Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

Friday Sermon

30 October 2020 / 13 Rabiulawal 1442H

Emulating the Prophet s.a.w.: Giving Words of Kindness

My dear brothers,

Let us instill taqwa towards Allah (s.w.t.). Let us strive to perform all His commands and abstain from all His prohibitions. May Allah s.w.t. bless and accept all our deeds. Amin.

My beloved brothers,

Throughout this month, the Friday sermons have called upon us to emulate the character portrayed by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).

We are encouraged to constantly seek knowledge, observe humility, and render assistance to those in need. These are the noble traits that should be instilled and nurtured in our daily lives.

The sermon today would like to invite all of us to observe another noble trait that was portrayed by the Prophet (s.a.w.). He was kind and gentle in his interactions with others.

Among the advices given by the Prophet (s.a.w.), he mentioned in a hadith, “Command towards goodness and prevent evil. If you are unable to do so, abstain your tongue from everything, except what is good.” (Narrated by Imam al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad).

My dear brothers,

Perhaps some people might think that this advice is of little significance. However, that is not the case, my dear brothers. According to the Prophet (s.a.w.), saying good words and the truth is of a great significance. This is reflected in the daily life of the Prophet (s.a.w.), in how he (s.a.w.) continues to make an impact on individuals through positive words. At times, the Prophet (s.a.w.) would compliment and acknowledge little efforts, and in other times, he (s.a.w.) would give words of encouragement and support.

Indeed, my dear brothers, everything we say has an impact on the life of others. Through good words, we create a positive atmosphere and nurture someone’s character. We support each other towards collective goodness, especially as we go through this ongoing pandemic. Some people are facing various challenges, financially or in terms of employment, that may affect their mental and emotional well-being.

How good would it be if we could play a role in giving words of encouragement and support. If we notice that our friend is in need of support or expert advice, we should strive to help him by providing guidance and showing him a way out.

My dear brothers, that is the essence of the role of our tongues. We ought to put it to good use by saying things that bring the pleasure of Allah (s.w.t.). Allah says in the Quran:

Which means: “Tell My servants that they should speak that which is best. Surely, Satan creates discord among them. Indeed, Satan is an open enemy to mankind.” (Surah al-Isra’ verse 53).

My dear brothers,

In these modern times, social media serves as a channel where every individual can express their thoughts. Thus, as a believer, one should always emulate the character of the Messenger (s.a.w.). Whether we are communicating in person or making comments online, ensure that what is conveyed is the truth and beneficial. Let us ensure that it gives hope and support to others, and not otherwise.

May Allah (s.w.t.) preserve us from all forms of evil and increase our good deeds for His sake. Amin Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

أَقُوْلُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ العَظِيْمَ لِي وَلَكُمْ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ

 

 

Second sermon

 

الْحَمْدُ للهِ حَمْدًا كَثِيرًا كَمَا أَمَرَ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَن لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَنَا مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فَيَا عِبَادَ الله، اِتَّقُوا اللهَ تَعَالَى فِيمَا أَمَرَ، وَانتَهُوا عَمَّا نَهَاكُم عَنْهُ وَزَجَرَ.

أَلَا صَلُّوا وَسَلِّمُوا عَلَى النَّبِيِّ الْمُصْطَفَى، فَقَدْ أَمَرَنَا اللهُ بِذَلِكَ حَيْثُ قَال فِي كِتَابِهِ الْعَزِيزِ: إِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَـا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا. اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ وَ بَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ.

وَارْضَ اللَّهُمَّ عَنِ الخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ المَهْدِيِّينَ أَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ وَعُثْمَانَ وَعَلِيٍّ، وَعَن بَقِيَّةِ الصَّحَابَةِ وَالقَرَابَةِ وَالتَّابِعِينَ، وَتَابِعِي التَّابِعِينَ، وَعَنَّا مَعَهُم وَفِيهِم بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ.

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالمُؤْمِنَاتِ، وَالمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ، الْأَحْيَاءِ مِنهُم وَالْأَمْوَاتِ. اللَّهُمَّ ادْفَعْ عَنَّا الْبَلَاءَ وَالوَبَاءَ وَالزَّلَازِلَ وَالْمِحَنَ، مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، عَن بَلَدِنَا خَاصَّةً، وَسَائِرِ الْبُلْدَانِ عَامَّةً، يَارَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ. رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنيَا حَسَنَةً، وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً، وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ.

عِبَادَ اللهِ، إِنَّ اللهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى، وَيَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ، يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ، فَاذْكُرُوا اللهَ الْعَظِيمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ، وَاشْكُرُوهُ عَلَى نِعَمِهِ يَزِدْكُمْ، وَاسْأَلُوهُ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ يُعْطِكُمْ، وَلَذِكْرُ اللهِ أَكْبَرُ، وَاللهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ.