Islamophobia Awareness Month Afzal Khan MP Wrote a Letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson

 Dr. Mozammel Haque

 

 

Afzal Khan MP for Greater Manchester Gorton wrote a letter to the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnsonon thios occasion of Islamophobia Awareness Month.

 

November is the month of Islamophobia Awareness Month. On this month British Muslim community organised meetings, conferences and discussions. This year due to coronavirus, though talk and discussions were held but by zoom or Face Book Live Broadcasting meeting. Rt. Hon. Afzal Khan, M.P. for Manchester Gorton wrote a letter to the Prime Minister on 10^th of November 2020. Following is the copy of the letter.

 

Afzal Khan MP’s Letter to

Prime Minister Boris Johnson

 

The Prime Minister

10 Downing Street

London

 

Dear Prime Minister

I write to you to raise the very serious and concerning issue of Islamophobia here in the U.K. , during this Islamophobia Awareness Month.

 

The recent report by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, “An Avoidable Crisis: The disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities,” details how Black, Asian and minority ethnic people have been subject to disgrace racism during the pandemic. Unfortunately, this has been reinforced by actions taken by your government and members of your Party.

 

The last-minute lockdown announcement ahead of Eid-ul-Adha left many of my constituents here in Manchester rightfully angry and frustrated. It also contributed to a deeply concerning and false, far-right narrative that British Muslims are ‘spreading corona,. As a result of this narrative, according to hate crime monitoring charity TellMAMA, Muslim communities have suffered a shocking 40% increase in online Islamophobia during the pandemic. The Government’s own figures also once again reveal Muslims have been victims to the highest proportions of all hate crimes committed this year.

 

As Prime Minister it is your duty to protect and safeguard all communities. However, I am disappointed, if not surprised, at the inaction of this Government in tackling the issue of Islamophobia is clearly growing. Fresh criticism has come from your own Islamophobia adviser, Qari Asim, for the way British Muslims have been treated during the pandemic.

 

You committed to launching an independent review of Islamophobia, but you have yet to deliver on this promise. The all-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims definition of Islamophobia has been adopted by all the major parties, including the Scottish Conservatives, apart from the Conservative Party.

 

In light of this, I urge you to take immediate action and fulfil your promise to conduct an independent investigation into Islamophobia within your Party and heed the recommendations set out in the Doreen Lawrence review to help better protect the 2.6 million British Muslims here in the U.K. I also urge you, as leader of the Conservative Party, to follow in the footsteps of  your colleagues in Scotland and adopt the APPG definition of Islamophobia.

 

Will you also meet with myself and key Muslim organisations to discuss how best to tackle Islamophobia going forward?

 

I look forward to your response.

 

Yours sincerely,

Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Gorton.

 

Islamophobia in the British Parliament

Issues and concerns about Islamophobia were raised in both the Houses of the British Parliament. Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Gorton, raised the issue of Islamophobia in the House of Commons on 5^th of October, 2020. He asked the question on spike in Islamophobia in the House of Commons on Monday, the 5^th of October, 2020.

 

Afzal Khan (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab)

Spike in Islamophobia

Afzal Khan, Labour Member of Parliament for Gorton, through Virtual participation said, “During this pandemic we have seen a sharp spike in Islamophobia, from blaming Muslims for the spread of covid-19 to fuelling online hate. I am sure the Secretary of State will want to join me in commending the community for its patience and hard work in these difficult months. Given that the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies has previously highlighted the good work of the Muslim Council of Britain in reaching minority groups that the Government are unable or unwilling to reach, can he outline what discussions he has had with the MCB and other Muslim organisations on the safe reopening of mosques?”

 

In reply, The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick said, “Like the hon. Gentleman, I want to praise and thank the Muslim communities throughout the country for their forbearance. We have worked closely with them through our places of worship taskforce that the Prime Minister and I set up. I have had the privilege to meet representatives from mosques, including the London Central Mosque on the eve of the Eid celebrations, to thank them once again for their forbearance. We have put in place detailed guidelines to help mosques to reopen safely and will continue to work with Muslim groups in the weeks and months ahead.”

 

Places of Worship Open safely?

Labour MP for Gorton asked again, “What steps his Department has taken to help places of worship open safely during the covid-19 outbreak. 

 

The Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick said, “As Communities Secretary, ensuring places of worship can reopen and remain open has been a priority for me and my Department. Their contribution to our country as places of solace, as well as for significant moments such as weddings and funerals, is clear to us all. Places of worship remain open today for more than six people for communal prayer and services with existing covid-secure requirements continuing to apply.”

 

Earlier, Baroness Manzila Uddin spoke on Islamophobia in the House of Lords on 10 November 2020

 

Baroness Uddin (Non-Affl)

Baroness Manzila Uddin talked about Islamophobiua in the House of Lords on 10 November 2020. Baroness Uddin said, My Lords, I extend my sympathies to the family of Rabbi Sacks, the late Lord Sacks. It was a privilege to work with him on interfaith issues for many years, including in the early years of his journey. I also extend my thoughts and prayers to the families of all those who were so brutally murdered in Paris, Austria and Kabul. We stand together in their sorrow.

 

She also mentioned, “This House will agree that we must not fall prey to the language of hate and divisiveness being normalised in our discourse on terrorism and violent extremism, whoever the source. I am aghast at the hateful incitement and utterances from French leaders in denigrating faiths and communities, which will cause an insurmountable rise in Islamophobia, including Islamophobic attacks on Muslim communities in France and elsewhere.”

 

Baroness Uddin asked, “Will the Minister continue with her commitment to working across faith communities, including women-led organisations, to ensure that their security remains paramount? Does she agree that demonising religion in combating the plague of terrorism is likely to disfranchise societies and, in doing so, demean our best endeavours as a society committed to upholding respect for the values of freedom, liberty, justice and equality?”

 

Facebook Live Meeting

The Muslim Professionals Forum presented a Facebook Live Broadcasting Meeting on “Is Religion Welcome in British Public Life? A Talk by Guest Speaker Professor Tariq Modood, Professor of Sociology, Politics and Public Policy, hosted by Khaled Noor, chair, The Muslim Professionals Forum on 10 October 2020. In the Questions & Answers section, while answering to a question on Islamophobia, Professor Tariq Modood, said. The Conservative Party    has some higher problem attracting Muslims and others to their ranks or to join them.

 

Tariq Modood is a Professor of Sociology, Politics and Public Policy and the founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship at the University of Bristol. He is also the co-founder of the Journal Ethnicities. His latest book include Secularism and Multiculturalism (2019), Religion and Beliefs in British Public Life

 

Islamophobia

Professor Tariq Modood mentioned, “But it is interesting we have seen now on in the current government as well as in the Theresa May’s government and so on that quite a lot of ethnic immorality individuals, especially now I see people, Pakistani and Indian origin, holding quite high office in the Conservative Party and its Government and so on.

