Tuesday 19 July 2016

Sheikh Al-Sudais Delivers Friday Sermon at the Islamic Cultural Centre London


H. E. Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Sudais delivers Friday
Khutba (Sermon) at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London

Dr. Mozammel Haque

His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head of the Office of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, came to the United Kingdom, on Friday, the 15th of July 2016. During his stay, the Chief Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Makkah al-Mukarramah, Sheikh al-Sudais, met HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, visited Preston, where he inaugurated Masjid and Madrasah and he also attended the official Opening ceremony of the Masjid Ali in Birmingham.
The head of the Presidency of the Haramain, Sheikh al-Sudais, also met the community leaders, religious scholars at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London; he also met Lords and Baroness, Peers of the House of Lords of the British Parliament in another meeting. Sheikh al-Sudais also attended a reception meeting at the Library Hall of the Islamic Cultural Centre, on Thursday, 21st of July, 2016.

Friday Khutbah (Sermon)
At the Islamic Cultural Centre, London
The Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, delivered Friday Khutbah (Sermon) at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London & Regents Park London Central Mosque, on Friday, the 22nd of July 2016.

His Eminence Sheikh al-Sudais began his sermon praising Allah Subha nahu wa Taala, “All praise All praise be to Allah, we thank him, we seek help from him, we ask forgiveness from him, we repent to him, we seek refuge in him to protect us from the evils of ourselves and bad actions.

“Whomsoever he guides no one can misguide him and whomsoever he misguides no one can guide him. Oh Allah! To you is praise befitting your glory, greatness and might.  I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that our prophet Muhammad is the slave and messenger of Allah who conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, counselled his Ummah and strove in the path of Allah. Peace and blessings be upon him, his pure family, his righteous migrants and helpers companions, the following two generations (Tabe’en and Tab’e At-Tabe’en) and upon those who followed them until the end,” he said.

Greatest Favour of Allah is the gift of Islam
HE Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned about fear of Allah and the greatest favour of Allah. He said, “Oh servants of Allah, I would like to counsel myself and every one of you with the God consciousness because it is the greatest advice which was given by Allah to all his early and late servants.  Allah, the Almighty said: [And verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allah.] Surah Nisa, verse 131.”

He also said, “Oh servants of Allah, the greatest favour of Allah upon us is the gift of Islam which is a comprehensive, perfect and complete religion.  [This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion] Surah Maidah, verse 3.”

Monotheism (Tawheed)
Then the Imam of the Haramain spoke about monotheism and quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an. He said, “The greatest emphasis of Islam is on actualising the monotheism (Tawheed) and worshipping Allah, the only Lord of the Universe. [‘We only worship you and we only seek help from you’]  - Surah Al-Fatiha, verse 4

[‘We have not created mankind and jinn for nothing but to worship me.’]  Surah Adh-Dhariah, verse 56.

[‘Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my prayers, my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the universe.’] - Surah Al-An’am, verse 162

Islam emphasizes unity and solidarity of Muslims
And prohibits disunity and division of Muslims
Then the head of the office of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques said:  “Amongst great emphasis of Islam after the monotheism is the unity and agreements of the Muslims and their bonds of brotherhood.” Then he quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an: Allah, the Almighty said: [‘The believers are nothing else than brother.’] Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 10.  He referred to another verse: [‘The believers, men and women, are helpers, supporters, friends and protectors of one another.’] Surah Tawbah, verse 71.”

Sheikh al-Sudais also mentioned, “While Islam emphasises on the unity and solidarity of the Muslims it also prohibits division, disunity and excessive disagreements amongst themselves.”  He quoted from the Qur’an: Allah, the exalted said: [‘and hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur'an and Sunnah), and be not divided among yourselves.’] - Surah Al-Imrah, Verse 103.  He also quoted another verse: [‘And do not dispute (with one another) and if you do then you will lose courage and your strength will depart, and be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patients.’] - Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46.”

