My talk to you is about the Qur'anic word, called Al-Amanah or what might be translated in English as "Trust". The subject of Trust is so important in our daily life: if people trust one another and if they act accordingly, they will live in peace and harmony. If we trust one another, but we do not act rightfully, we will create a state of anarchy, a state of confusion and a state of disturbance in the society.
Dear Muslims:
Allah Ta'ala instructed us to put our trust in Him. He demanded that we should fulfill our trust, and make sure that we deal with trust. It is understood that Allah Himself is the One Who fulfills His promises. He commanded us to fulfill our own promises, too. He says in Surah An-Nisa' (The Women):
"God doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; ..." (4:58)
Dear Muslims:
It should be understood that the concept of Amanah (Trust) has been given to us since the time Allah created mankind. Allah offered the trust to the universe, and every creation refused to assume the responsibility. The only creature who assumed such a responsibility is man. In this respect, Allah informs us about His offer of the trust to the universe in Surah Al-Ahzab (The Confederates):
"We did indeed offer the trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it; he was indeed unjust and foolish;" (33:72)
Dear Muslims:
Allah has instructed us to fulfill our pledges, our promises and our commitments. Any time we make a promise, we have to fulfill it in order to be considered among the believers is that they fulfill their covenants, their promises and their agreements. In Surah Al-Mu'minun (The Believers), Allah says the following about the good qualities of the believers:
"Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants; and who strictly guard their prayers; these will be the heirs, ..."
Dear Muslims:
I should point out that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was called Al-Amin: The Trustworthy Person. He fulfilled all of his promises from his childhood until his death. He never betrayed anyone, and he never lied in his life. He was the best example of a man to mankind.
"Discharge the settlement to those who entrusted you, and don't betray even the one who broke his promise." Ahmad and Abu Dawood
Dear Muslims:
We have been informed by our beloved Prophet (pbuh) that whoever does not fulfill his promises does not have faith and does not have religion. In one Hadith, he said:
"There is no faith for the one who has no trust, and there is no religion for the one that does not fulfill his promises." Ahmad
In another Hadith it is reported that an advisor is to keep things in confidence.
Dear Muslims:
We are informed by our beloved Prophet (pbuh) that whoever does not fulfill his commitments, pledges and promises is considered to be a hypocrite. In one Hadith, it is reported:
Narrated by Abu Huriarah (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Signs of a hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks he lies; whenever he promises, he breaks his promises; and whenever he has been entrusted, be betrays his trust; even if he fasts and prays and even if he claims he is a Muslim." Agreed
Dear Muslims:
We are advised by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that if someone talks to another person and he does not want his name to be released, it is considered to be an Amanah. Whoever does not keep the secret, he is a betrayer. In one Hadith it is reported that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"When someone hears a discussion from a person who does not want his name to be released, it is considered to be a private conversation. It is a trust and even if he did not ask to be kept private." Ahmad
Dear Muslims:
Our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explained to us the things that help us to live an honest and a happy life. Among the few, he mentioned the following:
Reported by Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
"If you have four qualities, you should not worry about what you missed in life: To take care of the trust, to take care of the truth, to have good manners, and to have modest and pure food."
Dear Muslims:
After this khutbah, I wish to request you kindly to observe and fulfill your promises. Whenever you promise someone try to carry out your promises perfectly and on time so as to be considered among the believers. Please do not break your agreements, your promises, your pledges and your contracts. Try to fulfill them as soon as possible and in the perfect way. Do not even delay the fulfillment of your promises. Don't be among those who say, "tomorrow". Tomorrow may never come. Let us work all together for the love of Allah. Let us train one another to practice the teachings of Islam. Let us fulfill our covenant and our pledge to Allah: whatever we have promised Him, we should execute our promises. By doing so, we will earn His Blessings, His Mercy and His Forgiveness.