 

“But I think the bigger issue for the Conservative Party is that they are very slow and reluctant to tackle racism and specifically Islamophobia. There is a lot of Islamophobia in the Conservative Party. According to their own report, according to the materials we can find now, that is only be the tip on the iceberg, that only may be visible, most of the rest is invisible.

 

“The organisation, HOPE NOT HATE, just a few days ago published an extensive and a systematic report on Islamophobia in the Conservative Party – How the Conservative Party is failed over a long period of time; failed to deal with Islamophobia in its ranks; something that Baroness Sayeeda Warsi is a big champion of. She has spoken of so many times loudly about it and so on. But yet the movement has been very slow. So even something visual into the high office, nevertheless the tackling of certain kind of racism and Islamophobia; well, it is not tackled, it is not actually admitted be a large scale problem; they say so a few individuals but actually it is not. And this report by HOPE NOT HATE brings us out very well.

 

Professor Modood also said, “If we look at online communication which means people who are Conservatives, we see lots of derogatory remarks about Muslims, insulting remarks, the use of stereotypes and in some ways its come down to Prime Minister himself. We know that he made derogatory remarks about some Muslim women dress, conservative dress, modern dress and when asked to apologise he refused to do so.

 

He continued, “So obviously that sets the example, sets the tone so when we have the leadership election for the Conservative Party, one of the candidates – Sajid Javed – he said I am going to prioritise to investigate Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, then the other candidates also allying including Boris Johnson but he had not done so. He had been very slow to do. He has set up, I have to say, they have set up a body to investigate, not an independent body, as Baroness Warsi has been calling for and as the Muslim Council of Britain has been calling for, now the HOPE NOT HATE is calling for.

 

Talking about investigation Professor Modood mentioned, “They have not set up an independent enquiry but they have set up something within the Party structure and it will be instinctive when comes up. I cannot say, I feel with confidence, that they will get the full measure of the problem. They may continue to do what they have been doing which is to understate the problems as just been a problem to do with a number of individuals rather than a systematic cultural problem within the Conservative Party.”

 

Professor Tariq Modood is a Professor of Sociology, Politics and Public Policy and the founding Director of the Centre for the Study of Ethnicity and Citizenship at the University of Bristol. He is also the co-founder of the Journal Ethnicities. His latest book include Secularism and Multiculturalism (2019), Religion and Beliefs in British Public Life

 

Khutbah at Masjid al-Nabawi on Knowledge and Learning

Dr Mozammel Haque

 

 Knowledge is the source of elevation as Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala says that those who believe and those who have knowledge Allah raises their ranks, mentioned Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdurlrahman bin Al-Baijan, Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi on 13^th November 2020 in his Friday Khutbah on knowledge.

 

He said,  “Based on knowledge all the civilizations and societies are built; all progress based on knowledge and knowledge is the criterion for morality and actions and progress and getting ahead in terms of being good.”

 

“Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala asks that would the people who knew and who do not know can they be equated – No; the answer is obvious. Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala when He bears witness about Himself and accompanied with the witness of Malaika, Angels, then Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala witnesses with the people of knowledge, Ilm,” mentioned Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi.

 

Sheikh al-Baijan also said, “Those who possesses some knowledge and knowledgeable people, they know and understand about Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. They are the people who really are afraid of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala and understand the Creator. For the rest of humanity, it is their duty to ask the people of knowledge and nobody knows except the knowledgeable people.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi mentioned, “The people of knowledge are the inheritors of the people who are at the bequest of the ways of the Messengers and Prophets from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. For those who seek knowledge and those who acquire knowledge they are very much appraising the text.”

 

Sheikh al-Baijan also said, “Those who walk straight towards learning the knowledge Allah will make them their walking towards Jannah easy and the whole university, even the fish in the sea, pray for those people who seek knowledge because  it is the salvation of the whole world and salvation and sustainers of the world.”

 

Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, “Knowledge and learning and disseminating is the only thing which is under the Mercy of Allah, because as it is reported the whole worldly things are away from the Mercy of Allah except the Zikr-Allah mentioning the name of Allah or those who learn or teach others. Angels are in praise for those who devote themselves to learn the knowledge – the knowledge of the Qur’an, the knowledge of the Sunnah and the knowledge of Allah. Those who study Qur’an in a pondering manner Allah descends upon them sakina and peace and encompasses them with His Mercy.”

 

Sheikh Al-Baijan said, “Knowledge is the only torch-bearing towards Jannah and to raise your ranks and get higher and higher in your aspirations and it leads us to the highest position with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. With knowledge we can revive our hearts and gets the higher rank and we learn halal and haram and we learn all the thing which is useful and what is harmful to us.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi mentioned, “Acquiring knowledge is a rewarding rewardable activity. Disseminating and propagating knowledge is the another highest position that those among you are the best people; are those who learn Qur’an and teach Qur’an and Allah encourages that some people will always devote themselves to learn the Qur’an and understand religion and return to give Waz lecture to others.”

 

Sheikh al-Baijan said, “Education and knowledge is the basis of good moral and morality. By learning education and knowledge, we are able to develop rightful perspectives and secure us in a purely knowledgeable environment. And with knowledge we get firm belief and we are saved from the torments and tribulations and the torment of the life Hereafter.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said, “Knowledge is a perpetual charity. Learning teaching and reading the Qur’an and all the efforts drive towards learning is to save ourselves from the temptation and torment of the life and our teachers and our educators they should provide the best role model.”

 

“Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has said anybody who teaches and guides others towards goodness, they get the rewards of all the people who follow that knowledge and goodness.”

 

Full Khutbah at Masjid al-Nabawi

Followings are the full khutbah Madinah al-Munawwarah delivered at the Masjid al-Nabawi by Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdulrahman bin al-Baijan on 13 November 2020, [rendered into English by Mufti Barkatullah at Islam Channel, UK]

 

“Indeed all praise belongs to Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala, we praise Him and we seek forgiveness and help from Him, Allah. Those whom Allah guides, they are only guided and those who are let us astray, nobody guide them. I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Messenger and His servant. He discharges his duties fully and left humanity at a very clear message and role model. May Allah send peace and blessings upon  Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam.

 

“The best thing which we can study is the Book of Allah and the Utterances of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. Anything which is away from it is innovation and all the innovations are going astray.

 

“O my listeners, be afraid of Allah and observe Taqwa and piety because Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala urges us and He wishes us to be careful and cautious with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala.

 

“Let us contemplate that the best thing and the highest thing in the universities is the knowledge. Knowledge is the source of elevation as Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala says that those who believe and those who have knowledge Allah raises their ranks. Based on knowledge all the civilizations and societies are built; all progress based on knowledge and knowledge is the criterion for morality and actions and progress and getting ahead in terms of being good.

