Eid-ul-Adha Sermon 2023

 

The House of Humanity

And We made this House (i.e. the Holy Ka’aba) a resort for mankind and a place of security, commanding people: “Take the station of Abraham as a permanent place for Prayer”. We commanded Abraham and Ishmael: ‘Purify My House for those who walk round it, those who stay there, and those who bow and prostrate themselves in worship.’ (Al-Baqara 2: 126)

 

Allah says: And remember when We made the House i.e. the Ka’aba in Mecca a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. – He has commanded all those who submit to Him and do not ascribe any partner in His worship, all His believing servants, to take the “Maqam” of Ibrahim, i.e. the place or station of Hazrat Ibrahim (as), or even the stone on which the latter stood while he was re-rebuilding the Ka’aba as a place of prayer, i.e. praying two Rakat (cycles of prayer) after the Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Ka’aba in Mecca.

'Qurbani' in Islam

  

What is 'Qurbani' ?

 

Qurbani means to sacrifice a special animal on a special day, i.e., Eid-ul-Adha (Bakr Eid) with the intention of obtaining the blessings of Allah.

 

One such sacrifice in Islam commemorates the event where Hazrat Ibrahim (as) offered the life of his son at the command of Allah (swt) but which afterwards Allah (swt) replaced with a sheep [ram]. This manifestation of love from Hazrat Ibrahim (as) to Allah (twt) has marked an unprecedented event in the history of Islam. This gave rise to a rite called Qurbani or Udhiya which has been perpetuated in Islam. This practice has been followed by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Allah (twt) has made it mandatory (Waajib) for Muslims who have the means to do so. This kind of sacrifice is not only prescribed for us, the spiritual people of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), but it was also applied to the past peoples before us, as mentioned in the Holy Quran:

 

“For every community We have appointed a rite of sacrifice so that they may pronounce the Name of Allah over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them.” (Al-Hajj 22: 35)

Objections against Animal Sacrifice

  

We, human beings, share this world with so many other breathing beings. Animals and birds are communities like us, reminds the Holy Qur’an. It is our duty to live responsibly, in fairness and justice, recognizing the interests of collective life and common good on earth, for the natural environment and living beings are among the favours and signs of God on earth. Indeed, Islam teaches Muslims to treat all living beings with kindness and compassion, and not to cause harm, nor inflict pain on animals and birds unnecessarily. Even for slaughtering them as rites of sacrifice, a believer has to abide by rules and regulations, means and methods of Islam that reduce the pain and suffering of the animal concerned. 

While the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) as well as his practical guidance on the prescriptions relating to animal slaughter are rooted in wider concern for the fair treatment of these breathing beings, the reality of everyday life show that these foundational rules are frequently violated as not fully implemented, resulting in cruel treatment to animals and birds during the transportation and handling of the animals at various stages and levels of the cattle-transportation and meat market practices. Many people who believe in fair treatment of animals, criticise and object to the ‘Muslim’ practice of animal slaughter as they see it- without understanding the Islamic teachings and guidance on the pertinent issue. 

Reproduced below are two related questions- objections on Islamic ways of slaughtering animals and on meat eating in general- put forward to Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius and the prescient observations made therein by Hazrat Saheb (aba) on the wisdom of Islamic procedures of slaughtering animals as well as the need for respecting the life-balance in this ecosystem by catering to needs while avoiding excesses on all sides of the debate.  

The Story behind the 'Qurbani'

  

What is 'Qurbani'? 

The Qurbani is practiced by Muslims to commemorate the great sacrifice of Ibrahim (as) (Abraham) who did not hesitate to sacrifice his own son for the sake of Allah [The Almighty & Unique God].

Hazrat Zaidi bn Arqam (ra) states that the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) asked him: “What is Qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah (tradition) of our father Ibrahim (as).” They inquired, “What benefit do we derive from it?” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) replied: “A reward for every hair of the sacrificed animal.” [And they asked again], “And what is the reward for the animal whose body is covered with wool?” He (pbuh) replied, “A reward for every strand of wool.”

