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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Don’t Change Allah’s Law Of Inheritance, By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praises are due to Allah, we praise Him, we seek His assistance and we seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our evil deeds. Whomever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s slave and Messenger.

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except in a state of Islam (as Muslims), with complete submission to Allah.” (Ali Imran, 3:102)

“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve) and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights, and do not cut off the relations of the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-watcher over you.” (An-Nisaa’, 4:1)

“O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (saved from the Hell fire and enter paradise).” (Ahzaab, 33:70-71)

As to what proceeds:

Verily the best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW). The worst of affairs are the newly-invented affairs in the religion and every newly invented affair in the religion is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire. As to what proceeds:

Servants of Allah!

Know that, Allah the Almighty has already determined the obligatory shares of inheritance Himself – a task which He entrusted neither to a close angel nor to a sent Prophet, talk less of entrusting it to any human being. He determined the share of each heir in the inheritance, which He showed in detail (in His Book), unlike many rulings which were mentioned in a general and brief way in the Book. In addition, the Sunnah of the Prophet, (SAW) also came to give a detailed explanation about these rulings, just like the rulings regarding Prayers, Zakah and Hajj.

In relation to the obligatory shares of inheritance, the verses of inheritance were revealed in detail as shown in the beginning and end of Surah An-Nisaa’. Allah the Almighty calls them His limits, and promises to give a great reward to the one who abides by them and does not transgress them, and threatens to punish the one who transgresses them. He says:

“These are the limits (set by) Allah, and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will be admitted by Him to gardens (in paradise) under which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein; and that is the great attainment. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits – He will put him into the fire to abide eternally therein, and he will have a humiliating punishment.” (Qur’an 4:13-14)

Brothers and Sisters!

The Prophet, (SAW) ordered that the obligatory shares of inheritance should be distributed among those entitled to them. He said:

“Distribute the property (of the deceased) among those who are entitled to the obligatory shares (of inheritance) according to the (law of) the Book of Allah, and what is left (from the property) after distributing the obligatory shares should be given to the closest male heir.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Also Scholars called the science of the obligatory shares (of inheritance) half of the knowledge. Ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said;

“The science of the obligatory shares (of inheritance) is called half the knowledge for all the people are in need of it.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

But today, those who misunderstand Islam claim that Islam does injustice to women in terms of inheritance. They opine that it is unfair to grant the male a double to that of the female even though they are children of the same parents. Allah, the Exalted, offered a full and detailed method of women’s inheritance in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and if an unbiased student of knowledge reflects on the details, he or she will discover the fault of this opinion.

Servants of Allah!

As we all know, people in the time of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period of ignorance) used to assign the inheritance of the deceased to the eldest among his sons, excluding his young children, and women relatives like daughters, wives, mothers and sisters; or give it to his brother or paternal uncle, under the pretext that the children and women were too powerless to protect the sanctities that should be protected, take retaliation, gain booty (from wars) and fight the enemies. However, Allah the Almighty invalidated this pre-Islamic custom, and assigned to women and children a share of the inheritance of the deceased, and made their share an obligatory right, no matter how little or much the inheritance might be, as shown in His statement:

“For men is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, and for women is a share of what the parents and close relatives leave, be it little or much – an obligatory share.” (Qur’an 4:7)

And

“Allah instructs you concerning your children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are (only) daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one’s estate. And if there is only one, for her is half.” (Qur’an 4:11)

He says about the inheritance of the mother:

“But if he had no children and the parents (alone) inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers (or sisters), for his mother is a sixth.” (Qur’an 4:11)

About the share of the wife, He says:

“And for the wives is one fourth if you leave no child. But if you leave a child, then for them is an eighth of what you leave.” (Qur’an 4:12)

Brothers and Sisters!

Allah the Almighty accorded inheritance for women in the following way:

One daughter gets half the inheritance

Two or more daughters get two-thirds the inheritance

The mother gets one-third or one-sixth of the inheritance

The wife gets one-fourth or one-eighth of the inheritance

The half-sister from the side of the mother gets one-sixth

The full sister or the half sister from the side of the father gets half the inheritance, or half the share of her brother.

In must be borne in mind that all of this is accorded them as their right, when they received nothing in the pre-Islamic days of Jahiliyyah.

My people!

Now, contrast this with modern era of Jahiliyyah which is no better than the ancient Jahiliyyah in many of its aspects, which gives room to deprive men, women and children of their rightful inheritance, and instead allows the owner of the inheritance to assign his property, which Allah the Almighty made a means of people’s sustenance, to animals.

Wallahi, the system of inheritance set by Islam is distinguished from all modern human laws of inheritance in that Islam adopts a moderate attitude – between communist socialism on one extreme, and capitalism and other similar doctrines that call for complete freedom of a person to dispose of his wealth according to his own whims on the other extreme. Communist socialism, as outlined by Karl Marx, rejects the principle of inheritance, and regards it as an erroneous act that opposes the principles of justice. Thus, it gives nothing to the deceased’s offspring or next of kin.

Capitalism and its corresponding economic systems, on the contrary, give the owner the full freedom to dispose of his property as he likes. He has the right to deprive all his kith and kin of his inheritance and bequeath it to a stranger, say, a friend or an employee. A man or a woman, in Western societies, even has the right to bequeath the whole or some of his/her property to a dog or a cat!

My People!

According to the Islamic system, inheritance is obligatory for both the owner of the property and the heir as well. The owner has no right to prevent any of his heirs from receiving his inheritance, and the heir gets his share, with no need for a court judgment. In some systems, the law affirms inheritance only with a court judgment, since in their right, it is optional and not compulsory to bequeath and receive inheritance.

The Islamic system limits the right of inheritance within the sphere of the family. It requires a sound relationship through blood or marital relation, and since walaa’ (allegiance of an ex-slave to his ex-masters) resembles kinship, it was joined with the categories of kinship. In this way, neither an adopted child, nor a child born out of wedlock has the right to inheritance. Within the limits of the family, the closest of kin, under Islam, is given preference, followed by the next of kin to the deceased.

However, in the other systems, the case is quite different. According to the Jews, for example, the heirs are the male sons, and the share of the eldest is equal to the share of two brothers, whether the child is legitimate or illegitimate. Moreover, the eldest son is not deprived of his share even if he is born from an illegitimate marriage.

According to the Western system, a stranger – like a friend or an employee – is eligible to receive inheritance, and the same applies to the child born out of wedlock.

The Islamic system assigns to the young child a share from the inheritance of his father equal to that of his eldest brother. Thus, there is no differentiation between the fetus in the mother’s womb and the eldest son in a big family. The Islamic system also does not differentiate between the eldest son and his brothers, as is the case in the corrupted Jewish canon, and the British law. That is because the young children might be in need of money to build their lives, and to meet their living expenses, more than their older brothers who can work and gather for themselves independent property.

Servants of Allah!

The Islamic system also assigns a share of the inheritance to women as mentioned. The mother, wife, daughter, son’s daughter, sister, and other women relatives, have definite share in the inheritance of the deceased, to ensure them an honourable life, free from the humiliation of destitution and mortification of poverty, unlike some systems that deprive the women of inheritance under all circumstances. Some laws previously deprived the wife of inheritance, and she was not given any share in it. In the past, the Jews did not give women any portion of the inheritance.

My respected people!

The Islamic system has made ‘need’ the basic criterion for preference in inheritance. The deceased person’s children need his money more than his father because they are likely to face greater difficulty in fulfilling their requirements, being young and at a stage where they are beginning their life, unlike their grandfather. Moreover, the duties and obligations of the son under the Shari’ah of Islam are more than those of his sister. He is the one required to provide for himself once he reaches the age of maturity, and he is also required to pay his wife her dowry, provide for her and for the children. He is responsible for the expenses of education, medical treatment, clothing…etc. In addition to this, he is required to provide for his father or relatives if they are poor. However, the girl is more likely to have someone to provide for her, and not the other way round, since she will get married and will be the responsibility of her husband.

These are some of the merits that distinguish the inheritance system in Islam from the old and contemporary laws that were legislates by human beings and that keep changing every now and then.

Servants of Allah!

The enemies of Islam and their messengers, the so-called women activists have been trying to find fault with the Qur’an through the verses of inheritance for several centuries. They allege that the Noble Quran gives the female in general, and the wife in particular, half of what it gives to the male in general and the husband in particular, thereby usurping the right of the woman and dealing with her wrongfully. In reply to this malicious allegation I say:

First: The claim that in Islam, the share given from the inheritance to a woman is less than the man is sometime invalid. Indeed, there are four cases in connection with inheritance where the female’s share is equal to or even greater than the male’s share:

The first case: When the woman’s share is equal to the man’s, as it is in the (half) brothers and sisters from the side of the mother, each of whom takes one-sixth, whether they are male or a female, and a group (of more than two) share the third equally, in which the female’s share is like the male’s.

The second case: When only the female is the heir, and a cause of preventing the male from inheritance. A typical example is a man/woman who dies and leaves a daughter, a full sister, and a half-brother from the side of the father. The daughter takes half the inheritance, and the full sister the other half, and nothing is given to the half-brother from the side of the father, since he is prevented by the existence of a full sister, although he is a male and she is a female.

The third case: When a female takes more than what the male takes, such as, when a person dies and leaves a full sister or a half-sister from the side of the father; a mother, a paternal uncle or a half-brother from the side of the mother. In this case, the full sister takes half of the inheritance, the mother the third and the remaining sixth is taken by the paternal uncle or the half-brother from the side of the mother. Although in this case both the sister and the mother are females, the share of each is greater than the male’s i.e., that of the paternal uncle or the half-brother from the side of the mother.

The fourth case: When a female takes half of what the male takes; this happens in many instances, such as when the inheritors include a daughter along with a son; a son’s daughter along with a son’s son; a full sister along with a full-brother; a half-sister from the side of the father along with a half-brother from the side of the father; the wife’s share compared with the husband’s: each female in those cases takes half of what the male takes.

My good people!

What is the wisdom that lies behind this? Does this preference go back to gender or is there another reason lying behind the preference? In reply to these questions, let me say: This preference does not go back to gender, since there are some cases in which the female’s share of inheritance is equal to their male’s, and other cases in which her share of inheritance is equal to the male’s, and other cases in which her share is greater than the male’s, and many cases in which she prevents him from inheritance, as we have previously seen. Whoever thinks that the shares of the male and female heirs in the Quran are established only on the basis of the difference of gender, i.e., masculinity and femininity has indeed fallen short of understanding the Quran. That is because the Noble Quran has distributed the shares of heirs on the basis of three criteria as said earlier:

The degree of kinship between the heirs – be they males or females – and the deceased person: The closer the relation between them, the greater the share of inheritance is, regardless of the gender of the heirs.

The position of the generation of heirs in the sequence of generations: The young generation, who are at the beginning of their life and getting ready to receive its burdens, have shares of inheritance that are greater than the older generations that are at the end of their life and getting ready to relieve themselves of its burdens, regardless of the gender of the heirs. The daughter of the deceased inherits more than his mother, and both are females: and the daughter inherits more than the deceased’s father (i.e., her grandfather), even if she is still an infant and has not seen her father, and even if the father (i.e., her grandfather) is the source of the wealth of the son (her father), from which the daughter alone takes the half. In a similar context, the son inherits more than the father, given that both are males.

The financial obligation enjoined by the Islamic Shari’ah upon the heir: That is the only criterion which raises the difference of gender between the male and the female. However, this difference inflicts neither oppression nor injustice upon the female. On the contrary, it may be that the opposite is true. If the heirs are equal in the degree of kinship, and the position in the sequence of generations, e.g. the deceased’s children of males and females, the disparity of financial obligation often is responsible for the disparity of shares of inheritance.

This is why this disparity between the male and the female has not been made general to all the heirs (in all cases) in the Noble Quran, but just in some cases. The demands required of the son in life and under the system of Islam are more than those required of (the daughter who is) his sister. He is the one obliged, once he becomes mature, to spend on and maintain himself, pay the dowry to his wife, bear the marital expenditure, maintenance of children as regards education, medication, clothing, etc. but the female usually gets married and is not required to pay dowry or bear expenses, since her maintenance is obligatory for her husband, unless if the husband is a stupid.

Brothers and Sisters!

Those who are interested in the details about this important subject (inheritance) should review the discussions in books about the special branch of Islamic knowledge called “The science of inheritance and division of the estate.” These books deal with all the different ways of dividing an inheritance, and the proper share of all relatives according to the Quran and Sunnah. Prior to passing any Judgment about “unfair treatment” of Islam to women in terms of inheritance, or claiming any “discrimination against women”, one must examine this subject closely.

Therefore, demanding a “fair”, “just” or “equal” share of inheritance for both male and female Muslims, who do not have equal financial obligations and responsibilities, is an unfair, unjust and nonsensical demand.

Servants of Allah!

Let me conclude my today’s Sermon with some beautiful words from Gustave Le Bon who says in his book, Arab civilization:

“The principles of inheritance which have been determined in the Quran have a great deal of justice and fairness. The Person who reads the Quran can perceive these concepts of justice and fairness in terms of inheritance through the verses I quoted. I should also point out the great level of efficiency In terms of general laws and rules derived from those verses. I have compared British, French and Islamic Laws of inheritance and found that Islam grants the wives (women) the right of inheritance, which our laws are lacking while westerners consider them to be ill-treated by the Muslim men.”

Wallahu A’lam wa bihi at-Tawfiq

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet and Master, Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him, his family and all his Companions.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today Friday, Muharram 12, 1438 AH (October 14, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad  Gusau, the  Chief  Imam of  Nagazi-Uvete Central Mosque and  Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. The Imam can be reached via: +234 803 828 9761.

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) The Migration Of Prophet To Madinah In Brief By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praises are due to Allah, we praise Him, we seek His assistance and we seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our evil deeds. Whomever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s slave and Messenger.

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except in a state of Islam (as Muslims), with complete submission to Allah.” (Ali Imran, 3:102)

“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve) and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights, and do not cut off the relations of the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-watcher over you.” (An-Nisaa’, 4:1)

“O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (saved from the Hell fire and enter paradise).” (Ahzaab, 33:70-71)

As to what proceeds:

Verily the best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW). The worst of affairs are the newly-invented affairs in the religion and every newly invented affair in the religion is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire.

As to what proceeds:

Servants of Allah!

It is the new Islamic Hijri year; the 1438th anniversary of the Prophet’s immigration to Madinah; a special moment that evokes a long journey of tireless work to deliver the Message of Allah to humanity, the Message of light, Mercy, compassion, Solidarity, peace and Justice; the universal Messages of love, human brotherhood, development, noble morals and well-being.

The emigration to Madinah (Hijrah) was turning point in Muslim History that has many inspiring lesson. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions set a wonderful example that Muslims should learn from and translate into practice in all aspects of life.

The early Muslim community suffered a lot before they were ordered to leave Makkah and go to Madinah.

The persecution exercised against Muslims increased especially after the death of Prophet Muhammad’s beloved wife, Khadijah and his uncle, Abu Talib. At a certain point, it was necessary to look for a new soil to plant the seed of Islam, to spread the word of Allah, and to practice Islam in a secure and receptive environment.

Brothers and Sisters!

As we entered this dear occasion, we remember the incomparable dedication of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions, the matchless sacrifice they offered, the pains and tears of those devoted heroes who preferred to give up their homes, Wealth, comfort, families and everything but not the call and Message they were entrusted with.

Thanks to their noble endeavor, about two billion of humans are blessed with Islam throughout the World; the call of prayer (Athan) is made 24 hours around the globe; the light of faith continues to shine on hearts and souls. Alhamdulillah.

My Respected People!

Almighty Allah sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and commanded him to call people to the worship of Allah Alone. Some people accepted his call, but the majority of them rejected it and started to harm the Prophet and his Companions.

As the persecution against the Companions increased, some of them migrated to Abyssinia, which was the first Hijrah (migration).

The Prophet met some people from Yathrib (Madinah) who came to visit Makkah, and called them to Islam and they accepted it. Then, the Prophet sent some Companions with them to teach them and call others to Islam. When the Muslims in Yathrib became of a big number, Almighty Allah ordered Muslims to migrate to it.

