Explaining the importance of endeavor, Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah urged prosperity in the both worlds depends on diligence in his latest Friday sermon.
He began his speech by reading the noble Qur’anic verse: «و أن لیس للإنسان إلا ما سعی», (And that a man shall not deserve but (the reward of) his own effort), [53: 39]. Shaikh underlined, “This world has been created by Allah the Almighty to be the place of effort and diligence. As Allah mentioned in the above-recited verse that own effort is the only wealth of mankind which can be utilized in this temporal world. Making effort is needed in various angles of life; people should work hard to gain livelihood. It is the blessing and rule of Allah to facilitate the way of getting sustenance. Not only humankind but also animals strive to get sustenance. As we work hard to have a successful life, we must endeavor for the prosperity, guidance and salvation of our own and other individuals of the society. If we want to get any place in the Paradise, so diligence is the only option.”
He added more saying effort in any field cannot be without fruits; when we work hard to achieve our goals in any ground, spiritual or material, we will witness the result certainly. The developed countries’ nations made constant efforts as they are now well-developed; they are advanced only in this world. But if anyone works hard to be prosperous in the Hereafter, s/he will see the fruit of his/her efforts. If you witness Islam has been reached to every corner of the world, it is the result of the real believers’ diligence. Effort is followed by the mercy and support of Allah the Almighty. Neglectful people will remain deprived from prosperity of the both worlds. Allah will exhibit the result of everyone’s effort on the Resurrection Day.
Quoting a Hadith, saying of Holy Prophet Muhammad, about repentance of a man of the Sons of Israel who had killed 100 people but before his demise he decided to repent, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed said, “The rights of humankind are very important before Allah Almighty, He does not forgive any violator of human rights. But if someone repents sincerely with deep sorrow, Allah will repay on the behalf of the person getting his/her agreement. In this way, He will forgive His servants. The Hadith teaches us to work hard, recite the noble Qur’an, strengthen the faith and carry out other good deeds until the last moment of life.”
At the end of the first part of his speech, Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah underlined a true believer who loves Allah wholeheartedly never sits doing nothing; such people make effort to carry out any good deeds in order to please their Lord. Everybody must be afraid of the day when others bring a great number of good deeds while s/he would be poor in deeds and ashamed before them.
Insulting Sahabah; Haram and big sin
In the second part of his speech, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed, alluded to the incident of demolition of the tomb of ‘Hojr bin Oday’ in Syria, saying, “The demolition of the tomb of Hojr bin Oday was an unpleasant event; he was a companion of Holy Prophet, peace & blessings be upon him, according to some Muslims.”
The Companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them, saw the blessed face of Holy Prophet sacrificing their lives for his mission. Thus, they have a special status before Allah Almighty; all Muslims must respect Sahabah and it is essential, he added more.
Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah further said respecting Sahabah is obligatory whether they are alive or dead. It is Haram, illegal in Islam, and a big sin to insult Sahabah including the Guided Caliphs, the Ten Companions (Asharah Mubasharah), Clean Wives and Households of the beloved prophet, peace be upon him. So exhumation is contrary to the customs and Shari’ah, we condemn demolition of the tomb of Sahabah in any country. Shaikh-ul-Islam stated, “Although, we do not know surely who destroyed the tomb of Hojr bin Oday in Syria, but we consider the culprits ‘extremists’ of any sect. it is possible the agents of Zionists carried out this awkward act to create concision among Muslim masses forcing them to fight with each other. But such acts must unite Muslims more than past.”
Justice, rational dialogue; solution of many global crises
Shaikh-ul-Islam Abdol-Hameed, urged on the ‘exigency of justice’ in the world putting ‘dialogue on the basis of equality and rationality’ the solution of many of the global crises in another part of his Friday sermon.
Talking to tens of thousands worshippers in Zahedan, Iran, he stated, “The main need of the world is justice and equality at this time. It is not only pertinent to the regimes and governments; every individual of the society must act justly. Many problems of the world, especially the crises of the Muslim world, can be resolved by fair, just and rational negotiations. All groups and rival sides including ‘moderate and extremists’ should trust on logical dialogue to solve their matters. The biggest crises such as terrorism, suicide attacks and etc can be resolved by dialogue.’’
The eminent Islamic scholar alluded to the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, saying the assault of the US and NATO on the pretext of ‘countering terrorism’ cannot be accepted; it was an unforgivable sin. Most of the analysts and experts confess invasion of Iraq was a blunder that has brought this country to demolition.
“Durable peace in the region can be achieved only by liberation of Palestine. The global security has been linked with the Palestinian issue; it is the root cause of many international crises. If Palestine gets freedom, all security problems of the West and Muslims will be resolved.
Disregarding demands and voices of nations made them obsessive and furious as we have been witnessing violent reactions. I do not justify such acts; but it is an analyzing idea. Insecurity can be rooted up by execution of justice and paying attention to voices of people around the world,” Shaikh-ul-Islam underlined.
Minorities must get their rights
The leading Sunni leader emphasized on listing to the voice of minorities and said, “I think the belligerent groups must pay attention to the voice of each others in order to resolve their problems by negotiation and dialogue in Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and other regions. The rights of minorities, regardless to their cult and sect, must be ensured.”
He asked the leaders of the Iranian regime to ensure the rights of Sunnis, saying the Iranian authorities should ensure the rights of the Iranian Sunni community; it is the second largest community in the country as Sunnis constitute the majority of Muslims in the world. We expect the pertinent officials and rulers respond to our complaints and problems; they must interrogate our matters.
Shaikh Isma’eelzahi underlined at the end, “We believe in cooperation and dialogue; whoever is ready to listen to us, we will talk with him. Otherwise if ‘they’ deny listening to our complaints, we would cry to convey our voice to the Throne.”