 

“Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala asks that would the people who knew and who do not know can they be equated – No; the answer is obvious. Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala when He bears witness about Himself and accompanied with the witness of Malaika, Angels, then Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala witneses with the people of knowledge, Ilm.

 

“Those who possesses some knowledge and knowledgeable people, they knew and understand about Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala, They are the people who really are afraid of Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala Subhanahu Wa Taala and understand the Creator. For the rest of humanity, it is their duty to ask the people of knowledge and nobody knows except the knowledgeable people.

 

“For the people of knowledge are the inheritors of the people who are at the bequest of the ways of the Messengers and Prophets from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. For those who seek knowledge and those who acquire knowledge they are very much appraising the text. Those who walk straight towards learning the knowledge Allah will make them their walking towards Jannah easy and the whole university, even the fish in the sea, pray for those people who seek knowledge because  it is the salvation of the whole world and salvation and sustainers of the world.

 

“Knowledge and learning and disseminating is the only thing which is under the Mercy of Allah, because as it is reported the whole worldly things are away from the Mercy of Allah except the Zikr-Allah mentioning the name of Allah or those who learn or teach others.

 

“So angels are in praise for those who devote themselves to learn the knowledge – the knowledge of the Qur’an, the knowledge of the Sunnah and the knowledge of Allah. Those who study Qur’an in a pondering manner Allah descends upon them sakina and peace and encompasses them with His Mercy.

 

“Knowledge is the only torch-bearing towards Jannah and to raise your ranks and get higher and higher in your aspirations and it leads us to the highest position with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. With knowledge we can revive our hearts and gets the higher rank and we learn halal and haram and we learn all the thing which is useful and what is harmful to us.

 

“Knowledge can raise you to the rank of role model. As Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala equates His Own witnesses, His Malaika’s Witness and the people of knowledge’s witness that Allah is Alone; there is Tawheed. And the only real people who are afraid of Allah and caution with Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala is the people of knowledge.

 

“Acquiring knowledge is a rewarding rewardable activity. Disseminating and propagating knowledge is the another highest position that those among you are the best people; are those who learn Qur’an and teach Qur’an and Allah encourages that some people will always devote themselves to learn the Qur’an and understand religion and return to give Waz lecture to others.

 

So I seek forgiveness and Tawfiq from Allah – Allah is the Only Forgiver and Giver of Tawfiq.

 

Second Half

“We praise Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala who taught us by the stroke of a pen and He taught us what we did not know and He bestows on us all the bounties of His Mercy.

 

“So the education and knowledge is the basis of good moral and morality. By learning education and knowledge, we are able to develop rightful perspectives and secure us in a purely knowledgeable environment. And with knowledge we get firm belief and we are saved from the torments and tribulations and the torment the life Hereafter.

 

“And the Education institutions are there to depart or part us the knowledge and equip us with highest morality. As Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has said everyone of you is a leader and everyone is responsible for whatever they are leading so the husband is the household leaders; wife is the leader on the household and everyone has some domain of responsibility.

 

“It is necessary to follow the educational programme and cooperate with them too enrich our children and youngsters to treat them with the knowledge and understanding and moral conduct and behaviour. Because being teacher and learning is the only rewardable activity which is useful in this world and the Hereafter. And education and knowledge is a continuous charity, as our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has said that after the death the only perpetual charity or knowledge departed left for the deceased to benefit them after they have done.

 

“So knowledge is a perpetual charity. Learning teaching and reading the Qur’an and all the efforts drive towards learning is to save ourselves from the temptation and torment of the life and our teachers and our educators they should provide the best role model; so let us be afraid of Allah  in terms of being role model for our youngsters; for the duty of the teachers and educators is to inculcate the good morals and knowledge and behaviour to the pupils; because they will earn higher rewards from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala; because as Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam has said anybody who teaches and guides others towards goodness, they get the rewards of all the people who follow that knowledge and goodness.

 

Everyone we get full rewards, nobody is discounted. Educators and teachers are the inheritors of the bequest from the Prophets and Messengers. So being in the company of knowledge, engaging in learning and disseminating information and knowledge is the highest rewardable activity.

 

So let us purify our intentions and only seek the pleasure of Allah. Anything you do here, you will find on the Day of Judgement.

 

So one of the basic principles of life is unity and sticking together and not creating any division and dispute. So Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala says that Allah urges all the Messengers to establish religion and do not disagree with each other on establishing of the religion which is the proper belief and Shari’ah and be with the general body of the Muslims and the leadership. And follow the Book of Allah and Sunnah and the role model of the Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam and it is necessary to refrain from the divisions and parting and sectarianism or belonging to deviant groups.

 

Dua and Supplication

O Allah, let us ask Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala to unite us and give prominence to Islam and Muslims. O Allah, give us peace and tranquillity in our land and give Tawfiq  to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his deputy to work for the betterment of the country and for the betterment of the people living in it, whatever, give Tawfiq  from Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala. O Allah, give us goodness in this world and the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the Hereafter. O Allah, give us Tawfiq on your guided way. O Allah, help us all those security personnel who are working for the safety and security of the society. O Allah, we bear witness that You are the Only One Our Lord and there is no one worthy of worship except you. We all surrender to You and we are in need of Your help.

 

O Allah, help us by sending us useful rain, quenching our thirst. O Allah, send us plenty of rain without any adverse effect. O Allah, give us Your rain of mercy, because we are in need of rain and we are seeking forgiveness from You. O Allah, forgive all our sins and send the rain on us. We seek forgiveness from You. O Allah, send peace and blessings on our Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam, and all the families and all the followers.

 

Acknowledgement

Courtesy: @Islam Channel, U.K.

 

 

 

 

 

Khutbah at Masjid al-Aqsa on Mockery

 Dr. Mozamel Haque

 

Allah has said in the Holy Qur’an in Surat-ul-Hijr - Inna Kafaina – “Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the Mockers.” On 6^th of November, 2020 Friday, the Imam of the Masjid al-Aqsa delivered Jumah Khutbah on mockery. He said, mockery was mentioned in the Qur’an more than 50 times. He also mentioned that Allah has said in the Holy Qur’an in Surat-ul-Hijr - Inna Kafaina – “Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the Mockers.”

 

Allah speaks to the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and He says to him, to the nearest meaning, and they have mocked other prophets before you and the one who mocked the prophets they were punished.

 

The imam of the Masjid al-Aqsa mentioned, “The mocking is something that happened to all the prophets and Allah says defending His Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him in Surat-ul-Hijr, to the nearest meaning, We will protect you from the ones who mocked you.”