Sheikh al-Sudais said in his Friday Khutbah, “It is extremely important for Muslims to unite upon the Islamic Monotheism and adhere to the Qur’an and Sunnah in this current climate which is full of crisis and challenges. Also, we must be very cautious of arguments, divisive attitudes for the sake of desires, personal interest, personal opinion, groups or sects because the brotherhood of Islam is far above the effects of individuals, sectarianism, tribalism and groupism and it bring all the Muslims together under the great banner of Islam which is The Kalimah “There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Mohammed PBUH is the messenger of Allah””
 
Islam Religion of Mercy and
its Prophet Mercy to the Universe
His Eminence Sheikh al-Sudais then mentioned about Islam the religion of mercy and its Prophet peace be upon him mercy to the Universe. He said, “Oh Muslims, indeed Islam is religion of mercy and prophet PBUH was sent as a mercy to the universe.” Then he quoted from the Holy Qur’an: Allah the Almighty said: [‘And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for the mankind, jinns and all that exists.’] - Surah Al-Ambiah, verse 107.

He also referred to another verses of the Holy Qur’an: [‘And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask forgiveness from Allah for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.’] - Surah Al-Imran, Verse 159.”

Prophet PBUH the exalted standard of character
Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh al-Sudais then spoke about the excellent behaviours and wonderful mannerism of Prophet’s character. He said, “The noble prophet (peace be upon him), who was the blessed role model and great example for the whole universe implemented these beautiful qualities through his excellent behaviours and wonderful mannerism which caused incredible amounts of people to embrace Islam.” He then quoted verse from thee Holy Qur’an: Allah, the Almighty said: [‘And verily, you (O Mohammed) are on an exalted standard of character.’] - Surah Qalam, verse 4. “

Islam a Religion of safety, security
harmony, peace, love and co-existence.
Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned in his Friday Khutbah that Islam is a religion of safety, security, harmony, peace, love, dialogue, tolerance and co-existence. He said: “Indeed, the aspect of character, values and beautiful qualities in Islam is very vast and extremely important and it is the practicality and reality of faith. Islam is not about name, fame or false wishes rather it is an ideology based on a solid creeds, beautiful character, good qualities and great values. It is absolutely vital for Muslims to understand the reality of Islam which is a religion of safety, security, harmony, peace, love, dialogue, tolerance and co-existence.”

Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “Our noble prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said on the day of conquest of Makkah to his enemies [‘Go (Oh disbelievers) you are free.’] even though they persecuted, punished and harmed the prophet in every possible way. What a great mercy, character, mannerism and qualities of Islam! People from all walks of life have lived with this based on the Qur’anic Verse: [‘O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that believer who has the fearfulness of Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing and All-Aware.’] - Surah Hujurat, verse 13.”

Followers of the Prophet of Allah
Should imitate him
Sheikh Al-Sudais said: “The noble prophet PBUH never harmed anybody neither through his actions nor through his words rather he was a mercy because his Lord sent him as a great bounty for mankind and a great mercy to be followed. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him.”

“It is absolutely vital for the followers of Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) to imitate him at a time when crisis and challenges have intensified and Islam has been defamed by two groups of people. A) People of extremism, exaggerations, violence and terrorism and B) the people who have abandoned their religion, gave up their principles, lost their identity, lost their confidence and became completely hopeless,” he mentioned.

Muslims are the ambassadors of their religion
His Eminence Sheikh Al-Sudais mentioned in his Friday Khutbah that Islam is in between extremism and rejection as Allah, the Almighty said: [‘Also, we have made you (Muslims) a balanced and moderate nation, so that you be witnesses over mankind.’] - Surah Baqarah, verse 143.”

Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah said, “The Muslims must understand in every era and place, especially in this country that, they are the ambassadors of their religion and they represent its mercy, moderation and averageness. The Muslims are the delegations of their religion in this country which needs the cooperation of Muslims in order to preserve its safety, security, stability and help to continue the great production, development and advancement of this society.”


“Indeed, the excellent character and good behaviour played vital roles to make Islam a universal religion with an extraordinary feature of brotherhood which can be witnessed in the era of Prophet Mohammed PBUH and in the era of his companions, may Allah be pleased with them. The companions of Prophet Mohammed PBUH understood the religion perfectly and implemented it correctly,” Sheikh Al-Sudais mentioned.

Sheikh Al-Sudais mentioned, “Subsequently, some Muslims started to misunderstand their religion and started to lose their identity which let them to be a means of terrorism, subject of violence and many of them became the tools representatives of terrorists groups and networks which exercise violence and shed blood. The Shariah (Islam) came to protect the religion, soul, intellect, wealth and dignity.”

He quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an: [‘Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind.’] - Surah Al-Maidah, verse 32.”

Islam is far away of any
Kind of violence killings
His Eminence Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “Islam is free from the accusations of terrorism which is caused by these different types and styles of terrorist groups. Islam is far away from any kind of violence, killings and carrying weapons which is completely unacceptable in any society. It is prohibited in a Non-Muslim society let alone in a Muslim society. The Muslims are representatives of their religion in relation to their character, good qualities and adherence to their religion.”

Muslims can play a vital role
wherever they live
“They respect the system and laws of their country especially the laws and regulations which do not go against the religion of their Lord because the religion came to maintain the goodness of public and it prohibits anything which cause the harms and dangers for public,” Sheikh Al-Sudais said and added,  “Oh servants of Allah, indeed, the Muslims can play a vital role in relation to the values of citizenship in whichever country they live in and they should abide by the beautiful teachings of their religion which include the good behaviour amongst the Muslims, bond of brotherhood, cooperation and solidarity.”

The head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “Islam should not be presented in this country as a religion of some individuals and associations rather it should be presented as a religion of all Muslims which unite the Muslims under the banner of Qur’an, Sunnah and traditions of predecessors even though they are a people of different colours, backgrounds and races. Also, Muslims should behave with Non-Muslims in beautiful manner which include peace, harmony, safety, security, co-existence, dialogue and tolerance and they must avoid any kind of violence with Non-Muslims.”

Sheikh Al-Sudais then quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an, Allah, the Almighty said: [‘Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion and did not drive you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.’] - Surah Mumtahinah, verse 8.”

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Al-Sudais said, “This great responsibility of excellent character, good qualities and good behaviour which can be demonstrated through kind words, truthfulness, trustworthiness, fairness, justice, wisdom and truth. This is the best method to defend Islam in face of those who defame it and accuse it with terrorism. The accusation of terrorism should not include all the Muslims due to the heinous acts of few ignorant people or groups.”

Muslims always were the promoters of
peace,  love, safety and security
“By the grace of Allah, Muslims always were the promoters of peace, love, safety and security throughout the whole of history and the evidence can be found in the action of second Caliph Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who recognised and approved the freedom and rights of people of all religions on the day he conquered Jerusalem,” Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned and said, “This is the right approach which must be adhered to in a time when Islam is being fought from all directions and it is being blamed for terrorism whereas Islam has no connection whatsoever with terrorism. It is permitted to seek the legal rights under the criterions of Shariah as there is a huge difference between terrorism and seeking the legal rights. The legal rights can be demanded through wisdom, intellect, self-restraint, public good and by protecting people from evil.”

Sheikh al-Sudais prayed for the
rectification of  the Muslim situation
His Eminence Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “Oh Servants of Allah, be careful of some promoters of division, chaos and disunity amongst the Muslims whereas Allah, the Almighty united their hearts through the Qur’an and Sunnah.” He quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an: [‘Always turn in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him; and establish the prayers and be not of the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, idolaters, etc. Of those who split up their religion (i.e. who left the true Islamic Monotheism), and became sects, and followed their vain desires, each sect rejoicing in that which is with it.’] -Surah Ar-Rum, verses31-32.”

“May Allah rectify the situation of Muslims all over the world and grant them the understanding of religion. Indeed, he is the most kind and generous. I seek forgiveness from Allah the majestic for myself, you and for every Muslim. Seek forgiveness from him as he is the most forgiving and most beneficent,” Sheikh al-Sudais made the above supplication.

In the Second part of his Friday Sermon, Sheikh al-Sudais praised Allah the Almighty and said, “All praise be to Allah, the one who sent his messenger with guidance and true religion so that he makes it superior over other religions and Allah is all sufficient as a witness. I bear witness that, there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is the slave and messenger of Allah. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon his messenger, companions and upon all of his followers.”

Fear Allah
The Imam of the Haramain Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “Oh servants of Allah, fear Allah as Allah said: [‘And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.’] - Surah Baqarah, verse 281.”

