Oh Muslims! I urge myself first and all of you to be ever God-concious. Allah has decreed by His divine majesty that Islam will prevail and supercede every religion, ideology and man-made ism. Thus it is that Islam will be the dominant religion in the world.

This divine promise was made at the time when the believers were a mere handful, faced with persecution and execution, and the future of Islam looked bleak. Today, 14 centuries later, the Muslim population world-wide stands at approximately 1.3 billion believers.

This rapid growth of Islam is causing great concern to the enemies of truth. Today, our khutbah focuses on a very interesting report on the “World’s changing demographics.” (Please keep in mind that this is a non-muslim report)

“The world is changing…. Europe as we know it today will cease to exist…. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world today. This is primarily due to two factors;           1).The growing Islamic fertility rate. (2). Muslim immigration.

• At present in France there are more churches than mosques. In the year 2027, one in five Frenchmen will be Muslim. In 39 years, France will be an Islamic republic.
• In the last 30 years in Great Britain, the Muslim population grew from 89,000 to 2.5 million. There are over 1,000 mosques, of which many were former churches.
• In 15 years from now, more than half the population in Netherlands will be Islamic.
• Russia has over 23 million Muslims. Soon 40% of the Russian army will be Muslim.
• The German Government has secretly stated with great concern:                “Germany will become a Muslim state in the year 2050.”
• There are 52 million Muslims throughout Europe. In five to ten years, Islam will be the dominant religion in the world.
• In 1970, in the U.S.A, the Muslim population stood at 100,000. In the year 2008, the Muslim Population now stands at 9 million (scary?)
• The Catholic Church has recently reported that Islam has just surpassed their membership numbers.

The world is changing….its time to awake and evangelize the Muslim world…this is a call to action…” ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3X5hIFXYU )

Oh Muslims. Can you now understand why there is so much Islamophobia today ? The enemies of Islam have become constipated and great effort is made to stem the growing tide Islam. Notorious Televangelists are championing the Israeli Zionist cause. Millions of dollars are spent to set in motion their propaganda machines to demonize the image of Islam and Muslims. Two leading Christian Missionaries, Harry Morin and Phil Parshall, conducted seminars to help Christians understand the difficulties and possibilities of evangelism in Muslim communities. They ask, what does God see when He looks at Muslim people?

“Terrorism, fanatical fundamentalism, suicide bombings, black-veiled women, holy wars, Arab sheiks- these are a few of the common words and images that come to the mind of most Westerners. But did you ever wonder what God see when He looks at Muslims?

God sees hungry hearts that are bound by the fear of evil spirits and haunted by the uncertainty of eternity. God sees a growing swell of young people in third-world poverty, frustrated by unemployment, and hatefully resentful of the luxuries of the extravagant West…. Acclaimed Historians insisted there was no need to be concerned about Islam. They said it was a barbaric and rigid religion that was born in the desert and that would die in the desert. They assured the Christian world that in time, Islam would simply fade away in the glory and splendor of Western civilization. But the night of ignorance has passed and we have woken up to the reality that Islam is now the fastest growing religion in many parts of the world and embraces a global community of 1.2 billion people. We have recently been shaken out of our disillusionment to realize that Islam is here to stay, and that it is a dynamic force that must be reckoned with.” ( http://www.cmmequip.org )

Oh Muslims…awake from your slumber and throw off the yoke of complacency. Grab hold of the rope of Allah and be saved from the tidal waves of greed and love for this temporary world. The entire world today is groping in the darkness of immorality, promiscuity and godlessness. The world needs Islam.

Annually, on the 16 June, we commemorate National Youth Day. Let it be made crystal clear to our youth that their place is not in the discos and dens of vice. Don’t destroy your precious lives with drugs, gangsterism and Satanist activities.

Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) said: “One of the categories of  people who will stand in the shade of Allah’s divine protection on judgment day, will be the youth who committed their lives in the obedience of Allah.

Oh young men and daughters! Take control of your lives and steer your destiny in the path of Allah. Now is the time to nurture your sense of responsibility as the fathers and mothers of tomorrow. We need you to become dynamic future leaders and to preach and live Islam with peace, justice and love for all. Let us collectively make ourselves part of the unfolding of the divine plan that Islam will be the dominant religion of the world. Let the world know that Islam needs no terrorism, suicide bombings or conquests. Islam means Peace, and peace is what the world is desperately in need of.

Allah says in His Glorious Qur’an. “Verily, the religion with Allah is Islam.”

Praise be to Allah and salutations on all the revered prophets of Allah. Jumu’ah Mubarak.

Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an;

“Your Lord has decreed that you shall worship none except Him; and show kindness to your parents. If one of them or both reach old age, never say to them ‘uf’, nor scold them. Rather speak to them graciously and lower for them your wing of mercy, and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me mercifully when I was small.” ( 17:23 )

Oh Muslims, in this above verse Allah states categorically that He has prescribed affection, kindness and obedience towards parents. The Almighty absolutely forbids ill-treatment, abuse and neglect of parents. Paradise and divine approval are for those who are kind to their parents, as the Holy Prophet (pbuh) so beautifully states;

“Paradise lies at the feet of the Mothers”

Oh servants of Allah. We have just started the new academic year 2009. The learner, the educator, the professional, the layman, the business person, nay, everybody is in search of success and prosperity. The question is; What is true success ?

Firoun was a mighty ruler and very wealthy, yet he died horribly and unsuccessful.

