Sheikh al-Sudais urges Muslims to concentrate more on their children's education

Sheikh Al-Sudais urges Muslims to concentrate

more on their children's education

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Head Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram, Makkah led the Jumah Prayer at the Regents Park London Central Mosque, on Friday, 30th July 2010. Sheikh Sudais encouraged Muslims to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) being nice, polite and careful to their wives as Allah the Almighty said in Sura al-Nisa – “Deal with your wife honourably”. And the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his last Farewell Sermon on the Mount of Arafat, said three times, “I advised you to treat woman nicely.”

Sheikh al-Sudais also indicated clearly that Islam forbids any form of domestic violence and it is an un-Islamic attitude and behaviour.

Sheikh al-Sudais instructed Muslims to be merciful, tolerant and just and to take care of others’ rights. Sheikh al-Sudais said the first right to be respected is the right of Allah the Almighty – to worship Him and obey Him. The second right to be respected is the right of the Prophet (peace be upon him) – to love, obey and follow him and then the rights of Muslims among each other and also the rights of all Mankind including non-Muslims.

His eminence Sheikh al-Sudais advised Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam and to represent this religion in the best form in their worship, character and relation with others.

The biggest part of the Khutbah is about family and its importance at the centre of the society. Sheikh al-Sudais said it is a shame to see family breakdown within the Muslim community and this is due to lack of following the Prophet’s teachings and also not knowing each other’s rights (husbands and wives).

The Imam of Masjid al-Haram said there are clear rights for husbands and clear rights for wives as well and also their responsibilities.

Sheikh al-Sudais encouraged Muslims to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) being nice, polite and careful to their wives as Allah the Almighty said in Sura al-Nisa – “Deal with your wife honourably”. And the Prophet Peace be upon him said in his last Farewell Sermon on the Mount of Arafat, said three times, “I advised you to treat women nicely.”

He concluded his first part of the Khutbah by advising parents to look after their children and to make sure that they are well-educated and be the greatest example and model for their children.

In the second part of his Khutbah, Sheikh al-Sudais spoke about the virtues of the month of Shabaan. He said the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast most of this very month. He mentioned Sayeeda Ayesha said in an authentic Hadith, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) never completed a full month of fasting other than the month of Ramadan and I have never seen him fasting most of the month except Shabaan.” Sayeeda Ayesha also said that the Prophet used to fast all through the month of Shabaan except few days.

Sheikh al-Sudais said this is part of the preparation for the great month of Ramadan. He also said this month is the chance to repent to Allah the Almighty or to pray Him and to compete in doing good deeds.

Al-Sudais led the Friday congregation at
the Regents Park Central London Mosque
A week earlier, on Friday, the Imam and Khateeb of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah led the Jumah Prayer (Friday Congregation) at the Regents Park London Central Mosque, on Friday, the 23rd of July, 2010.

In his Friday Sermon, Sheikh Al-Sudais said one of the main principles of Muslim beliefs is to belief in Tauheed, the Oneness of God. “It is the main aim of our life, i.e. to have Imaan in Allah alone. This is the most important thing in our life. This is the right of Allah upon us,” said Sheikh Al-Sudais.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also said it is also important to have Imaan or belief in His Angels that Allah created, to belief in the Books that He revealed and the Messengers that He sent.

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah said Islam is the religion of peace, tolerance, and forgiving. It calls for peace and tolerance. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) was the best example and model for us in tolerance. He was tolerant with Muslims and non-Muslims. The Qur'an mentions: “And by the Mercy of Allah, you deal with them gently, and had you (Muhammad) been severe, harsh-hearted, they would certainly have broken away from around you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness or them'. [3:159].

Dr. al-Sudais also called upon non-Muslims not to fear from Islam; “for Islam will protect you and will not harm you,” al-Sudais said.

Sheikh al-Sudais also mentioned that Islam condemns divisions and differences among Muslims and calls for unity. The Qur'an says, 'And hold fast, all of you together, by the Rope of Allah (this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's Favour on you; for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together in love, so that by His Grace, you became brethren...' 3:103]

The Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah also called upon Muslims to treat non-Muslims kindly, justly and fairly. The Qur'an mentions, 'Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with regard to those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes: for Allah loves those who are just. [60:8]

Sheikh al-Sudais urged Muslims to respect the values of the country in which they live. He called them not to cheat, or tell lies or commit crimes. He recommended Muslims to know the rights of non-Muslims.