 

The Aim of the Sacrifice

 

The immolation of an animal in Islam is not done to appease the anger of Allah by offering Him a bribe in order to succeed in any work. Far from all this, Allah does not need anything from us. He is the Almighty and the One to Whom everything belongs. However, the sacrifice is made only in the Name of Allah and to please Him.

 

“Tell them: ‘Verily my prayer, my devotion [sacrificial service], my life, my death, belong to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.” (Al-Anam, 6: 163).

'Sacrifice for a better World'

  

By the immense grace of Allah, we have reached the month of Shawwal after 29 or 30 days of fasting and sacrifices in the month of Ramadan.

 

If Ramadan was a training for all believers to control and devote themselves more and more in the acts of worship to seek the forgiveness of our Lord and the opportunities to please Him, then Shawwal is that month during which the believers are to maintain that promise they made to Allah in that which they will remain steadfast in His path and walk the way of humility, simplicity and hold high the place of sacrifice in their lives for the sake of Allah.

 

We, Muslims have the foremost duty to be true to our Islam and Ramadan taught this to us and granted us the time and opportunity to do so. Allah says in the Holy Quran:

 

Allah has promised those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, that for them there is forgiveness and a great reward. [Al-Maida, 5: 10]

 

If the Eid was a reward for you, unfortunately not all Muslims around the world get the opportunity to receive the Eid that you receive. So you should be thankful to Allah and strive with your selves and all means that you have to help change the world into a better one.

Tamil Nadu Jalsa: Special Message

[On the occasion of the Tamil Nadu State Jalsa in India, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (aba) of Mauritius addressed the gathering of believers on the morning of 27 December 2020. Reproduced below is the extracts from the Text of the Special Message]: 

May the peace and blessings of Allah be with you all! 

We must first of all thank Allah (twa) infinitely because, by His great Kindness, He granted to the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Tamil Nadu as well as the Jamaat of Kerala the honour and the privilege of organising the Jalsa Salana 2020 despite the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. I must say, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah. 

The whole world appears to be in turmoil and even the islands are not spared with the coronavirus/ COVID-19 which is wreaking havoc across the globe. Millions and millions are contaminated with COVID-19 and there more than a million have died from it around the world. In addition, there is the global economic crisis, loss of jobs, corruption, also drought (even here in Mauritius), social problems, drugs, and floods and many other forms of calamity. It is therefore incumbent upon us to pray for the safeguard and advancement of Islam - Sahih al Islam, as well as humanity throughout the world. The length of life on earth is unknown to us. We cannot know how many will have already died. Our duty is to warn people of the fragility of this time. Allah (twa) has informed me several times that this time will be even more dangerous and will herald the approach of Qiyamah (The Last Day). 

'Duah': Invocations to Allah-VIII

Waz-zaakiriinallaaha kasiiraww-wa zaaakiraati ‘a-‘addallaahu lahum-maghfirataww-wa ‘ajran ‘aziimaa.

… men and women who remember Allah often—for (all of) them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. (Al-Ahzab 33 : 36)

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) as saying that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, thus stated: “I am near to the thought of My servant as he thinks about Me, and I am with him as he remembers Me. And if he remembers Me in his heart, I also remember him in My Heart, and if he remembers Me in assembly I remember him in assembly, better than his (remembrance), and if he draws near Me by the span of a palm, I draw near him by the cubit, and if he draws near Me by the cubit I draw near him by the space (covered by) two hands. And if he walks towards Me, I rush towards him.”

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, Allah (swt) gave me the Tawfiq to continue my sermons on the subject of “Duahs” and today is the 8th part. All this is by the grace of Allah (swt) and His blessing and where He is pouring these duahs on me so that I can present them in front of all the brothers, sisters and children in Islam as well as all my dear disciples around the world. Ya Allah, Ya Azim, Ya Ghaffar, Ya Rabbul Aalameen (O Allah The Almighty, The Indulgent, The Master of all worlds), thank you for all Ilm (knowledge) that You pour out on me so that I lead Your servants on the right path. Ameen.