The Imam said, “Mockery was mentioned in the Qur’an more than 50 times by the tongues of believers and of hypocrites upon the prophets and the righteous people and we have also been tested with this mocking of the evil people and we have seen in France and previously before it, in Denmark, drawing cartoons, trying to mock and characterised our beloved Prophet, Our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him We must repeat that these efforts, these efforts do not decrease his value, do not decrease his honour, do not decrease anything of the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as Allah protect him, and He said in the Qur’an, to the nearest meaning, We have protected you, elevated you, your position.”

 

The Imam also reminded the people, “The campaign, the hatred campaigns are still taking place against Islam and taking place against our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.”

 

The Imam spoke about Rahmatullil Alameen, The Mercy of Mankind, “How can they mock our Prophet when Allah, the Lord has said about him, We have only sent you as a Mercy of Mankind and in another verse, Allah said We have sent you to all Mankind to warn them. He, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He is a mercy; he is a gift to all mankind, in and mankind alike.”

 

The Imam of Masjid al-Aqsa narrated the story of Taif, “The people of Taif, they mocked him, they threw rocks at him, they chased him, and they laughed at him until his blessed feet was bleeding. And what did he say – O Allah, guide my people as they do not know. He said, may be, may be, from them people will come that believes in the Oneness of Allah. He is the Prophet of Mercy. And Allah described him and said you are of great character and manners.”

 

The Imam narrated another story of the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “What did the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. said when he conquered Makkah to the people that had tortured his people and killed them? He said: Go; you are free. This is what he said to his enemies,  the ones who had tortured him, who have fought against him and who had killed his people. He did not burn a tree; he did not kill them; he did not cause even destruction in their lands, He said: Go; you are free.”

 

“This is the Seerah, the story of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. There are many other stories and stories of his mercy upon Muslims and non-Muslims,” said the Imam and added, “We ask everyone to learn and read about the Seerah; the stories of the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and understand his footsteps, understand what he did and follow his footsteps.”

 

In the second half of the Khutbah, the Imam spoke about three messages; first on education, second on murder that occurred in the land of Palestine and the third and the final message was regarding the Masjid al-Aqsa.

 

Full Khutbah at Masjid al-Aqsa

Followings are the Jumah Khutbah from the Masjid al-Aqsa on 6th of November 2020 (Translator in English by Osama al-Tamim, @ Islam Channel, UK, Acknowledgement @ Islam Channel, UK)

 

“Friday prayer from Masjid al-Aqsa – Allah the Most High, is the One we prayed, we praised Him plenty, praised Him as He has Guided us; we praised Allah the One, the True Lord; He has no partner; He has no children; He was not born and nothing is like Him or equivalent to Him or similar to Him.

 

“O Allah, by the blessings or the bounties of Surah al-Ikhlas protect us, be with us; we depend upon You and to You we return. You are the One we ask of. Please accept our dua and protect us. You are the One, the True One, and we bear witness that Allah has blessed us with belief and He has sent us our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, the one who has guided us to the Truth or guided us with the Guidance of Allah.

 

“Allah is the One who guided us but the Prophet peace and blessing of Allah be upon him has told us the Guidance and the Truth. He is the Servant of Allah, the Prophet of Allah, we take pride and extreme happiness by remembering him. Our beloved Prophet and he said, the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, I would be the first to knock the door of Jannah on the Day of Judgement. And then the one and the first person whose grave opens up for and resurrection. I am the leader of the children of Adam, of Mankind.

 

“O Allah, we praise You for making us part of the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and he is the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, the first to give safaa. O Allah, accept our salutation and blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as mentioned in the Qur’an , to the nearest meaning, Allah speaks to him, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and He says to him, to the nearest meaning, they have mocked other prophets before you and the one who mocked the prophets they were punished.

 

“The mocking is something that happened to all the prophets and Allah says defending His Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in Surat-ul-Hijr, to the nearest meaning, We will protect you from the ones who mocked you.

 

O Muslims,

“O children of the Land of Esra and Miraaj, O grand children of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, mockery was mentioned in the Qur’an more than 50 times. By the tongues of the believers of hypocrites upon the prophets and the righteous people and we have also been tested with this mocking of the evil people and we have seen, France and previously before it, Denmark , drawing cartoons, trying to mock and characterised our beloved Prophet, Our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. We must repeat that these efforts, these efforts do not decrease his value, do not decrease his honour, do not decrease anything of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as Allah protects him, and He said in the Qur’an, to the nearest meaning, We have protected you, elevated you, your position.

 

O brothers and sisters,

“The campaign, the hatred campaigns are still taking place against Islam and taking place against our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. How can they mock our Prophet when Allah, the Lord, has said about him, We have only sent you as a Mercy of Mankind and in another verse, Allah said, We have sent you to all Mankind to warn them. He, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, he is a mercy; he is a gift to all mankind, in and mankind alike.

 

“The people of Taif, they mocked him, they threw rocks at him, they chased him, they laughed at him until his blessed feet was bleeding. And what did he say – O Allah, guide my people as they do not know. He said, may be, may be from them people will come that believing in the Oneness of Allah. He is the Prophet of Mercy. And Allah described him and said you are of great characters and manners. What did the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said when he conquered Makkah to the people that had killed his people and tortured them? He said Go you are free. This is what he said to his enemies, the ones who had tortured him, who have fought against him, who had killed his people. He did not burn a tree; he did not kill them; he did not cause even destruction in their lands, He said: Go you are free.

 

“This is the Seerah, the story of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and there are many other stories and other stories of his mercy upon Muslims and non-Muslims. We ask everyone to learn and read about the Seerah, the stories of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and understand his footsteps, understand what he did and follow his footsteps.

 

“O people, you have come to pray, bear with me, send salutation and blessings be upon Muhammad; Allah has sent salutations to him. O Allah, accept our salutation and blessings upon him. O Allah, send salutation and  blessings upon Muhammad; O Allah, send salutation and blessings towards him. O Muslims, O best of man, O best of nations that have come to people; O our beloved Muhammad, Prophet of this Ummah ; you are the Prophet of Allah, you are and you remain a shining star to all of Mankind. Your message, your example, your stories document this. And .we announce O Prophet of Allah that we are free from what this people had said about you and we are free from the ones who did not protect you or stand up with you or announce they are against what have been said about you.

 

“Salutation and  blessings be upon you, O beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. And here from Palestine, from the people of the land of the martyrs, from the Baitul Maqdis, from the land of Suhadah, martyrs and Prophets, peace, salutation and blessings to you; from this holy Mosque. Make dua to Allah, know that He will  accept your dua.

 

“The Imam started to make second part of his Khutbah from the Masjid al-Alqsa, by praising Allah the Most High, testifying that Muhammad is His Prophet and Final Messenger. We send salutation and blessing upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family and his companions just like you have done for Prophet Ibrahim and the family of the Prophet Ibrahim.

