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Friday Sermon] How To Bring A Real, Permanent, Sustainable, Useful And Beneficial Change!

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3 years ago

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Imam Murtadha 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 our selves. 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.

Dear brothers and sisters! Allah Almighty says:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Qur’an, 13:11]

Respected servants of Allah! The topic I’d like to discuss today in my sermon is about real change not empty change.

If we look at the best companies in the world, many of you work in those very companies. Change is very important. Adapting to change, adapting to the economic hardship, adapting to whatever’s going on, being able to become better and better, looking at feedback from customers. Looking at what the market is saying and how to match what the market needs.

The best teachers – they don’t teach every lesson the same way. They’re always wondering: how can we be better? How can we teach better?

The best athletes, every shot they take, they’re learning for the next shot. And they’re not afraid of taking those shots. For example, Michael Jordan said you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

You don’t take a shot, you can’t make it. So how can you learn from every single shot that you try to make? And as Muslims, how do we be better Muslims? How can we make change? Not only for ourselves, but for our families and for our community and for our countries and for our global Muslim Ummah, which especially now is hurting more than ever because of what’s going on (insecurity).

The Masjid al-Aqsa in Palestine – may Allah help our brothers and sisters there. What’s going on in China with the persecution of Muslims there, and in Burma and so many other places. As Muslims, it’s so important for us to understand the process of change and how to effect change. And to ensure that this isn’t just be something we preserve for our professional life.

Many of us are really good at our professional life, where we talk about these kinds of things, but how can we bring that ability to manage change and that ability to make change? How can we bring that to, not only our Muslim brothers, not only our community, not only our families, but to ourselves.

And if we look at our history, if we look at the reason that the Qur’an tells us for why we came to this earth, it was a process of change. Shaitan (Satan) was unable to change his view. Iblis was unable to change his mindset. He was unable to seek forgiveness and learn from his mistake. He was unable to be better.

He was unable to let go of his ego and his arrogance. And so he became Ar- Rajim – the cursed one. If we look at Prophet Adam and Hawwa’, they changed. They sought forgiveness. They learned from their mistake. And that’s what brings us here to earth – the process of change.

A lot of times we fear change. We fear that question: “what will happen when?” When COVID-19 started, how many people were so afraid of what’s going to happen? We were all stressed out about whatever is going to transpire. So having that trust in Allah throughout that process is incredibly important.

And I’d like to discuss how our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) made change. Of course he made change in so many ways, but what are some of the things that we can discuss in the time that we have?

How did the Prophet (Peace be upon him) spark this civilisation that, in one hundred years, spread from the coasts of West Africa to China, in such a short amount of time? How did that happen so quickly? How was the Prophet (Peace be upon him) able to change a very rough society, a tribal society in the middle of the desert, with very few resources? Most people could not read or write. He himself could not read or write. How did the Prophet (Peace be upon him) make change with such huge obstacles and challenges where he could not even count on his own family members for support? Where his own uncles, his own family members – the Quraish, Abu Lahab – his own family members were against him. So, in the face of such challenges and seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, how did the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was able to actually affect change? And so let’s take a look.

The first thing that we notice about the Prophet (Peace be upon him) process is that the change did not happen all at once. It was not something that the expectation was that, as soon as Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says it, then it must happen and that’s it, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But rather, it was known that this is going to be a long-term mission, but there was a vision behind this.

There’s a set of steps that needed to take place, and each step was important on the journey. It wasn’t just about the end, but it was also about the means to get there. And that’s why I encourage all of us and anyone who want to bring real change to read the history of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). What did he go through and how was he able to make the change that he did?

What we see is a gradual change. Take something simple, like the prohibition of alcohol. It’s a very simple case where it did not come down all at once, but rather it came down gradually.

Also because, in the time of Makkah, the Muslims were not allowed to fight back. They were in Makkah. They were amongst the oppressors. The permission only came once they were in Madinah, and they could actually defend themselves and they could actually protect themselves.

And so this process has to be gradual. And yes, there’s, short-term things we can do and that we should do, but we must realise that it is a process that takes time.

The second thing we see in the way of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is that he approached things with a kinder way, with a gentler way. He could have been very authoritative, and he could have taken actions very harshly, but rather he tried his best to find the kinder way. And that is why, Allah Almighty says:

“If you were harsh and they would have ran away from you. But it was by the mercy of Allah that you were gentle to them.” [Qur’an, 3:159]

That was a part of his character. So, how can you approach things in a nuanced way? How can you approach things with gentleness? Realise that things aren’t what they seem.

The example of the man who urinated in the mosque, the bedouin man – the rest of the companions were ready to jump at him, but the Prophet (Peace be upon him) told them to let him finish and then they cleaned it up. Then that man accepted Islam. Or the example of the Jewish man and who came to test the Prophet (Peace be upon him) grabbed his shirt, and asked him for his debt and Umar was ready to jump at the guy, and Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Wait, pay him his debt and pay him extra because you scared him.”

