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Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon] Real And True Love Is Loving Someone For Allah’s Sake!

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Imam Murtada Gusau

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation—may He extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and send His peace and blessings upon him—likewise upon his family, Companions, and true followers.

Dear brothers and sisters! By saying I love you. What does that mean? I love you because you are my family, I love you because you are beautiful, I love you because you have money, I love you because you help me out, I love you because you are my tribe or we belong to the same language, I love you because we are from the same region, I love you because we belong to the same political party or I love you because we belong to the same organisation or sect?

I ask, today, please, how many people actually love simply for the sake of Allah?

Respected servants of Allah! Know that, love for the sake of Allah brings rewards your mind can’t even grasp, but unfortunately wallahi it has become a lost trait among many Muslims today. So let’s find out what it means to love someone for the sake of Allah and get motivated by a selection of amazing Prophetic Hadiths to start loving others in this blessed way In Shaa Allah!

Allah The Almighty says about the brotherly love of the people of the Ansar:

“. . . And those who, before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, – love those who emigrate to them (from Makkah) . . .” [Qur’an, 59:9]

What does “loving for the sake of Allah” really mean?

Loving someone for the sake of Allah comes in two ways: in your heart and with your deeds. You love someone for the sake of Allah in your heart because of their position with Allah, and this starts with loving the Prophets and Messengers and everyone who follows them. You should have this love in your heart for other Muslims. Outwardly means that you support that person in the good deeds they do, and you respect and defend them according to their good deeds.

This means you don’t love them because you know them very well, or because they brought you a direct benefit or because they have a nice appearance: you love and support themq because of their efforts to please Allah!

• Huge rewards to gain

1. Taste the sweetness of Iman (faith)

To start with an invaluable reward in this world, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“There are three qualities whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of Iman (faith): to love Allah and His Messenger more than anyone else; to love a servant (of Allah) only for (the sake of) Allah; and to abhor returning to infidelity after Allah has saved him from it as he would abhor to be thrown into the fire (of Hell).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

We have to realise that of everything you can have in this world, a taste of the sweetness of Iman (faith) is the most precious.

2. Enjoy the shade of Allah

Moving to the Day of Judgement, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said that Allah will ask on this day:

“Where are those who loved each other for the sake of Myq glory? Today, on a day when there is no shade but Mine, I shall shade them with My shade.” [Muslim]

You will only understand your intense need of this shade, when you are there and by just loving someone for the sake of Allah you can work for it now!

3. The Prophets and martyrs will envy you

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, Allah, the Exalted, has said:

“For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Imagine yourself sitting on seats of light and the best of the best envying you because you made it a priority to love others for the sake of Allah!

4. You will have a high rank with Him

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“A man set out to visit a brother (in faith) in another town and Allah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him: Where do you intend to go? He said: I intend to visit my brother in this town. The angel said: Have you done any favour to him? He said: No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious. Thereupon the angel said: I am a messenger to you from Allah (to inform you) that Allah loves you as you love him (for His sake).” [Muslim]

Dear brothers and sisters! Isn’t this breath taking? By loving someone for the sake of Allah, you gain the love of (Allah) the Highest and which love is better than His?

• How to love someone for the sake of Allah

1. Be patient with others and strive for a clean heart: In your relationship with other believers don’t try to seek the negative side of each word or gesture, be fast in accepting apologies and don’t be selfish. A common issue is the more ‘religious’ some people get, their hatred for others increases. Try to seek the good side in others and always try to find a good explanation or interpretation of certain behaviour or the speech of the other.

2. Be a person on whom others can rely in times of need: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body: if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in pain.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

You might know this Hadith, but try to truly reflect on it. Do you truly feel the pain of other believers, does it affect you? As this is a sign of your actual love for another!

There was an example of a man who loaned his friend money and walked back home crying. When his wife asked him why he was crying and if it was because he needed the money himself he said:

“No I am crying at my brother in faith’s state of affairs. How could I not have known what he was going through? If I had, I would have offered my help before he was compelled to ask for it.”

He was crying because he had seen his friend sighing, and even though he had seen something was wrong, he had never bothered to ask. This brother was crying because he hadn’t been there to prevent his brother in Islam from going through the pain of having to ask for a loan.

3. Tell others you love them for Allah’s sake

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“If any of you loves his brother then he should inform him.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Respected brothers and sisters! Wallahi, as I know, no any religion urges its followers to adopt mutual love, affection and intimacy like the religion of Islam. This should be the case at all times, not just on specific days. Islam encourages showing affection and love towards each other all the time. In a Hadith, the Prophet (Peace be upon him), said:

“When a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmithi]

In another Hadith, he (Peace be upon him) said:

“By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you will not enter Paradise unless you believe, and you will not believe unless you love each other. Should I direct you to something that if you constantly did it, you would love each other? Spread the greetings of peace among you.” [Muslim]

Moreover, the Muslim’s affection includes inanimate beings. Talking about the Mountain of Uhud, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“This is Uhud, a mountain which loves us and we love it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Love in Islam is all-encompassing, comprehensive and sublime, rather than being restricted to one form only, which is love between a man and a woman. Rather, there are more comprehensive, wider and sublime meanings. There is love for Allah The Almighty, the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and the love of good and righteous people. There is love of the religion of Islam, upholding it and making it victorious and the love of martyrdom for the sake of Allah The Almighty as well as other forms of love. Consequently, it is wrong and dangerous to restrict the broad meaning of love to this type of love only.

• A successful marital and family life is based on love and compassion

Perhaps some people are influenced by what is relentlessly propagated by the conventional and social media, movies and TV serials, day and night, thinking that a marriage will not be successful unless it is based on a pre-marital relationship between the young couple to achieve perfect harmony between them and secure a successful marital life.

Not only this, many people are also influenced by the call to intermixing between the two sexes, lewdness as well as many other moral deviations. This leads to great corruption and grave crimes as well as the violation of sanctities and honour. I will not refute this allegation from this point of view, but through real studies and figures.

In a study carried out by Cairo University (a university of neutral orientation; which is not an Islamic authority to be subject to doubt of being biased) about what it called “love marriage” and “traditional marriage”, the following was concluded:

“According to the study, 88 percent of marriages which take place after a love affair end with failure, i.e., with a success rate of not more than 12 percent. As for what it called “the traditional marriage”, according to the study, 70 percent are successful. In other words, the number of successful marriages in the so-called traditional marriage is six times more than love marriages.” [See Risalah Ila Mu’minah]

This study is confirmed by another similar one carried out by Syracuse University in the U.S. The study indicates beyond doubt that love or passion is not a guarantee for a successful marriage; rather, it often leads to failure. The alarming rates of divorce assert these facts.

Commenting on this phenomenon, Professor Saul Gordon, a lecturer at the aforementioned University said:

“When you are in love; to you the whole world revolves around this person whom you love. Marriage then comes to prove the opposite and destroy all your perceptions. This is because you discover that there are other worlds that you have to be aware of. It is not the world of humans, but the world of concepts, values and habits which you paid no attention to before.” [Ibid]

Frederick Koenig, a professor of social psychology at Tulane University, says:

“Romantic love is very strong and emotional, but does not last, while real love is linked to the land and life and can withstand trials.”

He adds:

“It is impossible that one adapts the powerful emotions in romantic love. This love seems like a cake, a person enjoys eating it [while it lasts], then it is followed by the period of downfall. While real love means sharing the concerns of daily life and cooperation for it to continue. Within the framework of this cooperation, one can achieve his human need.” [See Al-Qabas Newspaper: Quoted from Risalah Ila Hawwa’]

The love which the writer talks about and calls “real life” was expressed in the Qur’an as affection. Allah The Exalted Says:

“And of His Signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.” [Qur’an, 30: 21]

The relationship between spouses is based on affection and mercy, not on ardent love, desire and passion. It is a relationship which is based on quiet love (affection) and mutual mercy, not illusions of love which fail to withstand reality or romantic fantasies which fail to create a successful marriage.