Dr. Al-Sudais also urged Muslims to know the rights of husbands and rights of wife and look after their family.

After the Jumah Prayer, the Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah met with Prince Muhammad bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Ireland and Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre at his office. He also met with some eminent leaders of the Muslim community as well as the staff of the Islamic Cultural Centre.

Meeting with Imams and leaders of
Mosques and Islamic centres
The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Makkah also prayed the Maghreb (evening) prayer at the Regents Park London Central Mosque and after the prayer he met with the Imams of different Mosques and leaders of the Islamic centres at the Islamic Cultural Centre building.

Sheikh Al-Sudais emphasised on the unity of the Muslim community. He said it is very important for the future of the community.

Sheikh Al-Sudais also called upon the Muslims to concentrate more on the education of their children. He said it is important to educate the young Muslims to make them able to understand their religion very well.

Sheikh al-Sudas also talked about good relations between Muslims and non-Muslims and the wider community while living in the Western countries.

Dr. al-Sudais also talked about better relations among Muslim organisations to work together to pray together and to serve the community together, which they are supposed to take care of.

Emphasizing on the issue of unity of the Muslim community, Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned about the beginning of Ramadan and the issue of the time table for prayers, as for example. Sheikh al-Sudais also talked about the issue of the Shari’ah Council.

On the issue of Shari’ah Council, Dr. Al-Dubayan made his comments on the role of the Islamic Cultural Centre on this subject. He said the Islamic Cultural centre is trying to create one Board of Shari’ah Council in the UK in order to have one standard, one criteria and to be more professional and more acceptability.

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Makkah, Sheikh al-Sudais conveyed the Salams from the Custodians of the Two Holy Mosques both in the meeting and in his Friday Sermon (Khutbah).

Sheikh al-Sudais asked the Muslims to do their best in serving the society in which they live, exchanging visits among themselves.

Interview with Dr. Dubayan
After the meeting, I interviewed Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre about the visit of the Sheikh.

Mentioning about the importance of his visit, Dr. al-Dubayan said, this visit of mosques, Islamic centres and organisations etc. by the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram Makkah is very important. “It builds more bridges among Muslim themselves, give them more chance to listen to his khutbah, instructions and follow teachings of Islam,” said Dr. al-Dubayan.

Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned that the Sheikh himself talked about the young people in his speech in the Khutbah. Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned in his Khutbah about the young people.

“Sheikh al-Sudais asked the youth to be the good ambassadors of their religion, nation and country and become the examples and models for Islam in this country. This message, I believe, is very important,” said Dr. al-Dubayan and added, “This is to build more bridges and to give more chances for good relations and tolerance among the Muslim communities in this country.”

Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned, “Any Muslim is happy to receive his eminence at the Islamic cultural centre. It is also a good chance for the staff members of the Islamic cultural centre to come and to say Salam to his eminence and to his royal highness.”

Earlier, the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Makkah opened the largest and biggest Mosque in Yorkshire, the Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam in Blackburn, led the Jumah prayer and delivered a speech after the evening prayer.

Imam Sheikh Al-Sudais led Friday Jumah Prayer at Tauheedul Islam Mosque Blackburn

Imam Sheikh Al-Sudais led Jumah Prayer at

Tauheedul Islam Mosque in Blackburn

Dr. Mozammel Haque

London: Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the Head Imam and Khateeb of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah al-Mukarramah, led and delivered his Friday Jumah Khutbah (sermon) at the Tauheedul Islam Mosque in Blackburn, Lancashire, UK.

The Tauheedul Islam Mosque - the two-storey building - is the largest Mosque in Lancashire. The total cost for the building of the Mosque was 3.5 million pounds. Qatar's Royal family provided an initial 1.5 million pounds donation for the basic construction of the Mosque, with the remainder of the funds generated from the Blackburn community.

The community had outgrown the much smaller Mosque which was established at the same site in the 1960s. Being largest in Lancashire, the new building is one of the biggest in the UK.