Abu Jahl, who was an uncle of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was an intellectual in his era, but his obstinacy and boastfull arrogance blinded him to the Truth, and he also died in disgrace and unsuccessful. How many of us move in mighty executive circles today, holding positions of esteem, but neglect and abandon our beloved parents?  How many parents are crying of loneliness in old-age homes and cramped out buildings? Why are children’s memories so short? Have we forgotten so soon how our mothers painfully bore and brought us into this world? Remember, when our beloved Prophet was asked who is the most deserving of our affectionate company, he replied thrice, Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother and then your Father. Therefore understand! that one’s worship of Allah is incomplete if one deserts, abandons or abuses one’s parents.

Our Noble Prophet (pbuh) was asked: Why do you give the mother three degrees of preference over the father? He replied: “Your mother carried you for nine months in her blessed womb, then painfully gave birth to you. After that she gave up her sleep for you, suckled you, carried you in her arms for three years and cleaned up your mess. She did your laundry. She cooked and served your food for eighteen years. When you were forty, fifty, sixty, she still followed your progress with great interest. The man enquired; Oh Prophet, suppose I carry my mother on my back for years, clean up after her, cook for her and feed her. Suppose I attend to those same services as long as she may live? The Prophet replied; There will be this one difference between you. Your mother looked out for you to live, while you are waiting for her to die.”

Listen attentively and I will relate to you a beautiful qissah (story).

“One day Nabi Musa (as) was conversing with Allah on Mount Sinai, and Allah said: Oh Musa, go to certain place where you shall meet a certain person, who is a butcher by trade, He will be your close companion in Jannah. When Nabi Musa arrived in this town, he hid his true identity and requested hospitality from this butcher, saying he is a traveler. The butcher took him home that evening and made him sit, saying, make yourself at home, but kindly excuse me for a while as I have something very important to do first. Nabi Musa then noticed that his host tended to a very old and frail woman laying in a basket. He cleaned the old lady, brushed her hair, then lovingly fed her and made her comfortable. The old lady murmured something, to which the butcher said ‘Amen’. After a while Nabi Musa asked his host about the old lady, and he replied. She is my mother. Every morning before I leave, I see to her needs for the day and make her comfortable. When I return home, I clean her up and feed her before I see to my own needs. Then Nabi Musa asked, What did she murmur to you. The butcher smiled and said. My mother daily makes duah that Allah must make me the companion of Nabi Musa in Jannah. I only say Ameen to please her, because I am only an ordinary person in comparison to Nabi Musa who is the great prophet of Allah. Hear the good news, brother butcher, the blessed Nabi Musa said. Your mother’s duah has been accepted. I am Nabi Musa and you are to be my close companion in Jannah.”

Oh Muslims, Listen dearly and reflect on the following qissah (story) as well.

One day, the great wali, Imam Hasan Al-Basri (ra) was making Tawaf around the Ka’bah, and saw a young man carrying a basket on his back. The young man explained. We are poor folk. For years my mother had this deep yearning to visit the Ka’bah, but we could never afford it. She had grown old, but always spoke so lovingly of the Ka’bah, with eyes  filled with tears. I could not bear to see my mother in such a state, so I placed her in this basket and brought her all the way from our house in Syria. Oh Imam, did I repay my Mother’s due by what I have done for her? The pious Imam replied: Even if you carry your mother on your back and perform tawaaf seventy times around the Ka’bah, you will never compensate her for one kick you gave her when you were in her blessed womb.”

Oh servants of Allah! Do I need to say more? Islam teaches us that our two beloved parents are our doorway to Paradise. Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak Al-Jerrahi urges;

“Be obedient and loving to your parents and earn Allah’s good pleasure. Your mother and father are your honoured guests. You will lose them one day, and be left all alone in this world. You will never find a friend and helper like your mother. For of all those who seem to be your friends, the most loyal is your mother. She is your true friend, all the rest are friends of your money, rank, beauty etc. Should you become bankrupt, ugly, old or sick, or be put into prison, your one real friend will be your MOTHER.” I pray from this sacred Mimbar to Almighty Allah to bless all our beloved parents lives with khair and barakah, and those who are deceased, to grant them Jannatul-Firdous, Ameen.

Jumuah Mubarak!!!

Praise be to Almighty Allah, Sovereign of the universe and choicest blessings on our illustrious Master, Nabi Muhammad (pbuh), the absolute final of all divine emissaries.

Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an;

“I have not created Jinn and Mankind except for my worship.”

It is also stated in a Hadith Qudsi, that the Lord Almighty declares;

“I was a hidden treasure, and I wanted to become known. So I created the creation, for my glorification.”

Oh Muslims, taking cognizance of these divine statements, we ask. Is mankind on course in terms of this noble objective? Looking at global events, one finds Muslims in disarray, facing persecution which started with the commencement of the Prophetic mission, and perpetuated against Muslims in Bosnia, Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan, Iraq etc.  Our own beloved country of South Africa seems to be going down a dark tunnel, with allegations of fraud, corruption and bribery, even on government level.

It seems as if our education system and institutions have failed us. Hooliganism and gangsterism are rife on schools. Alcohol and drugs are the order of the day and a great number of Muslim youth are trapped in the demonic cult of Satanism. Hence, we can see the local, national and international scene of the Muslim world gives a gloomy picture of despair. However, it is not my intention to stand here on this sacred platform of truth to make you morbid. No; there is indeed hope. Great hope for the future. Great hope for us to rid the world from the misery of godlessness, into the light of Godliness.