How knowledgeable was Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, when he addressed women and said:

“If one of you does not love her husband, she should not tell him about this, because only a few homes are based on love; rather, people live together by virtue of good morals and Islam.”

Nevertheless, this does not mean that we call to neglect emotions between spouses or bury feelings and sentiments between them.

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), gave us the best example of loving his wives. It was narrated in the pure Sunnah that the Prophet (Peace be upon him), was careful to put his mouth on the same place from which his wife Aisha may Allah be pleased with her drank. During his final illness, he used her Siwak (tooth stick) and died while he was reclined against her chest, between her neck and bosom. What kind of love is nobler and more sublime than this?

Respected servants of Allah! Allah describes the true believers in Islam with the following description:

“While the people of Iman (faith) are stronger in their love for Allah [than anyone else].” [Surah al-Baqarah: 165]

Love and hatred are opposites. Since it is logically impossible to truly love something without hating what stands against it, Muslims both love and hate for the sake of Allah.

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) guided us to this balance and moderation in our emotions when he said:

“Verily the strongest handhold of faith is that you love for the sake of Allah and that you hate for the sake of Allah.” [Ahmad]

Our great scholar, Shaikh Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (d.1420, may Allah have Mercy on him) was asked about love and hatred for the sake of Allah, and he replied:

“Loving for Allah is when you love (someone) for Allah’s sake, the Blessed and Exalted, because you believe him to be a person of taqwa (mindfulness of Allah’s orders) and Iman (upright beliefs, statements, and actions). Because of these things you love such a person for the sake of Allah. You also hate for the sake of Allah when you see a disobedient disbeliever. You hate such a person for the sake of Allah. You also hate a disobedient person, even if he is a Muslim, based on the degree of his disobedience. This is how a believer is – He allows his heart to react to both types of people, loving some of them for the sake of Allah. He loves the people of Iman and taqwa for the sake of Allah, while he hates the people of disbelief, evil, wicked and disobedience for Allah’s sake, allowing his heart to interact with both kinds. In the case when there is good and bad in a person, like a disobedient Muslim, then he loves him for his Islam and hates him for his disobedience, combining both emotions of love and hatred for one person. As for the people of Iman (faith) and the people of upright Islamic practice, then he (a true believer) loves them wholeheartedly. Similarly, he hates the people of disbelief wholeheartedly. But regarding someone who has both things (good and bad traits), a disobedient Muslim, he loves him based on the level of his Iman (faith) and Islam, while he hates him according to the level of his wickedness, disobedience and violations (of Islamic beliefs and practices).”

Dear brothers and sisters! I end my today’s sermon by saying: all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation; may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.

Wishing you and all your loved ones a Joyous Jumu’ah Mubarak.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached through: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today Friday, Rabi’ul Thani 16, 1444 AH (November 11, 2022).

Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon: Hisbah And The Islamic Ways Of Stopping Evils In Society

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Imam Murtada Gusau

 

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation, may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.

Dear brothers and sisters! The Shari’ah-oriented political scientists define Hisbah as the duty of enjoining good when it is neglected and forbidding evil when it is prevalent in society. Ibn Khaldun considers Hisbah as a religious post. That is why jurists (Fuqaha) differentiate between the Muhtasib (one who practices Hisbah), who is appointed by the head of state or the governor to look after the state’s subjects, and the Mutatawi’i (volunteer), who practices Hisbah without being assigned by the political authority. Historically, Hisbah as a system was founded in the political life of Muslims during the era of Caliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab. However, the term itself was known only in the era of the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mahdi.

According to some Islamic scholars, Hisbah started in a simple form in the early days of Islam, but acquired various features and ramifications over time. In fact, some contemporary government ministries and departments — such as those of health, social affairs, municipalities, transport, and police — are now assuming duties that used to be entrusted to the Muhtasib.

The Muhtasib must be a capable, discerning Muslim adult. This person serves as the eye of the law on both state and society.

Hisbah, as defined earlier, is the duty of promoting what is good and preventing what is evil. And it is a collective duty or obligation of the Muslim society. Hence, a considerable number of individuals should assume this responsibility, take an affirmative stand toward it, and put it into practice whenever there is a need for it.

Hisbah is a broad Qur’anic principle that encompasses both the government’s responsibilities as well as any effort exerted by the individual to resolve a conflict or misunderstanding between two individuals, groups, friends, families, or strangers.

Hisbah thus encourages the individual to participate and get involved in society as an active agent who is mindful of the problems and concerns of the society where he or she lives. There are several verses in the Qur’an on Hisbah, which is also one of the major themes of the Prophetic Sunnah.

Muslim jurists (Fuqaha) have also spoken at length on the conditions and valid application of Hisbah, which need not be reviewed here. However, one deems it mandatory to mention that Imam Ibn Taimiyyah specified certain conditions for one to be eligible to be a Muhtasib such as knowledge, leniency, and patience.

So the main Pillars of Hisbah are:

1. The Muhtasib: who must be a capable, discerning Muslim adult. This person serves as the eye of the law on both state and society. In other words, this person supervises the application of the law in society, especially in the marketplace, to protect it against treachery, mishandling, monopoly, usury, exaggerated profits, and the like.

2. A flagrant evil that exists: It should be so clear to the Muhtasib, in such a way that requires no effort exerted for noticing it.

3. The process of Hisbah itself, which refers to the regulation or censorship of public morals as described above.

Dear brothers and sisters! Know that enjoining good and forbidding evil in society is one of the essential teachings of Islam. It is the pillar of a justly-ordered society and the guardian of true faith. Everyone is obligated to acknowledge good and reject evil in their hearts, at the very least.

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest level of faith.” [Muslim]

The lowest level of faith is to reject evil in one’s heart and it is an obligation at all times. As for changing evil with one’s tongue, or words, and with one’s hand, or by direct action, it is only an obligation for those who are able to carry out its duties according to proper methods, principles, and objectives.

Imam Ibn Rajab commented on the many Hadith of this nature, saying:

“All of these Hadiths indicate that it is an obligation to condemn evil by the measure of one’s ability. As for condemnation in the heart, it is always required. Whoever does not condemn evil in his heart, it is a sign that faith (Iman) has vanished from his heart… As for condemnation of the tongue and hand, it is only obligatory within one’s capacity.” [See Jami’ul Ulum wal-Hikam]

The scholars have said that enjoining good and forbidding evil is based upon three principles, or prerequisite and necessary conditions:

Knowledge

2. Gentleness

3. Patience

It is not appropriate for someone to enjoin good or forbid evil unless they have knowledge of Islamic rulings and their relevancy to real-life situations, they are able to be patient and forbearing with the harm this duty entails, and they are gentle with people as much as possible.

Imam Sufyan al-Thawri, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“No one may enjoin good or forbid evil except for one who has three qualities: gentleness in what he enjoins and forbids, justice in what he enjoins and forbids, and knowledge of what he enjoins and forbids.” [See al-Amr bil-Maʻruf lil-Khallal]

And Imam Al-Qadi Abu Ya’la said:

“No one may enjoin good and forbid evil unless he understands what he enjoins and forbids, he is gentle in what he enjoins and forbids, and he shows forbearance in what he enjoins and forbids.” [See al-Amr bil Ma’ruf li-Ibn Taimiyyah]

And Imam Ibn Taimiyyah said:

“One who enjoins good must have three qualities: knowledge, gentleness, and patience. Knowledge comes before it, gentleness comes during it, and patience comes after it.” [See al-Amr bil Ma’ruf li-Ibn Taimiiyyah]

Respected servants of Allah! The scholars set these three conditions because, in addition to being mentioned many times in the Qur’an and Sunnah, they further facilitate the ultimate objective in Islam of reforming and purifying souls on their journey to Allah into the Hereafter. If someone tries to enjoin good while lacking one of these qualities, they will likely end up making the situation worse for themselves and others.

Imam Ibn Taimiyyah said:

“Based on this, it is said to let not your enjoining good and forbidding evil be evil itself. As it is among the greatest of obligatory and recommended deeds, thus the benefit of obligatory and recommended deeds must outweigh their harm.” [See al-Amr bil-Ma’ruf li-Ibn Taimiyyah]

Being able to balance all considerations of time and place in sound knowledge, graceful patience, and compassionate gentleness is the essence of wisdom, as put by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim:

Wisdom is to act as one should, in the manner that one should, in the time that one should.” [See Madarijus Salikin]

One who enjoins good should have a sound understanding of Islamic teachings on the issues at hand, in addition to the specific circumstances regarding people, their customs, their perceptions, and so on. Enjoining good is an act of worship done for the sake of Allah, so the good of it will be diminished or entirely nullified if it is done in ignorance.

Umar Ibn AbdulAziz, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Whoever worships without knowledge will cause more harm than good.” [Sunan al-Darimi]

One who enjoins good should be gentle to those whom he enjoins, meaning to only use such sternness or force as is necessary to achieve the desired outcome of reformation. The quality of gentleness makes the difference between a beautiful and graceful deed done for the sake of Allah, or an ugly and disgraceful deed done for the sake of one’s ego.

Aisha (RA) reported that: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Verily, kindness and gentleness is not found in anything but that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything but that it disgraces it.” [Muslim]

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) was very gentle and charitable whenever he needed to criticise or correct someone’s behaviour. His habit was to make a general point of correction, without specifying or naming the person, in hopes of salvaging that person’s reputation. The reputations of the believers, like their lives and property, are sacred.

Aisha (RA) reported that: If the Prophet (Peace be upon him) heard something bad about a man, he would not name them by saying:

“What is the matter with this person that he says this?” Rather, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would say: “What is the matter with some people who say this?” [Sunan Abi Dawud]

When further criticism was warranted to achieve the intended result, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would use mild and measured language to correct a person’s behaviour. He would neither outright condemn Muslims or believers for their moral shortcomings, nor would he use foul, vulgar, offensive, or ugly language.

Anas Ibn Malik reported that: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) would not revile others, he would not use profanity, and he would not curse others. If he wanted to criticise one of us, he would say:

“What is the matter with him? His forehead be dusted!” [Bukhari]

The companions likewise followed the Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) example in correcting people as gently as they could, only being harsh with those who committed brazen sins and violations of other’s rights in public.

Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal reported that:

“The companions of Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, if they passed by people from whom they saw something they disapproved, they would say: Take it easy, may Allah have mercy on you.” [See al-Amr bil-Maʻruf lil-Khallal]

And Imam Ahmad said:

“One should enjoin good with gentleness and humility. If they make him hear what he dislikes, he should not get angry such that he wants to avenge himself.” [See al-Amr bil-Maʻruf lil-Khallal]

And he also said:

“People are in need of courtesy and gentleness in enjoining good, without harshness, except for a man who brazenly sins in public, for he has no sanctity.” [Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam]

Dear brothers and sisters! As for patience and forbearance, it was the quality of the Prophets of Allah (Peace be upon them) to endure the harms of their people to whom they delivered the message of Allah Almighty.

Allah Almighty said:

“Verily, Ibrahim was forbearing, compassionate, and repentant.” [Qur’an, 11:75]

And Allah the Most High said:

“They said: We will surely be patient with the harm you cause us, and let them rely upon Allah those who would rely.” [Qur’an, 14:12]

My beloved people! One who enjoins good must be gentle to avoid provoking the harmful reactions of those whom he enjoins, but it is to be expected that such harm is inevitable in some cases. This means that the believer should advise others and neither reciprocate their harm and insults, nor retaliate against them for the sake of his or her own ego.

Amr Ibn al-As, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“The truly forbearing one is not one who is forbearing to those who tolerate him but insults whoever insults him. Rather, the truly forbearing one is forbearing to both those who tolerate him and to those who insult him.” [See al-Mudarah al-Nas, 6]

Artah Ibn al-Mundhir, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

The believer does not take vengeance for himself. He is prevented from doing so by the Qur’an and Sunnah. He has been restrained.” [See al-Amr bil-Maʻruf lil-Khallal]

Enjoining good should always been done with a sincere intention for the sake of Allah, not as a pretext to vent personal grudges or any other egotistically driven motive. Sometimes one who enjoins good is motivated by hope of reward or fear of punishment, but an even better motive is good will and mercy towards the believers and the pure love of Allah and love for the sake of Allah.

Imam Ibn Rajab said:

“Know that enjoining good and forbidding evil is at times done out of motivation to seek reward from Allah, at times done for the fear of His punishment for leaving it, at times done for anger for the sake of Allah in violating His sacred limits, at times done with good will for the believers, mercy for them, and hope in their salvation from what might afflict them of the wrath of Allah and His punishment in the world and in the Hereafter, and at times it is done out of motivation to glorify Allah, to honour Him, and to love Him… Whoever considers these last two positions, it will be easy for him every time he endures harm for the sake of Allah Almighty, and perhaps he will even supplicate for the benefit of those who harm him.” [See Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam]

Dear servants of Allah! Islam is based upon sincere good will (Nasihah) towards the believers and human beings in general, which is to desire and intend good for them. Enjoining good always involves giving advice and therefore must be based on this type of sincerity. Believers should love for others what they love for themselves.

Jarir Ibn Abdullah reported that:

“I pledged allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) to establish prayer, to give charity, and to be sincere to every Muslim.” [Bukhari]

Ali Ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Verily, the believers are people with good will and love for each other, even if their lands and countries are far apart. And the hypocrites are people with malevolence for each other.” [See Tarikh Dimashq]

Even when it comes to non-Muslims and unbelievers, Muslims should be merciful to them and present Islam to them in the best possible manner, as mercy and concern for all beings is at the heart of Allah’s message.

Abdullah Ibn Amr reported that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

“The merciful (people) will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful (Allah). Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

In this regard, it should be appreciated that changing evil “with one’s hand” refers to direct action and not brute force or violence, unless defending oneself and others from aggression becomes legal and is necessary as a last resort.

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Changing evil with one’s hand does not necessarily mean with a sword or weapons.” [See Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam]

At the same time, Muslims should not be reckless in enjoining good if it might bring excessive harm to oneself and others. This principle is most clearly understood in relation to unjust and tyrannical leaders. If one can safely correct their behaviours and condemn their evil, without inciting a civil war or greater persecution, it is an obligation to do so. But if confronting the leader would likely result in bodily harm to oneself and the society, it is no longer an obligation and may even be prohibited.

Sa’id Ibn Jubair reported that: I asked Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him:

“Shall I enjoin good and forbid evil upon the leader?” Ibn Abbas said: “If you fear he will kill you, then no.” Then, I asked him again and he said: “If you must do so, then do it between you and him privately.” [See al-Amr bil-Maʻruf li-Ibn Abid Dunya]

Imam Ibn Rajab commented on this narration, saying:

“As for rebellion against the leaders with the sword (weapon), then it should be feared that they will cause trials leading to the shedding of blood. Yes, if it is feared that boldness in condemning the leaders will harm his people and his neighbours, it is not appropriate for him to confront them if it involves causing harm to others. Such was said by Al-Fudail Ibn Iyad and others. Along with this, if he fears they will put him to the sword, or whip, or prison, or shackle, or banishment, or seizure of property, and other types of harm like that, then the obligation to enjoin good and forbid evil upon them is dropped. The Imams were explicit about that, among them Malik, Ahmad, Ishaq, and others.” [See Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam]

The issue of confronting tyrannical, unjust and merciless leaders best illustrates the need to wisely consider the harms and benefits of direct action or speech. There are plenty of examples in Islamic history, and human history in general, when zealous revolutionaries incited a civil war in their countries or states and made a very bad situation even worse than it had been before.

