Highlights from Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdol Hamid’s Address to Various Social Groups at the Khatam al-Anbiya Grand Mosque in Konarak on Tuesday, October 29, 2024:
The Educational and Prophetic Method of Prophet Abraham
🔰 The Prophets (peace be upon them) are the pride of human history, illuminating and dignifying humanity. Among these noble figures is Prophet Abraham, who was born into the home of Azar, an idol-maker, yet raised the banner of monotheism alone in Iraq.
🔰 Abraham’s people worshiped the sun, moon, stars, and idols. Through his words and actions—by breaking idols and inviting his people to monotheism—he showed them that God is singular, unchanging, and eternal. This message of monotheism endures in history.
🔰 Enemies cast Abraham into a fire using a catapult. Before he fell into the flames, angels came to help him, but he sought aid only from God. God commanded the fire to become cool and harmless, and Abraham remained in it unharmed.
🔰 Azar threatened Abraham to leave the city, so he departed, praying for his father’s guidance, though it was not accepted. Guidance is solely within God’s will; without it, no prophet, scholar, or guide can lead someone to the right path.
🔰 Abraham migrated from Iraq to the Levant to spread faith, then journeyed to Mecca with Hagar and prayed: “My Lord, keep me and my descendants away from idol worship, attract the hearts of people to this land, and bless them with sustenance.”
🔰 God granted Abraham a son, Ishmael. When Ishmael grew older, Abraham shared his dream of sacrificing him, and Ishmael, in obedience, encouraged his father to carry out God’s command.
🔰 By divine command, Abraham constructed Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Kaaba—both sanctuaries built by him. The Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim community are the fruition of Abraham’s prayers. Through devotion, sincerity, and obedience to God, Abraham attained a high rank.
🔰 Those who avoid prayer, consume usury, take bribes, break promises, commit dishonesty, or deal in alcohol have not truly submitted to God and do not follow Abraham’s way.
🔰 Let us be devoted to our faith, submitting to God like Abraham, the Prophet, his Companions, and the Ahl al-Bayt. Through submission to God, we can attain His pleasure. If we neglect people’s rights, who will answer to God on the Day of Judgment?
🔰 Uphold God’s commandments, abandon sins, and perform congregational prayer. Beautify your mosques not just in appearance, but with worship and prayer.
The Importance of Honesty and Trustworthiness
🔰 No act is as valuable as honesty. Those who lie face the curse of God, for lying is both dangerous and a grave sin. Speaking the truth is the highest virtue.
🔰 Honesty, trustworthiness, and faith are your salvation. Other people’s secrets, property, and honor are a trust with you—preserve them.
🔰 Those who break promises and commitments lack true religion and faith.
🔰 Your ancestors, the Baloch, were so steadfast that they upheld promises even to the seventh generation, never betraying their word.
🔰 Be sincere and transparent with everyone—whether fellow citizens, the government, friends, or even strangers.
🔰 Pay a laborer’s wage before their sweat dries; this is the essence of being a good Muslim.
🔰 Responding to insults, bullets, or weapons with similar aggression leads to destruction. Exercise patience; tomorrow, the offender may apologize and seek forgiveness from you.
Renovation and Expansion of Mosques
🔰 Our mosques were built for a population of 40 years ago. Today’s population has grown multiple times, and these mosques no longer meet our needs. Given the increase in population, our mosques must be expanded and renovated.
🔰 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expanded Al-Masjid an-Nabawi after constructing it. Later, Caliph Umar added to the mosque’s grounds, and Caliph Uthman continued its expansion.
🔰 With the spread of Islam and people’s enthusiasm, both Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Al-Masjid al-Haram were expanded, so much so that a large portion of the Prophet’s city now lies within Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
🔰 Although the Grand Mosque of Konarak was built spaciously, it is no longer sufficient for today’s population and requires expansion. Population growth has outpaced mosque construction.
🔰 According to engineering standards, building plans are valid for ten years, after which they must be renovated and updated.