Dear Muslims:
Let me end my khutbah with an Ayah from the Qur'an in Surah Al-Ma'arij (The Way of Ascent) about the qualities of those who perform the regular prayers:
"...and those who respect their trusts and covenants; and those who stand firm in their testimonies; amd those who guard the sacredness of their worship; such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens of Bliss." (70:32-35)
May Allah keep us on the straight path of Islam. May Allah guide us, help us and bless us. Ameen.
Al-khutab is the plural of Al-khutbah, which is a religious talk given on Friday just before performing Salat (prayer). It is considered very important to the extent that it is part of Salat. The daily noon prayers are composed of four cycles (Raka'at), but the Friday Salat is composed of two parts. It is explained that the khutbah is part of Salat, and hence the number of Rakaat on Friday Salat is reduced from four to two.
Since the Khutbah is part of Salat, and since it is given before Salat, Muslims are supposed to come to the Masjid before the Khateeb starts his khutbah.
B. Rules
The following is a partial list of recommendations concerning the rules and regulations of giving a khutbah.
1. The khutbah is composed of two consecutive speeches with a short break of Istighfar (asking Allah for His forgiveness).
2. The Khateeb goes up to the pulpit while still standing and greets the congregating Muslims by saying to them: "Assalamu 'Alaikum"; and then he sits down.
3. The Mu'azzin recites the Adhan (call to prayer). It is the standard Adhan, except that it is given inside the Masjid and in front of the Khateeb, immediately after the Khateeb sits down on the pulpit.
4. The Khateeb should start the khutbah by :
(a) Saying:
"A'uzu Bilahi Minash-Shaitanir Rajeem", which means, "I seek refuge in Allah from the outcast Satan"
(b) Mentioning the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:
"Bismil Lahir Rahmanir Raheem"
(c) Praising Allah for all that He has done for us by saying:
"Al Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil 'Alameen."
d) Sending blessings and greetings to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), to his family and to his companions by saying:
"Wassalatu Wassalamu 'Ala Muhammad wa 'Ala Alihi Wa Sahbihi wa Sallim."
5. After that the Khateeb should mention the title of his khutbah so that the Muslims will understand more about his talk.
6. The Khateeb should start his khutbah by quoting an Ayah from the Qur'an related to the subject of his talk. He should follow it with a Hadith from the Prophet about the subject he is going to talk about.
7. He should explain the subject through Qur'an, Hadith and Sirah.
8. It is recommended that the Khateeb should end his first khutbah with an Ayah and a Hadith. It is preferable that they be recited in their original Arabic texts.
9. Before he sits down, he should ask the congregating Muslims to ask Allah for forgiveness, guidance and mercy. He should ask forgiveness for himself, also.
10. After a few moments of pause, he stands up and starts the second khutbah.
11. The second khutbah should start with praise to Allah, followed by Salat and greeting unto the Prophet, his family, his companions and unto their followers, by saying:
"Alhamdu Lillahi Wassalatu 'Ala Rasulillahi Wa 'Ala Alihi Wa Sahbihi Wa Man Wala."
12. It is preferable that the second khutbah be devoted to Du'a' (supplications).
13. The best Du'a' are those from the Qur'an as well as from the Prophet. (see samples under 'Qur'anic Supplications'). The starting of the Du'a' could begin as follows:
Allah (swt) said in the Qur'an, in Surah Al-Ahzab (The Confederates), the following:
"Lo! Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Ask blessings on him, salute him with a worthy salutation." (33:56)
The Khateeb is to continue to say the following:
"Allahuma Salla 'Ala Muhammadin Wa 'Ala Ali Muhammadin, Kama Sallaita 'Ala Ibrahima Wa 'Ala Ali Ibrahim, Allahuma Barik 'Ala Muhammadin Wa 'Ala Ali Muhammad, Kama Barakta 'Ala Ibrahima Wa 'Ala Ali Ibrahim. Fil 'Alameena Inaka Hameedun Mujeed."
"O Allah! Greet Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you greeted Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim."
"O Allah! Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim."
"Indeed You are (Ya Allah) Ever-Praised and Ever-Exalted in the universe!"
