Never neglect the Sunnah!
The life of a true Muslim is one that is shaped
by complete submission to Allah, guided by the Holy Qur’an and illuminated by
the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Holy Qur’an itself
commands obedience not only to Allah but also to His Messenger, for the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) is described as the living embodiment of the Qur’an; his
actions, words, and manner of life explain and clarify the divine verses. To
follow the Holy Qur’an without the Sunnah and Hadiths is to miss the practical
demonstration of its meaning, for Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) showed through his
daily conduct how the commands of Allah are to be lived in reality.
The first step in the life of a Muslim is the remembrance of Allah from the moment of waking. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) taught simple but profound supplications to be recited at the start of the day, such as: “Alhamdulillahil-lazi ahyana ba‘da ma amatana wa ilayhin-nushur” (Praise be to Allah Who gave life after death and to Him is the return). This sets the tone of gratitude and awareness of the Creator. Throughout the day, the Muslim continues to recite such Duahs as taught in the Qur'an and also those of the Sunnah, for example before eating, after finishing a meal, when entering or leaving the home, and before sleeping. These supplications are not mere words; they are like a lightning strike that evokes that every action, however ordinary, is connected to Allah and should be performed with His remembrance.
Moreover, a true Muslim has his five daily
obligatory prayers to accomplish, and those form part of the pillars of faith
and are the most direct link between the servant and the Allah. The Holy
Prophet (pbuh) explained the timings, the manner, and the spirit of prayer, and
his example shows that prayer is not only a ritual but also a discipline,
humility, and devotion. Alongside prayer, the Holy Qur’an encourages constant
remembrance, and the Holy Prophet taught specific phrases of Zikr (i.e.,
remembrance), such as “Subhan-Allah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah”
(Praise be to Allah), and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). These
words, repeated with sincerity, purify the heart and keep it connected to the
Divine.
The life of a Muslim also involves modesty and
morality. The Holy Qur’an commands both men and women to cover themselves
properly and to maintain Haya (Shame). Women are ordained to cover themselves
with outer garments when in public, and the Holy Prophet’s wives and companions
demonstrated how this should be practised. Clothing is not only a matter of
fabric but of dignity and obedience to Allah’s command. Similarly, morality in
speech, dealings, and behaviour is essential. The Holy Prophet (pbuh)
emphasised honesty, kindness, humility, and respect for others, showing that
faith is not complete unless it is reflected in character.
A true Muslim does not separate the Holy Qur’an
from the Sunnah. The Holy Qur’an gives the divine message, and the Sunnah
explains how it is to be lived. To reject the Hadith is to reject the Holy
Prophet’s guidance, which Allah Himself commanded to follow. Unfortunately,
this is what is happening with the new reverts to Islam who are openly
rejecting the Sunnah and Hadiths in favour of only the immediate guidance as
found in the Book of Allah. But they shun the divine command: Obey Allah and
obey the Messenger!
The Prophet’s life is the shining example of
the Holy Qur’an in practice; by imitating him, the believer understands the
depth of the verses and finds balance in worship, conduct, and daily living.
Thus, the steps of a true Muslim’s life are
clear: begin and end the day with remembrance of Allah; perform the five
prayers with devotion; recite the Duahs taught by the Prophet in daily actions;
maintain modesty in clothing and purity in behaviour; and follow the Sunnah as
the living explanation of the Holy Qur’an. In this way, the believer walks upon
the path of submission, guided by the Book of Allah and the example of His
Messenger, and finds peace in both heart and soul.
That true Muslim should be each one of you in
the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, and the rest of the Muhammadan Ummah. Live by the
example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh); let your lives be filled with
divine guidance through his Sunnah and the present guidance offered to you by
Allah in this present era of Divine Manifestation. With the evolution of time
and societies, with new trends and fashion, and the awakening of new cultures,
only Islam as the evergreen Deen (Way of Life) sets the balance for perfect
life. Acting in accordance to Islam, as per Qur'an and Sunnah assures for each
one of you true happiness in this life and the hereafter, be it at physical,
moral and spiritual levels.
May Allah accept your efforts to truly reflect
the real Islam in you. The display of Islam is not sufficient. It should
pervade your whole lives. Insha-Allah, I pray that you, my disciples and
those who will come after, display that true submission in you. May Allah
accept your deeds for His Cause as genuine and save you from Kufr (disbelief)
and Nifaaq (Hypocrisy). Ameen, Summa Ameen, Ya Rabbal Aalameen.
---Friday Sermon of 02 January 2026~ 12 Rajab 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.