason, incurs punishment in the hereafter.
These instances underscore that Prophet Mohammed was sent to us as a blessing and a source of mercy. It is incumbent upon us to follow his path and emulate his behavior. We must diligently fulfill everything he has enjoined upon us.
In conclusion, I impart these words while beseeching Allah for His forgiveness upon you and me.
The Excellence of the Holy Quran
Praise be to Allah, the Creator of Time, who has elevated certain times over others, certain months and days and nights over others, wherein rewards are multiplied manifold, as a manifestation of His mercy towards His servants.
This design encourages them to engage in more virtuous deeds and intensifies their eagerness to worship Him. Muslims are thereby motivated to renew their commitment to attain a greater share of rewards, to prepare themselves for the inevitability of death, and to equip themselves for the Day of Judgment.
Servants of Allah, I implore you and myself to embrace taqwa (wariness) of Allah and unwavering obedience to Him. Additionally, I caution both you and myself against any inclination towards rebellion and disobedience to His divine order. This day holds numerous significant aspects.
Allah states, “All praise to Allah who made the confession of monotheism a protection and fortification for His servants. His is praise, blessing, and dominion.”
Indeed, Allah has promised those who faithfully obey Him an eternal reward of entering paradise. Allah, the Almighty, affirms, “And thus We have sent to you (O Mohammad) Ruh (a Revelation, and a Mercy) of Our Command.”
The Significance of the Holy Quran and Its Blessings
You were unaware of what the Book and faith were, but We have illuminated it (this Quran) as a guiding light with which We lead whomever We will among Our servants. And indeed, you (O Mohammad) are guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism).
For those aspiring to be true believers and obedient to Allah, learning the Holy Quran and adhering to the teachings of our Master Mohammed, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, is imperative. He said, “The best of you are those who learn and teach the Holy Quran.”
Muslims, reciting the Holy Quran is one of the most profound ways to draw closer to the Creator (Allah Almighty) and to fortify faith within the hearts of believers.
Allah states, “Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah (this Quran), and establish prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, they expect a trade that will never perish. That He may fully reward them, and give them more out of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative.”
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, remarked, “No people gather in one of the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, but tranquility descends upon them, and mercy envelops them, and the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him.”
Muslims, the recitation of the Quran is a righteous deed, leading to numerous blessings.
The Elevated Status of Muslim Women
All praise is due to Allah, who has established the confession of monotheism as a protective shield for His servants. His is the dominion, praise, and blessing. I bear witness that our Master and Prophet Mohammed is His servant and Messenger, who proclaimed, ”The Hujjaj and the ”Ummar are the delegation of Allah. If they supplicate to Him, He responds; and if they seek forgiveness, He forgives them.”
O Allah, bestow praise and peace upon our Master Mohammed, his family, and his virtuous companions.
Servants of Allah, I implore you and myself to embrace taqwa (wariness) of Allah and wholehearted obedience to Him. Additionally, I caution both you and myself against any inclination towards rebellion and disobedience to His divine order.
Muslims, Allah declares, “O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance, and glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and ‘Asr prayers].” (Quran 33:41,42)
Furthermore, Allah proclaims, “Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they find written with them in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel, he commands them with Al-Ma‘ruf (i.e., Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained); and forbids them from Al-Munkar (i.e., disbelief, polytheism of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); he allows them as lawful At-Tayyibat (i.e., all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khaba’ith (i.e., all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, and foods). He releases them from their heavy burdens (of Allah’s Covenant with the children of Israel), and from the fetters (bindings) that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light (the Quran) which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.” (Quran 7:157)
In essence, the status of Muslim women is held in high regard, as guided by the teachings of the Quran and the exemplar behavior of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him).
The Equal Virtues of Men and Women in Islam
Allah proclaims, “Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam), men and women; the believing men and believing women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism); the obedient men and obedient women (to Allah); the truthful men and truthful women (in their speech and deeds); the patient men and patient women (in performing all the duties ordained by Allah and abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden); the humble men and humble women (before their Lord, Allah); the men and women who give Sadaqat (i.e., Zakat, and alms); the men and women who observe Saum (fast) (both obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan and optional fasting); the men and women who guard their chastity (from engaging in unlawful sexual acts); and the men and women who remember Allah abundantly with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Paradise).”