Imam Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

If people had patience when they are afflicted with trials and injustices from their leader, it would not be long before Allah gives them a way out. Yet they rush to their swords (weapons), so they are left to their swords (weapons). By Allah, not even for a single day did they bring any good.” [See al-Tabaqat al-Kubrah]

This is not to say that confronting unjust authorities should never be done. On the contrary, it is among the best acts of jihad to speak truth to a tyrant and it is an obligation for those who can reasonably do so. That said, the position of most scholars is that political violence almost always leads to greater evil than the original tyrant. The priority should be the pragmatic safety and well-being of the society or nation, not an abstract commitment to a ruling ideology or Utopian society.

Respected brothers and sisters! Enjoining good and forbidding evil is a trial, so it should not be rushed into without the prerequisite faith (Iman), knowledge, and character. A believer ends up harming themselves or others when they confront a trial without being prepared to endure it or manage its fallout.

Hudhaifah reported that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

“It is not befitting for a believer to humiliate himself.” They said, “How does he humiliate himself?” The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “He confronts a trial he cannot endure.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

Imam Ibn Rajab commented on this Hadith, saying:

“Indeed, it only indicates that if one knows he cannot endure the harm and be patient with it, then in that case one who would enjoin good should not confront it. This is the truth.” [See Jami’ul Ulum wal-Hikam]

Great servants of Allah! Lastly, it is a fact that we will sometimes be confronted with evil that we have no power to change at all, whether it is because we as individuals are in a weak position, or the society as a whole is failing in the collective obligation to forbid evil, or the supporters of evil are too numerous to counter. In such a case, the least we can do, and perhaps the only thing we can do, is to hate the evil we see in our hearts.

Ummu Salamah reported that: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

“There will be leaders from whom you will see both goodness and corruption. One who recognises 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 (Peace be upon him) said: “No, as long as they pray.” [Muslim]

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Soon one of you who lives long enough will see evil he cannot change, yet Allah knows that he hates it in his heart.” [See al-Amr bil-Maʻruf li-Ibn Abi Dunya]

In sum, enjoining good and forbidding evil should only be done by those who can do so with a sincere intention, knowledge, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. It is only an obligation upon Muslims in so far as they are able to properly effect change, although true believers must always hate evil in their heart. Enjoining good involves the careful consideration of priorities, benefits, and harms, with the objective being to protect the Muslim society’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in this life and in the Hereafter.

And all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of: Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah Mosque; and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com; or +2348038289761.

This Friday sermon (Jumu’ah Khutbah) was prepared for delivery today Friday, 27 Sha’aban, 1445 AH (March 08, 2024).

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Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon] Based On My 1444 AH/2023 Eid Al-Adha’s Sermon (Khutbah)

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Imam Murtada Gusau

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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

Verily, all praise is for Allah. We praise Him, we seek His assistance and we ask for His forgiveness. And we seek refuge in Him from the evils of ourselves. Whoever Allah guides, none can misguide. Whoever He misguides, none can guide. And I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar!

To proceed:

Dear brothers and sisters, be conscious of Allah Almighty on this great day. For it is the best of the days and it has the most deeds of Hajj.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!

Allahu Akbar! Your pilgrim brothers and sisters stayed yesterday in Arafat.  Allahu Akbar!

And how many supplications did they make to Allah Almighty. Allahu Akbar! How many needs did Allah fulfill. Allahu Akbar! And how many people were accepted by Allah Almighty yesterday. Allahu Akbar! And how many sins were forgiven yesterday. Allahu Akbar! And how much mercy did Allah bestow. And how many were spared from the Fire. Oh Allah accept from us and the pilgrims and from all the Muslims. And make us and them from those whom You have forgiven their sins and rewarded their efforts and accepted their deeds and obligated mercy for them and spared them from the Fire.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!

Respected servants of Allah, your brothers and sisters performing Hajj pilgrimage are now proceeding to the jamarat after having spent the night in Muzdalifah in large assemblies, exalting, magnifying and praising Allah. So Glory be to the One Who guided them to Islam! And glory be to the One Who moved their tongues to make Zikr and remembrance of Him, and magnify Him. And glory be to the One who made these rituals in such few days! And glory be to the One Who within these days made the hearts move and the eyes tear!

That [is so]. And whoever honours the symbols [i.e., rites] of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” [Qur’an, 22: 32]

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!

Dear brothers and sisters, know that the greatest blessing that Allah Almighty bestowed upon the believers is their guidance to Islam. For it is the true religion. Allah Almighty said:

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” [Qur’an, 3:19]

And Allah will not accept from anyone a religion other than it. Allah the Most High says:

“And whoever desires other than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” [Qur’an, 3: 85]

And it is the religion that Allah Almighty perfected for His servants. Allah Almighty says:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” [Qur’an, 5: 3]

And He the Most High says:

“And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can alter His words, and He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” [Qur’an, 6: 115]

And Islam is from the words of Allah Almighty that he perfected, truth in what He informed and fair in His decree. And Islam through the protection of Allah Almighty is preserved from addition, subtraction, alteration, and distortion. Because through Islam, Allah sealed the Books. And sealed the Prophethood with Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). So Islam shall remain until the end of time, so that humanity is guided through it. Allah Almighty said:

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [i.e., the Qur’an], and indeed, We will be its guardian.” [Qur’an, 15: 9]

And the Qur’anic verses of the perfection of Islam were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during his farewell Hajj. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“I know the place where it was revealed and the day on which it was revealed. It was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) at Arafat, on a Friday.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

And with regards to the perfection of Islam, people are divided into three groups:

The first group are those who introduced into the religion of Islam unfounded religious practices and misguidances that have nothing to do with the Islam. And they deceived their followers with worships for which Allah Almighty has not sent down any authority. So they went astray and misled. And they are the common introducers of unfounded religious practices and those who follow them in their fabricated practices. And the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“If anyone introduces into this affair of ours (Islam) anything which does not belong to it, it is rejected.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