Let us start with thanking our beloved Creator for having afforded us the wonderful opportunity to have stood on the mighty plains of Arafah with approximately 3 million fellow pilgrims. Remember, beloved Hujaaj, that you have been crowned as ambassadors to convey the message of Arafah, but most importantly, to live your Hajj. The completion of this great Hajj ushers in the new Islamic year of Muharram 1430. New Year for a Muslim does not involve vulgarity obscenity and vanity. We are not clowns and coons to dance in public, like slaves to the tunes of their slave masters. Nay, New Year signifies a new and fresh beginning. It is an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to the purpose of our creation, and fulfilling our Amanat  (trust) as Allah has decreed for us.

“You (Muslims) are the best community, selected for the guidance of mankind. You order with the good and prevent from evil, and you have faith in Allah.” (Al-Qur’an).

It is this bounden duty of Da’wah, which we have neglected for so long, which resulted in the mess we find ourselves in.

Oh Muslims, don’t you see that everything revolves around Da’wah ? Look at the organized Da’wah campaigns of Satan’s dens of vice and sin through their gambling casinos, prostitution houses, shebeens and drug outlets. Now the world is groping in spiritual darkness. Where is that great Muslim Ummah who brought glory and civilization and led the world out of the dark ages?

Islam is the perfect Deen based on unity. We are an ummah united in our worship of One Allah, one Qur’an, one Kaa’bah as our qiblah under the one flag of our illustrious Master, Nabi Muhammad (pbuh). The rampant malady which grips this Ummah today is because ;

a)      Mutual love has departed from our hearts, while hatred and animosity dominate the scene.

b)      Harmony is ousted, while disharmony has entrenched itself.

c)      Self righteous attitudes among  us, that my perspective of an issue is the ultimate perspective, and my view must rule supreme.

We need to realize that it is this kind of immaturity and mediocre level of intellectual intollerence which curbs our progress and prolonging our intellectual and political impotency.

We therefore need to evaluate ourselves in the light of the Islamic value system which finds distinct expression for its promotion in its demand for human welfare and inner/ inter-religious harmony.

It is our religious duty to elect a strong and competent leadership, under whose guidance we need to convey the uncorrupted message of Tauheed.

Let us make a strong resolution, as we enter this new year,  that we will live and propagate the message of Arafah. Positive change starts with our individual selves and within our homes and immediate environments. In conclusion, I remind myself and you of the last advise of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), from the plains of Arafah.

“ I leave behind two mighty things. Whosoever adheres to them, will never go astray. It is the Book of Allah (Al-Qur’an) and my Sunnah.

May Allah bless us all and grant us success and prosperity for the new year ahead, Ameen.

Muharram Mubarak

Oh Muslims, I urge you and myself first to be ever God-conscious and to construct our lives in the shadow of divine obedience.

On Wednesday (22 April 2009), the eyes of the world focused on our beloved country, South Africa. Approximately 23 million people have registered to vote in the National elections on that day. Hence millions voted and millions abstained from voting, based on their democratic right as South African citizens.

I want to state categorically that our khutbah today by no means intends to enter the arena of debate on this hot issue. Rather, I urge you that we remain steadfast and continue the struggle for justice, which is paramount. The struggle for justice is a lifelong struggle. We have many issues and challenges facing us on the pathway of life.

Global recession is on everyone’s tongue. And yes, it is a real fear. Thousands of people have lost their jobs and breadwinners panic and battle daily to feed their families. A major internet engine company retrenched 7000 (seven thousand) employees. Look at the horror situation unfolding in Dubai. The construction of Skyscrapers and buildings have come to a halt, standing half complete, Thousands of cars are abandoned daily as expatriates are fleeing the country, fearing prison, due to high debts. This glittering city that rose from the desert sand dunes and referred to as “the capital of bling” has been hard hit by the global recession. Hence this fear is real. But are we only concerned because it is affecting our stomachs and our standard of living? The world has already fallen into the abyss of a spiritual and moral recession. Where was that global concern then? However, we need to rise to this challenge with the realization that we have a recourse. Though the present economic crisis seems bleak and we face certain destruction, yet it is not too late. Our recourse is to turn to Allah, who is closer to us than our jugular vein. The road to success is beautifully taught to us in the supreme guidance of Al-Qur’an and Sunnah.

I would like to share with you the beautiful story told by Nabi Muhammad (pbuh) as documented in the books of Bukhari and Muslim.

“One day three people were on travel. Suddenly they were overtaken by a storm and they seeked refuge in a cave. An avalanche occurred and a massive rock blocked the mouth of the cave. The men knew they are faced with certain death, as their combined strength could not even move this rock an inch. They realized their only recourse is to pray very sincerely and ask Allah to help them.

The first one prayed and said. Oh Allah. I have two elderly parents. Every evening when I return from my day’s work, I first serve and feed them before I see to my wife and children. One evening when I returned, my parents were fast asleep as I came later than usual. I feared to disturb their precious sleep and stood with the milk in my hand till dawn. Meanwhile, my kids were crying, but I could not feed them before I have not fed my beloved old parents. Oh Allah, if I did it seeking your divine pleasure only, then please help us. Miraculously the rock moved some inches.