In this comprehensive verse, Allah enlightens us that women possess all the virtuous qualities He praises in His devoted servants. This verse affirms the equal standing of men and women in Islam, both being beneficiaries of Allah’s divine grace, guidance, and reward.
Islam’s Embrace of Women’s Rights
Dear Muslim Brothers,
There are numerous pieces of evidence in the Holy Quran that attest to Islam’s profound concern for women, recognizing them as a vital part of the Muslim society. Allah has endowed women with substantial moral, literary, and intellectual rights. He forbids encroaching upon any of her rights or causing her harm. Allah articulates, “These are the limits set by Allah, and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success. And whosoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment.”
Upon reading the Holy Quran, believers discern that no legislation has endowed women with such freedom and care. It has bestowed upon them a position befitting their femininity and aptitude. Islam has secured justice for all Muslims and every member of the Muslim society.
It is essential to recognize that certain responsibilities were assigned to men due to the consideration that some responsibilities might be challenging for women to bear. Allah elucidates this in the Holy Quran by stating, “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore, the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands).”
Beloved Servants of Allah, our Master Mohammed bestowed upon women an esteemed status. By contrasting the era of the Messenger with the times that preceded it, observers can perceive the remarkable transformation. Through Islamic legislation, women’s rights were safeguarded, and they acquired a dignity and freedom hitherto unmatched.
Fellow Believers, during the farewell pilgrimage, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, counseled us to uphold and cherish our women, refraining from causing them any harm. This is the noble path we must all tread.
In closing, I express these thoughts and entreat Allah’s forgiveness for both you and me.
Embrace of Repentance
All praise and glory belong to Allah, the bestower of blessings, and the one who extends His love to all who turn back to Him. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship except Allah, the Unparalleled, with no partners.
Allah says, “And turn in repentance together to Allah, O believers, that you may succeed.” (24:31) And I bear witness that Mohammed is His servant and messenger, who stated, “O humanity, turn in repentance to Allah, for I personally turn to Him in repentance a hundred times each day.”
Dear servants of Allah, I strongly advise you to be mindful of Allah’s presence. Allah has revealed, “And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from sources he never could imagine.” (65:2,3)
O believers, it is ordained upon us by Allah to continually seek remorse and repentance after committing any sin, whether big or small. Our Prophet informed us that the most honorable of sinners is the one who consistently implores Allah for forgiveness.
May Allah accept our repentance and draw us closer to His mercy.
The Universality of Sin and the Grace of Repentance
Prophet Adam, peace be upon him, once said, “All of humanity errs, and the best among them are those who constantly turn to repentance.” As humans, we all possess the capacity to commit mistakes, yet the most honorable among us are those who consistently seek forgiveness.
As we approach the blessed month of Ramadan, a time of profound forgiveness, it’s an opportunity for every Muslim to embark on a fresh journey towards goodness. Each of us should return to our Lord, rectify our past shortcomings, and approach the future with sincerity. Let us prepare ourselves to receive the bountiful rewards and gifts that Allah bestows upon us during this sacred month.
Allah, the Exalted, affirms, “And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah?” (3:135) Our beloved Prophet emphasized that when a servant returns to Allah in repentance, Allah is pleased with them.
Dear servants of Allah, there are certain conditions for repentance to be accepted:
- Feeling genuine remorse for the committed sin.
- Expressing gratitude to Allah through the proper use of health and wealth.
- Treating both the elderly and the young with kindness and goodness.
- Making up for missed obligations, such as fasting and giving Zakat.
O Muslims, let us be mindful that the gates of the heavens are open wide, and Allah’s hand is extended during the night to accept the repentance of those who have erred during the day.
Our Prophet, peace be upon him, reminded us that Allah, in His magnificence, extends His hand during the night to accept the repentance of those who have wronged themselves during the day.
Fellow slaves of Allah, even when we find ourselves repeating the same sins, we should persist in renewing our repentance. We must distance ourselves from sinful behavior, for the mercy of Allah is ever near. Furthermore, we must be grateful to Allah for concealing our transgressions. As such, it’s crucial not to discuss our sins openly among others.