“And know that, the best words are the Book of Allah, the best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Mohammed PBUH, the worst matters are the innovations and all the innovations are misguidance. Everyone must stick with the vast majority Muslims as the hand of Allah is with them and whoever splits away from the Muslims will fall into the fire,” said His Eminence Sheikh Al-Sudais and added, “Oh Muslims, positiveness, hope and optimism are the path of Muslims regardless of their critical condition, crisis and challenges at this time because Allah, the Almighty is the protector of his religion, promoter of his Kalimah (Faith) and comforter of his friends. If anyone looks into the history of Muslims will see that all tests and tribulations were followed by the aid and help from Allah.”

Sheikh al-Sudais quoted verse from the Holy Qur’an: [‘They were reprieved until, when the Messengers gave up hope and thought that they were denied  by their people, then our help came to them, and whomsoever we willed were delivered. And Our Punishment cannot be warded off from the people who are criminals.’] - Surah Yusuf, verse  110.”

Praising the immense Dawah activities
While appreciating the great Dawah activities of Muslims, Imam of the Haramain said, “By the grace and mercy of Allah there are Muslims in every part of the world who cater their mosques, run their Islamic institutions, train themselves, train their children, train their families and their women according to way of true Islam.  There are Muslims putting immense efforts in the field of Dawah activities, cultural programmes and safeguarding the centres of Islam such as this great centre of Islam and other centres (London Central Mosque) which gathers and accommodate the significant number of Muslims. They are the ones who will make the future of Islam brighter by the permission of Allah. This brings so much hope and happiness to our hearts and put smiles in our faces. The bond of brotherhood, beautiful cooperation, love, affection, unity, kindness and mercy can be observed in this massive crowd. Blessed are the ones who strive in the service of his religion. To Allah belong the blessed hosts.” ” He quoted verses from the Holy Qur’an: [‘And none can know the hosts of your Lord but he.’] Surah Muddathir, verse 31
“They fill-up the mosques and whole universe with the worship of Allah, they train themselves, train their children and their families according to this true path. So praise and gratitude to Allah. Remain firm and steadfast on your religion. Also, you must keep your Islamic identity and remain united under banner of The Kalimah (Faith). Be happy, hopeful, and good as this Ummah is aided by Allah, the Almighty by the grace, help and mercy of Allah,” Sheikh al-Sudais admired their activities.

Negative impression of Islam by bad actions
Sheikh al-Sudais also mentioned that they are some people who gave negative impression of Islam by their bad actions. “Oh a servants of Allah, there is no distinguish between words and actions in this religion. Some people give negative impression of Islam by their bad actions. How can someone be a true Muslim while he gives up his faith, he plays around with the safety, stability and innocent souls of people. How can someone be a good Muslim while he harms other Muslims, doesn’t refrain from steeling, disloyal to the system and become alcoholic and drug addicted?” he raised these questions and added, “These undesired actions of Muslims always gave a bad name of Islam.”

A word of advice for all the Muslims
Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Al-Sudais gave a word of advice for all the Muslims. He said, “A word of advise for all the Muslims wherever they are to fear Allah, the Almighty who knows the secret and what is hidden, to practise their religion and they must know the fact that they are the ambassadors of their religion and character. So they must represent their religion appropriately and avoid everything that is evil as they are the Ummah of Prophet Mohammed PBUH. The safety of the Muslims is the great requirement of this time as the Muslims always promoted safety, security, peace, harmony, love and affection.”

His Eminence Sheikh Al-Sudais also said, “The country of Two Harams (Makkah&Madinah) is a land belonging to all Muslims. It is their Qiblah and the place of the revelations. This holy land is playing very significant roles relentlessly in establishing peace all over the world. Every Muslim should pay extra attention to the safety and security of the holy land which is the land of Hajj, Umrah, Qiblah and sacred visits. The safety of this land is the safety of all Muslims.”

“So let’s safeguard the safety and stability of our Ummah, our countries and societies so everyone can live in peace and harmony. May Allah bless the efforts of the people who are working hard to run this centre and all other centres across the country. May Allah even give more abilities to endeavour more in the service of Islam. Send salam and salutations to our beloved Prophet Mohammed PBUH,” Sheikh concluded his Khutbah by supplicating to Allah the Almighty.


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