We pray that Allah (swt) will grant mercy, salvation and blessing to our prophet Muhammad (pbuh), as well as to his family and all of his companions. Ameen.

It is thanks to this great prophet Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen (who is a mercy to the whole universe) that we know these duahs. Allah taught us the duahs that His Nabi Kareem (pbuh) used to address to Him, and especially under what circumstances they should be recited. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself is this perfect guide and model, and we have no guide except the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). [That is to say] It is from him that all people take example in order to perfect their own Islam and Iman (faith).

Eid-ul-Adha Sermon 2020

The Eid-ul-Adha is not a celebration like any other. It is not a celebration of joy and rejoicing like Eid-ul-Fitr. On the contrary, it marks the spirit of sacrifice of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as), the great prophet, ancestor of our beloved Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad (pbuh).

This great sacrifice was perpetuated to serve as a lesson to humanity. Everyone knows this story. I myself have delivered several sermons on the story of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) and his son, Hadhrat Ishmael (as). Read the sermons I have delivered in previous years on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha; I don’t have to come back to the same topic again.

What we don’t know and what we need to know is the lesson to be learned, especially from this sacrifice. Without this particular sacrifice, Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) could not have established himself as the Comrade of Allah (Khalilullah). Imagine yourselves; after having become a father at an advanced age when you had no children, after having made many supplications (duahs) to Allah (swt) to give you a child, an heir of your own seed, and behold! When Allah (swt) grants you this child, and where He accepts your invocations, He now tests you to know how much love you have for Him… Is the love that you have for this child stronger than your love for Allah? So He tests you in this way.

'Be Helpers in the Cause of God'

Become the Helpers of Allah!

“O you who believe! Become helpers of Allah: As said Jesus, son of Mary, to the Disciples, ‘Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah?’ The disciples answered, ‘We are Allah’s helpers!’ then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed.” (As-Saff, 61: 15)

In the history of nations, on occasion they are obliged to take certain basic decisions. This had equal application to worldly as well as divine communities. When confronted with such situation, using a well-known phrase, they have to decide: “to be or not to be?” This is the question. Today the question is whether you will advance or you will perish.

In the religious world, since the origin of faith is divine, this option is not applicable. It is already decreed that the divine communities will advance. There is never a question of retreat. For the achievement of the goal set for them, they are always prepared to sacrifice all. Such an occasion has now arisen in the history of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. The verse that I have just recited is most appropriate for our times also.

Even if Jesus (as), the Messiah and the Prophet of Allah is dead, but his image has come yet again in this era through the will of Allah to give you all a new lease of life. Had the Christians and Muslims understood the real scope of this truth, they would have stopped waiting for the physical descent of Jesus, son of Mary, Prophet of Allah to the Israelites.

Now, a new era has dawned. This era is that of Islam and perpetually so, till the end of times. Even though the origin of all religions or faiths is divine, but through the course of all these centuries, people have lost their original essence, i.e. the unity of God. Thus, with time, association with God became widespread in religions which were basically monotheists and true. Their teachings were falsified to quench the thirst for power of the modern divines [i.e. the high priests, pundits, etc.]

But now, with the rise of a Man of God who has come in the mantle of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to revive the true teachings of all previous faiths, the time is crucial, and help is needed to break all false doctrines which have crept in the pure faith.

The Holy Quran instructs those who believe to enlist themselves as: Helpers in the cause of Allah, in the same manner as Jesus (as), the son of Mary who asked his disciples: ‘Who amongst you will help me for the sake of Allah?’ So Allah enabled a party of the Children of Israel to believe while another party disbelieved.

Furthermore, Allah says: “We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies, and they became the ones that prevailed.”

'Eid-ul-Adha' Sermon 2019

The Prayer of Hazrat Ibrahim (as)

“Rabbi hablii minas-saalihiin. Fabash-sharnaahu bi-gulaamin haliim.”