O Allah, aid us in attaining sincere repentance and accepting our deeds. Guide us to engage in goodness eternally, and grant us the strength to obey You and those whom You have commanded us to obey.
Reflection and Self-Examination: A Source of Spiritual Strength
All praise be to Allah, the architect of monotheism, which stands as a shield and fortress for His devoted servants. All praise, blessings, and dominion belong to Him. I bear witness that our Master and Prophet, Mohammed, is His obedient servant and chosen Messenger. He imparted the wisdom that “The pilgrims and the non-pilgrims are the emissaries of Allah. If they supplicate, He answers; and if they seek forgiveness, He pardons.”
O Allah, may Your blessings and peace be upon our Master Mohammed, his family, and his noble companions who embodied wisdom.
Dear servants of Allah, I implore you and myself to cultivate mindfulness and piety towards Allah, remaining steadfast in our obedience to Him. I caution against straying from His commands and falling into disobedience.
Beloved Muslims, Allah proclaims, “O you who believe! Remember Allah with frequent remembrance, and exalt His praises morning and evening.” (33:41,42)
May we take a moment to reflect and internalize the profound significance of these verses. Let us be diligent in our remembrance of Allah throughout our days, offering praise during the dawn and afternoon prayers.
May Allah grant us the strength to continually engage in self-examination and introspection, for through such practices, we foster spiritual growth and draw nearer to our Creator.
Guidance from the Messenger and Self-Examination
Allah declares, “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures), in the Torah and the Gospel… He enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong; he makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits the impure things… and relieves them of their burdens and the fetters that were upon them. So those who believe in him, honor him, support him, and follow the light which has been sent down with him – it is they who will be successful.”
Muslims, Allah has enjoined upon us the act of introspection. Allah states, “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” This verse underscores the necessity of self-examination. Hence, dear Muslims, engage in self-reflection before you are scrutinized. Allah has sworn by the Day of Resurrection and by the self-reproaching soul, highlighting their significance.
Believers, it is imperative for devout Muslims to continually introspect, striving for constancy and righteousness in their devotion to Allah to earn His pleasure. Self-examination enables Muslims to acknowledge Allah’s watchful gaze and proximity. Allah proclaims, “And We have certainly created man and We know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.” This realization of Allah’s vigilance fosters heightened consciousness in Muslims.
Servants of Allah, contemplating the Day of Resurrection serves as a stimulus for constant self-examination. Numerous Quranic verses describe the events of the Day of Resurrection and its awe-inspiring nature. Allah decrees, “And We will place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as an accountant.” Therefore, those among us who have been remiss in performing prayers must rectify their habits, and those who have neglected giving alms should commence fulfilling this obligation. Allah commands, “Establish prayer, give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”
Fellow Believers, Self-Examination Leads to Success
Beloved brethren in faith, those who engage in introspection stand as the triumphant ones. Allah proclaims, “By the soul and He who proportioned it, and inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness, successful is the one who purifies it, and failed is the one who corrupts it.”
Additionally, Allah assures, “But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge.”
Grateful are we to Allah for gracing us with the gift of Islam and the guidance of His Prophet. Let us beseech Allah that we may depart from this world as devout Muslims, and may we be granted the honor of entering Paradise without undergoing torment.
I conclude with this supplication, entreating Allah’s forgiveness for both you and me.
Embracing Science and Education: A Divine Mandate
All praise is due to Allah, the Creator of humanity and the Teacher of language. I bear witness that Mohammed is His servant and messenger.
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) conveyed, “Allah, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its hole and the whale in the sea, invoke blessings upon those who teach people what is good.”
May Allah bestow His blessings upon our messenger and his followers until the Hereafter.
O Muslims, I counsel you to maintain a sense of wariness towards Allah, as He has commanded: “Fear Allah, and Allah will teach you. And Allah is the all-knower of everything.” (Quran 2:282)
O servants of Allah, our Lord fashioned humans and bestowed upon them a unique preference. He granted them the capacity to learn and commanded them to seek knowledge. Allah proclaimed: “Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not.” (Quran 96:5)
Divine Knowledge for Guiding Messengers
Allah bestows His messengers with the knowledge necessary to guide their people. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said to his father that he had been endowed with greater knowledge and thus must be followed.