And the second group ar

Islam) anything which does not belong to it, it is rejected.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
And the second group are those who succumbed to the pressures of the times. So they have renounced some of the Islamic rulings and removed and omitted from it that which is inconsistent with the contemporary pressures on Islam and its followers. So they have permitted a number of forbidden matters and dropped a number of religious duties. And they dabble in the anomalies of jurisprudence and points of disagreement to extinguish the clear religious texts. And to reach their goal, they relied on the mistakes of those scholars who preceded them. And some of them did that for worldly aim. So how bad is what they did. They traded their religion for a worldly gain.
And some of them did that in defense of Islam, as they claim, to repel attacks against it, and this is from their ignorance. For the antagonists will not be satisfied with them until they destroy all of Islam, not some of it and until their way is followed. For they have ruined their souls and exposed it to the sources of sins and destruction. Islam is a great victorious religion, even if falsehood besieges it. Indeed the good consequence is for the Allah conscious.
And the third group are those who know the perfection of Islam, and worship Allah Almighty by it, and adhere to His ordainments, and do not add anything to it and do not subtract anything from it. And they are the greatest majority of Muslims, praise be to Allah the Almighty. And those in this group who fall short in adhering to their religion and those who wrong themselves by sinning, do not consider what they commit of the forbidden as permissible. And they do not consider what they leave out of the obligations as not required. Nor do they alter anything from Islam. Rather, they admit their negligence in their religion and their transgression upon themselves. They hope for repentance and ask others to supplicate for them. And such people are close to repentance and befitting for being given success in attaining it, since following desires did not destroy their hearts, nor do misleading unfounded religious practices divert them from the truth. For they know the perfection of Islam, just as they know their mistakes regarding the rights of their religion and their own rights. And a man was brought to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) to be disciplined for drinking alcohol so another man said:
Allah, curse him. How often he is brought to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him)! So he (Peace be upon him) said, do not curse him, for he loves Allah and His Messenger.” [Bukhari]
And this does mean taking the major sins and misdeeds lightly. But rather those who become weak before sin then fall into it, while blaming themselves for what they did, are better than those who consider the sin permissible or take it lightly even if they do not commit it.
Respected brothers and sisters, one of the requirements for belief in the perfection of Islam is adherence to all of its ordainments, and care in not splitting it by accepting some parts and not others. For Allah Almighty rebuked people who did that and warned them of humiliation in this world and torment and punishment in the hereafter. The Almighty addressed them saying:
“So do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.” [Qur’an, 2: 85]
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!
Dear servants of Allah, so be conscious of Allah Almighty on this great day. And thank Him for favouring you with this religion (Islam), and for what He guided you to its rituals and rulings which are the best of rituals and ordainments. And ask Him for steadfastness upon it until death, for the hearts are in the Hands of the Allah Almighty and He turns them as He wills. Oh Allah, the Changer of the Hearts, make our hearts steadfast upon Your religion (Islam), ameen.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!
Dear and respected Muslim women, know that the religion of Islam in its perfection and what it has of justice and mercy has not changed. For its rulings for women are the same rulings from when Allah Almighty revealed them to His Messenger Muhammad (Peace be upon him). So nothing was removed from it and nothing was added to it, in spite of attempts of some of the afflicted to distort, change or take away from it.
Indeed the woman who loves her Lord and religion and is certain of the perfection of Islam, adheres to all of the religion and holds on to it with determination and strength. And the words of the people of base desires and false notions do not deviate her from any part of her religion. And she is not turned away from the religion by the many women who take its rulings lightly. Because her greatest aim is pleasing her Lord, the Almighty and seeking the home of the hereafter. So she does not back down from this goal even if it means losing this entire worldly life. So how could she while she hears what Allah Almighty has permitted for her, and it is a lot, and she has pleased her Lord, Most glorified and she is pleased with herself. For the knot of sin around the heart is not unraveled except through repentance. And the pain of the sin does not leave the believer, because their modesty before their Lord, Glory be to Him, and their consciousness of His grace upon them. O believing women, adhere to all of Islam. For Islam is the religion of justice and perfection, and the reward for it is great, and this worldly life is short.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!
Respected Muslims, and let the hearts that are far apart from one another gather together on this great day. And be brothers and sisters in religion. And remove what you have in your hearts of ill feelings. And be dutiful to your parents and join your kinship. And be good to your neighbours. And bring happiness to your family and your children. And enjoy what Allah Almighty has made lawful for you, and beware of sin, for it is evil and a burden upon those committing them in this world and the Hereafter.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha illalLah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilLahil Hamd!
Make Allah Almighty repeatedly bestow upon us and you and upon all Muslims faith and blessings and safety and security. Make Allah accept from us and you the righteous deeds. Indeed Allah is All Hearing, Answering.
I conclude with this and send prayers of blessings and peace upon our beloved Prophet as your Lord commanded:
“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.” [Qur’an, 33: 56]
O Allah, guide us with those whom You have guided, grant us well-being among those You have granted well-being, be an ally to us along with those whom You are an ally to, and bless what You have bestowed upon us, and save us from the evil of what You have decreed. For verily You decree and none can decree over You. He whom You support can never be humiliated. Glory is to You, our Lord, You are Blessed and Exalted.
O Allah, I ask You for all that is good, in this world and in the Hereafter, what we know and what we do not know.
O Allah, I seek refuge with You from all evil, in this world and in the Hereafter, what we know and what we do not know.
O Allah, I ask You for the good that Your servant and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has asked You for, and we seek refuge with You from the evil from which Your servant and Prophet sought refuge.
O Allah, I ask You for Paradise and for that which brings one closer to it, in word and deed, and we seek refuge in You from Hell and from that which brings one closer to it, in word and deed. And we ask You to make every decree that You decree concerning us good.
Dear servants of Allah, 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.
Remember Allah, the Great – He will remember you. Thank Him for His favours – He will increase you therein. And seek forgiveness from Him – He will forgive you. And be conscious of Him – He will provide you a way out of difficult matters. And, establish the prayer.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation; may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Dhul-Hijjah 12, 1444 AH (June 30, 2023).

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Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon] The Last Ten Nights/Days, Lailatul-Qadr, Zakatul-Fitr And Bidding Farewell To Ramadan

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(Friday Sermon] The Last Ten Nights/Days, Lailatul-Qadr, Zakatul-Fitr And Bidding Farewell To Ramadan

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Provider, the Bestower. In His Hands are the repositories of everything. He divided the religious matters between His servants, just as He divided the worldly matters between them. So among them are scholars, worshippers and the righteous. Just as among them are the disobedient, disbelievers and hypocrites. We praise Him (Allah) in a manner befitting His Majesty and Grandeur. He gave this Ummah (nation) Lailatul Qadr (Night of Decree) that is better than 1000 months. And He gave this Ummah abundant goodness. In these nights He has mercies and bestowals that He gives to the people of the Mosques and Qur’an. And He deprives the heedless and negligent. His Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to make I’tikaf (seclusion in the Mosque) seeking Lailatul Qadr (Night of Decree). He made I’tikaf in the beginning and middle of Ramadan then he was informed that the Lailatul Qadr was in the last ten nights so he established I’tikaf in those nights.

So be conscious of Allah and fill these virtuous nights with acts of obedience to Allah. For it is a great season from the seasons of the hereafter, and the profit within them is much and the pardoning of Allah within them is generous. And in these nights, Allah liberates many from the hellfire, and no one is careless in striving except the deprived.

“So race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.” [Qur’an, 5:48]

Dear brothers and sisters! These last ten nights/days have appeared and they are quick to conclude and depart. And they are the best part of Ramadan. When these great ten nights entered, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to emphasise seeking forgiveness and he used to awaken his family for their sake. He (Peace be upon him) used to make I’tikaf in them to realise Lailatul Qadr. And on the 27th night, he gathered his wives and family for its sake. In that is advising the family to worship in these last ten nights/days.

Respected servants of Allah! If these ten nights entered, he (Peace be upon him) tightened his belt, revived the night, awakened his family and strived to the greatest possible extent. These ten nights are the conclusion of this month. And when those racing near the end of the track, they give it all that they have.

On this night is made distinct every precise matter. And it is also said that there is restriction on this night. Allah Almighty said:

“And thought that We would not restrict him.” [Qur’an, 21:87]

And likewise:

“And he whose provision is restricted.” [Qur’an, 65:7]

Meaning restriction since the earth narrows due to the abundance of Angels. This night is better than 1000 months that do not contain Lailatul Qadr. So if we compare Lailatul Qadr with a 1000 months that do not contain Lailatul Qadr, then this one night of Lailatul Qadr would surpass them in virtue. So the worship in Lailatul Qadr is superior to the worship of 1000 months.

And Allah Almighty favoured this Ummah with Lailatul Qadr. Indeed, Allah favoured this Ummah with many matters: Five prayers for this Ummah are equivalent to 50. Fasting one month is equivalent to fasting ten months. So fasting Ramadan is equivalent to the reward of fasting ten months. And the fasting of the six days of Shawwal is equivalent to the fasting of two months. Together with the ten months of Ramadan it is equivalent to fasting one complete year. Whoever prays Isha’ prayer in congregation it is as if he prayed half of the night. And whoever prayed Fajr (Subh) in congregation it is as if he prayed the whole night. And Zakah is 2.5% but purifies all of the servant’s wealth.