14. The Khateeb should then recite several Du'a'.
15. After finishing reciting certain Du'a', it is recommended that the Khateeb end the khutbah by saying:
"Glorified by your Lord, the Lord of Majesty, from that which they attribute (unto Him). And peace be unto those sent (to warn). And praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!" (37:180-182)
16. Then he may say the following:
"Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids all indecent deeds, and evil and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition." (16:90)
17. The Khateeb should then instruct the Mu'azzin to give the Iqamah.
Indeed, Salat preserves from lewdness and iniquity, but verily remembrance of Allah is more important. And Allah knows what you do." (29:45)
18. While facing kaabah, the Khateeb starts his Salat of two Rakaat Fard Salatul jumu'ah in a jama'ah.
19. The Salat is a regular one, except that the recitations of Qur'an are conducted vocally like those of Fajr, Maghrib and Isha' prayers.
20. Time should be allocated for the congregating Muslims to perform the after Sunnah Salat as well as to make their Tassbeeh and Du'a'.
21. Muslims should leave the Masjid politely with solemnity and serenity. While leaving, they should get to know each other and improve their relationships.
The essential features of Friday Khutbah are the following according to the Sunnah of the Prophet -peace be upon him.
The Imam should be in Wudu and should be properly dressed.
It should be given from a pulpit (minbar). According to the Sunnah the minbar should be at the right side of the mihrab. It should have three steps. The Imam should go up on the minbar, stand on the second step and sit on the third step. If minbar is not available then one can stand on any elevated place. If that is not available then one can stand on the musalla facing the people.
The Imam should go on the minbar, while facing the people in the standing position he should say , "Assalam 'alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh." The audience should answer the Imam. The he should sit down and the Adhan for Khutbah should be given.
After the Adhan, the Imam should stand up and deliver the Khutbah. The Khutbah should begin with the praise of Allah (hamd), the declaration of faith (two shahadah), peace and blessing upon the Prophet (salat and salam), then at least one ayah from the Qur'an should be recited. All these things should be in Arabic. After this the Imam can use the local language to speak to the people and remind them about their faith and their religious duties.
The Khutbah should be in two parts. After finishing the first part the Imam should sit down for a short while (for so long that three short verses of the Qur'an or three times Subhanallah can be recited.)
First Khutbah should be on any topic of concern and relevance for the community. But the second Khutbah should end with peace and blessings on the Prophet and his companions and with du'a for all the people. It is recommended to give the second Khutbah based on the recommended prayers (ad'iyah ma'thurah). These prayers should be recited in Arabic.
It is recommended that the Khutbah is not too long and should be inspiring and motivational. It should also avoid controversial subjects. The audience must listen to the Imam quietly without any interruption. People should not talk to each other or engage in any other activity during the Khutbah.
There is no need to have one talk in the local language before the Adhan and then Khutbah after the Adhan in Arabic. This is an innovation (bid'ah) and it should not be done. The Khutbah is the main talk and speech of Friday and its importance should not be minimized. The Khutbah should be given only after the Adhan and it can be given in the local languages as we mentioned before. It is not required to deliver the whole Khutbah in Arabic if one is speaking to a non-Arabic speaking audience. Many 'Ulama' in Pakistan, India and many other non-Arabic speaking countries have allowed Khutbah in local languages. In 1975 in the World Conference of Masajid held in Makkah, several hundreds Imams and Ulama' from all over the world unanimously accepted that the Friday and Id Khutbahs can be given in local languages. The purpose of Khutbah is to remind the people about their religion. If a person does not understand Arabic, how can he/she be reminded by it.
Those who insist that the Khutbah should be only in Arabic say that the Khutbah is part of Salat and in Salat we follow the Sunnah of the Prophet -peace be upon him. He used to deliver Khutbah in Arabic and we should also do the same. It is correct that Khutbah is part of the Salat, but it is not Salat. In Salat we do not talk to people, in Khutbah we talk to them. In Salat we cannot add anything from our own. We have to recite verses from the Qur'an and use only those prayers that are taught by the Prophet -peace be upon him. In Khutbah, the Imam prepares his own message. Why should Arabic language be used when majority of the Muslims in a location do not understand it. Those who insist on Arabic in Khutbah for non Arabs too are not properly benefiting from the Friday gatherings. They are depriving the believers from a great opportunity to learn and be educated about their religion.
