Sunday, July 20, 2025

The Gift of Islam

 

Praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, Who created the heavens and the earth with wisdom, and Who honoured us with Islam, the path of truth and peace.

 

My dear brothers, sisters, and followers, this message is not addressed only to Muslims, but to all humanity. It is a sincere call to all of you to recognize the One Creator, Allah, and thus walk the path of righteousness, justice, and inner peace.

 

Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Say: This is my path. I invite people, myself and those who follow me, to Allah, with clear proof. Glory be to Allah! I do not associate anything with Him.” (Yusuf, 12: 109)

 

This verse shows that the call to Allah is a universal mission. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent as a mercy for all the worlds, for all those endowed with intelligence – those who could/ can reflect on these profound messages and submit their souls or their entire existence to Allah, the Master and Source of all creation: “And We have sent you (the Prophet) as a favour (Rahma) for the entire universe (for all the worlds, for all those who take note of this message and reflect upon it).” (Al-Anbiya, 21: 108)

 

Allah also teaches us: “Whoever comes with a good deed will receive their reward tenfold.” (Al-Anam, 6: 162)

 

Note that here Allah says “comes with” and not simply “perform/ accomplish.” This means that good deeds must be preserved until the Day of Judgement. Their good deeds can be ruined by unjust behaviour, hurtful words, or acts of oppression.

 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Do you know who is truly bankrupt? It is the one who will come on the Day of Judgement with prayers, fasting, and charity, yet he had insulted others, slandered, unjustly consumed the wealth of others, shed their blood, and beaten them. His good deeds will be distributed to his victims. And if his good deeds run out before justice is fulfilled, then the sins of the victims will be transferred to him.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

 

Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) also warned us: “Stay away from jealousy, because it consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood.” (Abu Dawud)

 

Jealousy destroys our spiritual capital. We must always be content with what Allah grants us and show gratitude. If you happen to find someone who is more pious or rich, make sincere duahs for them, please them, and draw closer to them. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “A person will be with the one whom he loves.” (Bukhari)

 

Remember that prayer (Salat) is the pillar of faith. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said to Rabiah ibn Ka’b (ra): “Ask me for what you wish.” Rabiah replied, “I wish to be with you in Paradise.” The Holy Prophet (pbuh) then said, “Help me to fulfil this for you by increasing your prostrations.” (Muslim)

 

So, you must always remember that even the invocations of the pious are not enough if you are negligent in your own actions. Prayer is our direct connection with Allah; it is our refuge, our light.

 

You must respect the rights of everyone, whether they are: the members of your family: your wives (or, for that matter, for the women, your husbands), as well as your children [in short, your heirs], and your neighbours, etc. Islam teaches us justice and fairness. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The blood, wealth, and honour of each Muslim are sacred.” (These are the words our beloved Prophet (saws) uttered during his farewell prayer.)

 

But they must keep in mind that this respect must be extended to all human beings. Islam does not discriminate based on race or status. Allah says: “O people (the human race)! We created you from a male and a female, and We made you into nations and tribes, so that they may become acquainted with one another; and the noblest among them in the sight of Allah is the pious – the one who follows His straight path most closely.” (Al-Hujurat, 49: 14)

 

Allah also exhorts us to compete in good works: “So, those who wish to compete for these (the delights of Jannat), let them compete!” (Al-Mutaffifin, 83: 27)

 

The companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) used to compete in doing good works, good deeds, and not in competing to gain positions of power. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) constantly performed good deeds without ever aiming for power – leadership.

 

So, my dear brothers and sisters of all humanity, including my sincere disciples, this message is for every one of you. Keep in mind that Islam is a way of life in itself that calls for everyone to recognize the One Creator, Allah, the One Who gave them/ you/ us all life, the power to reason, and conscience. Islam does not ask you to renounce your identity, but to purify your hearts and walk toward the light.

 

“O mankind, worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqara, 2: 22)

 

O Allah, Lord of all the worlds, Master of every creation that exists, guide our hearts to the truth. Make us sincere, just, and compassionate servants of Yours. Grant humanity peace, understanding, and the light of Islam. Protect our good deeds, purify our intentions, and make us witnesses of Your mercy.

 

O Allah, may this message reach open hearts, and may those who seek the truth find refuge in You. Ameen. Summa Ameen, Ya Rabbal Aalameen.


---Friday Sermon of 18 July 2025~ 21 Muharram 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.