Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

18 September 2026 / 6 Rabiulakhir 1448H

Overcoming the Whispers of the Heart with Faith

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Observe taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. Carry out His commands and avoid His prohibitions. May Allah s.w.t. grant us spiritual wholeness and steadfastness of soul, so that we may become believers firm in faith. Amin, ya Rabbal 'Alamin.

Blessed congregation,

At times certain questions arise in our hearts: What is the use of us continuing to do good, when so many people do the very opposite? Why do the oppressors continue to live in comfort, while those who strive to do good are tested with hardship?

Such questions are nothing strange to a believer. A heart of faith is indeed disturbed when it witnesses wrongdoing and oppression. But if these questions are left without the guidance of faith, they can weaken our spirit, until we begin to feel that the effort to do good no longer holds any meaning.

Dear congregants,

In times when these whispers grow stronger, we need to turn to the words of Allah s.w.t. in Surah Qaf, verse 16:

Which means: “And indeed We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than his jugular vein.”

Brothers, be certain of this: nothing is hidden from Allah's knowledge, including the whispers that are never spoken aloud. We can only try to make sense of what we are going through, but Allah completely knows every unease and every complaint concealed within the heart.

At the same time, we see only what is before our eyes, while Allah's knowledge encompasses what has passed, what is happening now, and what is yet to come. We may not understand why Allah allows a certain trial or injustice to take place, but be assured: no evil escapes His knowledge and His justice, and no good deed is considered meaningless in His sight.

Beloved brothers,

With the knowledge and the belief that Allah is extremely near to us, what effect should it have on the way we live our lives? Is it enough for us simply to say, “Allah knows”, and then remain silent? Certainly not.

When we can bring about a positive change, then let us strive to achieve that goodness. When we can help someone, then let us extend that help. When we are confronted with wrongdoing, let us not allow that wrongdoing to corrupt our own character and principles.

This is part of what patience truly means. Patience does not mean staying silent in the face of wrongdoing. Rather, it means that we continue to do what is right, improve what we are able to improve, and surrender to Allah that which lies beyond our capacity.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Hud, verse 115:

Which means: “And be patient, for indeed Allah does not let the reward of those who do good go to waste.”

Blessed Friday congregation,

Let us not measure the worth of a good deed merely by the results we see around us today. Our responsibility is to continue doing what is right in every aspect of life that has been entrusted to us.

What we can change, let us work to change. What we can help with, let us extend our help. And what lies beyond our ability, let us surrender to Allah with full trust in Him, without despairing and without ceasing to do good.

May Allah s.w.t. place peace in our hearts and make us believers who remain steadfast in doing good in all circumstances. Amin, ya Rabbal 'Alamin.

Sermon Second