Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
Friday Sermon
21 May 2021 / 9 Syawal 1442H
Praying For World Peace
Dear brothers,
Let us increase our taqwa of Allah (s.w.t.) by obeying His commands and abstaining from His prohibitions. Let us continue our pursuit of good deeds and seek Allah’s grace and mercy. May Allah (s.w.t.) grant us His help. Amin.
Brothers,
Life is a constant spiritual battle. As Muslims, faith is our source of strength and resilience in facing this battle. It gives us hope and determination to overcome challenges. It strengthens our spirit to continue our pursuit of goodness. It assures us that Allah will grant us help (an-nasr) as long as we continue to place our trust in Him and commit to His path.
In difficult moments in life, as we are overwhelmed with sorrows and sadness that may cause us to feel hopeless and depressed, let us hold fast to Allah’s promise. With every hardship, there will come ease and a way out. Allah (s.w.t.) says in Surah As-Sharh, verse 5: “For indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
Whatever challenges we may face, we must continue to have hope that we will overcome them and emerge as better Muslims. One whose taqwa has strengthened will hence become more patient and resilient. Allah (s.w.t.) says:
Which means: “So do not weaken and do not grieve for you are superior, if you are [true] believers.” (Surah Ali Imran: 139).
My brothers,
We acknowledge that we live in a very difficult, challenging and uncertain time. While the current situation is indeed very worrying, there are reasons for us to remain positive and grateful. In making the required adjustments to our lives including the way we celebrate our festive season, we have been able to bond with our families in a responsible manner. We have been able to enjoy the happiness of Syawal, although not as festive as we would like it to be.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: “Look at those who are lower than you (in matters of this world and wealth) but do not look at those who are higher than you, lest you belittle the favours Allah conferred upon you.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Dear brothers,
The global situation today is also facing so much uncertainty. Humanity is still confronted with an incredible amount of misery and suffering. While many are still affected by the pandemic, others are facing violence and aggression that have led to the loss of innocent lives. This is truly distressing and heartbreaking. The soul of a believer cannot accept such cruelty. Those with compassion and mercy reject all forms of oppression and persecution, especially when they took place on the sacred land of Al-Aqsa Mosque, while Muslims were performing acts of worship in the holy month of Ramadhan, up till the present month of Syawal. These incidents, without a doubt, have caused us so much worry and grief.
Brothers,
As we worry and grieve, let us remind ourselves of the importance of putting our faith and trust in Allah, and that His help will come. We must also instil in ourselves a strong sense of conviction when making supplications for the suffering of others to end. As the Prophet (s.a.w.) once said: “The supplication of a Muslim for his (Muslim) brother in his absence will certainly be answered.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim).
In addition to praying for our brothers and sisters who are facing hardship, we can also help them through making monetary donations. Do make sure, my brothers, that our donations are channelled to official and registered bodies that are licensed to collect such funds. This is to ensure that those funds reach the right beneficiaries and are not being misused.
Thus, starting from tomorrow, there will be a donation drive conducted by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation for Palestine. To ensure the safety of our community, the donation drive will be held online. Steps on how to donate will be made available at mass media, MUIS website and the website of the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Foundation (RLAF). Let us contribute as much help as possible, to the best of our abilities. We hope that these donations will be able to provide a glimmer of hope for the victims who are affected.
At the same time, we are reminded not to worsen the situation by instigating words that propagate hate, disunity and enmity. As believers, we must be just and reject all forms of violence and hostility, regardless of whom the target is.
In these moments when our supplications are accepted by Allah (s.w.t.), let us humble ourselves before Him and ask Him to restore peace in this world and put an end to all forms of cruelty and violence.
Ya Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Protector. We humble ourselves before You in supplication. Restore tranquility, harmony and peace to this world – most of all to areas where there is unrest and hardship. Ya Allah, the Ever-Preserving, protect us, our country and our brothers and sisters in humanity, including the Palestinians, from suffering and oppression. Guide us, lead us and grant us Your guidance so that all forms of cruelty are ended with peace. Shower Your love and mercy upon Your servants who desperately need Your help. Ease the burden of Your servants who are facing hardship and adversity. Ya Allah, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of all existence. Accept our prayers to restore lasting peace and harmony among all of humanity. Amin. Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