The verses of the Holy Quran which I have just recited before you today are found in Chapter 37, Surah As-Saffat, Verses 101-102. It is a duah (invocation/ prayer) which Hazrat Ibrahim (as) addressed to Allah.

The duah is as follows: “Rabbi hablii minas-saalihiin.” (O my Lord, grant me a righteous (offspring)). After addressing this duah to Allah (swt), God Almighty accepted it and granted him his request: “Fabash-sharnaahu bi-gulaamin haliim.” (So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing son).

So, these verses show the acceptance of Ibrahim’s (as) duah and how the promise of Allah (swt) came to manifest when Allah announced to him the birth of a gentle, and forbearing son. When the child reached the age when he could travel with his father, the latter (i.e. Hazrat Ibrahim) told him: ‘My son, I have seen myself sacrificing [slaughtering] you in a dream. What do you think?’ He said, ‘Father, do as you are commanded and, God willing, you will find me steadfast (among those or like those who show [exemplary] patience).’

In this verse, Allah (swt) has mentioned patience; those who forebear, those who are steadfast. It is the same kind of patience [an exemplary patience] that the son of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) has shown when the time came for him to be sacrificed. That is why the boy, Hazrat Ismail (as) said that: Insha-Allah, you shall find me steadfast (among those or like those who show [exemplary] patience).

So, the subject matter of sacrifice in the path of Allah has a profound connection/ bond with patience, for without patience, then the sacrifice in itself is also vain. Had Hazrat Ismail (as) not said what he declared on that day with complete sincerity, i.e. Insha-Allah, you shall find me steadfast, then on that day itself the real meaning of sacrifice would have been lost, annihilated. And therefore the world would have been deprived from the reality [true meaning] of sacrifice.

Eid-ul-Adha: The Significance of 'Qurbani'

Every religion has certain rituals. They are worn as ornaments and become the very face of religion. It is important to value these rituals in order to situate oneself in religion. Islam is a religion that includes two days of the year that are celebrated ritually and which therefore have more religious significance than others: Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

Note that these two festivals each have a special prayer. In fact, before the arrival of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) in Medina, its inhabitants celebrated two other days of the year. When the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) arrived there, he said, “You had two days when you would play, but Allah (swt) has given Muslims something instead that is better than them: the day of Al-Fitr and the day of Al-Adha.” (Nasai)

The days of Eid are the only festivals of the Islamic calendar. These two days of celebration each include a special prayer. The Muslim therefore celebrates his festivals with more prayer and fervour in thanking his Lord for all the favours He pours on him. It is therefore with an additional prayer that the Muslim expresses his joy while thanking his Creator.

And on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha, it is with the sacrifice of an animal in the name of Allah that he thanks his Lord and shows generosity to the poor.

The term “Qurbani” is derived from the word “Al-Qurban” which means any work that leads to divine proximity. Thus, every religious service is called ‘Qurbah’ or holy work and especially sacrifices. (Inset: a picture from the Hajj of 1953 when the pilgrims were able to choose the animals they wanted for Qurbani and would keep their livestock with them during the Hajj)

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) reports that our Lord (Allah) has said, “My servant constantly approaches me by performing additional acts of devotion until I grant him My affection. Thus, I become his ear by which he hears, his eyes by which he sees ... And if he asks Me something, I grant it to him and if he seeks My protection, I protect him.” (Bukhari).

This day of Eid-ul-Adha leads us to reflect on the sacrifices offered by Ibrahim (as) to his Lord: the hardships of emigration, being thrown into the fire and being separated from his family among others. And moreover, Allah the Exalted ordered him to sacrifice his son Ismail (as). He submitted to the divine will and placed the knife on the neck of his son to slit his throat.

But Allah the Exalted decreed that Hazrat Ismail (as) was not going to be sacrificed and he was thus spared, and this human sacrifice was replaced by the sacrifice of a sheep. By this, Allah the Exalted wanted to fill Muslims with benefits compared to fellow Christians and Jews, but for that it was necessary to offer in sacrifice Ismail (as), father-ascendant (biological ancestor) of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “I am the son of two sacrificed people.” (Mustadrak Hakim) Ismail (as), the eldest son of Ibrahim (as) and father of the Arabs, and Abdullah, the biological father of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Both were about to be sacrificed.

