Friday Sermons

We are fast approaching the anniversary of an event which had the whole world at a standstill last October. A group of Chilean miners were trapped in a tunnel for over 60 hours, waiting under 2,000 feet of rock for some kind of liberation.

The miners were eventually safely hoisted back up to daylight and celebrated the triumphant rescue. Everything comes from Allah (SWT) alone and two of his beautiful names spring to mind whilst contemplating the difficulty that these brothers had to endure – Al Qabid, the constrictor and Al Basit, the expander.

Al Qabid translates to mean the constrictor, the seizer, the one who withholds, the restrainer. It is He who can lay the earth like a carpet for us to dwell on and it is He who can fold it up and cocoon us in. Al Qabid is the one who can eradicate the sustenance of whoever he wills. At times of restraint we learn to be patient and have faith in Allah ( SWT). Every hardship is a test and at such times of crisis one should turn to Allah to pray for relief and mercy. Not only does Al-Qabid refer to the physical restraints inflicted upon us in the literal sense but also the constraints we experience within us such as chest cramping, breathlessness, anxiety and nervousness.

Yet fear not my dear brothers and sisters as Allah (STW) gives in abundance to those who love and glorify him. He says, “… Allah accepts repentance from His servants and takes the alms” (Quran, 9:104).

Al Qabid is a way of taking control of any given situation in order for one to glorify Allah (SWT). In the Qur’an it says: “… and Allah straightens and amplifies…” (Quran, 2:245). From this we understand that He straightens, withholds, His sustenance for some whilst extending and amplifying it for others. Another name of Allah (SWT) which compliments Al Qabid is Al Basit, He who is the expander, the one who relieves.

Allah, the Almighty is most just and rewards those who worship him alone and loves all of his creations. He grants physical and spiritual abundance to those who submit to him sincerely, to those who make ‘tawbah’ (seek forgiveness) and to those who take refuge in him.

Is there anyone who will make Allah a generous loan so that He can multiply it for him many times over? Allah both restricts and expands. And you will be returned to Him. (Surat al-Baqara, 2:245)

As the earth mounted on top of the Chilean miners, the tunnel became a tomb for them, in that some believed that that would be there deathbed and one man even requested to be sent down a photograph of the sun, in fear that he would never see its beautiful rays again. The time that the men spent in this constricted tunnel was an opportunity for them to reflect upon the beauties of the world such as, fresh air, water, the sun, their families and loved ones which are all blessings from Allah (SWT). At such instances one realises how fragile life is and how something given and taken so naturally can be restricted and withheld from them. That is exactly what happened to the Chilean Miners. The tears of joy and unforgettable smiles and laughter that the world witnessed upon their rescue said it all. Allah (SWT) was testing their patience and giving them an opportunity to turn to him and glorify him for the blessings they have been given.

It is He who places heavy burdens on the heart and inflicts man with restrictions and difficulty and it is He who eases them. Let us glorify Allah and be thankful for the heavens and the seas in which he has created so that he can expand our breasts and relieve us of our woes and worries.

This week will mark the 10th year anniversary of one of the most tragic and inhumane acts of terrorism the world has ever encountered. Hundreds of innocent lives were lost to the atrocious 9/11 attacks in the U.S, which left families broken, hearts wounded and communities ruined. At such times we must remember and pray for all victims and try our best to help recuperate from the damages and help rebuild even stronger communities.

Even though the actions of these terrorists were against every principle in Islam, many Muslims around the world were labeled as terrorists because of the unjust actions of these people. Following the 9/11 attacks Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic scholar said that “a Muslim cannot be a terrorist and a terrorist cannot be a Muslim” and it’s important for us to remember this when we are faced with so-called ‘Muslims’ carrying out such heinous attacks.

A verse from the Qur’an says:

“Whoever kills a person …it is as though he has killed all mankind.” (Q 5:32)

Any Muslim or well informed person will therefore know that murder has no place in Islam. Islam is based on justice and equity meaning that there is no place for extremists, terrorism and injustice. Islam condemns all forms of violent extremism and any form of harmful activity on Allah’s (SWT) creations. The foundation of Islam is that Muslims do not harm anyone through their words and actions.

There are numerous conspiracy theories about who the terrorists were, what their motives were and how thoroughly planned the collisions were. Regardless of who the guilty party was, the most important and devastating outcome of this horrible incident was the death of all of those innocent people. It doesn’t matter who they were, where they were from, which professions they worked in – these are all insignificant. They were all Allah’s (SWT) creations. They were our brothers and sisters if not in religion in humanity. Their lives were taken not by the one who gave it to them but by corrupted people who have no idea about the consequences of their actions. Every Muslim would know that hellfire will await those who take away somebody’s life without the will of Allah (SWT). It is He who gave us our life and it is He who will take it away. Murder and suicide are both condemned in Islam.