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) found ways. He was just, but he also tried his best to find the gentle way.

The third thing that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) did is that he brought in others. He had his Sahabah – the companions. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) did not try to do everything on his own. A lot of times, we have a great idea where we think, “I don’t need help from anybody else. Let me just do this by myself.” But actually, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) built a strong community. He realised that his efforts were not enough by himself. He would not be able to do it. He would need so many people with so many different talents and abilities and skills. He realised that he needed an Ummah. And this is what Allah commanded him to do. But it’s not enough just to have these solo activities that is approached at a large scale at the Ummah level.

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) was also told by Allah that every single member of that Ummah is important. The first martyr in Islam was a woman. By the name of Sumayyah. She was the first one who died for the sake of Islam. Every single person was important to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in seeing that change play out. In the Qur’an, Allah tells us:

“Do not only turn your attention to those who are wealthy and powerful, but keep in mind the blind person and keep in mind the poor person.“

And Prophet (Peace be upon him) has even told us this. And so every member of that Ummah mattered.

And then we also have very familiar story in the Qur’an. The story of Prophet Dawud and Jalut – the story of a Supreme army. We have Prophet Dawud with his small group of followers, and he is able to, against the odds, defeat Jalut. Allah helps Prophet Dawud, and we see this in the time of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) too. We see this at the battle of Badr, and at the battle of Uhud. We see it time and time again. The Muslims were small in number, yet they are able to succeed with the help of Allah and by the permission of Allah and by the wisdom of Allah.

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We see this in the story of Prophet Musa that, even though Allah did such incredible miracles for Prophet Musa, Prophet Musa was still told to act in the way that he could. Prophet Musa was told to go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and to speak to him. And Prophet Musa was worried. He said:

“What about my speech, ya Allah? My speech is muffled. I’m not a good speaker. I’m not eloquent. Send Harun, my brother.”

Prophet Musa had all kinds of fears of failure in those situations. Allah Almighty told him:

“And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear.” [Qur’an, 20:44]

Even though Fir’aun (Pharoah) did not listen, many of the followers of Pharoah listened. A lot times, we think we know what the result should be. We think that we know what the result in our minds, that is what the result should be. And that is the only way forward because that result seems so far out of reach. We don’t even want to take action. But the fact is, once we start taking those steps, Allah will open doors that we have never seen before. Allah will open doors for us that we would not even have considered. And that is why Allah Almighty says:

“And whosoever kept his duty to Allah, Allah will appoint a way out for him.” [Qur’an, 65:2]

The one who is mindful of Allah, the one who sticks to their principles and values, Allah finds for them a way. And so our part is to take those steps towards change on an individual level, in order to better ourselves.

So what is that simple step that I can take today to be a better Muslim? How can I continue what I was doing in the month of Ramadan? How can I

be a better father, a better mother? What are the steps that I can take work? What talents do I have? What skills do I have that I can offer to my community?Alhamdulillah, we are so privileged the amount of talent that we have in this community? I would say that we actually have a responsibility to the rest of the Ummah.

We have a responsibility to the rest of the Ummah, the minds and the talents that are in this Mosque right now, that are in this community right now, have a responsibility to the rest of the Ummah. So how are we using the Allah-given skills, the skills that Allah has given us, how are you using that to change our community for the better? And it’s not just finances. It’s not just finances. It’s not just about, “oh, Allah, we’ll send someone to help us.” No, we have to be the real change. And that is why Allah Almighty says:

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” [Qur’an, 13:11]

Allah does not change our status until we change ourselves. So what are the gradual steps that we can take to make change? What are the things that we can do to start making that change? Yes, we did it in Ramadan. We did things that we don’t normally do the rest of the year. We were able to do them in Ramadan and yes, it was tiring and yes, it was hard and yes, it was difficult, but we know that if we got that one night, Lailatul-Qadr, if we were able to get that reward of Ramadan as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, then:

“That Allah may forgive you of your sins that which is past.” [Qur’an, 48:2]

All of our previous sins or mistakes are forgiven and that is the reward of Ramadan. So nothing worth it is easy. And there is hardship, you know, when we’re born and we’re young, when we’re children, we want to learn. When we have our own children we see how curious they are. They want to do something, they want to learn, they want to do things themselves. From childhood, we want to improve and be better, but then the failures come and then we start to fear what will happen. And we’re not as courageous as we used to be.

How can we bring that energy back? In order to make a real change, not only for ourselves and for our family, but for our whole Ummah, for our countries and for the entire Muslim nation.

I ask Allah that he helps us to do that. And he helps us to affect change and learn how to make that change, and then apply that in our lives, and I ask Allah that he guides us by his book in the way of his Prophet (Peace be upon him), ameen.

Dear brothers and sisters!  In addition to the things that I mentioned about how we can start to take changes, make changes in our own lives. There’s something really short-term, my brothers and sisters, that is really important for us to understand. How can we help our brothers and sisters everywhere in the world? What is it that we can do?