Then, Allah ordered his Messenger to join them. So, the Prophet and his friend Abu Bakr made a plan for the Hijrah to Madinah.

The disbelievers gathered around the house of the Prophet to stop him from migration. Allah ordered the Prophet to come out of the house, so he got out from among them and they did not notice him. The Prophet went to Abu Bakr and remained with him until night, and then they went out to the cave of Thawr.

Ali ibn Abi Talib slept in the bed of the Prophet to return the trusts that were kept with the Prophet to their owners.

They started searching for the Prophet. The trackers found out the road that the Prophet and his companion took. They went to the cave but Allah safeguarded his Prophet and they did not see him. The Prophet stayed in the cave for 3 days.

Then, the Prophet and Abu Bakr went out of the cave in the night and followed a rugged road to Madinah other than the road that people usually tread to Madinah.

When the Prophet drew near Madinah, a man called Buraydah ibn Al-Hasib, the leader of Aslam tribe, came with 70 of his people aiming at seizing the Prophet. Yet, the Prophet called him to Islam, then Buraydah and his tribe entered Islam.

Finally, the Prophet reached Madinah on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal in the first year of Hijrah. A new serious stage of the Islamic Message has thus started in Madinah.

LESSONS FROM THE PROPHET’S HIJRAH

No doubt that the lessons to be learned from Hijrah are countless. So, I will refer to some of them, hoping that Allah benefit us with them.

FIRST: CONSIDERING THE MEANS

The Prophet and his friend Abu Bakr exerted all their efforts to win the day and make the journey to Madinah successful. This is what is needed from a believer. He has to be prepared well and ask Allah for support. Almighty Allah says, “And prepares against them whatever you are able of power…” (Al-Anfal 8:60)

SECOND: PUTTING TRUST ON ALLAH

The Prophet did not depend upon the means and neglect Allah, since the means are not fruitful unless ALLAH wants so. Yet, the Prophet made every effort and had strong certainty that whatever Allah wants will happen. This is shown in his beautiful statement to Abu Bakr, “What you think of two that Allah is their third!”

THIRD: HOPE OF AND CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY

The Prophet did not lose hope at any time, even in this dangerous journey. He gave Suraqah ibn Malik glad tiding of the spread of Islam in Quraysh and the whole world. He told him that the throne of Khosrau will be seized by Muslims who will take his treasures as spoils saying, “I (see) you O Suraqah as if you wearing the bracelets of Khosrau.”

FOURTH: KEENNESS OF THE PROPHET ON COMPANIONSHIP

All through his life, the Prophet was keen on having good companions. This is clear from his life in Makkah, journey to At-Ta’if, receiving delegations, concluding the pledges of allegiance, and other things. He teaches us to always search for good companionship.

FIFTH: THE PROPHET AS A LEADER

We learn from this journey the fact that the leader should share his people’s sufferance, as the Prophet did. He shared their migration, chase, weariness, sorrow and all their pains and sacrifices.

SIXTH: DA’WAH AT EVERY PLACE AND TIME

The Prophet did not miss any opportunity or surrender to anything preventing him from Da’wah. He called everyone. He called Buraydah and his tribe. He did not think about how to escape them but he considered it an opportunity to call them to Islam.

SEVENTH: ABU BAKR’S READINESS

In this journey, we saw how Abu Bakr was ready to work for Allah anytime and anywhere. The superior thing for him was to please Allah and His Prophet. He knew no excuses. He devoted himself for work and providing for the cause of Allah.

EIGHTH: ABU BAKR’S LOVE FOR THE PROPHET

Abu Bakr loved the Prophet most; more than anyone else. He exerted every effort to please the Prophet. He prepared the ridding camel, cleaned the cave for the Prophet, walked behind and in front of the Prophet to protect him. There are many situations that prove his love for the Prophet.

NINTH: OPENHANDEDNESS AND GIVING FOR DA’WAH

The journey of Hijrah shows Abu Bakr’s generosity and openhandedness. He paid out 5000 dirhams, all that he had, for the call to Allah and he spent 35,000 dirhams before in the cause of Allah. He earnestly deserved the reward from Allah mentioned in the Qur’an, “But the righteous one will avoid it” [He] who gives [from] his wealth to purify himself. “But only seeking the countenance of his Lord, Most High. And he is going to be satisfied.” (Al-Layl 92:17-21)

TENTH: DA’WAH EFFORT WITH FAMILY

In the story of Hijrah, Abu Bakr engaged his whole family in the work for the cause of Allah. He has transformed his love for the Islamic Message to his family. Unfortunately, some callers nowadays isolate their families from Da’wah work. They have big activities outside their homes while they do not let their close members of the family take part in this blessed work.

Wallahu A’lam Wa bihi at-Tawfiq

Ya Allah! Enter it (the New Year) upon us with safety, Iman, peace and Islam, with your pleasure, the most Compassionate and protect us against the shaytan.

Ya Allah, we beseech you by your power of “BE” and it is…! (Q: 16:40), ease our affairs for us. Our confidence is in you and only you can provide for the privileged and the less privilege. Ya Rabb, change our situation for the better in goodness. Ameen ya mujeeb!

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet and Master, Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him, his family and all his Companions.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today Friday, Muharram 5, 1438 AH (October 7, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Central Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. The Imam can be reached through: +2348038289761.

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FAITH

(Friday sermon) The Word ‘Jihad’ Ignoramuses Misunderstood By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All Praises are due to Allah, We praise Him, we seek His assistance and we seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our evil deeds. Whomever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s slave and Messenger.

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except in a state of Islam (as Muslims), with complete sub-mission to Allah.” (Ali Imran, 3:102)

“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve) and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights, and do not cut off the relations of the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you.” (an-Nisaa’, 4:1)

“O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (saved from the Hell fire and enter Paradise).” (Ahzaab, 33:70-71)

As to what proceeds. Verily the best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW). The worst of affairs are the newly-invented affairs in the religion and every newly invented affair in the religion is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hell fire. As to what proceeds:

Servants of Allah!

The word Jihad means to struggle for the sake of Allah in a righteous cause. It takes many forms such as the inward struggle to achieve a pure heart, the struggle against sinful temptations; the struggle to help others in need, the struggle to educate our communities and the struggle to bring peace, unity and progress in our societies. When necessary, jihad can refer to an armed struggle in defense of the community. Jihad has never meant “holy war” (al-harb al-muqaddis) because war in Islam is never holy; it can only be just or unjust.

My respected people!

The purpose of armed jihad in Islam is to protect the rights of the innocent, to defend them from aggression, and to ensure people are given the opportunity to freely practice their religion. The Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the Majority of Islamic scholars from the beginning of Islam until today only permit armed jihad as a response to aggression and persecution. Jihad, properly understood, is a theory of justice in war and not an instrument of conquest and oppression. Jihad is also theory of just war similar to the legal framework upon which the modern Geneva conventions are based.

Brothers and Sisters!

Muslim scholars have written at length about the inward struggle against sinful desires, or the jihad against the soul. This jihad is called the greater jihad (jihad al-akbar), whereas armed struggle is called the lesser jihad (jihad al-asghar). The spiritual jihad is the greater jihad because it must be done by everyone at all times, whereas military jihad is the lesser jihad because it has specific conditions and is not an obligation upon every Muslim. The term “holy war” was never used by the Prophet, his companions, or the great Muslim scholars who succeeded them.

Jabir reported that:

“Some people returned to the Prophet from a military expedition. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “You have returned with a good return, from the lesser struggle (jihad) unto the greater struggle.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the greater jihad?” The Prophet said: “It is the servant’s struggle against his desires.” (Kitab Az-Zuhd Al-Bayhaqi 383, it is Da’eef)

The chain of narration for this hadith is weak, as it is more likely the saying of Ibrahim ibn Abu Alqamah and not the Prophet.

Ibn Rajab reported that:

“Ibrahim ibn Abu Alqamah would say to people when they returned from an expedition. “You have come from the lesser struggle (jihad) unto the greater struggle. They said, “What is the greater struggle?” Ibrahim said: It is the struggle of the heart.” (Jami’ Al-Ulum wal-Hikam 19)

Nonetheless, the meaning has been accepted by Muslim scholars and it is also strengthened by other authentic traditions.

Fadalah ibn ibn Ubaid reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The one who strives (Mujahid) in the way of Allah the Exalted is he who strives against his soul.” (Musnad Ahmad 23445)

In another narration, the Prophet said:

“Have I not informed you? The believer is the one who is trusted with lives and wealth of people and the Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe. The mujahid is one who wages jihad against himself in obedience to Allah, and the emigrant is one who emigrates from sin and evil.” (Musnad Ahmad 23438)

On the basis of such narrations, ibn Al-Qayyim said:

“The jihad against the soul takes precedence over jihad against outward enemies because it is the foundation for it.” (Zaad Al-Ma’ad)

Jihad can take the form of education and preaching to the community.

Allah the Most High said:

“Do not obey the unbelievers, but strive against them with (the Qur’an) a great striving.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:52)

Abu Hurairah reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever enters our Mosque in order to teach goodness or to learn it himself, then he is like one who is striving in the cause of Allah.”(Musnad Ahmad 8396)

Jihad can take the form of speaking out against injustice.

Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri reported that:

“The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Verily, among the greatest of struggles is a word of justice in front of a tyrant.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2174)

Abu Umamah reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said: “The most beloved struggle (jihad) to Allah is a word of truth in front of a tyrannical leader.” (Mu’jam Al-Kabir 8002)

Jihad can take the form of service to others in charity, especially parents, relatives and the needy.

Abdullah bin Amr reported that:

“A man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, “I pledge allegiance to you for emigration and striving in the way of Allah, seeking reward.” The Prophet said: Is one of your parents living? He said, “Yes, rather both of them.” The Prophet said: Do you seek reward from Allah? He said yes. The Prophet said: “Then return to your parents and treat them with good company.” (Sahih Muslim 2549)

In another narration, the Prophet said:

“Then strive in their service.” (Sahih Bukhari 2842)

Mu’awiyah ibn Jahima reported:

“Jahima came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, I intend to join the expedition and I seek your advice.” The Prophet said: “Do you have a mother?” He said yes. The Prophet said: Stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.” (Sunan An-Nasa’i 3104)

In these ahaadith (plural of hadith), we learn that a man’s struggle to care for his parents in their old age takes precedence over armed struggle. Likewise, any act of charity that requires effort can be properly referred to as jihad.

Allah The most High said:

“Those who strive for us, we will surely guide them to our ways. Verily, Allah is with the doers of goods.” (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69)

Abu Hurairah reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “One who strives to help a widow or the poor is like one who strives in the cause of Allah.” (Sahih Muslim 2982)

Servants of Allah!

Jihad can also take the form of performing acts of ritual worship for the purpose of purifying the heart from sinful temptations.

Allah the Almighty said:

“Strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed any hardship upon you in the religion. It is the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you Muslims before and in this scripture that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give charity and hold fast to Allah.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:78)

My beloved people!

In this verse, the command to strive in the way of Allah is followed by the command to pray and give in charity, without any reference to fighting. The Prophet would strive to perform such acts of worship during the last ten night of Ramadan.

Aisha reported that:

“The Prophet would exert himself (yajtahidu) in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time.” (Sahih Muslim 1175)

The Prophet commanded the Muslims to strive in jihad with supplications and prayers.

Abu Hurairah reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:  Do you love to strive (tajtahidu) in supplication? Say: O Allah, help me to be grateful to you, to remember you, and to worship you in a good manner.” (Musnad Ahmad 7922)

Likewise, the Prophet referred to the Hajj pilgrimage as jihad.

Aisha reported that:

“She said, “O Messenger of Allah, we view striving in the cause of Allah as the most virtuous deed, so shall we not strive?” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: No, rather the most virtuous struggle is an accepted pilgrimage.” (Sahih Bukhari 1448)

The Prophet did not make it a condition of faith for Muslims to join the armed struggle of a Muslim army.

Abu Hurairah reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, establishes prayer, and fasts the month of Ramadan will have a right upon Allah that he will be entered into Paradise whether he strives in the cause of Allah or remains in the land in which he was born.” (Sahih Bukhari 2637)

This is because military service is a collective obligation (fard al-kifayah) and not an individual obligation (fard al-ain), meaning that if the Muslim community is strong enough to defend itself from aggression, then it is not an obligation to join the armed struggle, unless if the legitimate leader of the Muslims makes it obligatory on you.

However, if the rights of others are being violated and a person has the ability to help them, then the morally upright deed is to defend the human rights of the oppressed.

Allah the Exalted be He said:

“What is the matter with you that you do not struggle/fight in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say: Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a helper and protector?” (Surah An-Nisa 4:75)

Therefore, while the spiritual struggle is primary in Islam, an armed struggle in defense of the oppressed is a tremendously virtuous deed for those soldiers and officers who put themselves in harm’s way to save others.

Jihad in Islam also refers to the spiritual struggle against sin, the struggle to educate and improve our communities, and an armed struggle in defense of the oppressed. Jihad does not refer to a holy war, because war in Islam is never holy; rather, war in Islam can only be just or unjust as said earlier.

Servants of Allah!

Jihad is a comprehensive term in Islam that refers to any effort given toward a good cause, whether it is an act of worship or charity or service. However, warfare in defense of Islam and the oppressed is called jihad because it takes a great deal of effort and sacrifice. Allah has Legislated warfare as a reaction towards those who initiate aggression against the Muslim Community, but He has forbidden transgression, terrorism, extremism and conversion to Islam by force. In Islam, it is only the leader of Muslims, Amirul Mu’mineen (Sultan or his representative) has the right to declare armed Jihad not individuals or organizations, groups or any sect. in fact it is prohibited for any Muslim not only to commit aggression but even to desire hostilities in his heart. In other words, the prohibition of aggression exists not only with an outward legal component but also with an inward spiritual component.

Today the most important battle a Muslim needs to fight is the battle within himself against sinful desires (Jihad An-nafs). This is a struggle, a Jihad in the way of Allah, in which all of us need to participate.

This Jihad to purify the soul involves struggling against greed for worldly pleasures, hypocrisy and insincerity, hatred and envy, arrogance and pride, vanity and narcissism, and all the other evil traits which Satan the cursed uses to lead us into evil and destruction. Muslims without a doubt needs to make the struggle against these evils their top priority.

Indeed, some of the earliest and most pious scholars among the righteous predecessors (Salaf as-Salih) considered the Jihad against the soul to be the greatest and most important jihad.

Ibn Al-Qayyim reported that:

It was said to Hasan Al-Basri, O Abu sa’id, which jihad is best?” Hasan, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Your Jihad against your desires.” (Rawdat Al-Muhibbeen 1/478)

To conclude, armed Jihad in Islam is only a means of self-defense for the community. It must never be used for conquest, aggression, revenge, subjugation, material gain, political ideology, or any other bad and wrong purpose.

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet and Master, Muhammad peace be upon him, his family and all his Companions.

 

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Dhul Qi’dah 16th 1437 AH (August 19, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Central Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Lokoja Road Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: +234 803 828 9761.

 

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Is There Any Clash Between Sslam And Culture? By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praises are due to Allah, we praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, the only one without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His servant, and His Messenger.

“O you who have believe. Fear Allah, as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.”

“O you who have believe. Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His Prophet as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.”

“O mankind! Show reverence towards your Guardian-Lord who created you from single person, created of like nature, his mate and from the two of them scattered (like seeds)countless men and women:- Be conscious of Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (show reverence towards) the wombs (that bore you); for surely, Allah ever watches over you.”

Servants of Allah!

Today’s topic is about Islam and Culture. What is Islam, and what is Culture? Is there a difference? Is there an Islamic culture? How does culture and Islam interact and overlap? There is a great deal of confusion on this subject. The confusion is not only in the minds of people looking at Islam from the outside, but also among many Muslims on the inside. Some of us cannot tell the difference between our tribal, ethnic culture and the basic teachings of Islam, the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Brothers and Sisters!