The second one prayed. Oh Allah, I had a very beautiful female cousin whom I loved and desired very passionately. One day she was in dire straits and I offered her financial aid on condition that she must have sexual intercourse with me. She consented. But as I was about to commence this evil act of zina, she said to me. “Fear Allah”. I immediately withdrew. I left her and did not demand the money back from her. Oh Allah, if I did it seeking your divine pleasure only, then help us. Miraculously the rock moved some inches. The third person then prayed and said. Oh Allah. One day I hired some labourers and then paid them their due. One of them left without his wages. I then used his money to buy some sheep and goats, and with the lapse of time, it increased in bounds. One day he came back to collect his due wages and I said to him. All these goats and sheep are yours. He first thought I was joking, but I assured him that this was all his investment. He happily took everything and left. Oh Allah, if I acted justly seeking your divine pleasure only, then please help us in this desperate situation. Miraculously the rock moved enough for the three of them to emerge safely from the cave”

The profound lesson we learn from here is that as these three persons were saved by Allah from certain ruin, likewise, we need to turn to our beloved creator. We have experienced an avalanche of spiritual and moral recession. The global economic recession is the result of our state of godlessness and promiscuity. Nabi Muhammad (pbuh) said.

“Before Judgment Day, Allah will take the barakah (divine blessings) out of this Earth.” Already we can see our homes and lives void of barakah. Where is the time when we had little money and belongings, but we could feed up to ten and twelve in a family. Now we have pigeon pair families, earning thousands of rands, but we are up to our necks in debt.

So I urge you, Oh Muslims, not to become fragmented and indulge in petty debates. Let us rise up as a dynamic Ummah and contribute to the success and prosperity of our beloved country. We need to fearlessly tell this government to turn the country around , from godlessness towards godliness. Divorcing God from our political chambers of power will only take this country to destruction. Politicians alone cannot run this country, as they need the guidance and directives of Ulama and religious leaders.

Positive change starts with every individual which will result into a positive nation.

Allah says in His Glorious Book, Al-Qur’an

“Allah will never change the condition of a people, unless they change what is within and around them.”

Jumu’ah Mubarak.

Earning Allah’s Barakah

By Sheikh Abduragmaan Alexander

Khutbah No.14

All thanks and praises belong to Allah, Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer of the universe. We beseech Allah to bestow His eternal blessings on our illustrious Master, Nabi Muhammad (pbuh).

Oh Muslims, I urge you and myself first to be ever God-conscious and to construct our lives in the shade of divine obedience.

On Wednesday (22 April 2009), the eyes of the world focused on our beloved country, South Africa. Approximately 23 million people have registered to vote in the National elections on that day. Hence millions voted and millions abstained from voting, based on their democratic right as South African citizens.

I want to state categorically that our khutbah today by no means intends to enter the arena of debate on this hot issue. Rather, I urge you that we remain steadfast and continue the struggle for justice, which is paramount. The struggle for justice is a lifelong struggle. We have many issues and challenges facing us on the pathway of life.

Global recession is on everyone’s tongue. And yes, it is a real fear. Thousands of people have lost their jobs and breadwinners panic and battle daily to feed their families. A major internet search engine company retrenched 7000 (seven thousand) employees. Look at the horror situation unfolding in Dubai. The construction of Skyscrapers and buildings have come to a halt, standing half complete, Thousands of cars are abandoned daily as expatriates are fleeing the country, fearing prison, due to high debts. This glittering city that rose from the desert sand dunes and referred to as “the capital of bling” has been hard hit by the global recession. Hence this fear is real. But are we only concerned because it is affecting our stomachs and our standard of living? The world has already fallen into the abyss of a spiritual and moral recession. Where was that global concern then? However, we need to rise to this challenge with the realization that we have a recourse. Though the present economic crisis seems bleak and we face certain destruction, yet it is not too late. Our recourse is to turn to Allah, who is closer to us than our jugular vein. The road to success is beautifully taught to us in the supreme guidance of Al-Qur’an and Sunnah.

I would like to share with you the beautiful story told by Nabi Muhammad (pbuh) as documented in the books of Bukhari and Muslim.

“One day three people were on travel. Suddenly they were overtaken by a storm and they seeked refuge in a cave. An avalanche occurred and a massive rock blocked the mouth of the cave. The men knew they are faced with certain death, as their combined strength could not even move this rock an inch. They realized their only recourse is to pray very sincerely and ask Allah to help them.

The first one prayed and said. Oh Allah. I have two elderly parents. Every evening when I return from my day’s work, I first serve and feed them before I see to my wife and children. One evening when I returned, my parents were fast asleep as I came later than usual. I feared to disturb their precious sleep and stood with the milk in my hand till dawn. Meanwhile, my kids were crying, but I could not feed them before I have not fed my beloved old parents. Oh Allah, if I did it seeking your divine pleasure only, then please help us. Miraculously the rock moved some inches.

The second one prayed. Oh Allah, I had a very beautiful female cousin whom I loved and desired very passionately. One day she was in dire straits and I offered her financial aid on condition that she must have sexual intercourse with me. She consented. But as I was about to commence this evil act of zina, she said to me. “Fear Allah”. I immediately withdrew. I left her and did not demand the money back from her. Oh Allah, if I did it seeking your divine pleasure only, then help us. Miraculously the rock moved some inches. The third person then prayed and said. Oh Allah. One day I hired some labourers and then paid them their due. One of them left without his wages. I then used his money to buy some sheep and goats, and with the lapse of time, it increased in bounds. One day he came back to collect his due wages and I said to him. All these goats and sheep are yours. He first thought I was joking, but I assured him that this was all his investment. He happily took everything and left. Oh Allah, if I acted justly seeking your divine pleasure only, then please help us in this desperate situation. Miraculously the rock moved enough for the three of them to emerge safely from the cave”

The profound lesson we learn from here is that as these three persons were saved by Allah from certain ruin, likewise, we need to turn to our beloved creator. We have experienced an avalanche of spiritual and moral recession. The global economic recession is the result of our state of godlessness and promiscuity. Nabi Muhammad (pbuh) said.