It is to revive the memory of the spirit of sacrifice of Ibrahim (as) that one is called every year to sacrifice animals during the days of Eid-ul-Adha. The sacrifice of animals during the 10^th of Dhul-Hijjah is an integral symbol of Islam. Allah the Exalted said: “And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah.” (Al-Hajj 22: 37).

'Eid-ul-Adha': Celebrate the Spirit of Sacrifice

(A special message of Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha, was published in two newspapers in Mauritius on Friday 01 Sep. 2017:   Le Socialiste (Pg. 2), Le Mauricien - Forum (Pg. 15). 

A Mighty Sacrifice for the Cause of Allah

Since time immemorial, men have always been making sacrifices, all for the cause of God Almighty. All religions in the world teach sacrifice for the sake of God and the goodwill of humanity. Likewise, the Muslims also, in the spirit of the Eid-ul-Adha festival are called to do such sacrifices which would assure them the pleasure of Allah if done with sincerity, purity of body and mind; such selfless sacrifices which would be an example for all humanity to follow. 

'Eid-ul-Adha' Sermon 2017

Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and Hazrat Ismail (as). It is indeed Hazrat Ibrahim (as) who accomplished all rights of fidelity. He could not have become an intimate creature and servant of Allah, were it not for the sincerity, cleanliness and purity he displayed, and it would have been difficult for him to arrive at such stage (in the eyes of Allah/ in the realm of spirituality).

To fulfil all rights of fidelity, Hazrat Ibrahim (as) had to make such efforts to purify his heart and remove all 'Ghairullah' (all that is not Allah) and filled it with the love of Allah and act according to the will of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim (as) had persevered in this path and showed himself ever firm, to such an extent that he once dreamt that he was sacrificing his son. So, concerning his dream, he could have given it several interpretations, but his faith in Allah was so firm that he decided to go through with the literal sacrifice of his young son, with his own hand.

Ponder over this. Imagine the state of a person if his son suddenly dies due to some illness. That person can reach such stage where he starts to have all kinds of doubts on Allah, and thus he opens his mouth to utter countless complaints and objections against Allah.

So, Hazrat Ibrahim (as) crushed the love he had for his son and above all preferred to show his love for Allah (swt). This kind of person, Allah does not let him lose anything and he becomes the friend of Allah.

When you read the Holy Quran, you see how much love he had for Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) in return gave him lots of revelations and granted him, in his progeny, prophets. Both his sons Ismail (as) and Ishaq (as) were prophets and through them (i.e. their bloodline), many more prophets came.  In the example  of Hazrat Ibrahim (as), there is a lesson for all humanity; a lesson of sincerity and faithfulness. That is why Ibrahim (as) has been qualified as the one who showed faithfulness (fidelity) and sincerity.

Khalifatullah's Visit to the Island Nations

VISIT OF THE KHALIFATULLAH TO THE COMOROS & REUNION ISLAND- (21-27 October 2015)

After a flight of 2hrs 25 minutes through Reunion Island, the Khalifatullah (atba) reached the Comoros (Moroni Airport) at 12.10 (local time). He was warmly welcomed by the members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Union des Comores as well as the members of the Amila.

¨     The same day, the Khalifatullah (atba) held an important meeting with the officers of the Jamaat, and was briefed on the works done. 
 

¨    After the Asr prayers, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) went in a village and met with some Imams there as well as the village chief. AlhamdOlillah, the meetings with them were very successful. The Imam invited the Khalifatullah (atba) to lead the Maghrib prayer, and afterwards, the people of the village came to meet the Khalifatullah (atba) with much love. They maximized this special moment to ask a lot of important questions to Huzur (atba) and Alhamdolillah, the Messenger of Allah (atba) gave them such answers which pleased them, and thus in capacity of spiritual leader, the Khalifatullah (atba) explained to them about his mission and invited them to the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. By the grace of Allah, they were highly pleased to have met with the Messenger of Allah, and they recognized and accepted him as well as integrate the Jamaat. They planned to give the message of the advent of the Khalifatullah as well as our Jamaat to the people of other villages also. Alhamdolillah. May Allah count them among His sincere ones. Amine.