O Muslims, our messenger (peace be upon him) was an exemplary teacher, and he displayed a profound commitment to the education of children. Moreover, he held exclusive gatherings for women to facilitate their learning, with designated days and locations.
Under the umbrella of these noble attributes, Muslims ascended to remarkable heights in the realm of scientific advancement. Notably, scientists like Ibn Sina made pioneering contributions to surgery, Bayroni excelled in mathematics, Jaber Ben Hayan pioneered chemistry, Ibn Khaldun left his mark in history, and Abas Ibn Fernas conducted pioneering experiments in flight.
Moreover, Muslim scholars achieved prominence in Islamic jurisprudence (sharia). Many delved into the realms of Hadith and Fiqh, including luminaries such as Abu Hanifa, Malik Bin Anas, Al-Shafi’i, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Bukhari, Muslim, Qurtubi, and Ibn Kathir.
O Muslims, our sagacious government has invested substantial efforts in the realm of education. Schools and universities have been established, nurturing generations with the latest knowledge and experiences.
As we stand at the threshold of a new academic year, we beseech Allah to aid us and unlock the doors of success for students and teachers alike. In this context, we remind parents of the pivotal role their support plays in their children’s education and the importance of their engagement with schools and teachers.
Incorporating Islamic etiquette in schools is essential. Our children must conduct themselves courteously, strive diligently for knowledge, and bring joy to their parents with their accomplishments. These principles are deeply ingrained in our history, as exemplified by the advice of Ibn Abbas (may Allah bless him) to Zayd: “We are instructed to honor our scholars.”
May Allah bless and guide our educational endeavors.
The Genuine Affection of the Companions for Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)
First Sermon
All praise is due to Allah, the One from whom we seek assistance and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the concealed evils within our hearts and from the repercussions of our wrongdoings. Whomever Allah guides, no one can mislead; and whomever He allows to go astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, who has no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
Allah, the Most Exalted, declares, the essence of which is: “O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except in a state of submission [to Him].” (Al Imran: 102).
“O humanity, fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs [that bore you]. Indeed, Allah is ever an Observer over you.” (An-Nisa: 1).
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.” (Al-Ahzab: 70-71).
Dear Believers,
Allah, the Almighty, has intricately linked the love for Him with the love for His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). He, the Most Exalted, declares, “Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'” (Al Imran: 31).
Our Master Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the same concept by stating, “None of you will have faith until he loves me more than his father, his children, and all of mankind.” Through these words, he emphasized that believers’ affection for him is a clear indicator of their genuine faith in Allah, may His Glory be exalted.
A deeper understanding of the love for Allah’s Messenger can be gleaned from the following Hadith: Umar Ibn Al Khattab said to Muhammad (peace be upon him), “O Allah’s Apostle, You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet said, “No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not have complete faith until I am dearer to you than your own self.” Umar then declared, “However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet responded, “Now, O Umar, now you are a believer.”
Dear Muslims,
The profound sense of love and reverence that the companions held for the Prophet (peace be upon him) was deeply ingrained in their hearts and remarkably evident in their interactions with him. Their genuine emotions and unwavering admiration set a remarkable example of how our affection for the Prophet should be.
It is narrated that a man once approached the Prophet and expressed, “O Messenger of Allah, you are more beloved to me than myself, my family, and my children. There are moments when I am at home, and thoughts of you occupy my mind. I cannot wait until I can come and see you. When I contemplate my eventual death and your departure, I am certain that you will be among the Prophets in Paradise. However, I am apprehensive that I might not have the privilege to see you once I enter Paradise.” The Prophet withheld his response until the verse was revealed to him, conveying, “And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger – those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.” (An-Nisa: 69)
Ali Ibn Abu Talib, when questioned about his love for the Prophet (peace be upon him), replied, “By Allah, he was dearer to me than my wealth, my children, my parents, and even cool water to a parched soul.”
Another remarkable account is that of Zaid Ibn Al Dathina, may Allah be pleased with him. It is recounted that when he was held captive by the people of Quraish, Abu Sufyan approached him and said, “By Allah, do you not wish that you were with your people now, so that we could have Muhammad here to sever his head?” Zaid firmly replied, “No, by Allah, I cannot bear even the thought of him being pricked by a thorn while I am safe with my family.” Abu Sufyan remarked, “By Allah, I have never witnessed a people who exhibit more sincere love than the companions of Muhammad.”