As the 10th year anniversary of 9/11 approaches let’s take time to contemplate upon the world around us. Let us try to be positive role models for Islam. Let us live our lives as Allah (SWT) would want us to and follow in the sacred footsteps of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Let’s show the beauties of Islam and that it is a religion of peace and forgiveness. Let us not seek to do harm to those who have tagged negativity and destruction upon the name of Islam but instead learn to forgive, pray that they are guided and show them what Islam is really about. Let’s amplify our efforts to build a happy, peaceful world where love and togetherness is what gives the world ammunition to become more united.

Be proud of your religion and who you are. Islam is beautiful and it is our duty to reflect its beautiful colours for the world to see. Do not fall weak to anger when faced with aggressive language and prejudice. See it as a test from Allah (SWT), an opportunity for you to educate the ignorant about what Islam stands for. Allah (SWT) knows best and those who stand opposed to you as your enemy today may be your friend tomorrow as mentioned in the Qur’an:

“It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things), and God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
(Qur’an 60:7-8)

May Allah (SWT) bless you and your families and guide you on this journey we call life. Let Him guide those who have been misguided and plant seeds of peace in their hearts. Ameen.

Following the brutal Norwegian massacre of 77 Norwegian people, I would like to discuss what Islam says about killing the innocent in today’s sermon.

Allah (SWT) declares that killing an innocent person unjustly is like killing all of mankind and saving a person’s life is like saving all of mankind. In order to understand this, let’s discuss the very first murder committed on earth.

Adam and Eve had two sets of twins, two girls and two boys. In order for the population to multiply it was viable for brother and sister to marry, however both brothers wanted to marry the same sister and in a bid to win the better sister the “two sons of Adam” both offered a sacrifice to God; but only one was accepted. The brother whose offering was declined told the other brother “I will surely kill you.” In Islam murdering anyone, let alone your own brother, is a huge transgression; however the brother who had succumbed to anger and jealousy slaughtered his brother. This was henceforth known as the first murder on earth and every time somebody is murdered the brother too takes a share of sin for introducing death to mankind.

The unfortunate ending of the brother who sinned in murder is mentioned in the following verse: “His carnal, evil-commanding soul prompted him to kill his brother, and he killed him, thus becoming among the losers” (Maida 5:30)

Following the reminder of this sad incident, Allah (SWT) pronounces the following to reflect the great magnitude of sin committed in murder.

“He who kills a soul unless it be (in legal punishment) for murder or for causing disorder and corruption on the earth will be as if he had killed all mankind; and he who saves a life will be as if he had saved the lives of all humankind.”

Drawing on this hadith we see clearly that the atrocious killing of the innocent in Oslo is condemned in Islam. No act of terror can be accepted or justified. Terrorism and violent extremism should find no shelter or refuge in any society or religion.

Following the shocking tragedy, some news outlets reported that the purported motive behind the killing was to “save Europe” from Islam, which is quite ironic as Islam prohibits any kind of harmful act let alone slaughter. If the murderer had been knowledgeable about the teachings of Islam, he would have been aware that Islam is a religion of peace and forbids any kind of violent behaviour.

We are currently living through a very difficult era, one which feeds prejudice and hostility towards Islam. It is our duty to set good examples of a true Muslim brother or sister, if not through words through our actions.

I’d like us all to think about what we have done for Islam today. What intentions did you wake up with this morning? And did you carry them through? Every step or action you take will be magnified and criticized,. It can be the very thing which either brings communities together or destroys them. Please remember that we live in a very diverse country and not everyone is as educated about the requirements of Islam as we are. Let’s take this opportunity to stand by one another and build a stronger community. Islam necessitates diversity, dialogue, respect, cohesion, freedom and loyalty to the law of the land. Let’s make sure that our actions reflect these values.

I would like to conclude this khutbah with a touching letter written by a Norwegian brother whose friends were murdered during the Oslo attacks. Let us pray for all those who lost their lives in Oslo and to all those who are the victims of terrorist attacks all over the world. May Allah (SWT) give patience and strength to their families insallah. Ameen!

Dear Anders Behring Breivik,

A lot of the friends I met at Utoya are dead and you are the perpetrator. You are the man who, by coincidence, didn’t kill me. I was lucky.