Eid-Ul-Adha: Sacrificing Our Best Assets

And for all religion We have appointed a rite (of sacrifice) that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of (sacrificial) animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, give good tidings to the humble (before their Lord), 

Who, when (the name of) Allah is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, and (to) the patient over what has afflicted them, and the establishers of prayer and those who spend from what We have provided them. 

And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up (for sacrifice); and when they are (lifeless) on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. 

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good. (22: 35-38)

The great advices mentioned in these verses apply to every aspect of human life. First they teach us the meaning of sacrifice. And they teach us that we are dependent on these animals (cattle) because we get all kinds of supplies from them. And there are other benefits that are related to these quadrupeds to facilitate your life. Certainly, it is on these types of animals also that you travel.

'Eid-ul-Adha' and 'Maqam-e-Ibrahim'

Say: Allah speaks the truth. Follow then the religion of Ibrahim, (who was) ever turned (to Allah), and was not among the idolaters. (3: 96)

 

Through this Eid sermon today, I hope that each member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam today ponder over the submission and sacrifices which Hazrat Ibrahim (as) has shown. And realise also how Allah accepted this sacrifice and rewarded him for it. Likewise, each woman must reflect on the special type of submission which Hazrat Hajra (ra) demonstrated. All this was only for the cause of Allah and Allah did not let her down; she did not lose (the sweet fruits of her sacrifices). The children also must reflect on the complete submission which Hazrat Ismail (as) shown and how Allah has honoured him for all times. Therefore, the sacrifices which are done sincerely in the path of Allah shall never be in vain. Today, even when you are performing Qurbani, you must bear in mind that Allah is not looking at the meat or blood (of the animal) only but also at the quality of your sacrifices; that which Allah looks for is your heart, the intention and sincerity within. That’s all.

I pray to Allah that He grants me also and all of us together this true spirit of sacrifice and whenever we have to do a sacrifice, that Allah accepts it from us. Thus, like you heard after the Surah Al-Fatiha, I recited the Verse 96 of Chapter 3 (Al-Imran), where Allah says:

 

 Say: Allah speaks the truth. Follow then the religion of Ibrahim, (who was) ever turned (to Allah), and was not among the idolaters. (3: 96)

The fundamental attribute of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) was Ibrahim the Hanif, that is, the ever turned to Allah. He humiliated himself before the One to whom he was ever turned (that is, he curbed/prostrated himself before Allah only). Therefore, even if ever he did an error, but the fact remains that he turned himself completely to Allah, he worshipped Allah only. He did not incline himself to any other than Allah. Therefore the central attribute for him is Ibrahim the Hanif.

Eid-ul-Adha: Prophetic Traditions

Insha-Allah, we celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha on Sunday 05 October 2014. Therefore, in today’s Friday Sermon, I shall put before you some Hadiths which has connection with the Eid-ul-Adha.

Abdullah ibn `Abdul-Rahman ibn Abza from his father (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say in the morning and in the evening: “We wake up on pure Islam, the word of Tawhid (monotheism) and on the religion of our Prophet Muhammad (peace b upon him) and on the religion of our father Ibrahim (Abraham) who was purely a Muslim and never was from the polytheists.”(Ahmad) 

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited out loud : “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik Laa Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda wan-Ni’mata Laka wal Mulk, Laa Sharika Laka” – (Translation) I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you. – He cried out that attestation of the unity of God (that is, the Talbiya) and that is all. (Bukhari & Ahmad)

Hazrat Shaddad ibn Aws (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite this supplication (duah) in his Salat(prayer): “O Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in keeping Your command. And I ask You for firmness of resolution in (pursuing) the right path…” Therefore, even for doing good deeds, pursuing the right path, there cannot be ‘firmness of resolution’ without duahs (supplication to Allah).

Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the one who showed the most firmness and perseverance and also he used to seek the help of Allah through prayer/supplications to Allah (duah), and he sought guidance, that is, the right path, intelligence and perspicacity. This is what is called ‘Rusht’ (the ability to distinguish good and evil). 

“...And I ask You (enablement) to be thankful for Your favours and to worship You in the best way. And I ask You for a truthful tongue and ‘Qalbi Saleem’ (a sound heart)…”

Now, nobody has received a purer heart than Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and there has not been any person who has been more truthful than him on earth. Therefore, in this way, we can correctly say that it is Allah who gives the ‘Qawli Sadid’(clear/truthful speech), ‘Qawli Salim’ (pure speech) and ‘Rusht’ (the ability to distinguish good and evil), otherwise there is no other means to acquire all these!

Then Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “…And I seek refuge in You from the mischief that You know and I ask You for the good that You know. And I seek Your forgiveness for (sins) that You know Indeed, You are the Best Knower of the unseen.”

Triumph of Islam: Our Obligations

Advent of the Khalifatullah

As the Khalifatullah of this era, I am telling you again and again that in our present times, Allah has not neglected this world. He has established the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam and He is the one to have sent a man from among yourselves, that is, this humble servant (of Allah) who is present before you, who sits among you, talk with you and you are indeed fortunate that you are living in such a era where the divine grace is pouring down from the heavens like rain falls in the times of drought.

I tell all those who have believed in me, you are surely very blessed to be living in the times of a prophet of Allah. Therefore, pray a lot and establish brotherhood and recite a lot the Darood Shareef which is an excellent means to acquire (and strengthen) brotherhood. Do not do all this by routine. Take into consideration the great deeds which our beloved prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) has taught us and you shall receive the delicious fruits of the realisation of your supplications (duas).

Obedience and Sacrifice

Consider the example of the battle of Uhud, after the partial defeat of the Muslims just because of the disobedience which some Muslims showed against the orders of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) placed them in a place on a hill and told them come what may not to move from there, but when they perceived that the enemies were not coming their way to attack (thinking that they were moving away in defeat), they thought the orders of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) were now irrelevant. Therefore, they abandoned the instructed place. Had the Muslims placed on that hill shown strict obedience to the prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), there would not have been any defeat. We must realise the importance of the discipline when showing obedience to a prophet of Allah. To be able to see achievements/victories, one must show an example of devotion, submission and total obedience to the Elect of Allah.

The truth shall triumph and the sun of Islam shall once again rise like the first time with the advent of the noble prophet (pbuh). This sun shall reach its zenith, in all its splendour like before. The heavens can delay that victory, but we, the Sahih al Islam shall have to make many efforts in the field of spirituality and make great sacrifices of wealth and leisure. Bear this in mind and do not be dejected at all. Before the victory of Islam, we must have to suffer a lot of humiliations and disgrace. The renaissance of Islam necessitates a great sacrifice from us. What is this sacrifice? It is dying in the path of Allah and His divine teachings and verily the life of Islam shall depend on that death.

‘Sacrifice’ is a Call of Duty

The spirit of Eid-ul-Adha ought to pervade the faith and practices of the believer in his everyday life. He could, should and would be ready to sacrifice all that he values and cherishes in furtherance of the cause of God and to fulfil His wishes. Being submissive to the command of God and the willingness to sacrifice in the Divine Path is a call of duty for all Muslims, to be discharged throughout their lives. It is through the practical demonstration of obedience to Divine commandments in their own everyday life that the believers will be able to inherit and follow in the footsteps of the noble Messengers and saints of the past, points out the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius, in his Friday Sermon of 18 October 2013.

“And when he reached the age of travelling with him, he said: ‘My son, while I was sleeping I saw that I shall slaughter (sacrifice) you, tell me what is your opinion.’ He replied: ‘Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.’” (37: 103)