Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

25 September 2026 / 13 Rabiulakhir 1448H

Building Resilient Families: Balancing Foresight and Faith

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Let us have taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by obeying all His commands and staying away from all that He has prohibited. May Allah s.w.t. protect us and our loved ones in this world and the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

 

Blessed congregation,

Today's khutbah will discuss the trust and responsibility we hold towards our children, the importance of planning, and reliance upon Allah. Allah s.w.t. says in Surah At-Tur, verse 21:

Which means: “As for those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith, We will unite with them their descendants, and We will not diminish anything from the reward of their deeds. Every person is accountable for what they have earned.”

 

Dear brothers,

We are interdependent by nature, especially within the family. The relationship between parents and children should be one that nurtures a sense of peace, security, tranquillity and love. And when we ourselves become parents, we take on the responsibility of nurturing the next generation of Muslims.

Yet today, many people already carry various burdens, including the pressures of work and the complex challenges of modern life. These concerns, in addition to uncertainty about the future, may make some people less inclined to start a family or have children.

When considering having children, we are called to plan carefully for matters concerning their future. This includes identifying and ensuring that their physical, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as their financial provision, can be provided. At the same time, we should not allow concerns over sustenance and the future to weaken our reliance and trust in Allah s.w.t.

This is because the sustenance that Allah provides comes in many forms. Financial stability, a peaceful home, and the heartfelt prayers of a righteous child – all of these are forms of sustenance and blessings.

 

Beloved congregation,

As we seek to balance the demands of life with the aspiration to nurture resilient families, there are several religious principles that we should bear in mind:

First: Planning for the future reflects a sense of responsibility

Indeed, there are several hadith narrations which describe how Rasulullah s.a.w. would take pride in the large number of his ummah. However, when it comes to building a family, we must also consider the quality of care we can provide, and our ability to meet the needs of our children and spouse – whether financially, emotionally, or in other aspects of life.

In Islam, the encouragement to have children and continue one’s lineage goes hand in hand with the injunction to fulfil our responsibilities, and to ensure that the needs of our family members are met. Only when these responsibilities are fulfilled, we are able to nurture resilient individuals and families.

 

Second: Alongside planning and preparation, place our utmost trust in Allah

As we plan and make preparations for our family’s future, let us deepen our trust in Allah. Remember, our future is not guaranteed by our efforts alone. Rather, it is Allah alone who grants sustenance and blessings, in ways that He decrees.

 

Dear brothers,

Our faith teaches us that the sustenance of every person has been decreed by Allah s.w.t. It is Allah who grants children to whomever He wills. As responsible individuals, our duty is to prepare for the future as best as we can. Beyond that, we entrust our affairs to Allah, with full confidence in His wisdom and goodness.

May Allah s.w.t. continue to strengthen our faith, bless our sustenance, and shower His mercy upon our families. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

 

Second Sermon