Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

6 March 2026 / 16 Ramadan 1447H

Al-Quran: A Source of Tranquillity in Troubled Times

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Fear Allah s.w.t. by carrying out all His commands and avoiding all His prohibitions. Let us remain steadfast upon the path of piety and truth, taking the Quran as our guidance.

Dear blessed congregation,

The month of Ramadan is closely associated with the Quran. Allah s.w.t. has explained in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185, that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.

Many among us take this opportunity to increase our recitation and reflect upon its sacred verses. However, our relationship with the Quran should not be confined to recitation alone. Especially today, when we continue to be surrounded by fitnah – trials and confusion. The world continues to be in turmoil, causing us fear and anxiety. Yet, we may still ask and seek to understand: What is the divine wisdom behind the unrest and uncertainty that we see?

In such uncertain times, the Quran remains by our side in providing guidance and direction. In Surah An-Nisa', Allah describes the Quran as “nuran mubina” – a clear light, while in Surah Yunus, it is described as “shifa” – a cure for what is within the hearts.

My dear brothers,

Today's sermon shares three roles of the Quran in bringing tranquillity to every heart afflicted with anxiety:

First: The guidance of the Quran transcends time

In every situation we face, we can certainly find guidance from within the Quran. Whether we are thinking about our sustenance and the future of our families, or whether we are overcome with guilt due to our past mistakes. Or when we witness widespread injustice and destruction, driven by the greed for power which has claimed too many lives.

We read from the Quran the stories of Pharaoh, the people of ‘Ad, and Thamud. These were people who once enjoyed luxuries and blessings, but due to their arrogance, rejection of truth, and injustice, they all ultimately met their destruction. Only their stories remain preserved in the Quran as lessons for humanity throughout time.

Second: The Quran emphasises accountability

When we observe corruption continuing to spread, some may question: When will justice be upheld? How can the blatant oppression be stopped? Where is the mercy and help of Allah?

Yet, the Quran has long clarified that no deed escapes the knowledge and judgement of Allah s.w.t. As stated in Surah Ibrahim, verse 42, which means: “Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do; He only delays their punishment until a Day when their eyes will stare in horror.”

Third: The Quran explains what we must do

Whatever situation we face, amid uncertainty, fear, and anxiety, Allah s.w.t. promises that the outcome will ultimately favour those who uphold righteousness and piety. As stated in Al-Qasas, verse 83:

Which means: “As for the abode of the Hereafter, We assign it to those who do not seek arrogance or corruption upon the earth; and the best outcome belongs to the righteous.”

Dear blessed congregation,

Rasulullah s.a.w. once taught us in a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad that when a person is afflicted by anxiety and sorrow, and then supplicates to Allah that the Quran be made the comfort of the heart, the light for the soul, the remover of sadness, and the reliever of distress, Allah will surely answer the prayer and grant relief and tranquillity.

Therefore, as we strengthen our relationship with the Quran during this month of Ramadan, let us continue to hold firmly to its teachings and guidance, so that it may nurture the piety that is intended from our fasting.

May we be amongst those whose hearts remain calm amidst worldly anxiety and whose conscience is always illuminated by the Quran.

Second Sermon

Dear blessed congregation,

The world continues to be disrupted by violence, war, and conflict. Some among us are still trying to understand and find meaning – what wisdom lies behind all this? All who belong to Allah, Muslims and otherwise, are directly affected by this turmoil.

Many of our children pursuing their studies there are burdened with anxiety. Likewise, members of the workforce are weighed down by worry. Not to forget pilgrims and travellers who find themselves stranded along their way. Many other innocent lives have also become victims of these conflicts.

Let us, while fasting in this blessed month, as servants of Allah who trust in the divine wisdom behind every decree, pray that Allah s.w.t. continues to protect them, support the oppressed, bring an end to war and bloodshed, and restore peace and tranquillity.

For those who are planning to travel to that region, the pulpit calls for the deferment of such plans, in accordance with the maqasid or principles of shariah in preserving our well-being.