Already we can see our homes and lives void of barakah. Where is the time when we had little money and belongings, but we could feed up to ten and twelve in a family? Now we have much smaller families and we earn huge incomes, but we are up to our necks in debt…

“Before Judgment Day, Allah will take the barakah (divine blessings) out of this Earth.”

So I urge you, Oh Muslims, not to become fragmented and indulge in petty debates. Let us rise up as a dynamic Ummah and contribute to the success and prosperity of our beloved country. We need to fearlessly tell this government to turn the country around , from godlessness towards godliness. Divorcing God from our political chambers of power will only take this country to destruction. Politicians alone cannot run this country, as they need the guidance and directives of Ulama and religious leaders.

Positive change starts with every individual which will result into a positive nation.

Allah says in His Glorious Book, Al-Qur’an

“Allah will never change the condition of a people, unless they change what is within and around them.”

Jumu’ah Mubarak.

]]> http://khutbahbank.org.uk/2009/04/earning-allahs-barakah-blessings-inspirational-khutbah/feed/ 2 http://khutbahbank.org.uk/2008/10/eid-khutbah-shawaal-1429-inspirational-khutbah/ http://khutbahbank.org.uk/2008/10/eid-khutbah-shawaal-1429-inspirational-khutbah/#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:14:16 +0000 KhutbahBank http://www.khutbahbank.co.uk/?p=406 Allahu Akbar , Allahu Akbar , Allahu Akbar,

Laa ilaaha illallaahu whal laahu akbar, Allahu Akbar wha lillaahil – hamd.

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest , Allah is the greatest,

The is no god except Him, And Allah is the greatest, To Him belongs all praise.

Glory be to Allah, Who has given us the precious gift of life. We thank Allah for this wonderful and beautiful day of Eid.

The sacred days of the glorious month of Ramadhan have gone past so speedily. People everywhere are making great preparations for the celebration of the festival of Eidul Fitr. We sadly bid farewell to the blessed month of Ramadhan, knowing that ahead of us lie many Ramadhans, which we may or may not reach.

The blessed day of Eid is a time of great joy for having served our Lord sincerely and feeling spiritually recharged. On this morning of Eid, Satan shouts with extreme disappointment and summons his armies to his accursed presence. They then inquire why they have been gathered and Satan replies:

“Don’t you see how Allah has pardoned the believing community of Muhammad (pbuh) ? Now go throughout the earth and lead them astray. Distract them from the divine remembrance and tempt them with lust, intoxicants and every mechanism of vice. Lead them back to their old evil and dirty habits that they may incur the anger of Allah and thus end up in Hell fire.”

Oh Muslims! Heed the golden advise of our illustrious Master, Nabi Muhammad (pbuh).

Enhance your days of Eid with good actions. Beautify your Eid day by giving charity to the poor and needy, supplicate to Allah and reconcile with your families, mending your estranged relations. Glorify your Lord, as He looks upon you with His Eye of divine Mercy.

The gracious day of Eid resembles the Resurrection Day. The Noble Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Whosoever commits a sin on Eid day is like one who commits a sin in Allah’s presence on Judgement day.”

Take note how crowds of people go about on Eid day. Some are walking on foot, while some are riding in various modes of transport. Some are crippled and struggle along, while the blind cannot find their own way without the necessary assistance. Many wear fine garbs, while a great number are barefoot and in tattered rags.

Reflect Oh people of Intellect! How will our condition be on Judgment day?

Do not walk about with arrogance, but remember the day when we wake from our graves and are made to walk to the plain of accountability and judgment. Do not scorn the cripple and handicap people who struggle along, but pray that we are nor raised with the unbelievers who will rise from their graves, dragging themselves along like snakes.

Reach out to the orphans and the under privileged, that you may be mercifully received by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who was the greatest orphan that ever lived.

Remember Oh Muslims!

Eid is not a day to strut around boastfully with expensive garments to show off.

Eid is not for those who ate and drank in Ramadhan without a valid excuse.

Eid is not for those who neglect their parents, causing them hurt and abuse.

Eid is for those only who are conscious of the meeting with their Lord, who live in His obedience and strive for the good and upliftment of humanity.

As this auspicious day of Eid ushers in the grand month of Shawaal (the season of Hajj), let us heed the encouragement of Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) who said:

“Whosoever fast six day in the month of Shawaal, will be rewarded as if he/she has fasted the entire year.”

Allahu Akbar! How great and overwhelming is Allah’s Rahma upon the Ummah of His beloved Rasool ! May the Almighty accept our fasting of Ramadhan and grant us the ability for the six days of Shawaal. This will only add to our spiritual rejuvenation and revitalization to meet the growing challenges of our time.

Ailing humanity stands at the brink of destruction through the stupendous achievement and production of weapons of mass destruction. Corruption and fraud is the order of the day, even on government level, which resulted in global political and economic instability. The high level of crime and promiscuity is eroding the moral and spiritual fibre of society at large.

Oh Muslims! As we stretch forth our hand of Eid Mubarak, let it be a resolve to be part and bring about positive change. Let our Eid Mubarak be a meaningful step towards a spiritual and moral revolution of love, justice, peace and harmonious co-existence.

Eid Mubarak to you and your families !