You might think that you have won. You might think that you have ruined something for the Labour Party and for people around the world who stand for a multicultural society by killing my friends and fellow party members.

Know that you have failed.

You haven’t only made the world stand together, you have set our souls on fire and should know we’ve never stood together as we do now. You talk about yourself as a hero, a knight. You are no hero. But you have created heroes. On Utoya that warm day in July, you created some of the greatest heroes the world has seen, you unified people from all over the world. Black and white, man and woman, red and blue, Christians and Muslims.

You made your victims martyrs, immortals, and you have shown the world that when one person can show as much hatred as you have done, imagine how much love we can show when we stand together? People who I thought hated me have given me hugs on the street, people I haven’t been in contact with for years have written 300 to 400 words about how much it means to them that I survived. What can you say about that? Have you broken anything? You have united us.

You have killed my friends, but you haven’t killed our cause, our opinions, our right to express ourselves. Muslim women got hugs of sympathy from random Norwegian women on the street and your goal was to protect Europe from Islam? Your actions worked against its purpose.

You deserve no thanks; your plan failed. A lot of people are angry, you are the most hated person in Norway. I am not angry. I do not fear you. You can’t touch us, we are greater than you. We do not answer evil with evil, as you wanted it. We fight evil with good. And we win.

~ Ivar Benjamin Østebø, aged 16.

Originally posted by Ivar Benjamin Østebø on his Facebook profile in Norwegian, translation by The Independent

Following the atrocious incidents and horrific scenes of looting, arson and chaos we have witnessed in our neighbourhoods over the past weeks, examples of courage, unity and generosity have surfaced and despite the unnecessary wreckage inflicted upon many, these terrible events have been able to bring about feelings of inspiration, tolerance and wisdom.

Allah (SWT) in the Quran says;

“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits of your hard work, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere”.

From this we understand that we need to remain calm and collective at times of tragedy, calamities can strike at any given moment and we must not fall weak to our lower nafs and retaliate with anger, hatred and rage. During the frightful events that hit our communities that spread viciously across the UK, we have seen some inspirational Muslims who were able to follow the teachings of the Qur’an and respond to the unjust attacks with composed strength. These people have been able to represent Islam in the light that our Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would have wanted.

You may have all heard about the admirable pleading of a grieving father Tariq Jahan who lost his son during the spread of criminal activity in Birmingham. He stood up in front of the crowd and the press and defused a very serious racial conflict which was emerging in response to the killing of his son and two other Muslims as a car (which is rumoured to be driven by black youth), was deliberately driven over them. Tariq Jahan said;

“Blacks, Asians, whites — we all live in the same community. Why do we have to kill one another? Why are we doing this? I’ve just lost my son. Step forward if you want to lose your sons. Otherwise, calm down and go home — please!”

Rage and revenge between black and Asian communities were at an all time high however the noble and commendable words of this brave man extinguished the looming heat which would have lead way for more unjust and unacceptable behaviour.

Not only were the actions of Tariq Jahan following the prophetic sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), but his heartfelt plea was also able to soften the hearts of many people who previously held feelings of animosity and hatred toward Muslims. Whilst thousands of people sent emails and wrote letters in response to Tariq Jahan’s inspirational actions, one of the most surprising responses reported in the UK Sunday Times Newspaper (14th August 2011) was that the racist English Defence League (EDL)’s leader was so moved by what he had seen that he asked all members of the EDL to hold a minutes silence as a gesture of respect. SubhanAllah! This is a group of people who cannot tolerate Muslims and core purpose is to demolish Islam. This is the power of Allah, the Most Great, and the Most Just. It is only He who has the power to get between man and heart. Your enemy today can become your beloved brother or sister in faith tomorrow and we should never give up faith in people and most certainly not in Allah (SWT). At such times we remind ourselves of this verse given in Sura Al ‘Imran 3:103:

“Wa’tasimu bi hablil laahi jamee-aah…”

“And hold fast, And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.”

Let’s pray that the pain, heartbreak, loss of property and unnecessary violence that has been inflicted upon us, our neighbours and our brothers and sisters if not in religion in humanity, will be the key to unlock the hearts of intolerant and bitter people. That it will provide a beacon of light for a more tolerant and unified society and a gateway for peaceful coexistence.

The drought which has spread over Africa has reached new heights as we are informed that one in five children die every five minutes. The vulnerable families in Somalia are wrestling not only for their own lives but for the lives of their children. Somalia has become a broken country with no means of salvage for our suffering brothers and sisters out there. Today’s khutbah will be about charity and what Islam says we should do to help.