While delivering his Friday sermon, Imam Sheikh al-Sudais said, "You should uphold the great Islamic values while dealing with Muslims as well as non-Muslims and should not engage in any corrupt or unjust practices."

Sheikh Al-Sudais also told Muslims to serve as ambassadors of their religion.

Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, the President of the Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam, who has led the project, said, "In the 21st century Britain, the role of the Masjid is as important as it was in the time of our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him)."

Lord Patel also said, "At Masjid Tauheedul Islam our purpose is to advance the Islamic faith through the provision of a wide range of spiritual, educational and social services enriched with Islamic values that fulfil the needs of our members and the wider community."

"Our vision is to become a centre of excellence for the Islamic learning and practice providing a beacon for Muslims and other faith communities who wish to get a deeper knowledge and understanding of Islam - a place where one can experience and embrace the genuine beauty of our faith," said Lord Patel.

Lord Patel also added, "By the grace of Almighty Allah, and the prayers of many distinguished scholars and well-wishers, presently within the Masjid-e-Tauheedul Islam campus, we also manage one of the largest Madrasahs in the UK, and the only government-funded Islamic Girls High School in the North West of England."

The Masjid al-Tauheedul Islam has also the facilities for Islamic education of children and it is next to Tauheedul Islam Girls High School.

The Head Imam of the Masjid al-Haram, Sheikh al-Sudais, later visited Tauheedul Islam Girls High School, which was recently awarded Valuntary Aided status and became the first government-funded Islamic school in the region. Imam Sheikh Al-Sudais urged Muslim men to take care of their women and commended the school authorities for their efforts to provide proper Islamic education to their children.

Shaykh Dr. Abdul Rahman Sudais at East London Mosque

Shaykh Dr. Abdul Rahman Sudais at East London Mosque

I volunteer for the Second Extension of the Mosque -
Head Imam of Masjid Al-Haram

Dr. Mozammel Haque

LONDON: Shaykh DR. Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, the Head Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram of Makkah al-Mukarramah, visited the East London Mosque this evening of Wednesday, the 5th of August, 2009 as part of a visit to the UK. “I volunteer for the second extension of the East London Mosque,” said Shaykh Al-Sudais while unveiling the plaque of the foundations for the second phase of the East London Mosque, Whitechapel, London.

After unveiling a plaque commemorating the laying of the foundations for Phase 2 of East London Mosque, the Head Imam of the Haram led the Maghreb prayer and gave a short speech to a congregation, with over 15,000 people. The Head Imam mentioned about Tauheed, the Oneness of Allah and said that we have to follow the Book of Allah the Almighty, The Holy Qur’an and to follow the Sunnah, the Traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him.) Allah the Almighty sent him to us as the Mercy for the whole Mankind. We have to follow his character.

The second point, the Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that you are the Ummah of Akhlaq, the nation of good character. You have to cooperate and help each other in righteousness and fear of Allah and don’t help each other in sin and aggression. This cooperation and helping each other is both among Muslims as well as between Muslims and non-Muslims. These are all parts of Islamic Akhlaq; Islamic character. Muslims are always at peace with Muslims and peaceful to all human beings both by hands and by tongue.

The third point, the Head Imam of Baitullah mentioned, is that the Deen or Religion of Islam is the Deen or Religion of the Middle Path and the balance. This religion protects all our good deeds and good benefits and protects us from wrong doings against each other. Imam also mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit the Jews and look after his neighbours.

The fourth point, the Head Imam of the Masjid al-Haram mentioned, is that we are Ummah of Unity. You should always have unity on the basis of the Book of Allah, the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

The fifth point, Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that we are Ummah of knowledge. The sixth point, the Imam of the Masjid al-Haram said about usra (Family) and mentioned about bringing up children, Hijab and the dignity of women.

The seventh point, the Head Imam of the Masjid-al-Haram, mentioned is to impart proper teachings and training of Islam, tarbiyyat-e-Shahih.

The eighth point, the Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that you are the Ummah of Dawah to Allah. Preaching with wisdom. Islam is a religion of Dawah. Call people to Islam with wisdom.

The ninth point, Shaykh Sudais mentioned, is that we should be respectful to our parents, protect and safeguard our children and give them proper training and education.