The first thing that we should do is make Du’a for them. Are we actually remembering them in our Du’as? Are we even making Du’as since Ramadan? And when we make Du’a, do we make it with yaqin (certainty) and with conviction. Let’s make Du’a for our brothers and sisters who are in the hands of terrorists, armed bandits and kidnappers, and all across the way world. Those that are suffering and depressed. May Allah alleviate their suffering and their pricing. May Allah set them free and give them justice, ameen.

The second thing we can do is to make this a topic of discussion in our families and to not shy away from that. Go out and say, “Let’s, as a family, instead of watching Godzilla vs King Kong tonight, let’s watch about the Islamic history. Let’s learn our own history.” A lot of times, we don’t even know our own history. When I went to school, I learned Northern Nigeria history. I learned Nigeria history. Again. I learned Islamic history. World history had two pages of Islam, two pages of Egypt and Pharaoh.

We don’t even know our own history. And our history is our memory and our memory is what makes us, so we need to learn about ourselves. We need to learn about where we came from. We need to teach our children about where we came from and what our history is. We should learn about the history of Muslims in this country and how Muslims came to this country. Why do the conflicts that exist? Why are they happening?

The third thing we can do is to write to our leaders and politicians. I know that seems like such a far off thing, writing to our leaders and politicians. What does that even mean? It seems like such an inaccessible thing, but I’ll tell you that it’s something that I feel in our community has been more accessible to me than I’ve ever seen before. These politicians and representatives have come to this mosque.

They have come here looking for our votes and saying we should hold them to it. We should tell them what we want to see. And we especially should support those who have come out in support of our people, our brothers and sisters. We should make sure that we are behind them and that we support them, irrespective of their region or tribe.

The fourth thing we can do is to go out to these events. We should go to what’s going on. We should make sure that our voices are heard. Our presence is felt because that’s what people see. That’s what people see – the images, the pictures, the media.

The fifth thing we can do is vote with our money. What are the products that we buy? Where are they coming from? And so I ask Allah that He helps us to do that. I ask Allah that He helps our brothers and sisters who are in the hands of terrorists, armed bandits and kidnappers, where they’re persecuted innocently.

May Allah set them free and grant them justice. May Allah grant them strength and courage. May Allah protect them and their families. May Allah guide them. May Allah strengthen us to do what we need to do. May Allah guide us in our youth. may Allah guide our elders, the men, and the women.

May Allah accept those who have passed. May Allah except him into his forgiveness and his mercy. May Allah give their families patience. May Allah grant us Jannatul-firdaus and reunite us with them and raise us with the Prophets and the martyrs and the Salihin and the righteous one, ameen.

Respected 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 praises and thanks are due to Allah alone, 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 and sincere followers.

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 30, 1443 AH (July 29, 2022)

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Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon: True Dignity Comes Not From Possessions Or Power, But From Submission To Allah Almighty!

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3 months ago

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September 5, 2025

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By Imam Murtadha Gusau-Okene

Thursday, September 04, 2025

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, Who guided us to Islam, and prayers and peace of Allah be upon the best of all Prophets and Messengers, our beloved Prophet, Muhammad, and upon all his family members and Companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! One of the most profound aspects of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is that despite being Allah’s beloved, the final Messenger, leader of nations, and the most influential human in history, he always identified himself first as a servant of Allah (Abdullah).

Servitude (Ubudiyyah) to Allah is the highest rank a believer can attain  higher than kingship, leadership, fame, or wealth. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) embodied this perfectly. While rulers of history gloried in palaces and armies, he (Peace be upon him) gloried in humility, worship, and obedience.

This identity is especially relevant today. In an age of self-promotion, materialism, and status-seeking, people measure worth by wealth, titles, or followers. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) showed that true dignity comes not from possessions or power but from submission to Allah Almighty.

By studying him as a servant of Allah, we learn how to surrender the ego, seek Allah’s pleasure in all actions, and live an Allah-centred life.

The Noble Qur’an repeatedly honours the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) by calling him a servant (Abd). Allah the Most High says:

“Exalted is He who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa…” [Qur’an, 17:1]

“And indeed, when the servant of Allah stood up supplicating Him, they almost became about him a compacted mass.” [Qur’an, 72:19]

“Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His servant that he may be to the worlds a warner.” [Qur’an, 25:1]

Notice that at the moments of greatest honour  the Isra’i and Mi‘raj, the revelation of the Qur’an, and his Da‘awah Allah described him first as His servant. This shows that servitude is the most dignified identity.

The Prophetic Hadith further reinforces this:

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Mary (Isa/Jesus), for I am only a servant. So call me the servant of Allah and His Messenger.” [Bukhari]

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that:

“The Messenger of Allah would be in the service of his family, and when the time for prayer came, he would go out to pray.” [Bukhari]

His greatness was not in worldly kingship, but in being Allah’s devoted servant.