My talk to you today is the very important topic of humility which was the cause of success and happiness of many people in the history of mankind. The lack of which brought catastrophes and miseries everywhere in the universe. The subject is "Humility versus Pride."
The word "humility" (Tawadu') has not been mentioned in the Qur'an as such but it has been mentioned in different ways. The other word for Tawadu' is Zull. The different forms of Zull are : Zillah; Al-Zull; while the word "pride" has been mentioned 66 times in different forms and for different aspects of life.
The different forms of the word "pride" are:
The best type of humility is that one which Allah Ta'ala recommended to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In this regard Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Ash-Shu'ara' (The Poets):
"And lower your wing (in kindness) unto those believers who follow thee." (26:215)
Allah also advised Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be humble to any believer. In this regard Allah says in Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract):
"...and lower your wing ( in tenderness) for the believers." (15:88)
The manner in which the Muslims should behave toward one another, is that of humility. In this regard Allah says in Surah Al-Maidah ( The Table Spread):
"O you who believe! Whoso of you becomes a renegade from his religion (know that in his stead) Allah will bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving the way of Allah, and fearing not the blame of any blamer. Such is the grace of Allah which he giveth unto whom He will. Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing." (5:54)
Allah has commanded the believers to treat their parents with kindness, humility and mercy. In this regard Allah says in Surah Al-Isra':
"And lower unto them the wing of humility through mercy and say: 'My Lord, Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I say little.'" (17:24)
At the same time Allah wants from the believers not to boast, not to brag and not to be proud of themselves. They should not claim that they are pure, innocent and angelic. They should be humble enough to admit their shortcomings, their mistakes and their faults. They should share their ideas with others, be they young or older, and be they of a higher or of a lower academic position.
Allah hates all those who are proud, arrogant or boastful. In this regard Allah says about the proud people in Surah An-Nahl (The Bees):
"Your God is One God. But as for those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, for they are proud. Assuredly, Allah knows that which they keep hidden and that which they proclaim. Lo! He loves not the proud." (16:22-23)
Also, it is mentioned in Surah Luqman that Muslims should treat one another with humility and not with scorn or pride. In this regard Allah says:
"Turn not thy cheek in scorn toward folk, nor walk with perness in the land. Lo! Allah loves not each braggart boaster." (31:18)
Allah those who are proud of themselves because of what they are and of their personal achievements, negating Allah's blessing and mercy, will receive the curse and the punishment of Allah in this world.
The best example for the curse of Allah is that of Iblis who refused to prostate to Allah in front of Adam. He refused the order of Allah because he felt that he was better than Adam. He received the curse of Allah till the Day of Judgment. In this regard Allah says in Surah Sad:
"The angels fell down prostrate everyone, save Iblis; he was scornful and became one of the disbelievers. He said: 'O Iblis! What hinder you from falling prostrate before that which I have created with both my hands? Were you proud or were you of the high exalted? He said: I am better than him. You created me of fire, while him you did create of clay. He said: Go forth from here, for lo! You were outcast. And lo! My curse is on you till the Day of Judgment.'" (38:73-78)
The proud people will go to hell in the Day of Judgment and will never enter paradise till the camel enter the eye of a needle. In this regard, Allah says in Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights):
"Lo! They who deny Our revelations and scorn them, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened nor will they enter the garden until the camel goes through the needle's eye. Thus do We requite the guilty." (7:40)
On the other hand, paradise is reserved for those who are humble. In this regard Allah says in Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration):
"As for that Abode of the Hereafter, We assign it unto those who seek not oppression in the earth, nor yet corruption. The sequel is for those who ward off (evil)." (28:83)
Remember how Allah punished all the previous nations in the history of mankind. Remember the people of Hud, Salih, 'Ad, Lut, Remember the dynasty of the Pharaos. Remember as well Qaroon. All of these and others have been penalized by Allah Ta'ala. For this reason, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised us to be humble in every aspect of our life. The following are a few of his advises.