We praise Allah that he made us from the Ummah (Nation) of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). And if He willed He would have made us part of other past communities. But He favoured us by making us part of the best nation (Ummah) produced for mankind. And likewise Allah gave this nation (Ummah) advantage and multiplied their reward, and from that is this Lailatul Qadr. He favoured us in that worship in it is superior to the worship of 1000 months. Allah Almighty said:

“Indeed, We sent it [i.e., the Qur’an] down during the Night of Decree.” [Qur’an, 97:1]

Among its honouring, is that the revelation of the Qur’an in it. Allah Almighty said:

“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night.” [Qur’an, 44:3]

And Allah the Most High said:

“And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?” [Qur’an, 97:2]

For what it contains of honour and greatness, Allah fills the earth with Angels. And in this is honouring the worshippers. For it is as if the Almighty is saying to the Angels: you said when I created Adam:

“Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein.” [Qur’an, 2:30]

So descend to the earth and look at My servants how they are praying (Salah), making remembrance (Zikr), supplicating (Du’a), reciting Qur’an, making I’tikaf, performing Umrah and  praying at night. So the Angels descend to the earth and see the worshippers. So congratulations to the one who invested his time in acts of obedience to Allah.

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit [i.e., Jibril] descend therein.” [Qur’an, 97:3-4]

Also, Angel Jibril descends with them. What honour is greater than this? And Allah the Most High said:

“By permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” [Qur’an, 97:4-5]

Also, there is safety from evil and the plotting of shaitan. And it came on the authority of Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, that  the sun does not rise in the morning of Lailatul Qadr between the horns of shaitan. For the shaitan is bound that night just as are the rebellious jinns.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to make I’tikaf in these nights. And this is ordained seclusion in contrast to the innovated seclusion found in other communities and religions. In it a person turns to their Lord. I’tikaf contains the meanings of servitude and commitment. For whoever’s companion is Allah, then he remembers Him and calls upon Him and turns to Him. And he does not have any loneliness. Because in his I’tikaf, he secludes with his Lord and cuts off from the worldly life seeking the pleasure of Allah. Hoping to realise Lailatul Qadr. I’tikaf is from the worships of this Ummah (Nation) and has been made one of the most special acts of worship and it is coupled with fasting. For that reason, Allah mentioned it in the verses of fasting. In this night there are more Angels on the earth than the number of pebbles. They ascend to Allah with the deeds of the servants. This is a blessed and honoured night and whoever observes it has succeeded and is joyful. And whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of great goodness. Some scholars said that it is the 27th night. And others said it is the 21st night. And some said the 23rd night. And some said it is the last nights of Ramadan. And some said that it is not a specific night and that Lailatul Qadr moves among the last ten nights. So in one year it is on a night and on another year it is on a different night. And there is great wisdom in its concealment. For it was said that Allah concealed the middle prayer between the five prayers. And concealed the hour of the answered supplication on Friday. And whether repentance is accepted is hidden from people. Just as whether a deed is accepted is also hidden so that people strive. Likewise the time of their death is hidden from them so that they are always ready. It has been said that the wisdom of concealing Lailatul Qadr is so that people will continue performing deeds in hopes of realising it. And even if one strives, worships and prays on a night that is not Lailatul Qadr, his reward is not lost. Rather it is recorded. And he attains the honour of the period, the honour of worship in Ramadan and the honour of these ten nights. And for that reason the more that a person worships, the better off is his condition.

Respected brothers and sisters! Be as your Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was. He was grateful for Allah’s bounties. And he magnified, and venerated the Almighty. He knocked on the Almighty’s door and called and supplicated to Him with humility and reverence. For your Lord, Exalted be He, is near and generous. Allah Almighty said:

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” [Qur’an, 2:186]

Magnify your Lord Allah, and repeatedly make supplications, soften your hearts from fear of Him and turn your tears to Him. For He is especially merciful of you. Rabi’ah Bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that he heard the Messenger of Allah say:

“Be constant with: ‘O Possessor of Majesty and Honour (Ya Zal-Jalali wal-Ikram).” [At-Tirmizi]

And the meaning is adhere to it and use it in your supplication. For Possessor of Majesty and Honour is praise and glorification. For the grace of our Lord upon us is immeasurable and His rights upon us are great. And magnifying Him is obligatory, so carry out your obligation.

Be guarded to pray the night prayer on these blessed nights. And go to the Mosques during the nights for they contain Lailatul Qadr. If one revives every night of the year to realise Lailatul Qadr, that would not be too much. And know that if you do a lot of worship, Allah Almighty is more than you in rewarding and more generous than you in recompense. The companions said:

“We will make more (supplication), the Prophet said Allah is more (ready to answer).” [Ahmad]

Observe the prayer at the beginning and end of the night so that praying the whole night is recorded for you. For the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever prays the night prayer with the Imam until he finishes, Allah Almighty will record for him the night prayer of a (whole) night.” [An-Nasa’i]

Whoever stays at the Mosque between the night prayer of the beginning the night and the night prayer of the end of the night for remembrance of Allah, Qur’an, prayer and supplication has done well. Because he revived the entire night. And it is only a few nights which will soon depart. So let the triumphant triumph and the careless miss out.

I ask Allah Almighty to make us among those who realise Lailatul Qadr. And grant us success in performing what He loves and is pleased with. And to help us in these ten nights in remembrance of Him, being grateful to Him and worshiping Him in the best fashion. Indeed Allah is All Hearing, Answering.

Dear servants of Allah! The last ten nights of Ramadan have approached. And how fast they will pass. And they are the essence of the entire month of Ramadan. And the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to mix the first 20 nights of the month with sleep and voluntary night prayers. As far as the last 10 ten nights, he (Peace be upon him) did not sleep within them. For if the last ten nights entered, he did not sleep during the night. And he used to wake up his family. And he (Peace be upon him) used to strive hard in worship and liven the night with acts of obedience to Allah. And he used to make I’tikaf (seclusion in the Mosque) during these ten.

It is incumbent on us to emulate our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by giving proper attention to these ten nights. And that we intend I’tikaf (seclusion in the Mosque). And we can implement this Sunnah if we stay in the Mosque for just an hour or two with the intention of doing I’tikaf. The scholars have mentioned that if one intends I’tikaf the minimum duration is one day and one night or one or two hours.

These last ten nights contain lailatul Qadr (night of decree). In this night the decrees are taken from the Lawhul-Mhfuz (Preserved Tablet) to Baitul-Izzah in this worldly heaven. Then to the angels so that they know what will happen to people during that year from sickness and wellbeing, richness and poverty and life and death. The angels look at a man walking on the Earth and it is written with them that he will die during this year in such-and-such month and such-and-such day due to an accident or illness and so on.

During this night the angels descend from the heavens and observe the people in the Mosque’s praying and remembering Allah Almighty. So congratulations to the worshipper and the one remembering Allah during this night. Whomever observes this night in worship it is as if he worshipped Allah Almighty for more than 1000 months which is equivalent to about 84 years. Allah Almighty said:

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” [Qur’an, 97:3]

The goodness of this month has a great impact on the scale of good deeds when one finds on the Day of Judgment that a new lifespan of acts of worship were added that raises their rank in Paradise. It is a simple deed with a great reward. So congratulations to the one who strives during Lailatul Qadr (night of decree) and all of the ten nights. Whether one sees its signs or not. For through the sincere intention, Allah grants the reward, for the graces of Allah are boundless. So let us strive and capitalise on these ten nights through the remembrance of Allah (Zikr), supplication (Du’a), prayer (Salah), charity (Sadaqah), dutifulness to parents, reciting the Noble Qur’an and righteous deeds. And beware of sins and guard our eyes, ears and tongues from the forbidden things.