Safwan ibn Salim related that the Prophet (SAV) said: Anyone who looks after and works for a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah’s cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night. (Bukhari)

As Muslims it is our duty to watch out for our brothers and sisters’ wellbeing and to help them at times of difficulty. A brother or sister does not only mean your sibling in the literal sense but means your brother or sister in Islam, if not in humanity. Allah is All-Seeing and All-Hearing and knows when you help the needy or intend to do so. We should want for others the same as what we want for ourselves.

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the messenger of Allah, that the prophet said:

“None of you [truely] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” related by Bukhari and Muslim.

Giving charity is a big part of being a righteous Muslim. As believers we should know that everything in this world belongs to Allah, he gives as he pleases and he takes as he wills. Wealth and the means in which it is spent is actually a big trial from Allah (SWT). We will all be questioned on the day of resurrection on how we used our wealth during our lifetime. We should not feel weak to the whispers of the Satan and the encouragement screaming from our own nafs (alter ego). We must tame our wants and use the money towards others’ needs.

Give to the near of kin his due, and also to the needy and the wayfarers. Do not squander your wealth wastefully; for those who squander wastefully are Satan’s brothers, and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord. (17:26 – 27)

It is our duty as humans and Muslims to think of the communities around us and help them in any shape or form. Numerous charities, organisations and individuals have donated money to Somalia and neighbouring countries, may Allah bless them and reward them with Jennah inshallah. However, there are some brothers and sisters who would have liked to have helped and intended to but did not have the financial means to do so. Allah knows your intentions and the reward for wanting to give if you were able to is just as high as if you did.

On the authority of Abu Hurairah, who said: The messenger of Allah said:

“Each person’s every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it is a charity: a good word is a charity, every step you take to prayers is a charity and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.”

From this hadith we understand that charity is not through giving money alone but through other actions also. Many brothers and sisters have put their efforts towards fundraising; they have written articles and have used social media to spread the word. Striving for charitable causes is one of the most beautiful things we can do in the name of Islam. Please do not neglect your vulnerable and needy brothers and sisters at times of distress. Pull out a helping hand and Allah (SWT) will help you insallah.

It will be Father’s Day this Sunday, a day dedicated to celebrating the existence and blessings of fathers around the world. Whilst Father’s Day is a man-made celebration and not celebrated in Islam, it is a great opportunity to reflect upon the place of a father in Islam. Therefore today’s khutbah will be about fathers.

There are many hadiths which put a great emphasis on the role of the mother yet not as many about the importance of the father. The father is the family’s main bread winner and therefore spends a lot of time at work and does not bond as much with his children as a mother would do naturally. However, the father is the backbone of a family, he is the one who provides for the family’s needs, supports and protects the family from harm and gives the family unit the comfort of stability. Without a solid father to maintain a family’s stability, that family could become weak and vulnerable.

We know Islam thinks highly of those who appreciate and are good to their fathers, as it is said that:

“God’s pleasure is in the pleasure of the father, and God’s displeasure is in the displeasure of the father.”

Although there aren’t many references to the father in particular in the Qur’an, there are at least 15 references to parents. The following verse taken from the Qur’an suggests the importance of gratitude to parents:

“And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal.” (Chapter 31: verse 14)

From this verse we understand that gratitude to Allah (SWT) is incomplete without gratitude to parents. Allah (SWT) is pleased with those who treat their parents well and are thankful to them. Allah (SWT) puts great emphasis on the importance of gratifying parents in the Qur’an and therefore appreciation towards the parents is also appreciation towards Allah (SWT).

“Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, “my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood.”” (17: 23,24)

Islam attaches great significance to the father as they are commanded by Allah (SWT) to support, protect and provide for the educational, physical, psychological and religious needs of his children. ‘Ali ibn al-Husain (ra) is reported to have said:

“The right of your father on you is that you should know that it is he who brought you into existence, and you are a branch of the tree of his life.”

Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, let’s take great pride in our parents and treat them as Allah (SWT) would like us to treat them. Let’s remember that without their love, support and guidance we wouldn’t be where we are today. Your gratitude towards them is your golden ticket to paradise.

Let us pray to Allah (SWT) that He will guide us to be obedient and kind children to our fathers and that we continue to show humility towards them, regardless of the power and status we may possess. Let us also pray that we will guide our own children through their lives and pass our responsibilities on to them as Islam necessitates, so that Allah (SWT) may be pleased with them and us. And may He bless us all, both in this world and in the Hereafter; Ameen.