It has been narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
A charity does not decrease any wealth. Allah increases the respect of any who forgives and whoever is humble for the love of Allah. Allah will raise his rank.(Reported by Muslim)
It was narrated by ‘Iyad that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
Allah revealed to me (Muhammad) that you should be humble so that no one will boast over others, and no one will transgress over others. (Reported by Muslim)
It was narrated by Abdullah ibn Masood that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
No one will enter paradise if he/she has an atom’s weight of pride.
It was narrated by Abu Hurairah that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
Allah does not speak to three categories of people in the Day of Judgment; does not purify them and does not look at them. They will have a very severe penalty. They are: an elderly person who commits adultery; a king who is a liar; and a person who is proud and arrogant. (Reported by Muslim)
From what has been reported to you in this talk, may I request you kindly to be humble, modest, meek, simple and low in every aspect of your life. Remember that Allah hates those who are proud, aggressive, high, conceited and arrogant. May I request you to be kind to other people, to extend your personal help, your personal services and your personal time, effort, knowledge, and money to all those people tremendously. Remember that Allah will make your life a happy one, and that you will go to paradise in the Hereafter.
May Allah bless you, may Allah reward you, may Allah guide you to the right path, and may Allah shower His mercy and blessings upon you all. Ameen.
The subject today is about "Guarding One's Tongue." Allah mentions in the Qur'an that He made for us two eyes, one tongue, and two lips; that He guided us towards the truth; and that He informed us about the wrong way. In this respect the Qur'an states:
"Have we not made for him a pair of eyes? A tongue, and a pair of lips? And guided him towards the two paths (of success)" (90:8-10)
Allah informed us that we are responsible for what we do, for what we say, for whatever we listen, for wherever we go, for whatever we write, and for whatever we see. We will be asked in the Day of Judgement about all these activities and more. We will be rewarded if we use our organs and faculties in the best way and for the love of Allah. We will be charged or penalized if we use them in the wrong way. We have to remember that in the Day of Judgement our physical organs will stand as witnesses for and against us.
Allah says in Surah Al-Nur :
"On the Day their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions." (24:24)
My Dear Muslims,
I warn you to guard your tongue, and try your sincere best to use it in the right direction. Use it for the love and pleasure of Allah. Use it for Da'wah. Use your tongue to invite people towards Islam and inform people about Islam.
It is said that the best Muslim is the one who helps other Muslims, and the one from whom the Muslims benefit and, feel protected. In this respect our beloved Prophet (pbuh) said, when he was asked which Muslim is better?
"One from whose tongue and hand the Muslims feel save."
My Dear Muslims,
The best way to save ourselves from the torment of Hell is to guard and to control our tongues. The Prophet said when he was asked as to what is meant by safety:
"Control your tongue, keep yourself at home, and weep for your sins."
In one of the long Hadith related to guarding of our tongues, the Prophet (saws) is reported to have said to Mu'az b Jabal :
"The epitome of everything is Islam, its pillar is Salat, and its peak is Jihad."
Then the Prophet said:
"Shall I inform you of the master of all of this?"
I said: "Yes! O Messenger of Allah."
The prophet Held his tongue saying :
"Guard this ."
I said: "O Messenger of Allah: are we accounted and blamed for whatever we speak ?"
He replied : "Your mother has lost you! Don't you know that the tongues' talks are the ones that dump people in Hell!"
Dear Muslims,
It is popularly said:
"Silence is wisdom, whereas few act according to it."
The afore-mentioned ayat and Ahadith should give us a lesson not to talk unless it is good and our talks are for the love of Allah. Remember that one of the Sahabah wished that his neck to be as long as a camel's, so that he would try to think twice before he speaks out.