Some of the scholars said that Lailatul Qadr (night of decree) is on the 27th night and some said the 21st night and some said the 23rd night and some said the last night of Ramadan. And some have said that Lailatul Qadr (night of decree) is not fixed on a specific night and can be on any of the last ten nights. So in one year it would be on a particular night and the next year it would be on another night and so forth.

And the wisdom of hiding it is so that the Muslims strive in acts of obedience on all of the last ten nights. Likewise, Allah has hidden the hour in which supplications are answered on the day of Friday. Also, Allah has hidden the time of death from everyone so that people constantly stay in preparation for that moment.

These ten nights are a chance to raise the ranks and expiate the bad deeds. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever performs voluntary night prayer during Lailatul Qadr (night of decree) out of faith and anticipation (of the reward from Allah), his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari]

Faith in that Lailatul Qadr (night of decree) is believing that it is during these 10 nights. And anticipation is performing voluntary night prayer on all of these 10 nights in anticipation of the reward and virtue of this night.

My beloved people! There are those who waste their time on these virtuous nights in the markets. And there are those who miss these virtuous nights while watching various media, especially shows that offend modesty and religion and increase the sins.

And there are young people who waste these nights playing and having fun or watching entertainment and matches. And there are those who waste these nights in gatherings of ill speech and improper conduct. Thus, such people miss out on a lot of goodness for themselves. And they will grieve and have regret on the Day of Resurrection over losing and neglecting this great virtue and over the sins and bad deeds that they have incurred.

We ask Allah Almighty to make us among those who perform voluntary night prayer during Lailatul Qadr (night of decree) out of faith and anticipation of the reward from Allah, ameen.

Respected brothers and sisters! We lived through a blessed month, full of peace and tranquility. A month in which the souls of the believers peak. And are elevated through fasting, prayers, and recitation of the Book of their Lord to the heights of solitude with Him and closeness to Him. This makes them wish that the whole year was Ramadan!

They are the nights of purification and excellence. Nights of putting forth concerns of this worldly life and shaking them off and being relieved of them. They are nights of the Qur’an. And what can make you know what is the Qur’an? It is the Words of our Lord, Most Majestic and Exalted. It has the narratives of those before us. And the news of those after us.  And a judge between the people. It is the truth and not amusement. And whoever seeks honour from other than it, Allah will disgrace him.

The Qur’an was recited in the night prayer of the blessed month of Ramadan. It filled people’s ears with Iman (faith), examples and lessons. They recited it starting from the creation of the heavens and the earth to when the people of paradise will enter paradise and the people of hell will enter the fire. And they reflected upon the verses of Allah about the previous communities and punishments that have come to pass against people before them. And what Allah has established of recompense in this world and the hereafter for those who obey Him. And the recompense for those who disobey Him. Allah Almighty said:

“We relate to you, the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur’an although you were, before it, among the unaware.” [Qur’an, 12:3]

Indeed, the fruitful tree of Ramadan has shed most of its leaves as it was gusted by the winds of time. Even if there were mistakes in what has passed due to negligence, the greatest mistake is insisting upon negligence going forward.

So see what type of person you were in Ramadan. Among the three types is one, he who wrongs himself, and two, he who is moderate, and three, he who is foremost in good deeds by the permission of Allah.

Indeed this Blessed Month is either a witness for you or a witness against you. So what will you do in its remaining nights? Allah the Most High said:

“Lest a soul should say, “Oh, [how great is] my regret over what I neglected in regard to Allah and that I was among the mockers.” [Qur’an, 39:56]

And what people feel of sorrow from the departure of Ramadan and the closing of their register of deeds in it is not because Ramadan is leaving without a return. For indeed Ramadan will certainly return until the Hour is established. Rather, a person is sorrowful because he does not know whether he will realise it when it returns another time. Whether he will be a trace after having existed and a narrative after having lived?!

How miserable is the one who has lost the Rayyan, the gate of heaven specifically for the fasting. And how miserable is the one about whom the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said Amin when Jibril, peace be upon him, said:

“And may a man who realises Ramadan and then he is not forgiven, or then Allah distances him, be humiliated. So then the Prophet said: Amin, Amin, Amin.” [Muslim]

This month of Ramadan is bidding farewell, and whatever remains of it, will pass like the blink of an eye. And those racing sprint when they near the finish line. And the successful ones finish in such a good fashion that it makes up for the shortcomings in the beginning. And you never know. Perhaps the blessing of your deeds is in the last part. For indeed, deeds are gauged by their conclusion.

So what a calamity it is for a sinner who did not repent in Ramadan. And how terrible it is for the person seeking paradise to have been neglectful in Ramadan. And what misery it is for the one escaping from the fire to have slept in Ramadan instead of striving. Allah Almighty said:

“So for this let the competitors compete.” [Qur’an, 83:26]

So be conscious of Allah and go towards Allah before being driven in the hereafter. Allah Almighty said:

“That Day, you will be exhibited [for judgement]; not hidden among you is anything concealed.” [Qur’an, 69:18]

Indeed what is between us and paradise and the fire is only for our life terms to end. And not prioritising important deeds is due to not realising how short life is no matter how long it is. So may Allah have mercy upon a person who prioritised making repentance. And overcame his desires. For one’s life term is concealed and his hope in living fools him. And between the life term and hope is shaitan adorning sins for people to do them. And shaitan gives a person false hopes that they can always make repentance, so that they delay it. Allah the Most High said:

“He [i.e., Satan] promises them and raises false hopes. But Satan does not promise them except delusion.” [Qur’an, 4:120]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah invited to seeking forgiveness even those who claimed that Uzair is the son of Allah, and even those who claimed that Allah is poor, and even those who claimed that Allah’s hands are tied, and even those who claim that Allah is one of three. Allah said to all of them:

“So will they not repent to Allah and seek His forgiveness? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Qur’an, 5:74]

Allah invites the believers to repent:

“O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him.” [Qur’an, 66:8]

Dear brothers and sisters! Allah Almighty has prescribed at the conclusion of the month of Ramadan to pay Zakatul-Fitr (Sadaqatul-Fitr) which is purification and covers deficiencies in the fasting. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) enjoined Zakatul-Fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the (Eid) prayer, it is an accepted Zakah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is (ordinary) charity.” [Abu Dawud]

And it is an obligation that the person pays for himself and on behalf of the members of his household on whom he is responsible for spending. Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

The Messenger of Allah enjoined Zakatul-Fitr, a Sa’i of dates or a Sa’i of barley, on the free and bonded, male and female,  the young and old among the Muslims. And he commanded that it be paid before the people go out for the (Eid) prayer.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

And in another narration in Bukhari:

“And they used to offer it (Zakatul-Fitr ) a day or two days before Eid.” [Bukhari]

And beware of observing Eid in manner that displeases Allah. The one who turns Eid into a day of disobedience is not being grateful for Allah’s favour in realising Ramadan and succeeding in fasting and performing night prayers. And Allah Almighty says:

“So that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Qur’an, 2: 185]

I ask Allah Almighty to give us success in concluding Ramadan in the best possible fashion and to accept our fasting and night prayers. Indeed Allah is All Hearing, Answering.