Although he (Peace be upon him) was the Messenger of Allah, the leader of all believers, and followed by thousands, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) lived with extraordinary simplicity. He never considered himself above ordinary people, nor did he surround himself with the luxuries of kings and rulers. Instead, his life reflected humility, detachment from worldly possessions, and complete servitude to Allah.

His home was made of modest mud-brick rooms, roofed with palm branches. His furniture was minimal  often a mat of woven palm fibres or a leather cushion filled with palm leaves. Many nights passed with no cooked food in his household. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) once said that sometimes a whole month would pass with nothing in the Prophet’s house but water and dates. Yet he (Peace be upon him) never complained. Rather, he thanked Allah and remained patient.

One of the most touching moments was when Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the Prophet’s room and saw him lying on a rough mat. The mat had left deep marks on his back, and there was little else in the room  just a few barley grains, a hanging water skin, and some simple belongings. Umar (RA) could not hold back his tears. He said:

“O Messenger of Allah, the kings of Persia and Byzantium live in splendour, resting on silk and surrounded by wealth, while you  the Messenger of Allah sleep on this rough mat?” The Prophet (Peace be upon him), however, smiled calmly and replied: “What have I to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveller who stops under the shade of a tree for a short while, then rises and leaves it behind.” [Tirmidhi]

This single statement captures his entire outlook on life. The world was temporary, like a tree offering shade on a long journey. His real focus was the Hereafter, and he lived as a humble servant of Allah, not as a king seeking luxury.

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His humility was not only in his possessions but in his daily conduct. He (Peace be upon him) sat with his companions on the ground, ate simple food, and never separated himself from the poor. He would accept invitations even from the humblest in society. At home, he mended his own clothes, milked goats, and carried out chores. Aisha (RA) said:

“He was in the service of his family.”

Visitors to Madinah often could not distinguish him from his companions because of his modest dress and simple manner. He was approachable, gentle, and without arrogance. Even when wealth from victories and conquests flowed into Madinah, he did not keep it for himself but gave it to the poor, needy, widows, and orphans.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) could have chosen grandeur. He was offered kingship and wealth but chose to live as a servant of Allah. His life was a living reminder that dignity lies not in possessions but in closeness to Allah.

In our today’s society, success is often measured by positions, possessions, titles, or public recognition. Servitude is misunderstood as weakness, instead of recognising it as ultimate strength. Pride is rooted in wealth and status, rather than in submission to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) offered a radically different vision: the highest honour is being a servant of Allah.

Pride and arrogance rooted in wealth and status.

Neglect of family and community service due to career pressures.

Misunderstanding servitude as weakness, instead of recognising it as ultimate strength.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught his followers that:

● Humility is strength, not weakness.

● Serving family and community is worship.

● True leadership is rooted in servitude.

● Every believer’s ultimate identity is Abdullah — the servant of Allah.

By embracing this role, we find dignity not in worldly recognition, but in closeness to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) showed that the path to greatness lies in humility, obedience, and service.

In summary, our beloved leader, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said about himself that he was a “servant and Messenger of Allah.” He emphasised his humanity and servitude to Allah, even stating he was not a new thing among Messengers but a plain warner following Allah’s revelations. He also taught that his followers should love him more than themselves but not to elevate him beyond his true position as a human Messenger and servant of Allah.

He (Peace be upon him) said:

“I am only a servant and Messenger of Allah.”

When praised by his companions, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) would remind them of his status, preventing them from raising him above his divinely assigned position.

In the Noble Qur’an, he is described as saying:

“I am not a new thing among the Messengers of Allah nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am but a plain warner.” [Qur’an, 46:9]

His message was for the afterlife and to inform people about the good message of Islam, rather than seeking worldly power or kingship.

He stated that his sole role was to follow the revelations sent to him by Allah, as he was a Messenger to all people of the world.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught that a true believer must love him more than they love themselves to perfect their Iman (faith).

However, he simultaneously stressed that this love should not elevate him beyond his position as a human Messenger, a point he would reiterate to his followers.

Finally, let us all understand that, our beloved Master, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) described himself as a warner and not a new thing among Messengers, emphasising that he was just a Messenger following Allah’s revelations, not the originator of the message. He also stated that he had no special knowledge of the future, only the revealed message he was tasked to deliver. He was not divine, but rather a servant of Allah and one who submitted to Allah’s will.

Therefore the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is:

● A Plain Warner: The Qur’an states that he said:

“I am but a plain warner.”

● Not a New Messenger: He declared:

“I am not a new thing among the Messengers.”

● No Divine Knowledge: He stated that he did not know what would be done with him or with others.

● A Follower of Revelation: He was clear that he only followed what was revealed to him by Allah.

● A Human Servant of Allah: He presented himself as a human being, the final Prophet in a long chain of Messengers, and a servant of Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“I’m but a servant of Allah. I eat as a servant eats and sit as a servant sits.” [Imam Al-Baihaqi in Shu’ab al-Iman]

Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh

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 (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

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 or +2348024192217.

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Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon: How Selfishness Poses A Great Dangers To Our Nations!