We are being nicknamed as a community fond of talking, and not a community of action. The third Khalifa Uthman b Affan once gave a khutbah. His total speech was as little as the following :
"O mankind! you are more in need of a leader of action rather than a leader who merely talks."
Dear Muslims,
Let me request you kindly :
To refrain from vain talks.
To stop spreading rumors.
To verify any news spread to us.
To correct the news from any source.
To stop all types of backbiting against one another.
To lower our voices, and speak softly and gently.
Not to be ashamed saying : "I don't know" for any question that you don't know its answer.
To take the initiative and make da'wah for the love of Allah. Be sure you say the truth about Islam.
Try to read more about Islam mainly the Qur'an, Hadith, Fiqh, Seerah, etc.
To keep busy in doing something good to you and to others.
Our subject today is about Hypocrisy. This topic is of extreme importance in our daily lives, as it reflects our behavior, our manners, our faith in Allah, and His teachings.
The word "Hypocrisy" in Webster's dictionaries may mean the following: an act or a practice of feigning to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; especially, the false assumption of goodness. Therefore, a hypocrite is a false pretender and dissembler to virtue or piety.
In the Islamic terminology, the word "Hypocrisy" is a substitute for 'Nifaq'. This word Nifaq has been mentioned in the Qur'an thirty-one (31) times in different forms such as: Nifaq; Munafiqoon; Munafiqat; Munafiqeen, and Nifaqan.
Dear Muslims:
There are some vices prevalent in society that a person may acquire, nurture and establish within himself which affect his personal behavior. The vice of hypocrisy is one of them.
Allah hates those people who acquire this vice, and He therefore warns them that their punishment is indeed hell. Allah says in the Qur'an:
"God hath promised the hypocrites, men and women, and the rejecters of Faith, the fire of Hell; therein shall they dwell; sufficient is it for them: for them is the curse of God, and an enduring punishment." (9:68)
Allah has promised the hypocrites a heavy penalty by saying:
"To the hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them but a grievous penalty. Yea, to those who take the unbelievers as their leaders rather than the believers" (4:138-139)
The penalty that the hypocrites are to receive is the following: In the Hereafter they are to be taken to Hell. Allah says:
"For God will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith-all in hell;-" (4:140)
They are to be at the bottom in Hell and no one is to help them. Allah says in this regard:
"The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the fire-no helper will thou find for them;-" (4:145)
The hypocrites have been cursed by Allah wherever they go. They are to be captured and to be assassinated. Qur'an says about them:
"They shall have a curse on them: wherever they are found, they shall be seized and slain without mercy." (33:61)
While in hell, they request the believers to help them and to save them from the severe penalty. They are refused and kept in penalty. Allah recalls to our attention the dialogue between the two groups:
"One day will be the hypocrites - men and women - say to the believers: Wait for us! Let us borrow (a light) from your Light! It will be said: 'Turn ye back to your rear! Then seek a light (where ye can)!" So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein within it will be Mercy throughout, and without it, all alongside, will be (wrath and) punishment! (Those without) will call out, 'Were we not with you?' (The others) will reply, 'True! But ye led yourselves into temptation; ye looked forward (to your ruin); ye doubted (God's promise); and (your false) desires deceived you; until there issued the Command of God. And the deceiver deceived you in respect of God." (57:13-14)
Dear Muslims:
One may ask why a person should act as a hypocrite? Or why he should be a hypocrite? The answer could be any of the following:
A person who has no faith in Allah, His Messenger, and the Day of Judgment may act as a hypocrite.
A person who has a weak faith may be trapped in his daily life to play the role of a hypocrite.
A person who lacks confidence in himself/herself may become a hypocrite.
A person who lacks security, morally, psychologically, or financially, may be led to be a hypocrite.
A person who is conceited, selfish, and who likes himself above all others, may play the game of hypocrisy so as to achieve his personal gains and to satisfy his ego.