Respected servants of Allah! Indeed bidding farewell to Ramadan is heart-wrenching and sorrowful. Because it separates one from the beloved month and deprives one of enjoying it and basking in its bounties and blessings. Also, there is the uncertainty that this may be one’s last Ramadan. And we just welcomed Ramadan yesterday and it is about to depart and leave. So shall we bid Ramadan farewell with apathy, lethargy, looking for it to end, desiring to escape from the burden and get ridding oneself of the restrictions? Or shall we bid Ramadan farewell like the men of understanding and the elite of Allah’s creation? Those following the path of the pious predecessors and the best of this Ummah (nation). Those who combined diligence in carrying out and perfecting deeds with concern afterwards of their acceptance and fear of their rejection. They are like those about whom Allah Almighty said:

“And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.” [Qur’an, 23: 60]

Aisha (RA) asked about this Qur’anic verse:

“Are they those who consume intoxicants and steal?” He said: “No, O daughter of As-Siddiq. They are those who fast, perform Salah, give charity while they fear that their Lord will not accept it from them: They are those who hasten to do good deeds, and they are the foremost in them.” [at-Tirmizi]

Their hearts are full of fear from their Lord. Fearing that their good deeds will be outweighed and that they will run out of good deeds. Fearing that they have not fulfilled the right of Allah Almighty due to their knowledge of their Lord and what He deserves of honour and glorification. They are afraid that when they return to their Lord what they did will not save them from the punishment of Allah. For the believer feels Allah’s grace upon him, and feels Allah’s favours in every breath and every pulse. Therefore the believer feels that his level of worship and acts of obedience are insignificant in comparison to the favours of Allah Almighty. Imam Hasan Al-Basri (rahimahullah) said:

“The believer combines doing good with fear, and the hypocrite combines sinning with feeling secure from the punishment of Allah.”

And the Prophet (Peace be upon him) taught us that the deeds are gauged by how they conclude:

“Indeed, (the rewards of) the deeds are by their conclusion.” [Bukhari]

For this reason, Sahl Bin Abdullah At-Tustari (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“The truthful fear for the bad conclusion in every moment and in every movement.”

The pious predecessors used to strive in performing righteous deeds and upon performing them they were full of concern as to whether they would be accepted from them. They used to supplicate Allah for six months that they would realise the month of Ramadan. Then they supplicated to Allah for six months that He would accept it from them.

And it is important to give this matter the proper attention and not to be heedless of it. Ali Bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Be more concerned with your deeds being accepted than you are with the deed itself. Did you not hear words of Allah Almighty:

“Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].” [Qur’an, 5:27]

And it was narrated from him, may Allah be pleased with him, that he used to call in the last night of Ramadan:

“If only I knew the accepted ones so that I could congratulate them and the deprived, so I could console them.”

They are deprived because they did not attain forgiveness in spite of the many means for forgiveness in Ramadan, such as fasting, praying, providing meals, charity, joining kinship, recitation of Qur’an, remembrance of Allah and other matters. Those missing out on being forgiven in Ramadan are truly deprived.

One of the greatest ways that a fasting person can bid farewell to Ramadan and conclude their fasting is reciting the phrase of Tauhid, La Illaha ila Lah (there is no rightly worshipped deity but Allah) and seeking forgiveness.

Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) said that the phrase of Tauhid wipes out the sins and erases them without a sin remaining and necessitates liberation from the Fire. And whoever recites it sincerely, Allah will make the fire forbidden for him. As the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“If anybody comes on the Day of Resurrection who has said: La ilaha illal-lah, sincerely from his heart, seeking to attain Allah’s Pleasure, Allah will make the Hell-Fire forbidden for him.” [Bukhari]

As for requesting forgiveness, it is one of the greatest means of attaining forgiveness. For seeking forgiveness is a supplication, and the supplication of a fasting person is answered when he is fasting and when he breaks his fast. And Allah combined the word of Tauhid and forgiveness in the verse:

“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women.” [Qur’an, 47: 19]

And all good deeds are concluded by seeking forgiveness.  Prayer, the Hajj (pilgrimage) and the night prayers are concluded with seeking forgiveness. And the gatherings are adjourned by seeking forgiveness.

And the Caliph Umar Bin Abdul’aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, wrote a letter to the people of the villages, commanding them to conclude Ramadan by seeking forgiveness and offering Zakatul-Fitr. He wrote in his letter:

“Say as your father Adam, peace be upon him, said: “They said, “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.” [Qur’an, 7: 23] And say as Ibrahim, peace be upon him, said: “And who I aspire that He will forgive me my sin on the Day of Recompense.” [Qur’an, 26:82] And say as Nuh, peace be upon him, said: “And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers.” [Qur’an, 11:47] And say as Musa, peace be upon him, said: “My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” [Qur’an, 28:16] And say as Yunus, peace be upon him, said: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” [Qur’an, 21:87].”

Seeking forgiveness is most beneficial when accompanied with sincere repentance. For the one who only seeks forgiveness with his tongue and is determined to return to sinning after the month of Ramadan, is not seeking forgiveness in reality. Rather he is only deceiving himself and following the steps of shaitan.

And from the greatest ways of concluding Ramadan is by asking Allah for paradise and seeking refuge in Him from the fire. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“What do you say during your prayer?” He said: “I recite the Tashahhud then I say: I ask you for Paradise and seek refuge with You from the Fire. But, by Allah, I am not able to invoke like you and Mu’az. Then the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: What we invoke revolves around that (requesting Paradise and seeking refuge from Hell).” [Abi Dawud]

And since the fasting person anticipates that his supplication will be answered, especially when he breaks his fast, he should supplicate for the most important matters and comprehensively for all goodness.

Allah Almighty commanded exalting and thanking Him upon completing Ramadan. Allah the Most High said:

“And [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Qur’an, 2:185]

So be conscious of Allah and bid farewell to Ramadan in the best fashion. And conclude it with goodness for the deeds are gauged by their conclusion. And take advantage of what remains, for it is only a few nights and days. So bid farewell with good deeds that will be the best witness for you on the day that you stand before Allah, Glory be to Him, a day when neither wealth nor children will benefit except for those who come to Allah with a sound heart.

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters! As one bids farewell to Ramadan, he must remember that the doors of goodness opened in Ramadan are not closed with its departure. And that the arenas of obedience are not closed by Ramadan ending. Even though the fasting of Ramadan is coming to a close, the worship of fasting remains. There is the fasting of the six days of Shawwal. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) explained that fasting them after Ramadan is like fasting for the entire year. And there is fasting on Mondays and Thursdays of every week, and fasting the 13th, 14th and 15th of every month, and fasting on the day of Arafah and fasting on Ashurah, and fasting in the month of Muharram, which is the best fasting after Ramadan, as the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) informed.

And as the night prayer of Ramadan nears its end, we must remember that this great and blessed worship remains without end. And the Messenger of Allah informed us that the night prayer is the best prayer after the obligatory prayer and it has generous rewards. For the successful are those who continue with the goodness initiated in Ramadan. And there is no end to the deeds of the believer aside from death. As the Almighty Allah said:

“And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty [i.e., death].” [Qur’an, 15:99]

I ask Allah Almighty to grant us success in concluding Ramadan in the best possible fashion and to help us sustain the momentum throughout the year. Indeed Allah is All Hearing, Answering.

Respected brothers and sisters! We’re nearly halfway through Ramadan, as an Ummah we need to address our problems urgentlyPlease, can you help us FISABILILLAH reach our target so we can give guidance and solutions to deal with these KEY AREAS? Imagine the Reward and Donate Now!

Sincerely speaking, Nagazi Islamic Center Exists Through Your Donations.

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Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (rahimahullah) said:

“Dear Servants of Allah! The month of Ramadan is determined to leave and there are but a few days left of it… Those of you who have done good should complete it (in goodness) and whoever has neglected it then let him end it in goodness since actions are according to their endings. So enjoy the few nights and days that are left and bid it farewell by performing good deeds which can be a witness for you with Al-Malik Al-‘Alam, and see it off by parting with the most pure greeting and salam.” [See Lata’if Al-Ma’arif, Page 386]

Jazakumullah Khairan as you kindly donate.

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All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation; may Allah extol the mention of our noble Prophet Muhammad in the highest company of Angels, bless him and give him peace and security―and his family, his Companions and all those who follow him correctly and sincerely until the establishment of the Hour.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today Friday, Ramadan 16, 1444 AH (April 07, 2023).

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