 

“O people, you have come to pray. I also want to talk to you in this khutbah three things – first about education. Yes, education, education, and then education and then education. And we speak to the parents to ensure that they set up schools in every home. Parents set up schools or set up their homes as schools for their children.

 

“Education is crucial for the development of our people especially we must utilise this every single year and this academic year. We must protect new generations and ensure they are educated well and we must work together with teachers of all schools to ensure parents and teachers work together.

 

“Second message – it is about the murders that occurred in our land. Murder is an evil crime that destroys the whole community and it is sad that we have seen this happened in our land, in Palestine, in the sacred land, and this shows evil amongst people that we must stop; must stand against. This is bad against the Palestinian people who are fighting and struggling to keep their lands. We must stop this at once. Allah said in the Qur’an in Surah al-Nisa, to the nearest meaning, whoever kills believers on purpose, his punishment is the Hell-fire and he will remain in it and Allah will be angry at him and cursed him and prepared severe punishment for him. So do not look down upon such evil and keep away from it.

 

“O people you have come to pray; O people who are standing steadfast in this region of Palestine fighting for the sake of Allah and their existence.

 

“The Final and third message is regarding Masjid al-Aqsa. The evil and the attack on Masjid al-Aqsa has not stopped and still attacking Masjid al-Aqsa and entering the Holy Mosque was an evil in it. They want their occupation to run and rule our Masjid. They want to be in charge of this Masjid al-Aqsa and everyone must know that Aqsa is not just this building but it is everything in between the walls of Aqsa.and these people they claim to be in charge of peace and to bring people together but what they are doing attacking our sacred locations, our sacred Mosque . .The Mosque is our responsibility and we are in charge of managing and running it and we will remain to do so. As long as Allah Wills, we will never give an active work of Aqsa to the oppressors and we say may Allah protect you, O Aqsa.

 

“You have come to pray. Remember this is the time Allah accept our dua. So make dua to Allah. O Allah, give us security to our land, and protect it; O Allah, protect Masjid al-Aqsa from any evil; protect the weak, We ask you to protect us and give us honour, dignity and victory. O Allah, give us a good deed in this life and a good deed in the Hereafter. O Allah, give victory to Islam and the Muslims. Give honour to Islam and the Muslims; and mercy and blessings to Muslims who are alive and who are deceased.”

 

Acknowledgement

Courtesy: Islam Channel U.K.

 

Khutbah at Masjid al-Haram We Extremely Condemn Any Criticism of Prophethood

Dr. Mozammel Haque

 

We extremely condemn any criticism of Prophethood and the sacred space of any religion especially the religion of Islam and even the religion of Christianity. Any unwarranted criticism, undignified criticism is a part of terror activities which is directed to specific community. It is below the level of dignity to disrespect other people, other culture and other sacred space and not respecting and hurting their feeling which is one of the ways of terrorising verbally or other methods,” said Imam Dr Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais, Head of the Presidency of the Haramain in his Friday Khutbah on 30 October 2020.

 

Imam of the Masjid al-Haram also said, “Abusing of drawings and inflammatory events are nothing besides a form of terrorism as well as extremism which feeds hatred bigotry. It is not freedom of expression; aim to ridicule and mockery of peoples religious leaders which they hold sacred. On the contrary, such behaviour violates ethics and decency and it is not acceptable It is not acceptable because it is a must for freedom of expression  to give due consideration to human values which are based upon respecting the feelings of others. When expression goes beyond those values it becomes an affront to that freedom of expression. Such abuses give support to individual’s extremist ideas which foresee an atmosphere of hatred among the societies and decent human values,”

 

This is the month of Rabi al-Awwal when Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was born in Makkah. Naturally this time the Khutbah at the Masjid al-Haram on 30 October 2020 delivered by Dr Sheikh Abdul Rahman al Sudais, Head of the Presidency of the Haramain, was on Prophet’s life and qualities. But this is also the time when there was  caricature in France.

 

Dr. Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “From this perspective Mimber, one of its business is truth and peace, we extend sincere call to the entire world inviting them to adopt true conduct of Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam, that conduct urges us all to maintain complete peace and mercy between people  who follow different sets of laws without any sort of confusion, repudiation, mockery or negative insinuation towards religious leaders, and at the head of them can be multiple prophets, all of them, blessing and peace of Allah be upon all of them.”

 

He mentioned, “Islam is innocent of all those minor things and it is also innocent of being labelled to any type of terrorism. Islam is a religion of tolerance, mercy and harmony. Its teachings not contain terrorism, extremism, destruction, mockery, insults or rejection of any Messengers sent by Allah the Most Exalted.”

 

Imam Dr. Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “Our mission and vision should be to follow the footsteps of Rasulullah Sallallahu Wa Sallam in our life in good time and in bad time. The mentioning of the Rasulullah Sallallahu Wa Sallam in his Sunnah following his Sunnah is not tied with any time and place; it is ever-lasting all the time we should remind ourselves God; the Sunnah, the footsteps of Rasulullah Sallallahu Wa Sallam. We should adopt all the good manners and dispel all our bad manners in the following the footsteps of Rasulullah Sallallahu Wa Sallam.”

 

He also mentioned, “Our policy and Sunnah of Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam is very clear. We respect all the religions and we interact with all of them with respect and dignity and we demand in return respect and dignity.”

 

Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais also reminded, “Last thousand and one and a half millennium Muslims have dealt with all other communities and religions with utmost respect and never allowed any verbal terrorism against any communities or any religion in the world. Unwarranted criticism or derogate the sacred space and sacred personalities of any religion does not renegade or lower the status of any one except of those who indulge in that type of activities.”

 

“Muslims all over the world remember, commemorate and mention all the good qualities of our Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam,” mentioned Dr Sheikh al-Sudais and added, “Even if others do not understand and recognise the deep love which Muslims hold for the holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam. Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam. So the love of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam is central to this belief system and the Muslims are the most understanding but others who are not believers they failed to recognise and understand this.”

 

Imam Dr Sheikh al-Sudais also mentioned, “We accept all Allah’s Messengers may peace and blessings be upon all of them. Furthermore, we say in the name of 1.8 billion Muslims, the weakest of them and the strongest of them, any sort of discouragement directed towards Allah’s Prophets and Messengers - that is specially a sore in a case of Allah’s Prophet, the Mercy for Mankind, our leader, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam.

 

Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Dr Sheikh Al-Sudais said, “We also extend further call to people to control their feelings, resist provocations, restrain from being harassed and avoiding prudent actions and unrestrained reactions. Insults aimed at Allah’s Prophets and Messengers do not cause them any harm since Allah grants them sufficient protections against those who mocked them. Allah speaking well of His Prophets is far greater than any of them.”

 

Allah Himself had already given His support; Allah grants His Messengers sufficient protection against those who ridiculed. Allah always brings about what He has decreed; most people do not realize.