The tenth point, the Head Imam of the Masjid al-Haram mentioned, is that we are Ummat-e-Taibah. In this connection, the Imam mentioned about the month of Ramadan which is approaching. Ramadan is the month of Taubah and forgiveness. This is also the month of khairat (charity) and barakat. So the Imam advised the audience, the Muslims to make taubah to Allah the Almighty.

In his speech he mentioned, that Muslims should be proactive positively in our communities and work for all humanity. He also mentioned that we should work to look after our family and that the community at the East London Mosque should trust the committee to build community for the future.

East London Mosque is one of the oldest Mosques in London. In 1910 some notable Muslim figures decided to build a mosque in London and established the London Mosque Fund. Initially, a small room was hired for Friday prayers. However, in 1926 the Fund had grown to a sizeable amount and a 'Deed of Declaration of Trust' was made.

In 1940 three houses were purchased in Commercial Road, London E1 and converted into a Mosque. It was opened on Friday 1 August 1941; Lt. Col. Sir Hussain Suhrawardy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the London Mosque Fund, welcomed worshippers into the newly established East London Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre. The first Jumaah prayer was led by the then Ambassador for Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Shaikh Hafiz Wahab in 1941.

Over the years many distinguished personalities were associated with the London Mosque Fund. Among them, the Rt. Hon. Syed Ameer Ali, the first Indian Privy Counsellor, who was the Chairman of London Mosque Fund Executive Committee until his death in 1928. His Royal Highness the Aga Khan served as life President of the Board of Trustees. Among the earliest members of the Board of Trustees during the thirties and forties were the famous author of The History of Saracens and the Spirit of Islam, Ameer Ali; the author of the English Translation of The Holy Qur’an, Marmaduke Pickthall and the Meaning of the Translation of the Holy Qur’an, Abdullah Yousuf Ali.

The construction of the present structure of the Mosque was completed in 1985. The opening ceremony was led by Imam Muhammad Subayil, the then Head Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram. King Khaled of Saudi Arabia promised and then King Fahd bin Abdulaziz donated 1.1 million pounds sterling for the construction of the Mosque.

The first extension of the East London Mosque was completed in 2004 and King Fahd bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia donated one million US dollars for the construction of its first extension. The opening ceremony was led by Imam Abdul Rahman Sudais, the Imam of the Masjid Al-Haram.

IMAM of Masjid Al-Haram led Friday Jumah
Prayer at the Central Mosque London

On Friday, the 7th of August 2009, the Imam of the Haram led the Jumah congregation at the Central Mosque, London and delivered his Khutbah, the Friday sermons to the Muslim worshippers of over 10, 000. In his Friday sermons, Shaykh Sudais was talking about the manners and tradition of Islam. He urged the Muslim community members to be good example of Islam; to be good members of the society where they live in, to listen and obey to the rules and regulations of the country where they live in.

The Imam of the Haram also talked about tolerance in Islam and he also talked about to abide the Islamic law.

Shaykh Sudais urged the Muslim community to take special care of education. The women, fathers and wives should give special care and more care about their children to be good members of the society in future.

Shaykh Sudais is loved by everybody of the community. Wherever he goes, whoever is organising the programme and event for him find always difficulties to control the people and the crowd. Everybody, men, women and children try to say Salaam Alaikum to Shaykh, request him to make Dua for them. And all these people try to do this at the same time. These people do this because they like him they respect him and they respect the Two Holy Mosques where it is.

Shaykh Sudais said, he was overwhelmed by the Muslim community after the Jumah prayer. The Imam of the Haram said, this is indeed a sign of love; a sign of the bond of brotherhood that binds people not only of this country but those who come from different parts of the world. He said that this is also the sign of the Muslim community loving of those who are coming from the Bilad al-Haramain and this has put a responsibility on myself as a Shaykh coming from Makkah that I should play a role like many other leaders to unite the Muslim community or to help the Muslim communities.

His Excellency Prince Mohammad Bin Nawaf, the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia came to the Mosque and prayed his Jumah prayer. From time to time, His Royal Highness comes here to pray Jumah prayers and other ambassadors also come in the evening. It’s the Central Mosque of London as well as the Central Mosque for the community; so it is expected that some of the VIPs, some of the visitors to come to pray here.