Let’s be clear about this. Islam is one thing. Tribal, ethnic culture is another. Islam never changes. Cultures change. The two are not the same. Culture has many shades of meaning. Its Latin root refers to something that’s cultured, cultivated, as plants are grown in a garden. Our meaning here is about the shared values, the attitudes and practices of a particular group that are grown, cultivated over time, for example an ethnic or national culture.

Although some aspects of culture can be positive, and some can be neutral, there are other aspects of culture that are bad, unjust and downright evil. Sadly, many children grow up developing a strong resentment towards Islam, because their parents impose intolerable burdens on them, cultural burdens, in the name of Islam. Some examples are: the oppression of women, denying girls the right to education, forced marriages, sending our children to do almajiri or Bara (begging), so-called ‘honour’ killings and many vices in the society. None of these despicable, abominable and barbaric practices has anything at all to do with Islam. They are pre-Islamic traditions that are totally forbidden for Muslims. Yet some uneducated Muslims behave as if this is part of their religion. And some Sensation-hungry journalists often seize items like this and tag the words Islam and Muslim to spice up their story. These journalists betray the ethics of their profession, which ought to be about uncovering the truth. Instead, they promote crude stereotypes based on downright lies, just to sell a few more papers. But even worse than shoddy journalism is the inexcusable ignorance of Muslims who claim that these revolting tribal abuses are somehow Islamic.

So, how do we distinguish between Islam and Culture?

Whether we are conscious of it or not, every one of us is swimming around in an invisible ocean of culture, fed by many streams and rivers; western culture, African culture, Arab culture, Turkish, Pakistani, Malay, Somali or Bangladeshi culture. Each one is a world of values, of assumptions and prejudices that informs our cultural identity: our likes and dislikes about everything from food, clothing, poetry, art and music, to our preferences and prejudices regarding other people. While many aspects of tribal culture are positive, promoting respect, honour, hospitality and service to others, we should be critically aware of the negative and destructive aspects of our ethnic cultural traditions. A good Muslim is constantly vigilant over the lower inclinations of the inward self, the Nafs. We should constantly ask ourselves, why do I prefer this over that? Is this good for me, for my spiritual heart, my qalb? Is this good for Islam, or is it only good for my tribal culture? Am I driven by racial pride, greed, fear, egotism or am I driven by loving gratitude to my Lord? Is this right? Is this pleasing to Allah? We should always be aware of that subtle distinction between our cultural values and our Islamic values. The two are not the same. Sometimes, our cultural values may be in direct conflict with Islam, as mentioned earlier.

Islam, on the other hand, is very simple and clear: Worship Allah alone, making no associations with Him. Get to know Allah as best you can. The more we know Him, the more we will love Him and feel gratitude to Him, until our heart is overflowing. This overflowing love and gratitude to Allah will drive us beyond selfishness and vanity towards serving others. We will then become like those whom Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described when he said:

“A believer’s faith is not complete until he also wants for his brother that which he wants for himself.” (Hadith)

When we remember Allah with love and gratitude, we become anxious about the pain and suffering of others. We turn our selfishness into selflessness. That’s when we want to show mercy and generosity to all creatures, human, animal, vegetable and mineral. This is what Islam sets out to do. Islam wants to make us, creatures of mud, moulded into shape, into the trustees and ambassadors of Allah on earth, khaleefatulLaah. When we rise up and grow into this noble garment, then Allah elevates our status above the angels that surround him. These angels, as we remember, were commanded to bow down to Adam. That’s the reward for serving Allah. When we refuse to serve Allah, we not only fall below the angels. We fall below the wild beasts that roam the earth. We then become the followers of Shaytaan, the cursed one. Na’uudhu Billah!

Allah the Most High said:

“Surely we created man of the best stature. Then did we reduce him to the lowest of the low. Except those who believe and do good works, and theirs is an unfailing reward.”

Brothers and Sisters!

Let us be mindful of those powerful words in Surah Al-Teen. We human beings can be the noble representatives and Ambassadors of Allah, or the followers of that fellow downstairs, shaytaan. The choice is ours.

My respected people!

When the culture of nationalism and tribalism gets distorted, it gives itself a false sense of superiority over other people. That brings trouble, big trouble; Israel is one example, where some secular Jews are trying to twist a great monotheistic religion, Judaism, into a narrow political idea called Zionism. The peace and stability of a whole region is being undermined by a militant state structured on racially exclusive lines. Some Muslims also confuse culture, politics and religion that continue to make an explosive mix of tribal and political agendas, hiding behind the beautiful name of Islam. We can see the messy results on the news every day, of bombings, killings etc. Allah will not allow His religion to be abused in this way. Some parts of the ummah are being torn apart, limb from limb.

Is culture incompatible with Islam? Can these two ideas co-exist peacefully?

There is indeed a place for culture in Islam. That place is always to complement and not to contradict Islam. Culture should never, ever, be used to harm anyone or make someone to behave immorally. Our cultural traditions should beautify our faith, showing the richness and diversity of the Ummah. It should never be an excuse to abuse our womenfolk, or anyone else.

In the Noble Qur’an 49:13 Surah Al-Hujurat (The inner Apartments) Allah declares:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Truly the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most virtuous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

Allah has created the human species as a one single entity, a unity that underpins the great diversity of cultures, ethnicities and nations. This cultural diversity is no accident: it’s a part of Allah’s plan. He intended it to be this way. He wants us to recognize each other, and to respect the many cultures that beautify the human family. We human beings are living works of art, a living expression of Allah’s marvelous ingenuity, his infinite creativity. But when we forget why Allah created us as nations and tribes, then we fall into division, injustice and evil. This happens when we forget who we really are and why Allah created us. In Allah’s colourful garden, nations and tribes flower like fragrant blossoms.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) proclaimed, in his final sermon on Arafat:

“O you people!” he said, “listen to my words, All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab is not superior to a non-Arab. A non-Arab is not superior to an Arab. A white person is not superior to a black person. A black person is not superior to a white person. You are only superior through your Allah-consciousness and good deeds. Remember that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim and that you are all now, one brotherhood.”

In these momentous words, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) set out the basis of harmonious human relations, for all time to come. Within our endless human diversity there is a unity. And within our unity there can be infinite diversity. In Islam, unity is does not have to mean uniformity. We are not like soldiers in a regiment. Like many different flowers in a garden, we are all beautiful in our own way. We don’t all look the same, we don’t all have to think or act the same. But we must have the same goals and the same universal values, regardless of our culture and background. We must worship Allah and be His agents of mercy, his angels of mercy, just as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a mercy to all the worlds.

“And we have not sent you, (O Muhammad) except as a Mercy to all the worlds.”

We Muslims should be people of justice in everything, to anybody, irrespective of his tribe, religion or region, people who promote good and prevent evil, and who believe only in Allah.

Allah the Almighty said:

“You are the best of nations evolved for mankind. You enjoin what is right and you forbid what is wrong and you believe in Allah.” (Qur’an Ali-Imran, 3:110)

So, as we end this week and look forward to the weekend, let’s remember that our national culture, our tribal and ethnic backgrounds are only tags and labels of convenience, but our core identity is Islam. This means that we must be virtuous people, primordially upright human beings. We are Muslims first, and then we can be African, Nigerian, British, Pakistani, Arab or Indian etc. Let’s get our priorities right. Let’s aspire to the noble position that Allah has decreed for us. Let us be witnesses to Allah, and become like angels of mercy to all people, irrespective of tribe, region and religion.

Brothers and Sisters!

“Surely Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded.” (Surah 16:90)

“And remember me: I will remember you. Be grateful to me, and do not reject faith.” (2:152)

“And without doubt, remembrance of Allah is the greatest thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do.” (29:45)

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet and Master, Muhammad peace be upon him, his family and all his Companions.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Thul Qi’dah 2nd 1437 AH (August 5, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Central Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: +234 803 828 9761.

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) No, Don’t Be Deceived, Terrorism Has No Religion! By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All Perfect Praise be to Allah, we praise Him, seek His aid, and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and from our bad deeds. He whom Allah guides, there is none to misguide him, and He whom He leaves astray there is none to guide him! I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah, who is alone without partners and I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and Messenger.

To Proceed:

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared (Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always), and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah.” (Ali-Imran: 102)

“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-watcher over you.” (An-Nisa’: 1)

“O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (SAW) he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter paradise).” (Al-Ahzaab: 70-71)

To Proceed:

Verily the most truthful speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW). And the worst matters are the newly invented matters (in the religion), and ALL new matters are innovations into the religion, and all the innovations are misguidance, and all the misguidance lead to the fire.

My Respected People!

Know that the most dangerous sect in Islam today is the Kharijite (plural al-khawarij). They have existed since the very early period of Islam and they will continue to cause strife in the Muslim nation until the end of time when they will join forces with the False Messiah (dajjal/anti-Christ). We must be aware of their ideology and characteristics in order to protect ourselves from unwittingly supporting their destructive behaviour.

The Kharijites earned their name (from the root kh-ra-ja meaning “to go out”) because they exited Islam and the Muslim community due to their dangerous and heretical innovations. They will recite the Qur’an but it will not go beyond their throats, meaning it will not enter their hearts and they will not benefit from it and understand it.

Abu said Al-Khudri reported that: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“There will come a people from the east who recites the Qur’an but it will not go beyond their throats. They will pass through the religion just as an arrow pierces its target and they will not return to it just as the arrow does not return to the bow.” (Sahih Bukhari 7123)

The Kharijite ideology is based upon the following evil tenets:

  1. Declaring Muslims to be unbelievers.
  2. Rejecting lawful obedience to the leaders.
  3. Justifying violence against Muslims and all innocent people.

The correct Islamic belief is that no Muslim can become an unbeliever due to his sins alone. Imam At-Tahawi states:

“We do not excommunicate anyone who prays toward Makkah (Al-Qiblah) because of their sins as long as he does not consider them lawful, and we do not say sins do not harm the faith of those who commit them.” (Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah)

A Muslim must explicitly disavow Islam in order to be properly considered an unbeliever. Imam At-Tahawi states:

“A person does not leave faith except by disavowing what brought him into it.” (Aqidah At-Tahawiyyah)

In contrast, the Kharijites charge other Muslims with unbelief due to their sins or perceived sins in order to justify their merciless and criminal behaviour towards them.

Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“The Kharijite sect was the first to declare Muslims to be unbelievers because of their sins. They charged as unbelievers whoever disagreed with their innovations and they made lawful the spilling of blood and the taking of wealth. This is the condition of the people of innovation that they invent some religious innovation and then they excommunicate whoever disagrees with them concerning it. Rather, the people of the Sunnah and the community (Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jama’ah) follow the Book and the Sunnah and they obey Allah and His Messenger and follow the truth. And they have mercy upon the creation.” (Majmu’ Al-fatawa 1/278)

True Muslims have mercy upon the entire creation, including unbelievers and idolaters, but the kharaijites have no mercy for those outside their group. They declare other Muslims to be unbelievers by misinterpreting and misapplying the verses of the Qur’an.

Al-Bukhari reported that: Ibn Umar, May Allah be pleased with him, considered the Kharijites to be the worst of Allah’s creation and he said:

“Indeed, they take verses that were revealed about unbelievers (who attacks Muslims) and use them against the believers.” (Sahih Bukhari: 6531)

In the early period of Islam, they declared Ali ibn Abi Talib to be an unbeliever when he intended to reconcile with Mu’awiyah.

Ubaidullah ibn Abu Rafi reported: The Kharijites came out against Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, and they said:

“There is no rule but for Allah.” (12:40) Ali said:

“A word of truth by which is intended falsehood.” (Sahih Muslim: 1066)

The original Kharijites misused the verse “there is no rule but for Allah,” (12:40) by not properly distinguishing between matters upon which Allah has definitively ruled and matters left open to interpretation, consultation, and human decision-making (Ijtihad). Ali ibn Abi Talib decisively refuted them with the Qur’an.

Ibn Hajar reported: The Kharijites indicted Ali and they said:

“You have replaced the authority Allah has given you and the name with which He named you. Then, you judged with the judgment of men in the religion of Allah while ‘there is no rule but for Allah.’ (12:40)

When Ali heard this, he gathered the people and he called for the greatest scripture (mushaf) and he started striking it with his hand and saying:

“O you scripture, speak to the people!”

They said, “It is not a person. It is only ink and paper. We are speaking about what is narrated from it.” Ali said:

“The Book of Allah is between me and these people. Allah said regarding the woman and man: “if you fear dissension between the two, send an arbitrator from his people….” (4:35), and the nation of Muhammad is greater than the affair of a woman and a man. They have taken vengeance upon me because I have written to Mu’awiyah and yet the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, had written to Suhail ibn Amr and: You certainly have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example.” (33:21) (Fath-ul-Bari from Sunan Al-Bayhaqi 16230)

The Kharijites believe their opinions regarding leadership, government, politics, and the Shari’ah are the only valid opinions in Islam and whoever disagrees with them becomes an unbeliever. However, the truth is that much of these matters are left open to interpretation and consultation among the Muslims (i.e. Ijtihad).

In fact, the Prophet commanded us to distinguish between the rule of Allah and the rule of people and not to claim our opinions are the rulings of Allah.

Buraidah reported that: When the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would appoint a commander over the army, he would personally enjoin him to fear Allah and to be good with the Muslims who were with him. They Prophet would say:

“When you besiege the people of a fortress and they appeal to you for protection in the name of Allah and His Prophet, do not give them protection in the name of Allah and His Prophet, but rather give them protection in the name of you and your companions. Verily, for you to violate the protection of yourself and your companions is a lesser sin than to violate the protection of Allah and His Messenger. When you besiege the people of a fortress and they appeal for you to bring them out according to the rule of Allah, do not bring them our according to the rule of Allah but rather bring them out according to your ruling. Verily, you do not know if you will judge with the ruling of Allah concerning them or not.” (Sahih Muslim: 1731)

Thus, Muslims must distinguish between the rule of Allah and the rule of people. Yet the Kharijites, who make no such distinction, will charge other Muslims with unbelief who disagree with their views. In fact, the Kharijites do not simply declare Muslims to be unbelievers in a theoretical way, but rather they call for violent rebellion against entire Muslim societies.

Regarding our leaders, the correct Islamic belief is that we must obey them in all lawful matters. We should only disobey them if they command us to commit sins and we may not call for a violent overthrow of their government as long as they allow the prayer.

Umm Salamah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“There will be leaders from whom you will see both goodness and corruption. One who recognizes their evil and hates it will maintain his innocence, but one who is pleased with it and follows them will be sinful.

It was said, “Shall we not fight them?” The Prophet said: No, as long as they pray.” (Sahih Muslim 1854)

As long as Muslims are allowed to pray and practice their pillars of Islam, then there is no justification for declaring a rebellion against the leaders. In contrast, the Kharijites rebel against the leader not to protect the religion or to protect the interest of the people, but rather for inexcusable worldly reasons.

Abu Hayyan reported that:

“A man from the Kharijites came to Hassan Al-Basri and he said, “What do you say about the rebels?” Hassan said: “They are seekers of the world.” He said, “Why do you say that when one of them goes out with his spear until it breaks and he leaves his family and children?” Hassan said: “Tell me about the leader. Does he prevent you from establishing prayer, giving charity, and performing the pilgrimage?” He said no. Hassan said: “As I see it, he has only prevented you from seeking the world and you have fought him for it.” (Al-Basa’ir wal Dhakha’ir 1/34)

In general, Muslims must work to reform societies through non-violent methods such as educating, teaching, preaching, and charity. Violence is only a last resort in the worst case. The Kharijites, on the other hand, charge Muslim leaders with unbelief and anyone else who does not support their call for violent rebellion. In this way, they justify indiscriminate violence against entire Muslim societies.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Whoever rejects obedience to the leader and divides the community and dies will have died upon ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Whoever fights under the banner of one who is blind, raging for the sake of tribalism, or calling to tribalism, or supporting tribalism, and is killed will have died upon ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Whoever rebels against my nation, striking the righteous and wicked alike and sparing not even the believers and does not fulfill the pledge of security, then he has nothing to do with me and I have nothing to do with him. (Sahih Muslim 1848)

Servants of Allah!