 

Friday Khutbah at the Masjid Al-Haram

By Imam Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Sudais

Followings are the shortened, edited and summarized version of Friday Khutbah delivered by Imam Dr. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais at the Masjid al-Haram Makkah al-Mukarramah on 30 October, 2020. (Acknowledgement. Courtesy @ Haramain Info)

 

“I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah Alone and He has no partner. He has bestowed upon us unspeakably abundant blessings on us. I further testify that our leader, Prophet Muhammad is His Servant and His Messenger. Among all the very kind, he was the one who was blessed with the purest of origin and the noblest in track and the most enlightening light which provides our world with brightness. I pray to our Lord to send blessings and peace of Allah upon our Messenger. The world asks the Messenger’s family, companions and followers who emulate his example.

.

O servant of Allah, you must observe Taqwa of Allah, fulfilling His Commandments, avoiding His Prohibitions, sincerity with Allah and recognition of His Magnificent. The people of Taqwa are those who follow the clear path which pleases Allah and they continued to hold elevated status with Allah. Those who obey Allah and His Messenger have hold fear Allah and observe Taqwa of Allah are the ones who are the one through success.

 

Dear Muslims, through all the difficulties of  this life and adversaries in the world there is something that continues to remain clear. It is the fact that the pristine and the brilliant teachings we have in Islam that aim to uplift people’s conduct and purify their souls. These words enable people to reach the pinnacle of having sentiment, holding firm belief, performing righteous deeds, worshipping Allah in the best way and dealing with Allah’s servant in a best manner. All of those things are always embodied in the statements and actions. All of those things were embodied in statements and actions by Allah’s Messenger Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam.

 

My brothers in Iman.

More than fourteen centuries have elapsed since our Messenger sent by Allah, yet his graceful qualities have still present in all regions, they are qualities that reflect the treasure of dignity, of sanctity, serenity, beauty and wisdom in words and actions. Allah blessed Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam by favouring him and endowing him with many many traits and virtues. No written or spoken words are fully accomplished these traits despite them continually mentioned in various sayings including from the Mimbers upon which sermons are delivered and the Minarets from which the call for prayers are made.

 

However, all people hears about Messenger and his qualities; their hearts are enlightened just as grounds are after the rainfalls; his conducts were dignified, his virtues were of high standard and all his words examined were comprehensive and concise; all goodness were guided and moderation is sound.

 

He was sound in physical form as well as his conduct. As for his physical form,  his complexion was right and radius; his face was bright; his appearance was pleasant; his two eyes were quite dark; his eye laces were too long; his voice had a bit of grapiness; his neck was a bit long; his hair was very black; his silent appearance was all aspiring.

 

When spoke he was enveloped by gracefulness; he was the most elegant of people when at distance and the finest and serious when close by. His words were sweet to listen to. It was as though his speech was a series of gems coming in sequence one after another.

 

He had a thick beard, wide shoulders, wide arms and wide feet. He was neither extremely tall and not so short that part of his body was compacted together. His hair was not very straight, not very curly. When he spoke he appeared as though light emanated from his speech. Abu Ishaq narrated Al-Bara was asked  may Allah be pleased with him,  was the face of the Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam  was (as bright)  like a sword; He said, “No. it was like a moon.” Abu Huraira further said  He was a moderate high, had wide shoulders and his hair reaches his ear-lopes. It was collected by Sahih al-Bukhari.

 

Ali ibn Abi Talib described Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam was saying he was not very tall or very short. He had right arms, his head was large. When he walked he did so firm unhurried steps as if descending on a slope. Neither before nor after did I see anyone like him.

 

Hasan Ibn Tabbit said about the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam in a long poetry conveying the meaning – my eyes  never saw anyone better than you and woman had never given birth anyone better look than you. You were created without blemish as though you were made just the way you wanted to be.

 

My brothers in Islam,

As for the way that the Prophet spoke, Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam, he was often quite; he did not speak without a reason. He begun his speech with the name of Allah and his words were precise and clear and comprehensive in meaning. Ayesha, the Mother of the Believers, said, Allah’s Messenger, Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam, did not speak continuously the way you do rather he would make his words clear invincible in statements such as whoever sat with him memorize. (Tirmizi)

 

The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam Abdullah ibn Al-Harith said, I did not see anyone smile more often than the Messenger . He also said the  last Messenger Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam is usually only smile. Abdullah said, since the time I accepted Islam Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam did not prevent me from entering the house when asked permission at any time he saw me, he smiles (Sahih al-Bukhari).

 

Dear brothers in Islam

After mentioning two Hadiths narrated by Anas ibn Malik may Allah be pleased with him, of the humbleness of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihey Wa Sallam, the Head of the Presidency of the Haramain, Imam al-Sudais said, Preceding were some brief glimpses of the Hadiths first narrated about the Messenger who brought the best of guidance embodied the noblest phrase was addressed by Allah with most venerability and was granted the greatest of virtues. His guidance provides a precinct frame which quenches the thirst of anyone who seeks to attain salvation in this world and the hereafter. His guidance means a source of light of rays with brilliance. Even most of people were not able to see him with their eyes concentrating his guidance so provides comfort and solace. Emulating his example allows people to so company which he empowered it, although they did not get through his company in person. Emulating his example allows people in company.

 

You must observe Taqwa in addition to anything follows the example of Allah’s Prophet Muhammad, Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam, since doing that emulating his example is the true mark of having love for him. That genuine love for him is an adjective far greater in making display of emotions, holding commemorating gatherings for him, recounting stories of him or composing poetry and songs about him. If you ask what genuine loves for him means in the truest things can be that lies in adhering to his brilliant teachings; those outwardly and inwardly ascribing him embody his pure conducts.

 

Even more programme and statement that our God, Our Lord, Allah says, [O Muhammad peace be upon him] if people truly love Allah, follow me; if you do so Allah will love you and forgive your sins. Allah is most forgiving and most merciful.

 

Second Half

All praise is due to Allah. His blessings are accomplished all that exists. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah Allah Alone, Himself. And I further testify that Prophet Muhammad is Allah’s worshipping servant and His Messenger.

 

O Allah, my Lord, I besiege you to send blessings and peace of Allah  upon Your Messenger as well as all his family, companions and followers who followed successfully to be in abode in Jannah.

 

You must continue to observe Taqwa of Allah; in addition You must embody the true qualities of a best individual among all of Allah’s creation. When you do that you receive honour, upliftment and longevity.

 

My dear brother who have Iman

There is a very strong connection and love which the people of our Ummah have for our Messenger eight and straight.

