Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
21 November 2025 / 30 Jamadilawal 1447H
Living a Meaningful Life
Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,
Let us increase our taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. Fulfil all His commands and avoid all His prohibitions. May we always attain His blessings and pleasure. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Dear blessed congregation,
At times, we assume that life only moves forward: we are born as infants, then grow into youth and adulthood; from weakness we become strong and capable. Yet, do you know that there is a verse in the Quran which indicates that our lives will reverse to an earlier stage of creation? Last night, many of us may have recited Surah Yasin. In verse 68, Allah s.w.t. decrees:
Which means: “And whomever We grant a long life, We reverse him in creation (to a state of weakness). Do they not then reflect?”
Dear brothers, Allah s.w.t. calls upon us to reflect on the reality of human creation. This is what appears to move in reverse. According to Imam Ibn Kathir, this verse describes the nature of human life: the older a person becomes, the more he returns to a state of frailty, resembling his condition in early childhood. It is also an indication that this worldly life is but a temporary stopover before the final destination, that is the everlasting hereafter.
Respected believers,
Indeed, our lifespan is a blessing and a trust from Allah. For those who are still young and energetic, remember that the strength we possess today will not remain forever. Today, we may still perform the prayer by standing, bowing, and prostrating with ease. But one day, our movements may become limited, and we may yearn for the energy that we currently enjoy. Therefore, let us maximise our days with righteous deeds while we still have the strength to do so.
For those who are entering the later years of life, the changes we see in ourselves are gentle reminders of Allah’s mercy. Such fragility reminds us that every ability we once enjoyed was a blessing and trust that should be appreciated throughout life.
Honoured congregation,
Drawing guidance from the verse recited earlier, which speaks of human creation and how it returns to a state of weakness, here are several reminders, especially for those blessed with golden years, and also for everyone present today:
First: Strengthen one’s spirituality
Our elder years are an ideal opportunity to purify the heart and refine our deeds. Truly, a person’s worth lies in his righteous actions, in line with the Prophetic teaching which means: “The best of people are those who live a long life and excel in their good deeds.” (Narrated by At-Tirmizi)
In the past, we may have been occupied with career, caring for the household, or raising children. Now, our children have grown, and many of us may no longer work full-time. Do not allow our free time to pass without purpose. Plan our days with beneficial activities so that the body stays active, the mind remains sharp, and our spirituality continues to grow.
Recent reports indicate that those aged 65 and above now spend more time on digital devices, such as smartphones, than younger groups, including children and teenagers. Truly, this is a matter which must be taken seriously. Reflect: How is our digital use affecting the quality of our lives? Does it truly bring benefit, or does it cause us to waste our time when misused?
Therefore, regard time as a trust and a test that we must master. Use both our time and technology in ways that strengthen our connection with Allah.
Second: Prioritising family relationships and care
Dear brothers, we are aware that today, life expectancy is increasing. This means more individuals are entering their senior years and require family support. At the same time, younger families today face challenging circumstances, including the “sandwich generation”: adults raising their own children while also caring for ageing parents. Hence, elderly parents must be wise in managing their expectations and communicate openly and kindly with their children.
For the children, take turns with siblings in fulfilling the duty of caring for our parents. Do not let one sibling to shoulder the responsibility alone while others continue to live their lives with ease. Even if we cannot be physically present all the time, offer our emotional support, attention, and affection, for these too are acts of devotion and kindness.
Third: Preparing for both worldly life and the hereafter
The later years of life are a golden opportunity to prepare for the hereafter. It is also the suitable time to organise worldly matters so that our families are not burdened should we face illness or incapacity. This preparation includes caring for one’s health, managing one’s wealth, and discussing such matters with family before emergencies arise. This also includes considering the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), which was declared permissible by fatwa in 2019. Through early preparation, we help our families avoid confusion, misunderstanding, and potential disputes when crises occur.
If our children raise these matters, avoid assuming negative intentions. And for children, choose the right time and speak with wisdom. With the sincere intention to ease our family affairs, may our family bonds and love be preserved and blessed by Allah.
Dear brothers,
Every passing day brings us closer to the end of this worldly life. Use the gift of age with full awareness and responsibility. Beautify our deeds and prepare ourselves for the life to come. May Allah s.w.t. grant us the strength to value our years, mend our relationships, and refine our actions as we journey towards the hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Second Sermon
Dear brothers,
As we are aware, the nation of Sudan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflict and violence. Many of its people, including women and children, are living without sufficient food, clean water, medical care, and basic protection.
To help alleviate this suffering, the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) is conducting a donation drive across all mosques in Singapore, starting today, Friday, 21 November, until Thursday, 27 November, through designated RLAF donation boxes.
Let us embody compassion by contributing sincerely to this effort. May Allah s.w.t. ease the burdens of those affected, grant them safety, and reward every act of sincere charity. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