Dear Servants of Allah,
When the time for Hijra (migration) approached, and Allah commanded the Prophet (peace be upon him) to embark on the journey to Medina, he informed Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him. In relation to this, Sayyida Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, recollected, “One day, while we were in our house during midday, someone told Abu Bakr, ‘Here comes Allah’s Apostle, with his head and part of his face covered with a cloth, at an hour when he does not usually visit us.’ Abu Bakr responded, ‘May my parents be sacrificed for you, O Prophet, some urgent matter must have brought you here at this time.'” The Prophet sought permission to enter, which was granted. Upon entering, he requested that those present, apart from Abu Bakr, leave the room. Abu Bakr responded, “There are no strangers here; they are your family. May my father be sacrificed for you, O Allah’s Apostle.” The Prophet conveyed, “I have been given permission to leave Mecca.” Abu Bakr swiftly offered, “I shall accompany you, O Allah’s Apostle, may my father be sacrificed for you.” Sayyida Aisha also recalled that Abu Bakr’s elation was so profound that he wept tears of joy. She noted that she had never witnessed someone crying out of sheer happiness until she observed Abu Bakr’s reaction.
Dear Believers,
The love for Allah is the provision that leads us to Paradise and grants us the honor of being in the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions. Anas Ibn Malik reported that a person once asked Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), “When will the Last Hour come?” The Prophet responded, “What have you prepared for the Last Hour?” The individual replied, “My only preparation is the love of Allah and His Messenger.” Upon this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) affirmed, “You will be with those whom you love.” Anas added, “After embracing Islam, nothing pleased us more than the words of Allah’s Apostle: ‘You will be with those whom you love.’ I love Allah, His Messenger, Abu Bakr, and Umar, and I hope to be with them, even though I have not attained their level of righteousness.”
As an expression of their affection for him, some of the Prophet’s companions recounted, “On the day the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) arrived in Medina, the surroundings were illuminated. But on the day he passed away, darkness enveloped Medina. Barely had we wiped the dust from our hands after his burial when we felt a transformation in our hearts.” [Narrated by Anas Ibn Malik.]
Drawing inspiration from the virtues of our Prophet, let us beseech Allah to grace us with love for His Messenger and assist us in obeying him and those whom He has entrusted with authority over us, in accordance with His command: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (Annisaa: 59).
May Allah bless both you and me with the ability to practice the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of His Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him). I convey this message with the hope that Allah, the Almighty, forgives us all. Pray for His forgiveness, as He is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful.
Second Sermon
All praise is due to Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and He has no partners. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is His servant and messenger, true to his covenant. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
Now, to proceed: Obey Allah, follow the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace be upon him), and uphold his ethics and teachings.
O Believers,
Send blessings upon the Prophet, instill the love for him in your children, extol his virtues, and embrace his traditions. This is indeed the path of success in both this life and the Hereafter, as Allah, may He be glorified, declares, “So those who have believed in him, honored him, supported him, and followed the light which was sent down with him – it is they who will be the successful.” (Al-A’raf: 157).
Dear Muslims,
Allah has ordained upon you a command to which He and His angels are committed. He says, “Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.” (Al-Ahzab: 56).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “For everyone who invokes a blessing on me, Allah will grant ten blessings to that person.” May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Master Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, and all his companions.
May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs and all those who will follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
O Allah, we beseech Your favor to fill our hearts with gratitude for You and to keep our tongues moist with Your remembrance. Bless us with good sustenance, accepted deeds, well-being of mind and body, and blessed lives and progeny. O Allah, guide us to discern what is good, enable us to benefit from our acquired knowledge, and increase our understanding.
O Allah, grant us piety and purify our souls. You are the Master and the Lord of all souls. O Sustainer, rectify our intentions, bless our spouses and offspring to be sources of joy for our eyes, and grant us success as allies. O Allah, bless us with rain and spare us from despair. O Allah, alleviate our difficulties, O Allah, alleviate our difficulties, O Allah, alleviate our difficulties.
O Allah, we implore You now, not to leave any sin unforgiven, any distress unrelieved, any illness unhealed, any disabled person without relief, any deceased without mercy, or any debt unsettled. Our Lord, grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.