This narration succinctly describes the characteristics of the Kharijites and their violent behaviour. They reject lawful obedience to Muslim leaders and they fight according to their tribal zeal, meaning they are not concerned with justice for their victims. They attack both the righteous and the wicked, and they do not honour covenants of security and the protection of civilians.

And in our times, you will see them target markets, bus stations, airports, schools, Mosques, Churches, security agents, Government properties and other places frequented by unarmed civilians. The purpose of such attacks is not to achieve any immediate military objectives, but rather to spread terror among the population and destabilize the government. In this way, they follow the same path as the first Kharijites in the early period of Islam.

Imam At-Tabari reported that:

“The Khawarij came to a village and they seized a man and his daughter. She said to them, “O people of Islam! Indeed, my father is an old man so does not kill him, and I am only a girl. By Allah, I have never been immoral and I have never harmed anyone.” They brought her to kill her and she kept saying, “What is my sin? What is my sin?” Then she fainted and they killed her with their swords.” (Tarikh At-Tabari 1512)

Imam Ibn Kathir said:

“If the Khawarij ever gained power, they would corrupt the entire earth, Iraq, and Syria etc. They would not leave a boy or a girl or a man or a woman, for in their view the people have become so corrupt that they cannot be reformed except by mass killing.” (Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah 10/584)

Wherever they appear, the Kharijites cause division among the Muslims at large and even among their own groups. Whenever they form a group, it is not long before splinter groups and off-shoots appear with each one claiming to have the right to seize the Caliphate.

Wahb ibn Munabbih said:

“I knew the early period of Islam. By Allah, the Kharijites never had a group except that Allah caused it to split due to their evil condition. Never did one of them proclaim his opinion except that Allah caused his neck to be struck. Never did the Muslim nation unite upon a man from the Kharijites. If Allah had allowed the dangerous and evil opinion of the Kharijites to take root, the earth would have been corrupted, the roadways would have been cut off, the Hajj pilgrimage to the sacred house of Allah would have been cut off, and the affair of Islam would have returned to ignorance until the people would seek refuge in the mountains as they had done in the time of ignorance (Jahiliyyah). If there were to arise among them ten or twenty men, there would not be a man among them except that he would claim the Caliphate for himself. With each man among them would be ten thousand others, all of them fighting each other and charging each other with unbelief until even the believer would fear for himself, his religion, his life, his family, his wealth, and he would not know where to travel or with whom he should be.” (Ta’rikh Dimshaq of Ibn Asakir 69290)

Nevertheless, the Kharijites have been successful recruiting ignorant or desperate Muslims. The Prophet described them as using beautiful Islamic rhetoric and selling “foolish dreams” to the Muslim masses.

Ali ibn Abi Talib reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“In the last days, there will be young people with foolish dreams. They will say the best of words in creation but they will pass through Islam just as an arrow passes through its game. Their faith will not go beyond their throats.” (Sahih Bukhari 4770)

Brothers and Sisters!

Their “foolish dreams” are their promises of an Islamic Utopia, a glorious jihad, a new Caliphate that will bring honour and strength back to the Muslims. Yet, their dreams are unrealistic and their methodologies dangerous to the very people they claim to be helping. Their understanding of faith is so shallow, superficial, dangerous and hypocritical that they cause even greater harm to Muslim community. They are fools by allowing themselves to be used by the underground enemies of peace, unity and progress; enemies of Islam and Muslims, in the name of doing jihad and protecting Islam!

In another narration, the Prophet described them saying:

“There will be dissension and division in my nation and a people will come with beautiful words but evil deeds. They recite the Qur’an but it will not pass beyond their throats. They will leave the religion (Islam) as an arrow leaves its target and they will not return until the arrows returns to its notch. They are the worst of the creation.” (Sunan Abu Dawud 4765)

Indeed, like their predecessors their preaching and propaganda entices people to join their cause but by their actions they are the worst of the creation, even though they recite the Qur’an and call to Islam. They bring forth verses of the Qur’an to bolster their arguments but they wield them against the objectives of lslam.

Usama ibn Zaid reported that: Sa’ad, May Allah be pleased with him, said:

“By Allah, I would never kill a Muslim or any innocent man as this one had killed him.” A man said to him: Did not Allah say: “Fight them until there is no more persecution and religion is entirely for Allah?” (2:193) Sa’ad said: We did fight them until there was no more persecution, but you and your companions intend to fight until there is persecution.” (Sahih Muslim 96)

Sa’id ibn Jubair reported that:

“We were met by Abdullah ibn Umar and we hoped that he would narrate to us a good saying. A man approaches him and said, “O Abu Abdur Rahman, tell us about fighting during times of persecution as Allah said: “And fight until there is no more persecution.” (2:193) Ibn Umar said: “Do you know what persecution is? May your mother be bereaved of you! Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, only fought the idolaters as there was persecution for practicing their religion. It was not like your fighting for the sake of ruling or leadership?” (Sahih Bukhari 6682)

The purpose of a just war in Islam is to end religious persecution and to protect innocent people, yet the Kharijites use such verses to further persecute Muslims and innocent people and to justify their worldly ambitions of political power.

We will continue to expose them (the Kharijites) and their evils as we see their violent call appear again and again until the end of time when the false messiah appears among them. They follow the same Satanic forces from which will emerge the greatest tribulation and suffering ever faced by humanity.

Abdullah ibn Amr reported that: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“There will emerge from the east some people from my nation who recite the Qur’an but it will not go beyond their throats. Every time a faction of them emerges it will be cut off.”

The Prophet repeated this and on the tenth time he said:

Every time a faction of them emerges it will be cut off until the False Messiah (dajjal/anti-Christ) emerges from their remnants.” (Musnad Ahmad 27767)

As such, in our times we are witnessing a number of conflicts between different governments and rebel Kharijite forces. Muslims are stuck between the spear of the leader and the sword of the rebel. In such cases, we must remain patient and work to reform and improve our communities through education, teaching, preaching, and charity.

Abdullah ibn Amr reported that: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“There will be a tribulation that will wipe out the Arabs in which those killed on both sides are in the Hellfire. In that time the tongue will be stronger than the sword.” (Musnad Ahmad 6941)

My respected people!

If we are not careful, we might fall into the sins of either side of the conflict by legitimizing the misdeeds of an oppressive government or justifying acts of terrorism in response. We should not rush to support one or another side in such conflicts as they are tribulations (fitnah) in which the truth is unclear.

Abu Hurairah reported that: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“There will be tribulations during which a sitting person will be better than the one standing. The one standing will be better than the one walking. The one walking will be better than the one running. Whoever exposes himself to these tribulations will be destroyed, so whoever finds a place of protection or refuge should take shelter in it.” Sahih Bukhari 6670)

Rather, we must be patient, resist calls for violence, and avoid getting involved in these conflicts. If we are patient, it will not be long before Allah will give us a way out. But if we call for violence, then Allah will heap more violence upon us.

Hassan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“If the people had patience when they are being tested by their unjust leader, it will not be long before Allah will give them a way out. However, they always rush to their swords, so they are left with their swords. By Allah, not even for a single day did they bring about any good.” (Tabaqat Al-Kubra 8789)

Brothers and Sisters!

Satan intends to use the alluring call of the Kharijites as a means to drag us into the Hellfire. We have to resist them by upholding the true teachings of Islam: mercy with the creation, patience with hardship, justice with even our enemies. The Kharijites intend to impress us by their outward displays of faith, but inwardly they have no faith. Only by understanding true Islam in both its inward and outward teachings can we protect ourselves, our children, and our communities from their dangerous ideology. What happened in the North-East Nigeria, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa and even here in Okene is a great lesson to all of us. So we should be careful.

Allah blesses our brother, professor Abu Amina Bilal Philips as he said in one of his lectures:

“The only way to overcome this problem of Muslims getting radicalized is by educating the Muslim community about Islam. Islam is not about kissing the Qur’an and keeping it on a shelf. It is about seeking knowledge by reading, understanding and reflecting.”

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet and Master, Muhammad peace be upon him, his family and all his Companions.

 

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Shawwal 17, 1437 AH (July 22, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Central Mosque and Alhaji Abdur Rahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: +234 803 828 9761.

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Let’s Join Hands Together To Salvage Our Nation By Imam Murtada Gusau

All Praises are due to Allah, We praise Him, we seek His assistance and we seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our evil deeds. Whomever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him.  I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s slave and Messenger.

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except in a state of Islam (i.e. as Muslims), with complete submission to Allah.” (Ali Imran, 3:102)

“O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve) and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights, and do not cut off the relations of the wombs (Kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you.” (An-Nisaa, 4:1)

“O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (saved from the Hell Fire and enter Paradise).” (Ahzaab, 33:70-71)

As to what proceeds: Verily the best of speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW). The worst of affairs are the newly invented affairs in the religion and every newly invented affair in the religion is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hell Fire. As to what proceed:

Servants of Allah!

Our beloved Master Muhammad (Pbuh) said: “The example of the person abiding by Allah’s order and restrictions in comparison to those who violate them is like the example of those persons who drew lots for their seats in a boat. Some of them got seats in the upper part, and the other in the lower. When the latter needed water, they had to go up to bring water and that troubled the others). So they said, Let us make a hole in our share of the ship (and get water) saving those who are above us from troubling them. So, if the people in the upper part left the others do what they had suggested, all the people of the ship would be destroyed, but if they prevented them, both parties would be safe.”

My respected people!

This is a great prophetic teaching, which contains a concrete example and comparison inciting no disagreement amongst sensible people. It highlights the most beautiful meanings and lessons. In it, the Prophet compares the society with the sailing vessel, which everyone should protect amidst the realm of life so that individuals can live happily, in peace, prosperity, love, unity, progress and respect. People are invited therefore, to work together to achieve mutual interests and ward off various evils.

This sums up principles of solidarity and mutual counseling and strengthens the responsibility of keeping the community safe and stable. Because the ship is one, if it survives so will those on board. If it is hurt, those on board will be hurt too. So everyone is responsible for its safety and has a role to ensure its advancement and welfare. For example, the older should care for the younger, while the younger should treat the elder nicely. Allah the Almighty says:

“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another.” (Attawba: 71)

That is, their hearts are united in mutual affection, love and compassion.

Our beloved Prophet (Pbuh) also said:

“The similitude of believers in regard to mutual loves, affection, and fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.”

It was said that people are like one body; as they help each other, it emerges to be independent, but if they let each other down, it falls apart.

Brothers and Sisters!

This Hadith also highlights the sensibly disciplined freedom, which does not harm the individual, the society and the nation as a whole. In fact, as we can see, the Prophet (Pbuh) condemned those who were in the lower part of the vessel as they had intended to pierce a hole to make an easy way up. Had they done this, they could have hurt not only themselves, but also others. That is why he (Pbuh) warned us strongly to avoid similar acts when he said:

“If anyone harms (others), Allah will harm him, and if anyone shows hostility to others, Allah will show hostility to him.”

This means whoever harms someone unjustly whether taking to his property, person or integrity; Allah will likewise treat him and cause him distress. Indeed the best people are those who are good to others and the dearest to Allah are those who are most beneficial to each other.

Please know that Allah the Exalted is He denounce people who cause harm to their society and country as He says:

“They destroyed their houses by their (own) hands.” (Al Hashr: 2)

This Aya (Qur’anic verse) refers to the heinous act of individuals damaging their own homes, and their own country. For this reason, they are vilified by Allah because they breach trust and seek the destruction of achievements. He the Most High says in this regard:

“And do not be like she who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong.” (An nahl: 92)

This is a Divine lesson to show the ill-doing of persons who break the covenant and destroy what they, themselves, have accomplished. Thus they are like the one who spins her thread, and then she unties it into scattered pieces, of no use to her. It is worthwhile mentioning here that the whole society is a trust shared by all and, as such, it ought to be protected.

Benefits in the Hadith also include avoiding evil and overcoming causes of strife before they happen. This can be achieved by educating the ignorant, advising the heedless, teaching the youth and sanctioning the imprudent. Such principles are adopted by the wise people, who believe in prevention being better than the cure.

On this matter, the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said:

“Some people open the door to good and close the door to evil, and some people open the door to evil and close the door to good. Congratulations to those in whose hands Allah places the keys to good, and woe to those in whose hands Allah places the keys to evil.”

Dear Servants of Allah!

Muslims are asked to observe their Lord in their speech and all of their behaviours. They must say but truth and do but good, because they are responsible for their acts. The Almighty says:

“And do good that you may succeed.” (Al Haj: 77)

Bearing this in mind, we supplicate to Allah to protect Nigeria from all evils and perpetuate its Union. May Allah help us to follow the right path and help us also to obey You, Your Messenger Muhammad (Pbuh) and those You have decreed on us to obey Your orders:

“O you who have believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charge with authority among you.” (An nisaa: 59)

O Servants of Allah!

Please be aware that you are asked to obey Him, the Almighty, as it ought to be by observing Him in private and in public and know that Nigeria is a large ship that has set an example of best achievements and giving, a solid edifice and a unified nation under its wise leadership. As we all see, many ships around us endure hard times, ours, by Allah’s grace, has remained infallible. Therefore, never should we allow an enemy, a criminal, a corrupt, an envious or a wrong Government’s policies to hurt our fortified vessel as they have failed to do that from outside. So let us be also its guards from inside.

The happier is the one who learns from others’ experiences, acknowledges the merit of Allah’s blessing on him, remains grateful to Him, to his homeland and leaders and be considerate to his society. Thus he is on the path of the Prophets and Messengers. The Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) was quoted in Qur’an as saying:

“My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into (the ranks of) Your righteous servants.” (An naml: 19)

My fellow Nigerians!

Let’s come together and salvage the country. Let’s learn how to co-exist peacefully with each other. Let’s learn how to tolerate and mutually respect each other. We don’t have country other than Nigeria. We don’t have anywhere to go apart from Nigeria. Let’s respect it so that we have everlasting peace, unity and progress. Let’s stop attacking our nation. Let’s talk, let’s dialogue and let’s not destroy the good image and the good reputation of our dear country. Let’s not destroy the achievements of our respected forefathers.

O Muslims, bear in mind that you are asked to offer prayer and greetings upon our most noble Prophet (Pbuh) for Allah say:

“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Al Ahzab: 56)

On the same matter, the Prophet (Pbuh) said:

“For everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah.”

He also said:

“Nothing turns back the Decree except supplication.”

May the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Master Muhammad (Pbuh), his family and all his Companions. May Allah grant us always His blessings and make us amongst His servants who protect their nation and are keen to strive for its safety and advancement. May Allah also make us keys to good deeds and barriers against evils, O Allah, the Most Exalted.

O Allah, we implore You at this instant not to let a sin unforgiving, a distress unrelieved, an illness unhealed or a handicapped without relief, a dead without mercy or a debt unsettled. Our Lord gives us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the fire.

May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all of the Companions.

O Allah, may we ask You to help us with what gets us closer to Paradise and furthers us from hell. O Allah we seek Your grace to admit us, our parents, whoever has done a favour to us and all Muslims to Your Paradise.

O Allah, forgives all of the Muslims, men and women, living and dead, and makes blessings follow us and them. May Allah have mercy on our leaders, grant success and continued good health to them, and provide strength and assistance to them. O Lord, forgive and show mercy to our parents, relatives and whoever has done a favour to us.

May Allah have mercy upon our righteous martyrs and raises their status in the highest ranks of Paradise to reside amongst those upon whom Allah has bestowed favour, of the Prophets and the steadfast affirmers of truth, O the Almighty, O the most forgiver.

O Allah, we pray to You to grant your forgiveness to the one who built this Mosque and to his parents as well as to anyone who contribute to the progress and development of this Mosque, and anybody who is also contributing to the progress and development of Islam anywhere he may be. O Allah, we also supplicate to You to forgive whoever built a Mosque where your name is remembered.

O Allah, make this our gathering one of compassion, and our dispersion after it one that is infallible. O Allah, do not let anyone amongst us deprived, desperate or unhappy.

We pray to Allah, the Most Gracious, to preserve and protect Nigeria, Nigerians and Islam in general from all temptations, both apparent and hidden, and continue blessing Nigeria and all Muslim countries with safety and security.