Published

6 months ago

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June 13, 2025

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By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed:
Dear brothers and sisters! Selfishness is a disease of the heart and we can have it in varying degrees – from healthy to severe, and when it is at extreme levels it is dangerous to our own selves and to our nations. Ironically, the more we serve our own needs, the worse it is for us.
Though it is inbuilt in our system to put ourselves and our needs and wants above others, which is necessary for our survival, it becomes problematic when you are willing to do anything to fulfil your needs and willing to trample on everyone in order to achieve your goals and desires.
When you do not recognise anyone else’s needs, except your own, you are able to blackmail them emotionally or even harm them physically when they came between you and what you want.
Selfishness can be a conscious pursuit of self-interests but can also be subconscious. If this is the case, someone may need a friend of family member to point it out, as they have not recognised it in themselves. When they are shown it, the penny may or may not drop.
We often encounter selfish behaviour from our political leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, friends, neighbours, colleagues and family members. And it is not surprising, that we do not like being around selfish people.
People who are selfish will display many signs. They claim other people’s work as their own. They may put their name on it, or claim they helped or discuss projects as if they did them, when they did not. This is selfishness, showing off and a desire for praise.
Selfish people are willing to sacrifice anyone in order to achieve what they want. They do not care about other people’s emotions, wants, or needs, either consciously or subconsciously. This can be very damaging for their relationships, particularly marital ones, which require compromise and both spouses to give and take to be successful.
They like an easy ride and so are happy to ride on other’s efforts and hard work. They prefer to relax while making others do the hard work. They are happy to take the stage, even when they do not deserve it, and have not done anything.
Some people are selfish due to their past experiences, childhood issues and flaws in their character. They cover up their weaknesses by being selfish.
No one likes to be around selfish people, whether they are in our circle or exert power over us, such as selfish politicians and others in power. We have seen this with many politicians throughout history and today around the globe; they are willing to sacrifice their nation, their people, their economies, and the planet in order to remain in power and serve themselves.
Abdullah Bin Mas’ud told that Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) said to them:
“After my death you will see [leaders] appropriating the best things for themselves and other matters which you will disapprove.” He was asked what he commanded them to do and replied, “Give them what is due to them and ask Allah for what is due to you.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
When you come across such people, be careful how you deal with them, particularly as they do not like criticism, even positive criticism. They do not like to listen to advice. They are preoccupied with their issues and they forced their opinions on those around them.
In the Noble Qur’an, Allah talks about selfishness and how we need to protect ourselves when we are surrounded by self-serving, self-interested and self-centred people. They create a toxic environment and so you have to preserve and protect yourself.
It was narrated that Abu Umayyah Sha’abani said:
“I came to Abu Tha’alabah Al-Khushani and said: ‘How do you understand this Verse?’ He said: ‘Which verse?’ I said: “O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. If you follow the (right) guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.”? [Qur’an, 5:105] He said: ‘You have asked one who knows about it. I asked the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) about it and he said: “Enjoin good upon one another and forbid one another to do evil, but if you see overwhelming stinginess, desires being followed, this world being preferred (to the Hereafter), every person with an opinion feeling proud of it, and you realise that you have no power to deal with it, then you have to mind your own business and leave the common folk to their own devices.” “After you, will come days of patience, during which patience will be like grasping a burning ember, and one who does good deeds will have a reward like that of fifty men doing the same deed.” [Abu Dawud]
In another Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said that we would see a great deal of selfishness after he was gone, and that it would be a sign of the day of judgement when we are surrounded by selfishness.
It was narrated from Usaid Bin Hudair that a man from among the Ansar came to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) and said:
“Will you not appoint me as you appointed so-and-so?” He said: “You will encounter selfishness after I am gone, so be patient until you meet me at the lake (Al-Hawd).” [Bukhari and Muslim]
In the beautiful Qur’anic verse in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah Almighty described the Muhajirin, those who migrated from Makkah and were received by Al Ansar. Allah Almighty captured their altruism, generosity and eagerness to help the new arrivals, how they give preference to them over themselves.
This quality of altruism is known as ithar إيثار in Arabic. Those who exhibit it, think of others first, even when they are in need themselves.