Allahu Akbar , Allahu Akbar , Allahu Akbar

Laa ilaaha illal laahu whallahu akbar

Allahu Akbar wha lillaa hil Hamd.

The world is in so much turmoil today. The global suffering and chaotic state of society are clear symptoms of the world’s state of spiritual bankruptcy. The prevalent moral decadence is a manifestation of man’s enslavement by his beastly qualities (nafs).

Oh Muslims, be dutiful to Allah Who created us and moulded us in the best of forms. He infused the human being with Ruh (the pure life giving force) as well as Nafs (beastly qualities).

When the Lord created the Nafs entity, and asked it, Who are you ? It replied: I am as mighty and powerful as you are Oh Lord. Then Allah burnt it in Hell fire for a thousand years. Again Allah asked the nafs the same question and it gave the same arrogant reply for the second time. Allah then froze it in the icy hell for a thousand years. After the nafs gave the same arrogant reply for the third time, Allah made it to fast for a thousand years. Finally, Allah asked it: Who are you ? The nafs then replied. You are the Almighty Creator of the universe and I am your humble slave Oh Allah.

Allah makes reference in the Glorious Qur’an with regards to the Nafs in Surah 91:8.

“Successful is the one who purifies (and tames) his nafs. And unsuccessful is he who becomes enslaved by it (the nafs).”

Oh Muslims, the glorious month of Ramadhan is basically on our doorstep. This month is an honoured guest from Allah, offering ailing humanity the cure of spiritual rejuvenation and revitalization. This is the month of opportunity to bring about spiritual and moral reformation within ourselves and our environment.

Our blessed Prophet (pbuh) said: “If my ummah knew the value of Ramadhan, they would wish Ramadhan to prevail the entire year.”

The Holy Prophet Moses (pbuh) requested to see Allah. The Lord said: Oh Musa, you cannot see me as there are seventy thousand veils between us. However, I shall give a month as a gift to the Ummah of my beloved Prophet Muhammad, which shall be called Ramadhan. Whoever of the believers will fast in this month, I shall so manifest myself at the time of Iftaar, there will be no veil between me and them.”

In a sacred Hadith Qudsi, Allah says:

“Fasting is for me and I will reward it.”

Oh servants of Allah, Ramadhan brings us in touch with our beloved creator, who is closer to us than our life-vein. Everyone of us is a dormant volcano. Let your spiritual lava erupt and flow towards the Divine throne. How wonderful to know Allah and feel His ever divine presence ?

The great Turkish Sufi master, Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak Al-Jerrahi urges: “How does one explain to the blind the beauty of colours, or the majestic sunrise and spectacular sunset? How will the deaf ever appreciate the joyful chirping of the morning birds and the melodious songs of the nightingales? How does one describe the fragrance of the scent of roses to those who have no sense of smell?

Oh servants of Allah, dive into the ocean of spirituality and immerse yourselves in the over flowing Rahmah and blessings of the holy month of Ramadhan. Spend time in worship and seclusion with your Lord and follow in the footsteps of the great and worthy Awliya (saints of Allah), and the obstructing veils will be lifted from your eyes. Soon you will see the beautiful colours, acquire the spiritual sense of smell and the ears of your spiritual heart will open and you will delight in the recitation of Al-Qur’an. Beneath the songs of the nightingales and the gurgling of the waters, you will hear the sweet sound of the affirmation of Divine unity.

In conclusion, I advise myself first and you to put on the garb of Taqwa and God-consciousness. Do not be gloomy, nor consider Ramadhan as a burden.

The blessed Prophet Jesus Christ (pbuh) said:

“When you fast, do not fast like the hypocrites, but wash your faces and comb your hair and meet people with a happy countenance.”

When Ramadhan comes, appreciate it, as it passes very rapidly. Life itself passes speedily. Don’t say Ramadhan will come again. Many Ramadhans have come and gone, but this Ramadhan may be your last? We conclude with the duah of our beloved Nabi Muhammad (pbuh):

“Oh Allah, bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha’baan and make us reach Ramadhan.”

Ameen. Jumuah Mubarak.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise be to Allah, the Supreme Creator, Nourisher and Sustainer of the universe. We beseech the Almighty to bestow His choicest blessings on our illustrious Master, Nabi Muhammad (peace be upon Him), on His pure family, His noble companions and all believers in every era.

Oh Muslims ! The Glorious Qur’an exhorts us to be ever conscious of the Omni-presence of Allah, our beloved creator, Who gave us the precious gift of life and bestowed on us His countless Favours and Mercy. In accordance with the divine injunctions,

“to rejoice the Favour and Mercy of Allah” (Surah 10:58),

and

“to publicise the Favour of Allah” ( Surah 93:11 )

This universal Mercy and Favour, in the person of Prophet Muhammad ( P.B.U.H ), the global Muslim community joyously commemorated and celebrated the noble birth and advent of the Prophet in the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. His illustrious birth was was more radiant than the glorious sunrise onto a world steeped in the darkness of animalism, superstition and ignorance. But, we find that in a short span of 23 years, He achieved the most glorious and comprehensive success, and accomplished what stands up to this day as “the noblest and most profound revolution in human history”.