A person who is not a man unto himself, and whatever he does is seeking assurance of success and gain. Hence, he plays the dirty game of hypocrite.
A person who seeks to please everybody even if it demands his cheating, lying or stealing. Allah says in this regard in Qur'an:
"When the hypocrites come to thee, they say, 'We bear witness that thou art indeed the Apostle of God.' Yea, God knoweth that thou art indeed His Apostle, and God beareth witness that the hypocrites are indeed liars." (63:1)
Dear Muslims:
These situations, factors and prerequisites may lead a person to be a hypocrite. The only way to cure this disease from people is that they should have faith in Allah, in His Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh), in the Day of Judgment and in the teachings of Islam. Even if he/she has a weak faith, he should try his/her best to strengthen it, and to enrich it daily. Therefore, it is a matter of having faith (Iman) or having no faith. Nifaq, hence is noticed and observed in those societies, in those families, and those individuals who, either have no faith, or who are weak in their faith.
Dear Muslims:
The signs of a hypocrite are many among which are the following three signs:
1. He lies whenever he talks.
2. He does not fulfill his commitment.
3. He betrays the trust that he takes.
In this regard Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he gives an agreement, he does not fulfill his commitment; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust." (Reported by Abu Hurayrah - "Agreed.")
For this reason Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) informed us that a hypocrite is a mischievous person. He said:
"You will find that the worst person is double-faced; he meets one group of people with one side of his face, while another with the other side." (Reported by Abu Hurayra - "Agreed.")
Dear Muslims:
Since this vice is most hated by Allah and His Messenger, and since the penalty is very heavy, may I request you to kindly check upon yourselves. Check your Iman, your personality, your character, your manners, your behavior and your daily activities. Then try to find out whether you are acting like a Mushrik; like a Kafir; like a Munafiq or like a Mura'i. If any of these vices is having a foothold on you, may I request you kindly to get rid of it and to remove yourselves from it as soon as possible so as to be rewarded by Allah. If you do not act immediately, remember that life is short, and who knows for how long you are to live! Death may be as close to us as a twinkling of an eye. Hence, we should be prepared to face Allah Almighty with happiness and not with sorrows or sadness.
Dear Muslims:
We hope and pray that Allah guides us all to the straight path of Islam. We pray Allah to keep us all on the straight path of Islam. We pray Allah to help us erase all vices that we have acquired in our daily lives including that of Nifaq, so as to be blessed and rewarded by Allah. Before ending my talk may I remind you of the Hadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saying:
"Don't give the title of "Sir" or "Mr." to a hypocrite if he becomes master, or you will displease your Lord the Almighty." (From "Abu Dawud" and "Al-Nisai.")
May Almighty Allah bless us all. Ameen. Let us ask Almighty Allah's forgiveness.
The Reality of Muslim World
Sheikh/ Khalifa Ezzat
Feb 9, 2007
All thanks and praise are due to Allah, from Whom we seek help and forgiveness. We seek refuge
with Allah from the evils of ourselves and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah
guides will never be misled and whoever strays from Him will never find a guide. I bear witness
that there is no god except Allah. Likewise, I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and the
Messenger of Allah.
Dear brothers and sisters: Undoubtedly the Muslim Ummah is suffering from many problems.
Analyses for these problems are a many. However, as Muslims, we should depend on the texts of
the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Why do Muslims hate, fight and kill one another? Palestinians fight against Palestinians, Lebanese
against Lebanese, Somalis against Somalis, Sudanese against Sudanese, etc. There is a verse in the
Qur’an that provides the reason. The Qur’an declares:
“…they forgot a good part of the Message that was sent them: so We estranged them, with
enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the Day of Judgment.”
So they forgot part of the message. They do not follow the whole of Islam. They seek official
positions and high status. They are interested in worldly pleasures, wealth and property. The
Prophet [pbuh] warned Muslims in his last speech [Farewell speech] against such fighting, saying:
“Don’t be a kuffar after me by fighting against one another."
The Prophet [pbuh] described enmity
and fighting amongst Muslims as a kind of Kufr.