Allah Almighty is teaching us that this quality leads to success, for those who are protected from their own selfishness will be the ones who gain the most reward. Allah Almighty says:
“As for those who had settled in the homeland before them, and had accepted faith—they love those who emigrated to them, and they find no hesitation in their hearts in helping them. They give them preference over themselves, even if they themselves are needy. Whoever is protected from his own selfishness—it is they who are the successful.” [Qur’an]
Therefore this is paradox, when you put others first, you are raised and put first by Allah Almighty. And He the Most High says:
“And those who came after them, saying, “Our Lord, forgive us, and our fellow believers who have preceded us in faith, and leave no bitterness in our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord, You are Clement and Merciful.” [Qur’an, 59:9-10]
Altruism should never come at the cost of neglecting yourself or family. Being altruistic should not put you in hardship. Look after yourself and put others on the same level as yourself, but in doing so, do not leave your family without support. Be balanced.
Narrated Sa’ad Bin Abi Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him): he said:
“O Allah’s Messenger, I have wealth and no one to inherit from me except my one daughter. Shall I give two-thirds of my property as Sadaqah?” He replied, “No.” I said, “Shall I give half of it as Sadaqah?” He replied, “No.” I said, “Shall I give a third of it as Sadaqah?” He replied, “You may give a third as Sadaqah, which is still a lot. To leave your heirs rich is better than to leave them poor and begging from people.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
Reflect upon yourself and to what extent you are selfish in your behaviour and relationships. Minimise and control this trait by putting others before you. Have good friends who point out the good and bad in you.
Try your best to put other’s interests forward, and supplicate to Allah Almighty and accept the positive criticism of your sincere friends when they point out your flaws. Do it with the right intention.
Respected brothers and sisters! Allah Almighty has created the human soul with a predisposition to selfishness as a test. Unless he lives by the moral values of the Qur’an and Sunnah and tames his earthly desires, this feeling will come to dominate his whole moral framework.
Such a person generally thinks of himself alone, rather than everyone else. He always wants the best, finest and most perfect of everything for himself. He wants to have possessions and children and for his own family merely to be comfortable. In face of difficulties, poverty and economic hardship, he will expect the people around him to undergo all kinds of risks and troubles for him and to support him, even at the cost of their own interests. He seeks to protect his own whims and interests and to ensure his own ease and comfort.
When the situation is different he can forgo many things he values, for the sake of protecting his own interests and preventing any harm coming to him.
Allah has revealed this passionate selfish feeling in human earthly desires as follows in the Qur’an:
“Truly man was created headstrong – desperate when bad things happen, begrudging when good things come.” [Qur’an, 70:19-21]
They are a major threat to the nation and to the modern societies. The materialist thinking that is widespread in modern societies that do not live by religious moral values, reinforces the selfish and egotistical spirit in human nature and disseminates a “me-first” philosophy. Indeed, the idea of “So long as I’m all right, who cares what happens to anyone else?” or “Looking out for number one” generally dominates such societies.
Thus, oppressed masses and poor people; their children devoid of education or food; are of no interest to such people. This social structure generally leads to a troubled and unhappy atmosphere.
Only people living by the moral values of the Qur’an and Sunnah can bring about any change in such a contaminated society; only they can change the people of selfish interest — those who protect their own interests and violate everyone else’s; and who have no love or fear of Allah Almighty.
Islam cultivates love of Allah and which is the only way to acquire such values of good conscience as compassion and helpfulness, which are at the root of the Qur’anic moral values.
Fear and love of Allah enables people to submit themselves to Him, to see the best in everything and to have compassion. In the Qur’anic verses Allah reveals how the only interest of concern to believers is His approval. Allah the Most High says:
“They fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose evil will spread far and wide. They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives: ‘We feed you only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks. Truly We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous Day.’ So Allah has safeguarded them from the evil of that Day and has made them meet with radiance and pure joy.” [Qur’an, 76:7-11]
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“He who goes to bed full when his neighbour is hungry is not one of us.” [Hadith]
It is an important warning to all those believers who desire to earn Allah’s approval. Therefore, anyone aiming to earn Allah’s approval will not just settle for a solution to his own problems; he will also assume responsibility for resolving the problems of others around him in need.