Reflect! oh servants of Allah, how the Prophet led mankind out of the abyss of moral and spiritual degradation, to the highest pinnacle of civilization, through the processes of “Iqra’!”(read), constructive critical thinking and dialoque. It is for this reason that the Almighty endowed us with the faculty of intellect, which distinguishes us from the brute creation. The Holy Qur’an bears testimony to this :

“Most certainly the worst of animals in the sight of God are the deaf and dumb who do not apply their Aql ( faculty of intelligence).” ( Surah 8:22 )

“None will grasp the message, but people of intellect.” ( Surah 2:269 )

Muslims must be proud and thankful to Allah for providing the world with the divine and all-comprehensive Shari’ah Law, of which one of the basic objectives is “the preservation of Aql”.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said :

“Whoever allows his vain desires and lust to control him, is considered lower than the beast, and whoever applies his aql (intellect), is considered higher than the Angels in the estimation of Allah.”

One of the primary sources on which our Islamic legal system is built, is the principle of Ijtihaad, which means “to exert oneself” through applying your Aql on the premise of profound knowledge. The Prophet is reported to have advised Mu’adh Ibn Jabal, on dispatching him to Yemen to lead the new Muslim community there, to judge by the Qur’an and Sunnah. On being asked how he would judge if he cannot find an answer in Qur’an and Sunnah, Mu’adh replied that “I will apply my Aql” (ijtihaad). The Prophet then praised him.

Oh servants of Allah! Is it not crystal clear that Islam came to save us from all kinds of bondage, especially intellectual slavery. We are not bound by blind following like sheep, nor to just swallow everything “hook, line and sinker”, but rather act on informed decisions. We have the right to dialoque, constructive critical thinking and freedom of speech. Let me remind you of the incident when Hazrat Umar, the second khalifa of Islam, one day delivered a sermon against the practice of settling large sums as Mahr (dower-money), it was a woman who stood up and objected, saying: Oh Ameerul Mu’mineen, how dare you oppose the Qur’anic dictate that even a heap of gold may be settled on the wife as dowry? Umar did not resent this, but on the contrary showed appreciation for this woman’s courage of her conviction and right to freedom of speech. He exclaimed:

“The woman is right and Umar is wrong.”

This is the product moulded by the blessed hands of Rahmatu-lil-‘Alameen. I urge you, from this mimbar, the sacred platform of truth, not to live our lives striving only for physical pleasure like the animals, but rather ponder, reflect and apply our God-given Aql in every venture we undertake. Modern challenges demand that our Darul-Ulooms and religious institutions not only educate our youth through mere memorization of religious texts, but compliments it through encouraging independent thinking.

In conclusion, I urge you to note, that peaceful dialoque is conducive towards harmonious co-existence and constructive critical thinking leads the way to the advancement of every field of arts and science. Indeed the Prophet of Islam said:

“Allah has decreed excellence in everything”

Praise be to Allah and choicest blessings on our beloved Prophet. Jumuah Mubarak!

* Sheikh Abduragmaan Alexander is the Imam at Bridgetown Masjid, Cape Town, South Africa and President of Cape Mazaar Society, South Africa.

All praise be to Allah and choicest salutations on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him), His pure family, noble companions and all believers in every era.

Subhanallah ! Glory be to Allah Almighty for creating the human being from a microscopic germ, yet placed him on this earth as His vicegerent, and favoured him above the rest of creation. Says Allah in the Glorious Qur’an:

“We have indeed honoured the progeny of Adam” ( surah 17:70 )

The great Imam al-Alusi states that “all humanity are endowed with dignity, nobility and honour.” Thus every member of humanity has been honoured, not on the false premise of racial superiority or social rank, but on the basis of their humanity and having been endowed with the faculty of intellect. To dishonour and degrade any human on the basis of race, colour or ethnicity, is to rob him of his very birth right.

Oh Muslims! Today from this platform of truth, I echo the sacred words of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) when he so categorically stated during his last sermon from the mighty plains of Arafah.

“An Arab is not superior to a non-Arab nor is a light skin person superior to a dark skin person or vice-verse….”

Hence, the Holy Prophet, in His Prophetic human rights charter, dealt a death blow to claims of superiority on the basis of mere ethnicity and race. How sad, that more than a decade after the official death of Apartheid in South Africa, racism is still deeply rooted in the hearts of certain Muslims ?

I recently visited some family about to leave for Umrah. During a round table discussion on the increasing crime level and the influx of African immigrants, someone remarked, “These Kaffirs mess up everything… look at what is happening in Zimbabwe…”

How dare you, I interjected, make such an un-Islamic remark? For failing to keep my big mouth shut, I became very unpopular in that particular company.

Don’t you know, I asked , that we have gathered here to bid our pilgrims well on their holy journey of the Umrah. One of the manasik (rituals) of the Umrah and Hajj is the Sa’iy between the two hills of Safa and Marwah, which is the commemoration of our great Mother Hajira, who ran in search of water for her crying baby Ismail.

Don’t you know that Hajira was a dark skinned woman through whom Allah has ennobled the area between Safa and Marwa as “The Symbol of Allah?”

Call to mind Hazrat Bilal who was the first Muazzin of the Prophet (pbuh), through whom every caller to prayer will be ennobled with great status in the hereafter. Have you forgotten that he was of Abysinian origin and was very dark skinned ? Yet the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Oh Bilal, I hear your footsteps in Jannat (paradise).

What will be your answer in the divine Supreme Court, when the charge of racism is leveled against you? What will you answer to the Supreme Creator when you will be guilty of killing and abusing members of His vicegerent on the basis of xenophobia? What will be your response to the Judge of all judges for discarding His divine constitution, and make demands in your man-made constitutions that only members of a certain ethnic group can be trustees or committee members of certain Masajid? I thought you knew, Allah will ask, that every masjid belongs to Me, and I have ordained that every human is born free, pure and equal? Why did you turn a blind eye to my Glorious Quran?