“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (An nahl: 90)

O Servants of Allah!

Remember Allah and He will remember you. Be grateful for His benevolence, He will increase His blessing to you. Allah, the Most High, says:

“And establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.” (Al Ankabuut: 45)

 

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Ramadan 12, 1437 AH (June 17, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Central Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: +234 803 828 9761.

 

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Zakah: The Destroyer Of Poverty By Imam Murtada Gusau

Praise be to Allah. Praise be to Allah, the free of all wants and needs, the worthy of all praise; the owner of the Throne, the All Glorious. I praise my Lord and thank Him. I turn to Him in repentance and ask Him for forgiveness. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, who has no partners, the Doer of whatsoever He wills; and I bear witness that our Prophet and master, Muhammad, is His servant and Messenger, who was granted victory and given the greatest support. O Allah! Bestow your peace and blessings upon your servant and Messenger Muhammad and upon his family and companions, who followed the rightly guided commands.

Now then, fear Allah by doing good deeds and abandoning evil deeds.

Servants of Allah!

Know that the teachings of this true and great religion (Islam) are all based on three foundations, namely, doing good to oneself, doing good to others, and refraining from causing harm and evil to them. One can do good to oneself by performing different acts of worship, while doing good to others is realized through good deeds of various kinds. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“…and do good. Truly, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (The good doers).” (Surah al-Baqarah: 195)

Allah Exalted be He, also says:

“…but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allah likes not the transgressors.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 190)

Allah, Might and Majesty be to Him, also says:

“Verily, Allah enjoins justice and Al-Ihsan (goodness), and giving to kith and kin, and forbids all evil deeds, and all that is prohibited, and Al-Baghyi (i.e. all kinds of oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed.” (Surah an-Nahl: 90)

Allah also describes the believers as being good to themselves and as being kind to others by refraining from doing harm and causing evil to them. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“The believers, men and women, are helpers of one another, they enjoin goodness, and forbid from evil; they perform As-Salat and give zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (Surah at-Tawbah: 71)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:

“… and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.” (Surah al-Furqan: 63)

Servants of Allah!

Zakah is an act of worship which Allah has imposed on Muslims to be taken from their wealth and to be paid to the eight categories of people entitled to zakah. The rich must pay the zakah to the poor as a duty, not as a favour. Allah has imposed it in order to achieve social solidarity among Muslims. He has prescribed it to meet the needs of the poor and the needy, by way of doing good to others and in order that those who pay it may gain His reward.  It has many benefits and serves great purposes. For instance, it cleanses hearts of miserliness, covetousness, and vice. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them….” (Surah at- Tawbah: 103)

My respected people!

Paying zakah eradicates the disease of envy (Hasad) from hearts. Envy is a serious disease which results from rivalry for worldly superiority and which causes oppression, injustice, hatred and many evils among the members of society. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“The disease of the nations who came before you has started to spread among you: envy and hatred. Beware of envy, for it consumes good deeds just as fire consumes firewood.” (Reported by Abu Dawud)

Also paying zakah brings about empathy and compassion among Muslims and ensures social solidarity as well as love and affection between the rich and the poor.

Zakah is one of the pillars of Islam. It is often mentioned in combination with the prayer (Salah) in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Allah’s Messenger (SAW). Thus the acts of zakah and prayer are accepted together with one another.

The amount of zakah imposed on people is very little compared with the wealth that Allah has given to them. Allah Exalted be He, says:

“And that it is He who gives much or a little.” (Surah an-Najm: 48)

Allah Exalted be He, also says:

“And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah…” (Surah an-Nahl: 53)

Allah, Might and Majesty be to Him, says:

“And keep your duty to Him; fear Him who has aided you with all (good things) that you know. He has aided you with cattle and children. And gardens and springs.” (Surah ash-Shu’ara: 132-134)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:

“And give them something (yourselves) out of the wealth of Allah which He has bestowed upon you…” (Surah an-Nur: 33)

Paying the zakah due on one’s wealth testifies to one’s imaan and gratefulness to Allah for having such wealth. In fact, zakah increases wealth and never decreases it and protects it against destruction and loss. Allah, Exalted be He says:

“…and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the best of providers.” (Saba’: 39)

The Prophet (SAW) said:

“No wealth is damaged in the land or in the sea but by withholding the zakah due on it.”

Abdullah ibn Umar, May Allah be pleased with him and his father, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:

“No people withhold the zakah of their wealth but they are denied rain, and were it not for the animals no rain would be sent down upon them.” (Reported by ibn Majah)

The poor will establish evidence against the rich on the Day of Judgment if they refrained from paying the zakah due to them in this world. They will say, “Our Lord! You granted wealth to these, but they denied us our rights.” Allah will then decide between them with His just judgment.

Allah has promised the greatest reward for those who pay the zakah. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

“And those who pay the zakah.” (Surah al-Mu’minun: 4)

He also mentions other good deeds along with zakah, and then shows the great reward for doing them:

“These are indeed the inheritors. Who shall inherit the Paradise. They shall dwell therein forever.” (Surah al-Mu’minun: 10-11)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:

“Verily, the pious will be in the midst of Gardens and springs, Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinun (the good doers). They used to sleep but little by night. And in the hours before dawn, they were asking for forgiveness. And in their properties there was the right for the Sa’il (the beggar who asks) and the Mahrum (the poor who does not ask others).” (Surah adh-Dhariyat: 15-19)

Allah pledges to inflict a painful punishment on those who withhold the zakah due on their wealth. Allah, Exalted be He, says:

”…and woe to Al-Mushrikun. Those who give not the zakah and they are disbelievers in the Hereafter.” (Surah Fussilat: 6-7)

Allah, Exalted be He, also says:

“…And those who hoard up gold and silver and spend them not in the way of Allah announce to them a painful torment. On the Day when that will be heated in the fire of hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them): “This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard.” (Surah at-Tawbah: 34-35)

Those who pay zakah due on their wealth will not suffer such punishment and are excluded from this warning.

Abu Hurairah, May Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:

“No one possesses money and abstains from giving its zakah but his money will come to him on the Day of Judgment in the form of a bald rattle snake, which will take him by the cheeks, saying, ‘I am your treasure, I am your money.’ “(Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Similarly, the owners of camels, cows, and sheep who do not pay the zakah due on them will be thrown on his face before them on the Day of Judgment and their animals will trample over him, as the Prophet (SAW) said in a hadith reported in Sahih Muslim. Zakah must be paid for gold and silver, or what corresponds for them in banknotes, if the value of each of them, or both of them combined, reaches the nisab (the minimum amount of which zakah is payable). Zakah is also due on camels, cows, and sheep when they reach the nisab, and it is equally due on what comes out of the earth. It is also due on commercial commodities, in which case they are estimated according to their value, and a quarter of a tenth (2.5%) of their value is given out as zakah.

If someone is in debt, he must first pay off his debt and then pay zakah on whatever is left of his wealth. If he has not paid off his debt, he pays zakah on whatever is in his possession. The nisab of gold is 20 mithqals, which is equivalent to 85 grams of pure gold, and the nisab of silver is 200 dirhams, which weighs 595 grams of pure silver, or what corresponds to them in banknotes. The value of the nisab of gold and silver varies according to the currency used in a specific time.

The right course of action is to pay two and a half percent (2.5%) of the amount on which zakah is due. Thus, whoever pays 2.5 for each one hundred units, 25 for each one thousand units and 25,000 for each one million units has discharged his duty. Zakah must be paid on whatever exceeds the nisab according to its category and value. In the case of camels, cattle, and sheep, no zakah is due on the animals below the first nisab and between each of the subsequent nisabs. As for gold and silver, or what corresponding to them in banknotes, zakah must be paid on whatever exceeds the nisab according to its value.

Brothers and Sisters!

A Muslim must seek to have enough knowledge about zakah and must ask scholars (Mallamai, Sheikhs, Alfas etc.) about all its details in order to be able to discharge the duties that Allah has imposed upon him with regard to his wealth. Whoever pays the zakah of the wealth that has been in his possession for a year or less at a certain time or in a specific month every year, such as the month of Ramadan, has discharged his duty.

O son of Adam! Your real wealth is that which you spend for Allah’s sake, whereas the wealth that actually belongs to others is that which you do not spend but leave for them. If the rich paid the zakah due on their wealth, there would be no poor person or beggar left inshaa Allah. Therefore, draw lessons from the lost generations whom Allah punished by their own wealth, and take admonition from the stories you heard of people whose wealth was of no avail to them. Remember that either you will leave your money behind or it will leave you.

Allah has prescribed other forms of mandatory or recommended spending besides zakah. Our Lord urges us to spend in the various good causes. Allah Exalted be He, says:

“O you who have believe! Spend of that with which we have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession…” (Surah al-Baqarah: 254)

Also the reward of what we spend for Allah’s sake is multiplied especially during the month of Ramadan. In addition, charity given in secret has its merits. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri, May Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet said:

“Giving charity in secret extinguishes the wrath of the Lord, maintaining the ties of kinship increases one’s lifespan, and doing good deeds protects one from bad death.” (An authenticated hadith reported by Al-Baihaqi in Shu’ab Al-Imaan)

The one who gives charity is in fact striving against the devil. Buraidah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

“No man gives any charity but he dispels by it seventy devils (who have been trying to dissuade him from giving charity).” (An authenticated hadith, reported by Al-Hakim in Al-Mustadrak)

Ramadan is the month of charity and good deeds. Therefore, blessed are those who hasten to do good and keep away from sins that lead to destruction. Allah, Exalted be He says:

“And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious. Those who spend in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good doers).” (Surah Ali Imran: 133-134)

Servants of Allah!

A noble month is drawing near in which Allah has blessed you with the great season for doing good deeds and repenting of sins. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) used to give his Companions the glad tidings of its approach at the end of the month of Sha’aban, so that they could receive it with joy, happiness, and reverence.

Allah has made fasting Ramadan a means of expiating sins. The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward have his previous sins forgiven.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Allah has also made performing voluntary night prayers in Ramadan a means of expiation for one’s past sins. It is a month in which the devils are chained, the gates of paradise are opened, and the gates of hellfire are closed. Therefore, you must honour it and sincerely repent of every sin before it starts, such as severing ties with fellow Muslims or deserting and hating one another.

Safeguard your fast, May Allah have mercy on you, from anything that is bound to invalidate it, such as backbiting, slander, and acts of disobedience to Allah, and sanctify it by remembering Allah and reciting the Qur’an, for Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Likewise, sanctify your fast by doing good deeds, and you will be among the successful and the foremost ones.

Observe the obligatory prayers in congregation, May Allah have mercy upon you, especially the Fajr (Dawn) and the Isha’ (Nightfall) prayers, for it has been authenticated that the Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever has performed the Isha’ and the Fajr prayers in congregation is like one who has stood in prayer all night.”

In addition, observe, May Allah have mercy on you, performing the tarawih prayers in congregation. For whoever performs the night prayer in congregation with his Imam in Ramadan till he completes it will have the reward for standing an entire night in prayer.

Servants of Allah!

“Allah sends His Salat on the Prophet and also His angels (ask Allah to bless him). O you who believe! Send your salat on him, and greet him with the Islamic way of greeting.” (Surah al-Ahzab: 56)

Also the Prophet (SAW) said:

“If a person asks Allah to send blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him ten times over.”

Therefore, ask Allah to bestow His peace and blessings on the master of those who preceded us and those who are yet to come and the Imam of Messengers.

O Allah! Bestow your peace upon Muhammad and his family, as you bestowed your peace on Ibrahim and his family; you are All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious. O Allah! Bestow your blessings upon Muhammad and his family, as you bestowed your blessings on Ibrahim and his family; you are All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.

O Allah! Be pleased with all the Companions, along with the tabi’un, and with those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment. O Allah! Be pleased with us together with them, by your Grace, Munificence, and Mercy, O Most Merciful of all the Merciful!

O Allah! Protect us and protect our offspring from Satan, his offspring, his devils, and his soldiers, O Lord of the Worlds! O Allah! Protect Muslims and their offspring from Satan, his devils, and his soldiers, O Lord of the Worlds! You are powerful over all things.

O Allah! O Owner of Majesty and Honour!  O Allah! Spare Muslims’ blood and safeguard their money and their honour. O Allah! Feed the hungry among them and clothe the naked among them. O Allah! Dispel their fears and conceal their defects, O Lord of the Worlds! O Allah! Protect them from the evil of evil-doers and the plotting of transgressors.

O Allah! O Owner of Majesty and Honour! Facilitate for us our affairs in the right way. O Allah! Help debtors in paying off their debts. O Allah! Cure our sick and the sick among all Muslims. O Allah! Dispel our fears and conceal our defects.

O Allah! We ask you, O Owner of Majesty and Honour, to protect us from the evil within ourselves and from our wrong deeds. O Allah! O Lord of the Worlds! Protect us from the evil of all evil-doers; you are powerful over all things.

O Allah! Accept our good deeds; You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

O Allah! Let us live and witness Ramadan. O Allah! Let us live and witness Ramadan for many years. O Owner of Majesty and Honour! O Allah! Accept our good deeds in Ramadan, and the good deeds of all Muslims; you are powerful over all things! Forgive our sins and mend our condition and the condition of all Muslims. None but you can mend our condition and all our matters.

Servants of Allah!

“Verily, Allah enjoins justice and Al-lhsan, and giving to kith and kin, and forbids all evil deeds, and all that is prohibited, and Al-Baghyi (i.e. all kinds of oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed. And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them – and indeed you have appointed Allah your surety. Verily! Allah knows what you do.” (Surah an-Nahl: 90-91)

Remember Allah, the Most Great, the Sublime, and He will remember you. Thank Him for His favours and He will give you more. Verily, remembrance of Allah is greater than all, and Allah knows what you do.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Sha’aban 27, 1437 AH (June 3, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’at Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached through: +234 803828 9761.

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Ramadan Has Come By Imam Murtada Gusau

All praises are due to Allah, we praise Him we seek His assistance and we seek His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and from our evil deeds. Whomever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is Allah’s slave and Messenger.

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except in a state of Islam (as Muslims with complete submission to Allah).” (Ali Imran, 3:102)

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve) and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual rights, and do not cut off the relations of the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-watcher over you.” (An- Nisaa’, 4:1)

O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (saved from the Hell fire and enter paradise).” (Ahzaab, 33:70-71)

As to what proceeds: verily the best of speech is the book of Allah and the best of the guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace be upon him). The worst of affairs are the newly invented affairs in the religion and every newly invented affair in the religion is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hell fire. As to what proceeds:

O Servants of Allah! O Muslims!

You are facing the great sacred month of Ramadan; the month of Sawm (Fast), the month of Qiyam-ul-Layl (optional prayer at night), and the month of recitation of the Qur’an. In this month, Allah opens the door of forgiveness and sets His pious servants free from the fire. Ramadan is the month of giving sadaqah (voluntary charity); a month of feeding the poor slaves of Allah; a month, in which the doors of Paradise are open, the doors of Hell are closed, rewards of deeds are multiplied, hardships are removed, supplications are answered, ranks are elevated, and sins are forgiven. During this month, Allah (Glorified be He) provides His Servants with all kinds of bounties and showers His Awliya’ (pious people) with blessings.

A month in which Allah has made fasting it one of the pillars of Islam and in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed sawm and commanded the people to do the same. He (peace be upon him) informed us that whoever observed Sawm in Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for Allah’s Reward, their previous sins shall be forgiven; and that those who observe Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayer) in Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for Allah’s reward, their previous sins shall be forgiven. In this month, there is one night that is better than thousand months (i.e. Laylatul Qadr).

Muslims who deprive themselves of its good are really in loss. Honour this month, May Allah forgive you, by having good intentions, doing your best to observe Sawm and Qiyam-ul-Layl, competing to do good, and repenting sincerely from all sins and misdeeds. Do your best to advise one another and cooperate in doing good and being pious. Advise one another to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and invite one another to everything that is good to win dignity and great rewards.