This may of course require people to give up things they love or to sacrifice their own comfort. The way that Muslims look to protect and watch over the poor by giving alms, help people in need by canceling their debts and spend their possessions on Allah’s path, rather than accumulating and hoarding them, are moral virtues bestowed by the ethical values of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Responding to people’s needs and treating them kindly are forms of behaviour that prevent atrophocation of the conscience. Empathising with others, treating the needy and the orphans with affection and showing respect and love make it possible to eliminate cruelty and selfishness. Qur’anic Verses reveal that the reward for good behaviour comes in the Presence of Allah. Allah Almighty says:
“Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to neighbours who are related to you and neighbours who are not related to you, and to companions and travelers and your slaves. Allah does not love anyone vain or boastful.” [Qur’an, 4:36]
Faith (Iman) perfects people’s behaviour, as it does so many other traits. A believer who constantly heeds his conscience as required by religious moral values will always behave in the best, most considerate, trust-inspiring and tolerant manner.
Someone possessed of these moral attributes has earned merit for his own life in the hereafter. At the same time, he is instrumental in freeing the world from its self-interested and selfish nature, and making it a place of the delights of Islam.
Respected brothers and sisters! In the realm of politics, the pursuit of self-interest has long been a contentious issue. While some argue that self-interest is a natural and necessary driving force, others caution against the dangers it poses to society as a whole. How dangerous, then, is the politics of selfishness? Yes, this sermon aims to explore the ramifications of prioritising personal gain over collective well-being. By examining the adverse effects on social cohesion, economic inequality, and democratic processes, I shed light on the potential perils that arise when self-interest takes precedence in the political arena.
In today’s political landscape, the prevalence of a politics rooted in selfishness poses significant dangers to our nation and our societies. When individuals prioritise personal gain over collective well-being, the very fabric of social cohesion is at risk. A society thrives when its members work together towards common goals and share a sense of responsibility towards one another. However, the politics of selfishness erodes this sense of solidarity, leading to a fractured society where divisions deepen and empathy diminishes. This erosion of social cohesion not only hampers progress but also creates an environment where conflict and polarisation flourish. Without a shared commitment to collective well-being, the pursuit of personal gain becomes a zero-sum game, where the success of one is often at the expense of others, exacerbating societal divisions and undermining the common good.
The politics of selfishness perpetuates and exacerbates economic inequality. When policies and decisions are driven solely by self-interest, the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, deepening socioeconomic disparities. This inequality not only affects individual’s access to resources and opportunities but also undermines social mobility and perpetuates cycles of poverty. As wealth and power become concentrated in the hands of a few, the majority of the population is left struggling to meet their basic needs and achieve their aspirations. Economic inequality erodes trust in institutions and fuels societal discontent, as marginalised communities feel increasingly excluded and voiceless. It is crucial to recognise that a society where personal gain is prioritised over collective well-being cannot achieve true peace, unity, prosperity and sustainable growth.
The politics of selfishness undermines democratic processes, which rely on the principles of fairness, representation, and accountability. When politicians prioritise their own interests over those of the people they serve, the democratic ideals of transparency and public trust are eroded. Decision-making becomes influenced by personal gain rather than the needs and aspirations of the citizens. This erosion of democratic values diminishes the voice of the people, leading to a sense of disillusionment and disengagement from the political process. When the politics of selfishness prevails, the very foundation of democracy is compromised, and the power dynamics shift towards a few individuals or interest groups, rather than being representative of the collective will.
Ramifications of prioritising personal gain over collective well-being are far-reaching and detrimental to society. The erosion of social cohesion, deepening economic inequality, and undermining of democratic processes are just some of the adverse effects that arise from the politics of selfishness. It is imperative that we recognise the dangers inherent in this approach and strive towards a politics that values the common good, fosters inclusivity, and prioritises the well-being of all members of society. Only through collective action and a commitment to shared prosperity can we build a more equitable and harmonious future In Shaa Allah.
Dear servants of Allah! Sincerely speaking, ‪we live in a selfish world today. Every man for himself and his family. But don’t be selfish with your prayer. Pray for your nations, leaders, friends, your family, loved ones, as well as those you don’t know. Remember, you may think it’s not much but your sincere prayer could change someone’s situation.
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 (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
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 17, 1446 AH (June 13, 2025).