 

From this perspective Mimber, one of its business is truth and peace, we extend sincere call to the entire world inviting them to adopt true conduct of Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam, that conduct urges us all to maintain complete peace and mercy between people  who follow different sets of laws without any sort of confusion, repudiation, mockery or negative insinuation towards religious leaders, and at the head of them can be multiple prophets, all of them, may Allah send blessings and peace of Allah upon all of them.

 

We accept all Allah’s Messengers Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam. Furthermore, we say in the name of 1.8 billion Muslims, the weakest of them and the strongest of them, any sort of discouragement directed towards Allah’s Prophets and Messengers - that is specially a sore in a case of  Allah’s Prophet, the Mercy for Mankind, our leader, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam.

 

Abusing of drawings and inflammatory events are nothing besides a form of terrorism as well as extremism which feeds hatred bigotry. It is not freedom of expression; it aims to ridicule and mockery of peoples religious leaders which they hold sacred. On the contrary, such behaviour violates ethics and decency and it is not acceptable. It is not acceptable because it is a must for freedom of expression to give due consideration to human values which are based upon respecting the feelings of others. When expression goes beyond those values it becomes an affront to that freedom of expression. Such abuses give support to individual’s extremist ideas which foresee an atmosphere of hatred among the societies and decent human values.

 

Moreover, Islam is innocent of all those minor things and it is also innocent of being labelled to any type of terrorism. Islam is a religion of tolerance, mercy and harmony. Its teachings not contain terrorism, extremism, destruction, mockery, insults or rejection of any Messengers sent by Allah the Most Exalted.

 

We also extend further call to people to control their feelings, resist provocations, restrain from being harassed and avoiding prudent actions and unrestrained reactions. Insults aimed at Allah’s Prophets and Messengers do not cause them any harm since Allah grants them sufficient protections against those who mocked them. Allah speaking well of His Prophets is far greater than any of them.. Allah Himself had already given  His support; Allah grants His Messengers sufficient protection against those who ridiculed. Allah always brings about what He has decreed;  most people do not realize.

 

Allah speaking well of His Prophet is far greater than any of them. We know and understand that Allah Subhanahu Wa Taala reassures Muslims that if you do not help Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam Allah is Sufficient to those people who mocked Prophet.

 

Allah Himself had already given His support; Allah grants His Messenger sufficient protection against those who ridiculed. Allah always brings about what He has decreed; most people do not realize.

 

In conclusion

May Allah give all of you mercy. May Allah send peace and blessings to His Messengers. May Allah send peace and blessings to prophet Muhammad. Angels invoke Allah to send peace and blessings upon the Messenger Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihey wa Sallam..

 

O People of the Iman, invoke Allah to send peace and blessings to His Messenger. O Allah send peace and blessings to Prophet. If someone invoke Allah to send peace and blessings to His Messenger just once Allah will grant that person peace and blessings as a result.

 

O Allah send peace and blessing to your worshipping servant and beloved Messenger Muhammad. O Allah, be pleased with the Messengers and his companions, O Allah be pleased with the companions of the Prophet, his four rightly-guided Caliph Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman and Ali. O Allah, be pleased with all the companions and all continuing following their path. O Allah, all those who submit to your path and allow this land and all other lands and all those who submit to your path to make them be safe and tranquil.

 

O Allah, direct our leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to do all that pleases you. O Allah, direct our leader and his deputy to do all that would be the best for Islam and to those who submit to your path; direct all the best to your service. O Allah, guide all Muslims leaders to follow your directives best of your Message your messengers; O Allah We before you our illness, have mercy upon besieghed.

 

O Allah, we call upon you to protect Your religion, Your Book, Your Messenger and Your Obedient Servants . O Allah we call upon you for your mercy and your blessings. O Allah, save us from the evils of frustration, epidemics, usury, immorality, disaster and turmoil whether apparent or hidden.

 

O Allah, we seek refuge with You against all ills and diseases; we seek refuge with you against harms of the current coronavirus; we seek refuge with You against all ills whether of body or  of the mind; O Allah, we employ You to grant Your Mercy to all of the deceased among those who submit to your Islam. O Allah, You are sufficient to take care of it and protect it against those who direct harm towards Muslims. O Allah, we besiege You to grant your support to our brothers who guard the borders among nations. O Allah, we employ You to safeguard all Muslims and Islam and all the sacred places.

 

O Allah, give them Tawfiq to the Muslim leaders to make Shari’ah as a frame of reference. O Allah, you have mercy. O Allah, forgive all our people who have passed away. O Allah, You are Sufficient, self independent.. O Allah, You are our Maula. O Allah save us from the torment of this life – all the fitna, all the severe illnesses and pandemic and O Allah, save all the humanity from all the torments and turmoil. give us recovery.

 

O Allah save all the holy places of Islam from the enemy and those who want to destroy, especially the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. . O Allah, save it from the destruction and wiping off from its face. 

 

O Lord grant us good in this world and grant good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment and hell-fire. O Allah, none is worthy of worship except You. We besieged You to send rain for us. O Allah, send rain for us.

 

 

Acknowledgement:

Courtesy: Haramain.info & Islam Channel.UK

 

 

 

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Khutbah at Masjid al-Nabawi on Pandemic During Pandemic we should repent and ask forgiveness from Allah

Dr Mozammel Haque

 

On Friday, the 16^th of October, 2020 Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al-AlSheikh, Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi delivered Jumah Khutbah. He said, “During Pandemic we should repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and ask for forgiveness.”

 

“During this pandemic and lockdown we should take account of our own self and that what we are doing and what we are failing to do and we should repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with sincere and with sincerity and not to return to rebellious ways. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala contemplates why did people when they are facing harshships and pandemic why don’t they return towards Allah except their harsh have been hardened so they do not take heed from their circumstances and situations,” said the imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi, Madinah al-Munawwarrah, Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al-AlSheikh in his Jumah Khutbah on Friday, 16th of October, 2020.

 

1) Dr. Sheikh Hussein, Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi started by saying that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala is the only one who can lift from this pandemic and viral infections and relieve us from trial and tribulation.

 

2) The Imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi urges himself and all others to observe Taqwa and piety and cautious with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and HE will forgive our sins.

 

3) Imam Dr. Sheikh Hussein then narrated historical records of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala dealing with nations. He mentioned whenever Allah sends difficult times and pandemic He has some purpose and agenda behind it.

 

4) Dr Sheikh Hussein mentioned historical events during the time of Pharaon Allah Subhanahu wa Taala tested them with drought and harsh times.

 

5) Imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi said during this pandemic and lockdown we should sincerely repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with sincerity.

 

6) Dr. Sheikh Hussein asked what we should do during pandemic and lockdown – whether we repent and return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala or still keep rebellious.

 

7) The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi said this pandemic is the test and trial for the whole humanity. This time we have to return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, believing Him and thanking HIM.