Dear brothers and sisters: Another analysis is that human nature usually contradicts divine
obligations. For example, human nature always prefers to keep money whilst the divine obligation
is to spend it. Human nature always encourages one to look lustfully at women whilst the divine
obligation encourages one to lower his gaze, and so on. One must face the human self that
encourages that which is prohibited. The proof of this in the Qur’an is as follows:
And for such as had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had
restrained (their) soul from lower Desires, Their Abode will be the Garden.’ [An-Nazi’aat]
The reward for facing that is paradise. The divine obligations are collective whilst human nature is
individual. By acting according to the former and cooperating with you brothers, you will be the
winner. By following your desires at the expense of your brothers because of weak faith, you will
be the loser. Be gentle with your Muslim brothers, not harsh or severe. Allah guided the Prophet
to do that:
“It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them. Wert thou severe or harshhearted,
they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (their faults), and ask for
(Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). [Al-Imraan]
Dear brothers and sisters: There are many challenges facing the Muslim community. The most
serious challenge is material relations amongst people. Nowadays, some people sacrifice for the
sake of wealth or position. Muslims today are in urgent need of the moral teachings of Islam. The
Muslim community urgently needs to know and learn the value of Islamic brotherhood, how to
treat one another, how to understand one another, how to excuse one another, how to forgive one
another and how to make dialogue with one another for the sake of Muslim unity; not for the sake
of position or wealth. I mentioned in the last Khutbah that the disasters afflicting the Muslim Ummah and the wars they fought and won through history were because of differences and enmity
amongst themselves.
The Qur’an emphasises the importance of Islamic brotherhood and the importance of mutual love
for the sake of Allah, Who said, ‘The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: so make peace and
reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers…”
The Islamic brotherhood is a favour
from Allah as he mentioned in surat Ala-Imraan: And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided
amongst 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 …” [Ala-Imran]
The Prophet [pbuh] also focused on the importance of brotherhood and mutual love. He said, ‘whoever gives for the sake of Allah, prevents for sake of Allah, loves for the sake of Allah or
hates for the sake of Allah fulfils his faith.” [Collected by At-Tirmidhi] He said also ‘The Muslim
is a brother to another Muslim. Do not be unjust to him, abandoning him to the enemy…etc.’ The
Prophet also emphasised the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. There are many ways to
make this love grow and develop. The first is to love for the sake of Allah. The second is to
remove rancour, envy, hostility, ill-will and to think good of your brother as the Prophet [pbuh]
mentioned in the Hadith. Thirdly, do not boycott your brother for more than three days as the
Prophet mentioned in the Hadith. Fourthly, offer sincere advice. Fifthly, know the value and
bounty of brotherhood. Sixthly, be clear and honest. Seventhly, be forgiving and tolerant.
Ninthly, recognise the etiquette of dialogue. All these means are quoted from authentic hadiths of
the Prophet [pbuh].
Dear brothers and sisters: What are the fruits of the Islamic brotherhood and love for the sake of
Allah? The most important fruit is the unity and coherence of the Muslim community. As a result,
no one can corrupt relations amongst the Muslim Ummah. Among other fruits is to feel that you
are not facing life’s challenges alone. So, brotherhood is part of faith. You have to believe in that.
Dear brothers and sisters: Muslims have to understand that the most destructive and dangerous
thing for them is to differ or fight amongst themselves as we have seen. We must return to the
teachings of Islam and of our Prophet by strengthening the relations amongst ourselves,
supporting, forgiving and loving one another. This is the way to a successful community.
Maintaining the status quo of Muslims requires forgiveness, agreement, co-operation and
closeness.
Finally: We ask Him to reform all affairs of Muslims, to provide us with strong will to change our
situation for the better and to provide the entire Muslim Ummah with glory, strength and unity. We
ask Him also to accept our deeds, prayers, and supplications. Ameen
Translated by Sheikh/ Khalifa Ezzat
And edited by Ali Abdul-Malik
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