Sawm (Fast) has many benefits and great wisdom:

Some of these benefits are: Purifying one’s soul; disciplining it; ridding it of bad traits and evil attributes, such as insolence, ingratitude, and miserliness; accustoming it to adopt good ethics, such as patience, forbearance, and generosity; and struggling to please Allah and draw closer to Him.

Other benefits of sawm: it makes us know humble selves, our needs, our weaknesses and our dependence on our Lord. It reminds us of Allah’s blessings and of the needs of the poor; thus, driving us to be grateful to Allah (Glorified be He). We ought to employ Allah’s blessings in obeying Him and in consoling and helping our poor Muslim fellows.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) refers to these benefits in the following Ayah (Qur’anic verse):

“O you who have believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Qur’an 2:183)

Allah (Glorified Be He) points out that Muslims are commanded to observe Sawn to fear Allah. This indicates that Sawm is a means to become pious and fear Allah as He should be feared which would result into obeying Allah and His Messenger. In this way, servants will be saved from Allah’s punishment and Wrath.

Brothers and Sisters!

Sawm (the Fasting) diminishes one’s sexual desire and is a way to help one remain pure and chaste. Satan runs in our bloodstream and Sawm (the Fasting) narrows the veins and reminds one of Allah and His Greatness and, thus, the power of Satan diminishes and one’s faith is strengthened. Sawm encourages good deeds and dissuades bad ones.

Other benefits of Sawm: it purifies the body of toxins, making one healthy and energetic, as confirmed by many reliable and educated physicians.

O respected Muslims!

Sawm is a good deed for which there is enormous reward, especially Sawm in Ramadan which Allah has made obligatory for His Servants and made it a means to be granted success.

On the authority of Ubadah Ibn As-Saamit (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“Ramadan came to you as a month of blessing in which Allah spreads His Mercy, forgives sins, and answers supplications. Allah (Exalted be He) sees your competition and speaks proudly of you to the angels. So show Allah that you are doing good as the deprived one is who deprives himself of Allah’s Mercy (in this blessed month).” (al-Haithami in his Majma’ az-Zawa’id 3/142 number 4783, ascribed this to Al-Tabarani in Majma al-Kabeer 13/37 number 13655)

Also on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“Allah has enjoined you to fast the month of Ramadan and I have made it a Sunnah (a commendable act) for you to observe Qiyam-ul-layl during it. Whoever observes Sawm and Qiyam-ul-Layl during its nights out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not for showing off); they will emerge as sinless as a new-born child.” (Related by Al- Nasa’i)

Muslims should know that it is prescribed, when observing Qiyam-ul-Layl in Ramadan or offering any other Salah (prayer), to offer Salah with tranquility and submissiveness when standing, bowing, prostrating and reciting Qur’an.

Many people who observe Qiyam-ul-Layl, Tarawih in Ramadan do so without contemplation or tranquility. Rather, they only hit the ground and this is not permissible. It is Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and renders Salah null and void since tranquility is a pillar in Salah.

It was also authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded the one who knocked the ground while performning his Salah in haste to repeat it.

My respected people!

Glorify your Salah by performing it as Allah commands; and seize the opportunity to gain every benefit from this great month of Ramadan by performing good deeds and all forms of worship.

Hasten to obey Allah as it is a great month in which Allah gives His Servants a chance to compete in doing good deeds in obedience to Him. May Allah forgive you and have mercy on you! Offer as much Salah as you can, give Sadaqah, feed the poor and orphans, recite the Qur’an with contemplation and thought, glorify Allah, praise Him, say Takbir and Tahlil (sayig: “La ilaha illa Allah [There is no god except Allah]”) and ask Allah for forgiveness.

Send peace and blessings to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as much as you can and do good to the poor, needy, and orphans. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was the most generous of all people and was even more generous during Ramadan. So follow in his footsteps, imitate and emulate him, may Allah have mercy on you, by increasing your Sadaqah and good deeds in Ramadan. Help your poor brothers to observe Sawm and Qiyam-ul-Layl, and hope for Allah’s Reward, the King and All-Knower.

Guard your Sawm from what Allah forbids. It was authentically reproted that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and acting accordingly, Allah does not need them to leave their food and drink”. He (peace be upon him) also said: “Sawm is a shield (from the fire and from committing sins). When one of you is observing Sawm, he should avoid intimate relations (with his wife) and quarreling, and if someone insults him, he should say, ‘I am observing Sawm.” {Sahih al-Bukhari 1904}

It was also reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Sawm is not only abstinence from food and drink, but (true) Sawm is abstinence from empty talk and bad language.” [Reported in Al-Mustadrak of al-Hakim number 1604]

Ibn Hibban reported in his Sahih Book of Hadith on the authority of Abu Sa’id (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever observes Sawm in Ramadan knows its ordinances and observes what should be observed during it will have all their previous sins forgiven.”

Also, Jabir ibn Abdullah Al-Ansary (May Allah be plesed with them) said:

“When you observed Sawm, let your ears, eyes and tongue abstain from lying and other unlawful acts. Do no harm your neighbours. Be characterized by humility and calmness. Let there be a difference between the days of observing Sawm and the days when you are not observing Sawm.” [Musannaf ibn Abi Shaibah number 8981]

Servants of Allah!

In this blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims, and all our 3 tiers of governments, (Federal, state and local governments) should fear Allah and be generous and spend as much as they can, paying much attention to the poor and those who do not ask for charity. Wealthy Muslims and governments should help them observe Sawm and Qiyam-ul-Layl, following the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to please Allah (Glorified be He) and as a way of thanking Him for His Blessings. Allah (Glorified be He) has prosmised His Servants who spend their wealth, a great reward and many blessed children.

Allah (Glorified be He) says:

“And whatever good you send before you for yourselves, (i.e. Nawafil non-obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and Umrah), you will certainly find it with Allah, better and greater in reward.” [Qur’an 73:20]

Fellow Muslims!

Beware, may Allah grant you mercy, any sins that might affect your Sawm negatively, diminish your reward, or incur Allah’s Wrath such as usury, adultery, theft, looting the public treasury, murder without justification, unjust consumption of the property of orphans; and all forms of injustice against persons, money, or honour. You shold also avoid cheating in dealings, not keeping trusts, being ungrateful to parents, and severing ties of kinship. Enmity and hostility without a just cause; intoxicants and drugs, such as Marijuana, Indian hemp, and Tobacco; backbiting and slander, lying, false testimony, false claims, and perjury should all be avoided.

People should not act pridefully, or make envy (Hasad) against each other. Muslims shoud not listen to songs and music in the blessed month of Ramadan. Muslim women should abstain from Tabarruj (dressing immodestly in violation of the Islamic dress code) and imitating disbelieving women in wearing revealing clothes or other things that Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have forbidden.

These sins are forbidden at all times and all places, but are more forbidden during Ramadan and more grievous because of the sanctity of this month.

O Muslims! You must fear Allah and avoid what He and His Messenger have forbidden. Be steadfast in obeying Allah in Ramadan and in other months as well, advise one another to do that. Enjoin others to do good and forbid evil to gain honour, happiness, and dignity, and to be saved in this world and in the Hereafter.

Brothers and Sisters!

Ramadan is like a rare flower that blossoms once a year and just as you begin to smell its fragrance, it disappears for another year. Try to make this Ramadan, the month of mercy and blessings, the turning point in your life. Break free from the deceptions of Satan and this world and indulge into the sweetness of true Imaan (faith). In the blessed month of Ramadan we have 4 weeks of Barakat (blessings), 30 days of forgiveness, 720 hours of guidance, 43200 minutes of purification and 2592000 seconds of Nur (light). Try as much as possible to enjoy them and  benefits from them.

My respected Muslim Brothers and Sisters!

As usual, let’s fear Allah (SWT) for the unity of Islamic ummah. Let’s fear Allah so that we obey our leaders. Let’s fear Allah so that we have patience and wait to hear from them (our leaders) for the commencement of Ramadan fasting. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as the overall leader of Nigerian Muslims and the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic affairs (NSCIA), is going to announce on the proper date to start the fasting, as good Muslims, we must obey. I pray may Allah the Almighty grant our leaders success and provide strength, assistance and tawfeeq to them, ameen.

May Allah protect you, us, and all Muslims from that which brings His wrath! May Allah accept our sawm and Qiyam-ul-Layl and rectify the affairs of Muslim leaders and make them a means to defend Islam and Muslims! May Allah guide us all to comprehend Islam, hold fast to it, and judge according to it in all our affairs! Allah has power over all things.

O Allah! Preserve us until Ramadan comes and make Ramadan easy for us, and accept it from us with total acceptance. O Allah! Let us reach the blessed month of Ramadan. May this coming Ramadan be the best (Ramadan) for all of us.

O Allah! Safeguard us for the month of Ramadan (by sparing us to witness the blessed month of Ramadan healthy and fit), and safeguard the month of Ramadan for us (by making the conditions in it such that we can take maximum benefit from it) and accept it from us.

May the Peace and blessings of Allah be upon His beloved Servant and Messenger, Muhammad, and upon all his family and Companions and whoever follows his way until the Day of Resurrection.

 

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Sha’aban 20, 1437 AH (May 27, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’at Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: +23480382 89761.

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Islam And Reading Culture By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Alhamdulillah. Indeed, all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evil within ourselves and from our wrongdoings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide, and he whom He misguides, no one can guide.

I bear witness that there is no (true) God except Allah alone without a partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (PBUH) is His abd (servant) and Messenger.

“O you who have believe! Revere Allah the right reverence, and do not die except as Muslims.” (Ali Imran, 3:102)

“O people! Revere your Lord who has created you from a single soul, created from it its mate, and dispersed from both of them many men and women. Revere Allah through whom you demand things from one another and (Cherish the ties of) the wombs, indeed, Allah is ever-Watchful over you.” (An-Nisa’, 4:1)

“O you who have believe! Revere Allah and say fair words. He will then rectify your deeds and forgive your sins. He who obeys Allah and His Messenger have certainly achieved a great victory.” (Al-Ahzaab, 33:70-71)

Indeed, the best speech is Allah’s (SWT) Book and the best guidance is Muhammad’s (SAW) guidance. The worst affairs (of religion) are those innovated (by people), for every such innovation is an act of misguidance leading to the Fire.

Dear Servants of Allah!

Allah has bestowed upon us existence, but He made our life restricted in span. It remains short no matter how much it lasts. For this reason the Noble Qur’an urges us to invest in our time by doing good deeds so as to benefit ourselves and our nation. And reading is one of the beneficial acts to busy ourselves with. Because of its importance in life, it was the first thing revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) as Allah says:

“Recite/Read in the name of your Lord who created – created man from a clinging substance. Recite/Read and your Lord is the most Generous – who taught by the pen – taught man that which he knew not.” (Al Alaq, 1-5)

Dear Servants of Allah!

Reading is thus a delight for the soul and a feed for the thought. Therefore, you are invited to read beneficial knowledge and acquire useful books. The best book of all is the Noble Qur’an. Allah the Almighty says:

“So recite what is easy from it.” (Al Muzammil, 20)

On the same matter, the Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Recite the Qur’an for it will come as an intercessor for its readers on the Day of Resurrection.”

It is the inscribed book for understanding what Allah, may Glory be to Him, has availed in this universe, from land, sea, air, environment to space. Whoever reads the Qur’an and ponders its meanings will go deeply in understanding its verses, indicating the all knowledge of the Creator as well as his wisdom and might.

Allah the most Exalted says:

“We will show them our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.”

Also Reading the Prophetic Hadiths and traditions as well as those of scholars and the pious is also a rich source for attaining knowledge. They contain a wealth of lessons that they can be alternative to many other books and records. It was reported that it was said to Ibn al Mubarak:

“O Abu Abdulrahman, what if you go out and sit with your friends.” He said, “When at home, I am sitting with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH’s) companions,” meaning reading books.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Reading is the key to harness sciences, master skills, learn religious teachings and acquire the knowledge and heritage of former and later peoples. It is no wonder then that it is a reason for elevating the status of man either in his lifetime or after his death. Allah the most exalted says:

“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is acquainted with what you do.” (Al Mujadala: 11)

In another place in the Qur’an, the high value of reading is highlighted in the account of the youth of the cave (as-habul Kahf), who kept a book with them:

“Or have you though that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among our signs, a wonder?” (Al Kahf: 9)

About them (the youth and the inscription), Ibn Abbas, May Allah be pleased with him, said that the inscription with them at the cave was their code of law.

This point to the importance of taking and reading books in all of one’s actions as was the case with early Muslims. Well aware of this, they rolled up their sleeves and sought to combat literacy by studying and learning. It was not uncommon amongst them to advise each other before travel to read books during their journey saying, “help yourselves overcome the solitude of being away from home by reading books. They are speaking tongues and seeing eyes.”

Al Khalil Ibn Ahmad al Farahidi, the founder of al Arud (the study of Arabic prosody), said, “Anything I heard, I wrote and memorized. And anything I memorized had benefitted me.” During his life, he was an avid reader and passionate about learning.

A scholar said to his friends, “please know that knowledge comes and go, so make books its protector and pens its guardian.” Their readings yielded beneficial knowledge, which was recorded in books of various forms and types.

My respected people!

You are advised to read different kinds of sciences and texts as there are a large number of materials translated into Arabic, English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ebira, etc. making knowledge conveniently available in our mother tongues.

This is accentuated by the evolution of reading tools, which are no longer the preserve of conventional mediums; books, journals, magazines and so on. Reading has become electronic through the internet and other similar mediums, featuring varied knowledge content that feeds the souls and thoughts.

The new reading facilities save time and effort and take us to the age of smart communication solutions, invented by people who invested well in reading. So strive hard in reading beneficial sciences and encourage your children to follow whatever is new and useful. You need also to give some of your time to reading, daily and weekly.

With this in mind, I command you to obey Allah duly and be aware that nations progress through reading and knowledge, without which life is meaningless. That is why Allah swore by their tools, the pen. He the Almighty says:

“Nun. By the pen and what they inscribe?” (Nun: 1), highlighting the high status of writing. Let us make the books our companions in order to contribute to our beloved nation.

Dear Servants of Allah!

Allah has asked you to abide by an order He has been the first to undertake, then His angels, for He says:

“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask (Allah to grant him) peace.” (Al Ahzaab: 56)

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“For everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah.”

May the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon our Master Muhammad (PBUH), his family and all his Companions.

“O Allah, we seek your favour to bless us with beneficial knowledge, let our hearts be full of your gratitude and keep our tongue moist with your remembrance. May Allah bless us with good provision, accepted work, well-being in mind and body and blessed living life and progeny.

May Allah be pleased with the rightly guided caliphs and all those who will follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.

O Allah guide us to know what is good, make us benefit from what we have learnt, and increase our knowledge.

O Allah, give us piety and purify our souls. You are the Master and the Lord of souls. O Sustainer, amend our intentions, grant that our spouses and our offspring be a joy to our eyes and make success be an ally to us.

O Allah, we implore you at this instant not to let a sin unforgiving, a distress unrelieved, an illness unhealed or a handicapped without relief, a dead without mercy or a debt unsettled. Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the fire.

May Allah grant our leaders success and provide strength and assistance to them.

“O Allah, forgives all of the Muslims, men and women, living and dead, and makes blessings follow us and them. O Allah have mercy on our parents. O Lord, forgive and show mercy, you are the Ever merciful and there is no strength or power save with Allah, the High, the Great.

I pray to Allah, the Most Gracious to continue blessing our beloved country, Nigeria, with peace, unity, progress, safety and security, ameen.

O Servants of Allah remember Allah and He will remember you. Be grateful for His benevolence He will increase His blessings to you. Allah, the Most High, says:

“And establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.” (Al Ankabut: 45)

 

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Sha’aban 13,1437 AH (May 20, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’at Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached through: +234 803 828 9761.

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OPINION

{Friday Sermon} And Put Your Trust In Allah If You Are Believers Indeed By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All Praise is due to Allah, we praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, the only one without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad, peace and blessings on him, is His servant, and His Messenger.

“O You who believe, – Be aware of Allah, with correct awareness, an awe-inspired awareness and die not except as Muslims.”