 

8) Dr. Sheikh Hussein gave example from the history. He said in 709 Hijri in Egypt and in Syria there was big pandemics and big viral infections. People started to repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 

9) The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi also mentioned about Pharaon. His family were tested with the drought so that they can repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala but they remained rebellious.

 

10) Dr. Sheikh Hussein said to get respite and relief from the general pandemic there is no way except repentance and Tawbah and asking forgiveness from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

 

Full Khutbah of Masjid al-Nabawi

Followings are the full Khutbah delivered by the Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi, Madinah Al-Munawwarrah, Imam Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al-AlShaeikh. (Rendered into English by Mufti Barkatullah via Islam Channel UK).

 

The Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi, Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al AlSheikh started his Khutbah by praising Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, “All praise belongs to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala who is only can leave us from pandemic and viral infections and relieve us from this trial and testament. I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and Muhammad is His Messenger and His servant.”

 

Observe Taqwa Allah will forgive all your sins

Imam Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al-alSheikh said, “After praise; O people, I urge myself and yourself to observe Taqwa and cautious with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Allah said that if you observe Taqwa Allah will make your actions right and will forgive all your sins. Allah is all observing over you. Allah’s Sunnah or Allah Subhanahu wa Taala’s historical record of dealing with the nations that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala whenever He sends some difficult situations or difficult pandemic then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has agenda and purpose behind it, as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that whenever We send messengers We test the people first with hardship and difficult time so they might repent towards Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.”

 

During Pharaon Allah tested them with drought

Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi mentioned, “As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that anything during the time of the Pharaon Allah Subhanahu wa Taala tried them with the drought and difficult harsh time so they can return to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. And because during the hardship and shortage of things people become humble and they start contemplating and thinking reviewing and revising their behaviour towards Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and their Creator.

 

During Pandemic we should repent

and ask forgiveness from Allah

Imam Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al-AlSheikh said, “During this pandemic and lockdown we should take account of our own self and that what we are doing and what we are failing to do and we should repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with sincere and with sincerity and not to return to rebellious ways. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala contemplates why did people when they are facing harshships and pandemic why don’t they return towards Allah except their harsh have been hardened so they do not take heed from their circumstances and situations.”

 

He continued his Khutbah, “As Sahaba Ibn Bashir reported that committing sins and being rebellious during hard time, during pandemic time and the viral time is the most fortunate situation/circumstances. So the crux of the matter is that and during hard time, during lockdown and pandemic; whether we repent and return to Allah or still keep rebellious. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says what Allah will gain from putting you through hardships and from punishing you. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala grants relief and easy time after we repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.”

 

Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al Al-Sheikh said, “This is the test and trial for the whole humanity to return towards Allah, believing in Him, thanking Allah Subhanahu wa Taala; as Allah says because of anything any mischief which is on earth; because of the misdeeds of the humanity –they can test the results of their own action and this is a very small trailer; the big punishment is awaiting for those who are rebellious against Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and religion.”

 

Allah says, We do test people with good

and bad times; so to see whether they can repent

The Imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi mentioned, “Allah says, We do test people with good and bad time; so to see whether they can repent to. In the history we read the Hijrah year 709 in Egypt and in Syria, there was big pandemic and big viral infections – then people started to repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala; they pray to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala; they did more and more sadaqa then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala granted them relief and respite from those time. As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says about Pharoan; during Pharaon time, Pharoan’s family was tested with drought so that they can repent to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala but they were so rebellious their heart became hard and more harder.”

 

To get relief and respite from pandemic

Repentance and Tawbah and asking for forgiveness

Dr. Sheikh Hussein Al Al-Sheikh said, “To get respite and relief from general pandemic there is no way except repentance and Tawbah and asking for forgiveness from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. And then doing following the bad deeds with good deeds and good actions, as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says and the Sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu Wa Sallam.”

 

The Imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi mentioned, “As Allah Subhanahu wa Taala urges all the time that establish prayer give Zakat and follow the commandments of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala and Sunnah of Rasulullah; Allah will make you successful. May Allah give you mercy and if you observe Taqwa Allah will indeed make outlet for you and your all hardships will be changed with the easy time as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that any man or woman who do any good deed they will be valued and accepted. So may Allah send peace and blessings on Muhammad Sallallahu Wa Sallam.”

 

In the second part of the Khutbah, the Imam started first by saying “Praise belongs to Allah alone and I bear witness that there is no other worthy of worship except Allah and I will bear witness that Muhammad Sallallahu Wa Sallam is His Messenger and His servant.

 

Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi Dr. Sheikh Hussein said, “O people let us contemplate and understand that achieving the higher degree and perfection of imaan in public and private and in our thought and action, with the perfect imaan, Allah Subhanahu wa Taala opens up the good times and all the barakah as Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says that if people of the earth accept the message and believe in Allah and His Messenger then Allah will open up  all the good time and good favours from above Heaven and from below earth Allah will give us barakah and good times.”

 

Dua and Supplication by

Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi

Imam of the Masjid Al-Nabawi said, “May Allah be happy with Khulafahe Rashedeen; May Allah be pleased with the Khulafahe Rashedeen, all the Sahabas and Tabeyeen and those who follow Muhammad Sallallahu Wa Sallam. O Allah, give prominence to religion of Islam and Muslims. O Allah, disgrace those who do shirk and who are enemies of the Muslims. O Allah, those who are plotting against Muslims and Islam, May Allah fail their plan and displace their plan. O Allah, forgive us and all our misdeeds whether we did it in private and public, small or big, whether we did in public or private, whatever we did. May Allah forgive us and give us forgiveness. O Allah, have mercy on all the people who have passed away among the believers. O Allah, forgive them and prepare their reception in good. O Allah, give us in this world the goodness and the goodness in the Akhirah.”

 

Imam of the Masjid al-Nabawi concluded by making supplication, “O Allah, save us from the Pandemic and from the viral infections. O Allah, we seek refuge from any virus and any trial and tribulation, any high-up in prices and lewdness. O Allah, make our preoccupation. O Allah, make it easy and make it better for Muslims. O Allah, give the poor people their ginah (affluence) and make their life bearable and improve. O Allah, make in this holy time. We ask you to make us unite on Kalima, on Islam and O Allah, give us Tawfiq to do good and refrain from bad.”

 

“O Allah, give Tawfiq to all the rulers to do what is best for the people and for the country. O Allah, give Tawfiq to all the rulers of the Muslim lands to be merciful to their subjects. O Allah, you are ghani (Self-Sufficient) and we are the poor people. O Allah, give us the provision. O Allah, give us rain to relieve us from this drought and this situation and give us the rain which is useful for the humanity, not any harmful rain. O People, remember the name of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, and make His Tasbih in the morning and evening. Last praise is to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala,” Imam concluded his Khutbah.

 

Acknowledgement:

Courtesy: Islam Channel UK