Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

13 November 2026 / 3 Jamadilakhir 1448H

Contemplating Allah’s Signs in His Creation

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Let us strengthen our taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by obeying His commands and abstaining from His prohibitions. May Allah s.w.t. bless us with senses that constantly remind us of Him and enable us to appreciate the blessings of His creation. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

 

Blessed congregation,

Have we ever gazed at the open sky, listened to the chirping of birds, or felt the gentle breeze, and found ourselves glorifying Allah in awe of His greatness?

Some of us remember Allah s.w.t. when we pray, recite the Quran, or listen to religious talk. Yet, does not the creation that surrounds us also invite us to reflect upon His greatness?

Reflect upon the words of Allah s.w.t. in Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 190:

Which means: “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and day, there are signs (of Allah's greatness) for people of understanding.”

These are known as ayat kauniyyah, the signs of Allah's power and greatness that we can discover by reflecting upon His creation. Every living being is a testament to the greatness of Al-Khaliq, the Almighty Creator.

 

Dear brothers,

Let us reflect on three lessons about our relationship with the natural world, guided by our iman.

First: Recognise that all creation glorifies Allah

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Isra’, verse 44:

Which means: “There is not a single thing (in creation) that does not glorify Him with praise, but you do not understand their glorification.”

Think of the lush trees, the flowing rivers, and the tiniest creatures. All of them make tasbih and glorify Allah in ways beyond our understanding.

With this realisation, how could we carelessly cause destruction to the world? Indeed, the natural world is not merely a resource for us to use and exploit. It is part of Allah's creation that glorifies Him. Protecting it means respecting His creation, while destroying it is as though we are silencing the continuous tasbih or praises of His creation.

 

Second: Reflect on the destruction of the environment

Allah s.w.t. reminds us in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 41:

Which means: “Corruption has appeared on land and at sea because of what people's hands have done.”

Brothers, our discourse about the environment today often focus on the harmful effects of capitalism and rapid technological advancement on the environment. Yet, reflecting on this verse reminds us that the environmental crisis can also reflect a deeper spiritual crisis.

 

When we fail to appreciate the signs of Allah's greatness in the world around us, we may become more likely to harm the environment, sometimes even without restraint.

Therefore, caring for the environment begins with self-reflection. Do our lifestyles reflect gratitude for Allah's blessings, or do they contribute to waste and destruction?

 

Third: Fulfil our responsibility as khalifah of the Earth

Indeed, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 30, Allah s.w.t. describes humankind as khalifah, or stewards of the Earth. We must understand, however, that this role is not merely an honour. It is also a trust that we are responsible for fulfilling.

Each of us, as a steward in our own capacity, can begin with simple changes. Avoid waste, reduce unnecessary spending, and use resources responsibly, including conserving water even when performing ablution, in accordance with the guidance of Rasulullah s.a.w.

Let us not underestimate these small efforts. Every action reflects our awareness of the trust Allah has placed upon us, for the well-being of future generations.

 

Blessed congregation,

The world we inhabit is more than just a place for us to live. It is filled with signs of Allah's greatness. The more we reflect upon His creation, the more our faith and sense of responsibility towards it should grow.

May Allah s.w.t. grant us hearts that are attentive to the signs of His greatness, and guide us to be grateful servants who cherish His blessings and safeguard the creation entrusted to our care. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

 

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