“O You who believe, – Be aware of Allah, and speak a straightforward word. He will forgive your sins and repair your deeds. And whoever takes Allah and His Prophet as a guide, has already achieved a mighty victory.”

In the opening verse of Surah An-Nisaa’, Allah says:

“O mankind! Show reverence towards your Guardian-Lord who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate and from the two of them scattered (like seeds) countless men and women:- Be conscious of Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (show reverence towards) the wombs (that bore you): for surely, Allah ever watches over you”.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters!

In today’s Sermon I want to share with you one of the keys that will give us access to a higher level of faith. The key to ihsaan, the key that to open the door to excellence of worship is this: to trust Allah. What does it mean, to trust Allah? It’s quite easy to say, “I trust Allah,” But it’s much harder to do that in practice with your heart and soul, over and over again, all the time, every day, in every situation. Trusting Allah completely, takes practice and serious determination. Trusting Allah is not just a slogan. It’s not just a nice sounding theory. Trusting Allah means that you set aside your personal likes and dislikes, set aside your ego, your lower nafs, and you do the right thing. You do it with the firm belief that Allah knows best, and that Allah will deliver a good result whatever your own prejudices might be.

Most of us are not Arabic speakers. We therefore have to make a special effort to understand Arabic terms used in the sacred texts. Words are sometimes so inadequate, but it’s all that we have. It’s always possible that something gets lost in translation. Iman, Faith, in Arabic does not just mean blind belief. It’s not enough just to believe that Allah exists. Iman also implies the element of Trust. To have Iman is to have faith in Allah, and to trust Him to take good care of us. This doesn’t happen overnight. We have to work hard to cultivate strong faith and trust in Allah. That is Iman. Allah is our guardian and our protector. Because we have Iman, Faith, we put our trust in Allah before anything and anyone else. The noble Qur’an reminds us that:

“And enough is Allah as a witness,” “And enough is Allah as a guardian or protector.”

 

The Qur’an constantly urges us as believers to put our trusts in Allah. But we human beings are forgetful. The Arabic word for human beings, mankind or humankind, is “Insan.” One of the meanings of insan, is to be forgetful. It’s part of our human nature. That’s why the noble Qur’an recommends dhikr, the constant remembrance of Allah, as the best cure for our forgetfulness.

“Those whose hearts find peace in the Remembrance of Allah. Surely, in Allah’s Remembrance do hearts find peace.”

Servants of Allah!

Let’s take an example. When we run into financial difficulty, what do we do? Most of us would run off to speak to our bank manager, or a wealthy friend or relative. Quite often, the last thing we do is to ask Allah for help. It seems that when all else fails, when our bank manager shakes his head, or our rich friends and family make their excuses, only then do we turn to Allah, don’t we? Shouldn’t it really be the other way around? Shouldn’t we should turn to Allah first, not last! But there we are: such forgetful creatures! And yet, Allah loves us and Allah forgives us and He helps us out of our difficulty anyway…

Fellow Nigerians!

To learn how to trust Allah, we should read about the early days of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his illustrious companions, the sahabah, had to endure great hardship before Allah delivered them to victory. Throughout their ordeals, their faith and trust in Allah never wavered. Enduring hardship, poverty, test and trials with patient, perseverance is an essential part of showing faith and trust in Allah. It’s in a crisis that we show what we’re really made of. When we face a personal calamity, do we panic? Do we resort to desperate actions? Do we throw aside our moral and ethical values? Or do we calmly accept that Allah is testing us. Do we show our complete faith and trust in Allah? Do we do the right thing, even though it may be painful or difficult? This is the acid test. A true believer always does the right thing at the right time in the right way. Even if it seems to be against our own interests, Allah commands us to be just, to be fair.

In Surah Nisaa’, Allah urges us to remain fair and just at all times:

“O you who have believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts); lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, truly Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.”

My dear Brothers and Sisters!

When we tell lies, when we cheat, when we take advantage of others, when we exploit someone’s weakness or misfortune, then we betray a lack of faith and a lack of trust in Allah. Remember that, Allah decrees our Risq, our Provision for all our life. Whatever we do, we cannot increase or decrease that provision. This is a very important point for us to remember. It is a matter decreed by Allah. No man and no woman will earn a penny more or a penny less than what Allah has already decreed.

The only choice we have is this. How do we earn our provision? Do we earn it with Allah’s blessings or with Allah’s anger? That’s the crucial choice that we must make every day. Do we earn our risq, our provision the Halal way or the Haram way? The actual amount of our provision has been fixed by Allah. That cannot be changed. But how we earn what Allah has decreed for us: that’s the crucial point that will invite Allah’s anger or Allah’s good pleasure. That choice is ours! All the lying, cheating, the greedy and unethical business practices will not increase our wealth. This only gets us our share along with Allah’s displeasure. On the other hand, if we do things the right way, the moral way, the ethical way, we get our share as well as Allah’s good pleasure and blessings with it. That’s our choice.

My dear Brothers and Sisters!

There is a beautiful and inspiring verse in Surah Talaq, verse no. 2, in which Allah declares that:

“And whoever is cautiously aware of his duty to Allah, Allah always prepares a way out for him from his difficult. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, then sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish His purpose: truly, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion.”

Here we are reminded of the fruits of faith. This is what Allah promises when we put our Trust in Him. It’s very significant that these words appear at the beginning of Surah At-Talaq. The subject is divorce. Divorce is legal. It’s allowable in Islam, but it’s also something that Allah hates. When a marriage has ended, it becomes very difficult for a man and a woman to treat each other with fairness and justice, let alone with generosity. This is why Allah appeals to both to put their trust in Him, and not to be driven by anger or resentment. However difficult the situation might be, Allah promises us a way out. But first we must place our trust in Him alone.

My dear Brothers and Sisters!

Imagine this scenario. You’ve been working happily in the job of your dreams. Then one fateful day you are told that your services are no longer needed. You’ve just lost your job. What’s the first thing you do? Most of us would immediately go online to start looking for another job. We’d update our CV and send it along with our application forms. That’s the most logical thing to do. But one scholar gives this advice:

“As soon as you find yourself in a difficult situation, take a deep breath, turn to Allah. Say, “Inna lil-laahi wa inna ilayhir raaji-uun.” From Allah we came, and to Allah we will return. Put your faith and trust in Allah. That’s real iman. Before you do anything else, give sadaqah, make a donation to charity. If you have N 100 that you’ve saved for a rainy day, give N 5 or N 10 to charity immediately. Remind yourself that someone out there needs it even more than you do. This is how you keep things in perspective. You’ve taken a hard knock, but this isn’t the end of the world. Once you realize there are millions of people who are actually much worse off than you, then your own little problem looks like just another minor inconvenience. And when you put your trust and faith in Allah, and you have yaqeen, absolute certainty that Allah will help you, then this whole experience becomes an act of ibadah, a beautiful form of extended worship. When you’ve done that, now you can go on and look for that new job, or deal with whatever situation you have to deal with. I promise you, if you really put your faith and trust in Allah. Allah will open doors for you in the most unexpected places. You’ll be rewarded with an even better job than the one you had before. Believe me. I know this. I speak from long personal experience.”

My dear Brothers and Sisters!

Try to memorize and internalize this beautiful Hadith, which is also one of my favourites: (ibn Abbas):

“Remember Allah and you will find Him in front of you. Remember Allah in times of ease and He will remember you in times of distress. What hit you could not have missed you. What missed you could not have hit you. Know that victory comes with patience, relief follows distress, and ease follows hardship.”

And with those inspiring words of wisdom from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), my dear brothers and sisters, I conclude my Khutbah.

“Surely, Allah commands justice, good deeds and generosity to others and to relatives; and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, so that you may be reminded.” “And remember Me: I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith.” “And without doubt, Remembrance of Allah is the Greatest Thing in life, and Allah knows the deeds that you do.”

Oh Allah we ask you to bring honour and victory to Islam and the Muslims.

Oh Allah we ask you to rectify our leadership and show them the path of righteousness.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Words. Prayers, Peace and Mercy are upon our beloved Master Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (SAW), his family and his Companions.

Success comes from Allah, the Lord of all that exist, and He the Most High knows best.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Jumaada al-Thaany 29, 1437 A.H (April 8, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’at Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached through: +234 80 3828 9761.

 

 

Editor: Opinion expressed on this page are strictly those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of abusidiqu.com and its associates

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Differences Of Opinion Among The Muslims By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Verily all praise is for Allah, the only true God worthy of worship, peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, the slave and final Messenger of Allah.

Servants of Allah!

People were a single nation upon the religion of Adam (AS) for fourteen generations, then the devils dislodged and diverted them from their deen (religion) and forbade them from what Allah had made permissible. They disagreed and differed, so Allah sent His Messengers in succession so that they would worship Allah alone and so that His sayings would be the deciding factor in any disagreement.

Muhammad (SAW) came after a gap in the succession of Prophets, to explain the straight way to the people and to guide them by Allah’s permission, in those matters of the truth about which they differed, to the way of the Mighty and the One worthy of all praise.

The reason this topic is being written about, when this page could have well been written about matters of more importance pertaining to this religion is because it occupies the minds of many people, especially in this time of ours. Not only does it cause confusion in the minds of the common people, but also the students of knowledge.

Additionally, this Sermon aims at eliminating hatred, enmity, and disunity amongst Muslims as a result of differences in opinion. I ask Allah the Most High that upon taking a glimpse at this topic, that there will develop an increase in the respect of scholars and tolerance towards other Muslims who hold valid opinions that may be contrary to that of others.

Brothers and Sisters!

During the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad, people used to refer directly to him when in dispute, so he would judge between them, making the truth plain to them. How often do we read in the Qur’an: “They ask you regarding…” upon which Allah would then reply to His Prophet with a clear answer, ordering him to convey it to the people. Some examples include the following verses:

“They ask you as to what is lawful for them. Say, ‘Lawful unto you are all things good and pure…” (Al-Ma’idah, 5:4)

“And they ask you as to what they should spend. Say, ‘What is beyond your needs…” (Al-Baqara, 2:219)

“They ask about the spoils of war. Say, ‘The spoils of war are for Allah and the Messenger…” (Al-Anfal, 8:1)

“They ask you about the new moon. Say, ‘They are signs to indicate fixed periods of time for mankind and for the pilgrimage….” (Al-Baqara, 2:189)

After the demise of the greatest man ever to have set foot on the face of the earth, Prophet Muhammad, the Muslim Ummah (nation) differed on legal rulings of the Shari’ah. However, these disagreements within subsidiary issues do not affect or harm the fundamentals of the religion, and hence, do not impose on the principles of the Shari’ah nor its root sources -The Qur’an and the Sunnah. None of the scholars who are trusted, and relied upon with respect to their knowledge, trustworthiness and religion, intentionally oppose the book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. Nevertheless, it is indeed possible for scholars to commit mistakes in the laws of Allah because the human, as Allah describes him, is weak: “…and man was created weak.” (An-Nisa, 4:28)

Therefore, man is weak in his knowledge and perception, and he is weak in his understanding and comprehension. As a result, mistakes will emanate from him in some matters. Mistakes committed by the majority of the scholars are not in the fundamentals, except there are those who have fallen into error and stood in opposition to certain fundamentals of Sunnah as a result of their ijtihaad. Ibn Taymiyyah states:

“…Many of the Mujtahidun of the Salaf (pious predecessors) and those later on have said and performed deeds which are innovations. They however, did not know these deeds to be acts of innovation due to weak hadiths which they believed to be authentic, or incorrectly understanding verses of the Qur’an or due to an opinion they exerted in an issue which had textual evidences they were not aware of ….” (Majmu’ al-fataawa, vol. 19, page 191)

The Causes

The following causes are some of the frequently found reasons for differing between scholars:

  1. The evidence was not known to the scholar, which ultimately led to error in his judgment.

Evidences pertaining to a particular issue or issues of the religion not reaching a scholar, whether he be one of the four schools of thought (Abu Hanifa, Malik, Shafi’i and Ahmad ibn Hanbal May Allah have mercy on them all) or any of the scholars that came after them, is not something unique to them only. This also happened to the companions themselves. This can be seen in the hadith collected in Sahih Bukhari:

“Umar ibn Al-khattaab (RA) was traveling to Ash-Sham. Along the way, someone mentioned to him that a plague had broken out there. So he stopped and started to seek counsel from the companions. He counseled both the Muhaajirun and the Ansaar, and the companions differed on this issue which resulted in two opinions, the correct being that they should not travel to Sham but return to Madinah. During this deliberation and consultation, Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Awf, who had been preoccupied and therefore not initially present, turned up and remarked: “I have with me some knowledge on this matter. I heard the Messenger of Allah say: ‘If you hear of it (i.e. a plague) being in a land, do not go there, and if it breaks out in a land which you are in, do not leave in flee of it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This example illustrates that people who lived during the time of revelation did not have knowledge and evidences regarding everything. The above ruling given by Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Awf was not only no known to the chief of the believers, Umar ibn al-Khataab (RA), but also to the major companions of the Muhaajirun and Ansaar.

  1. The hadith is known to the scholar; however he regards it as being in contradiction to a stronger hadith.

Once again, let us look at an example involving the companions themselves and not those after them.

“Fatimah, the daughter of Qays (may Allah be pleased with her) was divorced by her husband for the third and final time. He arranged for wheat to be sent to her as a means of sustenance during her waiting period. She however, belittled it and refused to accept it. They then took their case up with the Prophet, whereupon, he informed her that he in fact had no legal claim to any maintenance or accommodation.” (Sahih Muslim)

Umar ibn Al-Khataab was unaware of this Sunnah and held the view that the woman in such a predicament was entitled to maintenance and housing. He rejected the above mentioned hadith on the basis that she may have forgotten and said: “Are we to leave the saying of our Lord for the saying of a woman, when we know not if she has remembered or forgotten?” The verse Umar (RA) was referring to is: “…and do not turn them out of their (husbands’) homes, nor shall they (themselves) leave unless they are guilty of open lewdness…” (At-Talaq, 65:1)

The chief of the believers did not have any confidence in the authenticity of this piece of evidence. There are numerous examples where we notice that some scholars regard a certain hadith as authentic, so they give judgment in accordance to it. Whilst others see it as being weak so do not consider it, due to a lack of trust as to whether it actually is reported from the Messenger of Allah.

  1. The scholar knew the hadith but he did not recollect it.

Indeed just how many people find that a hadith or a verse from the Qur’an has slipped from their minds? Even the Prophet can forget, the one to whom revelation is sent down. Allah said: “We shall cause you to recite so that you do not forget, except what Allah wills…” (Al-A’laa, 87:6-7)

The Messenger of Allah led his companions in prayer one day and he missed out a verse forgetfully. Ubayy ibn ka’b was present with him, so when the Prophet finished praying and was informed that he missed a verse, he said to Ubayy: “Why didn’t you remind me of it?” (Abu Dawud and Ahmad)

An example for this cause is the incident involving Umar ibn al-Khataab and Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with them both). The Messenger of Allah had sent them on an errand. On their journey one morning, both of them awoke in a state of Janabah (major impurity). Ammar exercised his judgment and saw that the purifying action of the earth was the same as that of water. So he rolled around on the earth just as the animal would, in order to completely cover himself with the earth just as would have been compulsory for him to cover his entire body with water; he then prayed. As for Umar, he did not pray. When they approached the Prophet, he informed them of the action that should have been taken, saying to Ammar: “It would have been enough for you to do this with your hands.” The Prophet struck the ground with his hands once, wiped his left hand on top of his right hand, then he wiped his palms and face. (Sahih Bukhari)

Ammar used to relate this incident before and during the khilafah of Umar. One day, Umar summoned for him and said: “What is this hadith which you keep relating?” After Ammar informed him of the incident, Umar did not recall it and said: “Fear Allah O Ammar!” So Ammar said to him: “If you so desire, as Allah has made binding my obedience to you, I will stop narrating this incident.” ‘Umar replied: “We leave you to that which you have adopted.” i.e. relate it to the people. Therefore, we see that Umar had forgotten that the Prophet allowed tayammum (dry ablution) for the one in the state of janabah, just as it is allowed for the one who is in the state of minor defilement. The point to be made here is that a scholar can forget, becoming oblivious to the correct legal judgment and therefore giving an incorrect judgment, for which he is excused. However, the one who is aware of the evidences is not excused.