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Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon: The Important Message On Sacrificing An Animal During Eid-ul-Adha

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7 months ago

on

May 23, 2025

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By Imam Murtadha Gusau
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.
To proceed:
Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the islams’s most significant religious holidays. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Isma’il (AS) as an act of worship and obedience to Allah. This profound story is deeply embedded in Islamic tradition, and the act of sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha serves as a symbolic gesture of submission and devotion to Allah Almighty.
The story of Eid-ul-Adha originates from the Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith), where it is narrated that Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il. As they both submitted to Allah’s command, a miraculous intervention occurred. Allah the Most High says:
“Then when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled the vision!’ thus, we reward those who do right. For this was a trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice.” [Qur’an, 37:103-107]
This event signifies the ultimate act of faith (Iman) and obedience to Allah and it is commemorated annually by Muslims worldwide.
The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid-ul-Adha is termed “Layyah” in hausa language.” It is obligatory (wajib) for every adult financially capable Muslim. This is derived from both the Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith), indicating the importance and necessity of this act of worship. Allah Almighty says:
“Therefore to your Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.” [Qur’an, 108:2]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also emphasised the significance of sacrificing an animal. He said:
“Whoever has the means and does not offer the sacrifice, let him not approach our place of prayer.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Neglecting the animal sacrifice without a valid reason, despite having the financial capability, is considered sinful. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) warned against this negligence, highlighting that it distances one from the community of Muslim believers. He (Peace be upon him) said:
“He who has the means to perform animal sacrifice but does not do so should not come near our Eid ground.” [Musnad of Imam Ahmad]
This underscores the spiritual and communal importance of participating in this act of devotion.
And the correct procedure for performing the sacrifice involves specific guidelines to ensure that the act is carried out in a humane and Islamic manner. The animal to be sacrificed should be healthy, free from any defects, and of a certain age (e.g., sheep or goat should be at least one year old). The person performing the sacrifice should do the following:
1. Intention (Niyyah): The intention to perform the sacrifice should be made for the sake of Allah alone.
2. Bismillah: The name of Allah should be invoked before slaughtering the animal by saying, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
3. Sharp the Knife: A sharp knife should ensure a swift and humane slaughter.
4. Facing the Qiblah: The animal should be laid facing the Qiblah (direction of Makkah).
5. Distribution of the Meat: The meat should be divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy and poor.
Respected brothers and sisters! Eid-ul-Adha is not merely a ritualistic slaughtering of animals but a profound act of faith (Iman), reminding Muslims of the virtues of obedience, devotion, and charity. By commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Isma’il, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their submission to Allah and their willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. The act of sacrificing the animal serves as a powerful symbol of faith (Iman), community, and the spirit of giving, reinforcing the core values of Islam.
By adhering to the guidelines and fulfilling this obligation, Muslims not only follow a time-honoured tradition but also strengthen their spiritual connection and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
Dear brothers and sisters! Eid-ul-Adha is a very special time for Muslims around the world. It is also called the Festival of Sacrifice. On this day, Muslims remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He was ready to give something very dear to show his love for Allah. So, Muslims follow this by giving to others and sharing what they have.
This is a time for kindness and love. It is a time to help people who don’t have enough.
Let’s learn how you can help others during this special time.
Wallahi not everyone has the blessings of food to eat or clothes to wear or meat to eat. Some families feel sad because they do not have much. Some children do not get new clothes.
Donating during Eid is a way to ensure everyone’s happiness. Giving is the true essence of Eid. It brings people closer and shows that we care.
To give, we don’t have to be rich. Even small things can help someone smile.
You can help people near you or far away. You can still give and make a big difference even if you don’t know them.
One of the most significant ways to give during Eid is to share the meat from your sacrifice. You can provide one-third of your meat to people in need.
This is one way to follow the true meaning of Eid-ul-Adha charity.
You can make food bags and give them to families who need them. Giving food brings joy and fills hungry stomachs.
Everyone wants to wear something nice on Eid. But not everyone can buy new clothes.
Giving clothes helps others feel special and happy.
You can give money to people who need it. This is simple and fast. It can help them buy what they need the most.
You can also donate money to our Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, which helps many families during Eid. Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center makes sure that your charity reaches our orphans and deserving families.
When you give, do it with love. Say kind words. Smile. Make the other person feel happy.
Let them know they are not forgotten. They matter. Giving is not just about things. It’s about making people feel seen, loved, and valued.
Send your sadaqah and Zakat through Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center. Sponsor an orphan. Help a low-income family have food for Eid-ul-Adha.
Wallahi this kind of charitable giving during Eid helps the whole world.
You can help more people by telling others. Share a post. Make a video. Talk to your friends. Tell your school. Tell your neighbours.
“Let’s help others this Eid!”
“Giving brings joy!”
“Even a small gift can make someone smile!”
And when more people give, more lives change.
Helping others is one of the best things we can do during Eid-ul-Adha. It makes the holiday brighter, brings hearts together, and teaches love, kindness, and care. So this Eid, don’t just dress up and eat good food. Look around. See who needs help. Share what you have. Give from your heart. Allah Almighty and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) will appreciate.
You don’t need to be rich to give. You need to care.
Let’s join hands with the Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center this Eid to help the orphans and the needy, and bring happiness to homes that need it most.
Donate now FISABILILLAH, for Allah’s sake.
In this coming Eid-ul-Adha festival your donations, help, support and assistance can do more than fulfill a duty. It can bring nourishment, dignity, and joy to our orphans and to the families who need it most. With Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, your sacrifice becomes fresh, high-quality meat for orphans, less-prevelege Muslims, and struggling families in our community.
We partner with trusted local farms and deliver your sadaqah of animals sacrifice with care and compassion—because our neighbours deserve nothing less.
Please, donate through the following account details:
1. Account number: 0048647196.
– Account name: Murtala Muhammed.
– GTBank
Or:
2. Account number: 1779691620
– Account name: Murtala Muhammed.
– Access Bank.
We have only two weeks to Eid-ul-Adha. Please support our orphans with your sadaqah, with your donations and with your Zakat so that our orphans celebrate Eid-ul-Adha happily.
Remember, Eid ul-Adha is a sacred reminder of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion. As we honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to give up what he loved most for the sake of Allah Almighty, Muslims around the world are also called to give to the orphans, and to those who are struggling, displaced, and forgotten.
Allah the Most High says:
“Then when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead, We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision.’ Verily, thus do We reward the doers of good.” [Qur’an, 37:103–105]
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” [Qur’an, 22:37]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry.” [Sahih Bukhari]
“The son of Adam does not do any action on the Day of Sacrifice that is more beloved to Allah than shedding blood (of animal). It will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns, hair, and hooves, and its blood will be accepted by Allah before it even falls to the ground.” [At-Tirmidhi]
Allah The Almighty Says:
“And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” [Qur’an, 2:195]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who brings the most benefit to others.” [Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat]
May Allah Almighty accept your sacrifices, amplify your intentions, and bless you, your families with peace and barakah, 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 (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
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, Zul Qa’dah 25, 1446 AH (May 23, 2025).

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