“Oh people, We have created you from one male and one female and have made you into nations and tribes that you can recognise each other. Verily, the best of you in the sight of Allah is the ones who are most God-conscious.” (surah 49:13)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also states very categorically:

“You (humanity) are all the children of Adam and Adam was from dust” (Hadeeth)

Remember Oh servants of Allah ! Our origin is dust, unto dust we will return, and from the dust we will be raised again for the inevitable day of accountability. Fear Allah with regard to calling people by derogatory terms such as “Kaffir”, “Moor”, “Slams” etc, as this can never be part of the vocabulary of a true, God-conscious Muslim. Allah orders you with justice and goodness. Astagh-firullah. Wha aqimu-solaah.

Praise and Glory be to Allah who created the skies and the earth without a single flaw. He created man and woman for each other and ordained the sacred institution of marriage, through which spouses can lawfully unite in the union of love, thus giving each other tranquility, peace of mind and balance in life.

Today we will address the issue of Polygyny (to marry more than one wife). This practice has now become an explosive issue, especially in the Western Cape. Recently a certain Muslim man informed his wife of his plans to marry a second wife. How can you…. She protested…. you can hardly afford and maintain me and our kids ? I am going to call the Sheikh to come and speak to you. Angrily he responds “ Its my right to marry another wife… so to hell with the Sheikh.”

Let me state from the offset that Islam permits polygyny, and that it is forbidden for a Muslim male to have more than four wives at one time. The Qur’an categorically states:

“Marry those women who are lawful to you, two or three or four, and if you fear that you cannot do justice (to them) then marry one…” ( surah 4:3 )

When we consider the historical circumstance of the time period of this revelation, it clearly shows that the new growing Muslim community of the Prophet (pbuh) in Medina, were compelled to defend itself from incessant war against an enemy bent upon their extermination. A great number of male breadwinners lost their lives against overwhelming forces. Women had lost their affectionate husbands and young children their loving fathers, and these widows and orphans had to be provided for. If they had to be left to the mercy of circumstances, they would have perished, and the community would have weakened to the extent that it would have been impossible to maintain the struggle for life.

So let it be clearly understood that; In Islam, marriage of one man to one woman is the general rule. Polygyny is offered as a solution only,on the basis of justice and equity amongst the two, three or four wives, to meet certain needs and not a free license for any man to use and abuse.

I also need to make it clear that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not institute or invent Polygyny as many hostile critics allege. The Scriptures bear abundant proof of the fact that polygyny was recognized as lawful and, indeed widely practiced by the great prophets.

• Father Abraham (Nabi Ebrahim) had three wives. ( Sarah, Hagar and Keturah )
• King Solomon ( Nabi Sulaiman) had 700 wives and 300 concubines.

The Bible also reports the number of wives of many other prophets and great o God.

The advantages of polygyny can be realized by considering a few key points.

Firstly, Polygyny can be deemed an answer to the problem of surplus women.

Secondly, due to brutal warfare in ancient times which resulted in an even greater percentage of women over men. Who would care for these widows and orphans?

Thirdly, due to the patriarchal societies, it was nearly impossible for an unmarried widow or orphan girl to provide for herself. Females were often uneducated and untrained. They relied solely on their fathers, brothers and husbands for provision and protection.

So it seems that Islam allowed polygyny to protect and provide for the women who could not otherwise find a husband. The Muslim man would take multiple wives, upto four at one time, and serve equally and justly as their provider and protector.

Polygyny can also be a disadvantage as it can lead to an individual’s spiritual destruction if he fails to do justice within such a relationship.

The condition which Islam lays down for a man to have more than one wife is confidence on his part that he will be able to deal equitably with his two, three or four wives in the matter of food, drink, clothing, expenses, as well as the division of his time between them.

The Qur’an states in surah 4:12 that treating one’s wives equally is a very difficult matter.

“You are never able to be fair and just as between women, even if it is your ardent desire.”

Thus since equal treatment of wives is impossible, however hard a person tries, a man should marry only one wife. It is evident from the aforementioned facts that Islam neither introduced nor enforced polygyny. This rather indicates that in Islam monogamy is the rule and polygyny the exception. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also states in a hadeeth.

“A person who had two wives and was favourably inclined towards one, he would come on Judgment day in a condition by dragging the one side of his body (disgraced).”

So, when a man is poor and is not able to care for his wife and children, then polygyny is not allowed for him. His failure to maintain a second wife will result in strife and obscenity, which will defeat the very objective of marriage, which is supposed to be a lawful union of love, harmony and tranquility between a man and a woman.

Thus, though Islam has restricted the number of wives in a polygynous relationship, and allowed it as an answer to certain situations, it has also expressly forbid it to be abused and used as a tool for mere sexual gratification and abuse of women. In conclusion, allow me to narrate to you an anecdote on the topic of polygyny.

“A man married a second wife with the permission of his first wife. He treated them with absolute justice and equality. They all lived very happily, when suddenly, both wives died. After making all the preparations for burial, he realized they had only one front door. He instantly hired a builder to chop down part of the wall and construct another front door, through which he will take both wives out simultaneously. That night he went to sleep happily satisfied with his sense of justice. However, his first wife appeared in his dream and she was very upset. She thanked him for the wonderful life they had together, but why…, she asked …why did you take her through the new door and I was take through the old door ?

So my brothers…. You never win. Stick to one wife and live a happy life.