  1. The scholar is aware of the evidence but understand it incorrectly.

An example from the Sunnah to support this cause is the incident where the companions differed with each other on their way to a battle. The Messenger of Allah ordered his companions to set out for Bani Quraydhah and said: “None of you should pray Asr except at Bani Qurayhdah.” (Sahih Bukhari) The companions understood this command differently: Some though that the Messenger of Allah’s intention was for them to make haste in setting off so that when the time for Asr prayer arrived, they would already be at Bani Quraydhah. Consequently, when the time for Asr prayer set in and they were in fact still on their way, they prayed and did not delay it out of its prescribed time. The other companions understood the Messenger of Allah’s order to mean that they should not pray Asr until they reach Bani Quraydhah. Hence they delayed their prayer until they reached Bani Quraydhah and therefore prayed it outside its time.

Servants of Allah!

This Hadith is a fundamental evidence for not rebuking the Mujtahid who falls into error when exercising his judgment. This is only true when certain conditions are met. Some of them are the following: Firstly, the person performing Ijtihaad is qualified to do so. Secondly, the particular issue in which he errs in is open to Ijtihaad. Thirdly, the person exerts his utmost in trying to arrive at the correct ruling. Also, the person must have some form of evidence, which he uses to justify his position.

The Messenger of Allah said:

“If a judge gives a ruling upon Ijtihad and is correct, he will attain two rewards, and if he performs Ijtihad and errs in his ruling, then he secures one reward.” (Bukhari, Muslim and others)

So, it is only when the previously mentioned conditions are met that this hadith can take effect. This is an extremely important matter related to “differing” mentioned by a number of scholars like Ash-Shaatibi, Al-Khattaabi, ibn Taymiyyah and their like.

In the example of Bani Quraydhah, the correct position is with those who prayed on time. This is because the texts which make the prayers at their stated times obligatory, are clear and conclusive; and this hadith is a vague text. Therefore, the sound and correct methodology that should be adopted in such circumstances is to refer those texts that are vague and ambiguous back to those that are clear and conclusive – And Allah knows best.

  1. The scholar is aware of the hadith, but it is in fact abrogated.

At the advent of Islam, the praying person, when in ruku’ used to put his hands together and place them between his knees. However, this was later abrogated, and the new ruling was for one to place his hands on his knees. (Bukhari)

Once, Alqamah and Al-Aswad, two famous taabi’in scholars from amongst the students of ibn Mas’ud prayed at his side; they placed their hands on their knees, whereupon, he prohibited them and ordered them to do as he did. This is because he did not know of the abrogation. Hence, a scholar may use as evidence for his ruling a hadith that is authentic, its meaning may also be understood correctly, however, little did he know of its abrogation.

  1. The scholar is aware of the evidence, but he sees it to lie in conflict or contradiction to stronger evidence.

We often hear one asserting that there is a consensus of the scholars on a particular issue, only to find out that no such consensus has in fact taken place. An example of this is that a group related that there was a consensus of the scholars on the acceptance of a slave’s testimony, whilst others reported that there was a consensus on the rejection of a slave’s testimony. The reason this occurs is because a certain type of individual who is surrounded by people who agree with him on an issue, believes that not a single person disagrees with him due to his full conviction that this judgment is exactly what the texts imply. Hence, two evidences form in his mind: The text and a consensus of the scholars. In addition, he may even feel that this judgment is supported by correct analogical deduction known as qiyas. Therefore he judges that no one differs on this text which to him is supported by correct qiyas. The reality however, is the complete opposite.

 

Ibn Abbas is of the opinion that riba (usury) only occurred in an-nasee’ah (Illegal profit earn on a lent commodity), whilst the scholars after him have all agreed that riba is of two types: al-fadl (Illegal profit earn by exchanging the same commodity, different in quality) and an-nasee’ah.

  1. The scholar gives a ruling based on a hadith he deems to be authentic, whilst others see it as weak (da’if)

A weak hadith is not a true saying or action of the Prophet and cannot be used to prove any point of Islamic Law. Thus any law which is based on such a hadith is considered incorrect. In the hadith collected by Abu Dawud, whereby Hafs ibn Ghayyaath reported from Abdur-Rahman ibn Is-haaq from…that Ali ibn Talib was supposed to have said: “The Sunnah position of the hands in Salah is to place one hand on the other hand, below the navel.” This hadith is classified as weak because Abdur-Rahman was a known liar.

In another hadith also collected by Abu Dawud, and which the scholars of hadith classified as authentic, Tawus reported: “Allah’s Messenger used to put his right hand on his left hand and place them on his chest whenever he was in Salah.” Another example is the differences of opinion concerning the prayer of Tasbeeh (Salatu Tasbeeh). Whilst some scholars view it as legislated and justifiable, others deem the hadiths regarding it as not authentic. Shaykhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah said: “its hadith is a lie on the Prophet.”

Whose opinion should we follow?

Brothers and Sisters!

It is obligatory on the Muslim to search and investigate in order to find the one closest to the correct opinion. Just as a person who is sick, looks for the most competent person in the field of medicine, then the same applies here, as knowledge is a remedy for the hearts. It is not a condition that you take all your rulings from the most knowledgeable person of your time. This is because not every knowledgeable person always holds the correct opinion. This statement can be supported by the fact that at the time of the companions, people would ask one who was less knowledgeable than others who were also present. At the very least, a Muslim should refer back to those whom he believes to be the most competent in their religion and knowledge, those who refers back to the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. The notion that because there is a difference on a particular matter, e.g. with regard to the prohibition of something, it therefore becomes permissible is completely rejected by the Sunnah. If we were to accept this then we would declare lawful riba, illegal marriages like mut’ah and certain intoxicating drinks because the ummah differed in these issues. Allah Most High says:

“If you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it back to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day.” (An-Nisa, 4:59)

My respected people!

Let me conclude my Sermon by citing some of the statements of the Imams of the four schools of thought, may Allah have mercy on them all.

Imam Abu Hanifah said:

“If a hadith is found to be sahih, then it is my madhhab.” (ibn Aabideen in al-Hashiyah)

He also said:

“It is not permitted for anyone to accept our views if they do not know from where we got them.” (Ibn al-Qayyim in I’lam al-Muwaqqi’in and others)

Imam Malik ibn Anas said:

“Truly I am only a mortal: I make mistakes (sometimes) and I am correct (sometimes). Therefore, look into my opinion: all that agrees with the Book and the Sunnah accept it; and all that does not agree with the Book and the Sunnah, ignore it.” (Ibn Abdul Barr in Jami’ Bayanil ilm)

“He also said:

“Everyone after the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) will have his sayings accepted and rejected, except the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).” (Ibn Hazm in usul al-Ahkam)

Imam Shaafi’i said:

“If you find in my writings something different to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), then speak on the basis of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and leave what I have said.” (Al-Khateeb)

He also said:

“When a hadith is found to be sahih, then that is my madhhab.” (Nawawi in Al-Majmu)

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:

“Do not follow my opinion; neither follows the opinion of Malik, nor Shafi’i, nor Awza’i, nor Thawri, but takes from where they took.” (Ibn al-Qayyim in I’lam)

Therefore, Servants of Allah, reflect on these sayings, for they alone are enough to smash blind following of opinion.

And Allah knows best.

Alhamdu Lillah and May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger Muhammad (SAW), his family and his companions.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Jumaada al-Thaany 22, 1437 A.H (April 1st, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, The Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’at Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State Nigeria. He can be reached via: +234 80 382 89761.

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FAITH

(Friday Sermon) Islam Teaches Muslims Good Character By Imam Murtada Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All perfect praise be to Allah, we praise Him, seek His aid, and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and from our bad deeds. He whom Allah guides, there is none to misguide him, and he whom He leaves astray there is none to guide him! I bear witness that Muhammad (SAW) is His slave and Messenger.

To proceed:

“O you who have believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared, (Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always), and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah.” [Al-Imraan: 103]

“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) he created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you.” (An-Nisaa’: 1)

“O you who have believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (SAW) he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter paradise).” [Al-Ahzaab: 70-71)

To Proceed:

Verily the most truthful speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SAW). And the worst matters are the newly invented matters (in the religion), and ALL new matters are innovations into the religion, and all the innovations are misguidance, and all the misguidance lead to the fire.”

Servants of Allah!

Good character, morals, ethics and manners are fundamental to the religion of Islam and the means by which we can achieve salvation in the life to come. Good character is a major theme in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Hadiths of the Prophet (SAW). True righteousness is defined by it and the best Muslims are those who practice it. The believers with the most complete faith, who are most beloved by Allah and His Messenger, are those with the best character. A good Muslim is a person who received good training and upbringing from his parents. Therefore he will not abuse or insult the leaders and elders of other people nor listen to those untrained people who are trying to tarnish his image, defame him or spreading the campaign of calumny against him. Because he have believed that it’s lack of good training and proper upbringing that would make a person to behave so.

Allah praised the Prophet’s character and set him as the example and role model for all believers to follow. Allah the Most High said:

“Verily, you are upon great moral character.” (Surah Al-Qalam 68:4)

The commentators of the Qur’an say the “great moral character” mentioned in this verse is the Qur’an, the Prophet, and the religion of Islam itself.

Imam Ibn Kathir also comments on this verse, saying:

“The meaning of this verse is that the Prophet would emulate the Qur’an in its commands, its prohibitions, and it became his temperament. His character became accustomed to it and he abandoned his visceral carnal nature. Whatever the Qur’an commanded he did, and whatever it prohibited he abstained. Along with this, Allah ingrained within him great character traits of modesty, generosity, courage, forgiveness, forbearance, and every beautiful trait.” (See Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Azim, 68:4)

The primary mission of the Prophet was to instill good character within the believers in every aspect of their lives.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Verily, I have only been sent to perfect righteous character.” (See Musnad Ahmad, 8729)

In another narration, the Prophet said:

“I have been sent to perfect good character.” (See al-Muwatta, 1614)

And in another narration, the Prophet said:

“Verily, Allah has sent me to perfect noble morals and complete good deeds.” (See al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, 7073)

Brothers and sisters!

With respect to Allah, good character means upholding the sound creed (aqeedah) and acts of worship (ibadah). With respect to people, good character means being just, merciful, forgiving, kind, generous and patient in our interactions with them (Mu’amalat).

This comprehensive view of good character coloured the Prophet’s preaching in Makkah and throughout his life. The companions would recall how good character was one of the first Islamic teachings they had ever heard.

Ibn Abbas reported: When Abu Dharr heard that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had appeared in Makkah, he said to his brother, “Ride to this valley and tell me about this man who claims to have received revelation from the heavens. Listen to his words and then inform me. “The man rode along until he arrived in Makkah and he listened to the Prophet, then he return to Abu Dharr and he said:

“I have seen him order noble morals, and his speech is not that of poet.” (See Sahih Muslim, 2474)

Since good character is so important, behaving in a morally upright manner is a religious obligation. The Prophet commanded Muslims to behave well in every circumstance and with every human being, not simply those close to us.

Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Behave with good character toward the people”. (See Sunan At-Timidhi, 1987)

Good character is not merely recommended or secondary to issues of doctrine. Rather, good character, morals, ethics, and manners are the spirit that breathes life into our doctrines. It is the very essence of the righteousness spoken about all throughout the Qur’an. It is accessible to our innate rational nature as Allah has bestowed upon all of us the power to recognize righteousness and sin, even without the aid of revelation.

An-Nawwas ibn Sam’an reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Righteousness is good character and sin is what waivers in your heart and you hate for people to find out about it.” (See Sahih Muslim, 2553)

In another narration, the Prophet said:

“Consult your soul, consult your heart. Righteousness is what is satisfying to your soul and your heart, and sin is what wavers in your soul and causes hesitancy in your chest, even if the people give you a judgment, and again give you a judgment.” (See Sunan Ad-Darimi, 2533)

From all this, many classical scholars understood that good character is essential and required in Islam, even equivalent to the religion itself.

Imam ibn Al-Qayyim writes:

“The religion itself is entirely good character, so whoever surpasses you in good character has surpassed you in religion.” (See Madaarij al-Saalikin, 2/294)

And he also writes:

“Good manners itself is the religion in its entirety.” (See Madaarij al-Saalikin, 2/363)

The true measure of a good Muslim is how good are his character and manners, particularly in his or her relationships with their families and all people. Men are specifically called upon to treat their women in the best manner. The honour of a Muslim man is directly proportional to his behaviour towards women.

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“The best of you are those with the best character.” (See Sahih Bukhari, 3366)

In another narration, the Prophet said:

“The most complete of the believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are the best in behaviour to their women.” (See Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 1162)

And in another narration, the Prophet said:

“Verily, the believers with the most complete faith are those with the most excellent character and who are most kind to their family.” (See Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2612)

Servants of Allah!

Good character is among the greatest of good deeds to be placed on the scale of a believer on the Day of Judgment, even more so than an abundance of voluntary acts of worship.

Abu Dardaa reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Nothing is heavier upon the scale of the believer on the Day of Resurrection than his good character. Verily, Allah hates the shameless, obscene person.” (See Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2002)

Aisha reported: the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Verily, the believer may reach through his good character the status of one who regularly fasts and prays at night.” (See Sunan Abu Dawud, 4798)

The Prophet informed us that good character is the leading cause of people entering paradise. On the contrary, character flaws involving bad speech, defaming, attacking, abusing and insulting people and sexual immorality are the leading cause of people entering the Hellfire.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Prophet was asked, “What enters most people into paradise?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said:

“Righteousness and good character.”

It was asked, “What enters most people into the Hellfire?” The Prophet said:

“The mouth and the private parts.” (See Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2004)

Those who practiced good character and manners will be the closet to the Prophet and the righteous in paradise, whereas those who indulged in bad manners will be the furthest from them.

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessing be upon him, said:

“Shall I tell you about the most beloved to me and the closest to my assembly on the Day of Resurrection? They are those with the best character.” (See Musnad Ahmad, 6696)

In another narration, the Prophet said:

“Verily, the most beloved and nearest to my gathering on the Day of Resurrection are those of you with the best character. Verily, the most reprehensible of you to me and the furthest from my gathering on the Day of Resurrection will be the pompous, the extravagant, and the arrogant.” (See Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2018)

My respected people!

The scholars have written many books and articles about the virtues of good character and their practical manifestations: acts of mercy, justice, fairness, patience, forbearance, modesty, humility, generosity, piety, kindness, compassion, and so forth. In each case, good character involves the respect due to Allah, as well as the respect due to human beings and animals as the creations of Allah.

Ibn Taymiyyah summarizes the good character of Islam, saying:

“The believers encourage people to reconcile relations with those who have cut them off, to give charity to those who have deprived them, and to forgive those who have oppressed them. They order people to be benevolent with parents, to uphold family ties, to be benevolent with neighbours, to be kind with orphans, travelers, and the poor, and to be gentle with servants. They forbid bragging, arrogance, and transgression. They discourage people from feeling superior over others, rightly or wrongly. They enjoin people to use lofty manners and prohibit them from pursuing trifles. All that they say or do from these virtues and other teachings, in all of it they follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Their path is the religion of Islam with which Allah has sent Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.” (See al-Aqidah al-Wasitiyah, 1/71)

Dear Servants of Allah!

As Muslims, our goal should be to behave well towards Allah by continuously seeking knowledge of the religion and performing acts of worship, while at the same time behaving well towards all people, upholding divine values of justice, fairness and mercy, and responding to evil with good.

“O Allah! Make us among those who earn your forgiveness and acquire safety from the Hell fire, Ameen.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved Master Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (SAW), his family and his companions.

Success comes from Allah, the Lord of all that exists, and He the Most High knows best.

This Khutbah (Friday Sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Jumaada al-awwal 24, 1437 A.H (March 4, 2016), by Imam Murtadha Muhammad Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’at Mosque and Alhaji Abdurrahman Okene’s Mosque, Okene Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached through: +234 80 3828 9761.

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