Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

Friday Sermon

26 Jun 2020 / 4 Zulkaedah 1441H

Gratitude and Patience

My beloved brothers,

Let us embody our taqwa of Allah s.w.t. by obeying all His commands and abstaining from all His prohibitions.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad said: “Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim).

On this blessed day, we are grateful to Allah s.w.t. for granting us the opportunity to perform our Friday prayers, hence restoring one of the symbols of our religion. Our mosques, after being vacant for months, are once again filled. This is the result of our patience, resilience, prayers and spirit of social responsibility. Alhamdulillah, the coronavirus situation is gradually improving. So let us be grateful to Allah s.w.t., as our sincere gratitude to Him will bring about more blessings, Insha-Allah. Allah s.w.t. says in the Quran:

Meaning: “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’ ” (Surah Ibrahim, verse 7)

We hope that our gratitude for all His blessings; be they great or small, manifested or concealed, experienced individually or collectively as a society –  will bring peace in a time when many others are worried of their health, careers and finances.

Beloved Muslims,

All of us attending today’s prayers would have to adhere to several safety measures. These are part of the new norms which we must quickly learn to adapt to, for our own safety. We understand that majority of our community members are still unable to perform their Friday prayers, hence let us continue to stay resilient and patient in facing these tests.  We must bear in mind that our religion is one of ease, and that the One who created us is the Most Merciful and that He constantly showers us with His mercy. Our religion does not burden us beyond our capacity.

Continue your good efforts and cooperate with one another. As it is a form of your contribution to safeguard the wellbeing of others. May Allah s.w.t. forgive us for all our transgressions and relieve us of this trial. Amin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.