Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
Friday Sermon
28 March 2025 / 27 Ramadan 1446H
Istiqamah in Worship
Dear blessed Congregation,
Have taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. with true mindfulness. Let us be steadfast in obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. May the light of Allah s.w.t. serve as a constant companion to us. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Brothers,
As Ramadan bids us farewell, today's sermon would like to remind us to carry forward the virtuous habits and spiritual consciousness cultivated during Ramadan into our daily lives throughout the year.
Beloved Mukminin,
Istiqamah or consistency in worship is a key quality that leads to success in both this world and the hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said that which means: "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small." (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
Our acts of devotion should continue to flourish beyond Ramadan’s timeframe. While our hearts are saddened as Ramadan draws to a close, we must remember that Syawal awaits us with opportunities to maintain our consistent good deeds. Maintaining consistency in our worship and good deeds means resisting the temptation to revert to negative habits after experiencing the spiritual high of Ramadan. Indeed, Allah loves those who remain steadfast in their devotion and servitude to Him.
Allah mentions in Surah Al-Ahqaf, verse 13:
Which means: “Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast, there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
Respected congregation,
There are three steps we can take to sustain new good habits and avoid returning to old bad habits:
First: Guarding the Tongue.
The Prophet s.a.w. was once asked about what he feared most for his ummah, he took hold of his tongue and said: "This." (Narrated by at-Tirmidhi)
In the digital age, guarding our speech extends beyond verbal communication to our online expressions. Every word, spoken and written, carries weight and consequence. We should exercise restraint from harsh criticism, belittlement, and harmful speech, remembering that all our communications will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection. Let us remain steadfast in resisting these temptations.
Second: Befriending the Pious
The Prophet s.a.w. said that which means: “A person follows the religion of his close companion, so let each of you carefully consider whom he befriends.” (Narrated by at-Tirmidhi)
Our spiritual journey is profoundly influenced by the company we keep. When we associate with righteous individuals who remind us of Allah s.w.t, they inspire us towards goodness and gently guide us when we stray.
Third: Striving to Gain Beneficial Knowledge
Allah s.w.t says in Surah Fatir, verse 28:
Which means: “It is those of His servants who have knowledge who stand in true awe of God.”
It is through seeking authentic Islamic knowledge that we gain the understanding necessary to remain steadfast. We are called to learn Islamic knowledge extensively, for it strengthens our taqwa and faith, and provides us guidance to uphold good deeds with consistency and refrain from regressing into old bad habits.
Blessed congregation,
Let us maintain our worship and connection with Allah, ensuring our hearts remain filled with divine companionship. May we guard our speech and actions carefully, so that our tongues and limbs become witnesses in our favour in the hereafter. Through the pursuit of beneficial knowledge, may our minds be illuminated with truth and wisdom, guiding us steadfastly on the path of righteousness.
Ya Allah, Ya Muʿṭī, bless us the honour of witnessing LaylatulQadr, and instil within us an enduring desire for righteousness and aversion to wrongdoing. Ya Qayyūm, Ya Hafīẓ, guide us in guarding our tongues from words that may become sources of regret in the Hereafter. Ya Rafīq, Ya ʿAlīm, surround us with pious companionship and instil in us the love for seeking beneficial knowledge. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Second Sermon
Ya Allah, bestow upon us on this day a supplication that will not be rejected, and open for us a door in Paradise that will not be shut. Gather us in the company of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Ya Allah, make the best of Your creation beloved to us, and from the hawdh of Your Prophet quench us, and in Your Paradise grant us refuge, and with Your mercy envelop us and grant us our wishes, and with Your bounty enrich us, and to Your obedience guide us, and from the punishment of the Fire protect us, and from the evil of every envier suffice us.
Ya Allah, the One who hears every plea, and the One who listens to every complaint, help our oppressed brothers and sisters in Gaza and Palestine, by Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the Merciful.
Ya Allah, heal their wounds, cure their sick, feed their hunger, quench their thirst, warm their coldness, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin. Ya Allah, they are barefooted, so cover them; they are unclothed, so clothe them; they are oppressed, so grant them aid, O Helper of the oppressed and The Responder to the call of the distressed.
Ya Allah, envelop them in Your mercy, calm them with Your love, strengthen them with Your power, and make them firm with Your might. Ya Allah, protect them from every stubborn tyrant, and keep them far from every oppressor of the servants. Ya Allah, turn all their fear into security, all their distress into relief, all their hardship into ease, and all their sorrow into joy, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Ya Allah, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
