Islamic Religious Council

Friday Sermon

26 November 2021 / 21 Rabiulakhir 1443H

Trials are a Sign of Allah’s Love

 

My brothers and sisters,

Let us continue our efforts to elevate our taqwa towards Allah (s.w.t.) by obeying all His commands, and by abstaining from all His prohibitions. May Allah continue to bless us with His mercy.

 

Dear brothers and sisters,

All of us will surely be tested. Regardless of whether we are young or old, strong or weak, believers or not. This is the decree of Allah (s.w.t.) for His servants, to distinguish between those who remain steadfast and those who turn away from Allah and His mercy.

For those with unwavering faith, their trust in Allah will surely be elevated, their affairs will be eased, and their hearts will be granted calmness and peace. This is because each trial that we face is a proof of Allah’s love towards His servants.

Let us ponder upon a hadith by our Prophet (s.a.w.): “Surely, a great reward is for a great trial. And verily, if Allah loves one community, then He will impose trials upon them. Those who accept, they will relish Allah’s acceptance. And those who dislike (the trials), Allah’s anger will be upon them.” (Hadith narrated by Imam Ibn Majah).

 

Brothers and sisters,

When we are afflicted with trials and tribulations, we often regard it as something troublesome or unfortunate. For example, if one loses his job, or inflicted with illness, and so on. 

The truth is that trials are not always in the form of hardships. Let us reflect the words of Allah (s.w.t.) in surah Al-Anbiya, verse 35:

 

Which means: “Every soul is certain to taste death: We test you all through the bad and the good, and to Us you will all return.”

The truth is that goodness and blessings from Allah (s.w.t.) can also be a form of trial for us. For example, a person may be blessed with prosperity and wealth but does not use it for goodness such as helping those in need or giving charity. Instead, they become arrogant, greedy and only think of themselves. The same can be said for a person whom Allah (s.w.t.) has granted all his requests and desires but does not express gratitude towards Allah and does not fulfil their religious obligations. There are also those who have great influence to invite others to the path of goodness, yet they led people astray from the religion.

Therefore, here lies the importance for a believer to always remember Allah (s.w.t.) in all circumstances. A believer should not only seek and hope for Allah’s mercy when they are facing tribulations. Rather, they should remain faithful and worship Allah in whatever conditions and situations.

Let us take our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) as an example. He was a prophet who was promised paradise, yet the Prophet (s.a.w.) was still tested with all kinds of tribulations. At the same time, the Prophet (s.a.w.) continued to worship Allah (s.w.t.), hoping for His mercy.

It was also narrated that our Prophet (s.a.w) would always increase his religious deeds as a sign of gratitude towards Allah (s.a.w.). (Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari).

This should be the attitude of a believer.

 

Brothers and sisters,

All of us are facing our own trials and tribulations. Our situations are never the same. But what should be the same is our taqwa and faith in Allah (s.w.t.). We should be certain that Allah will never leave us alone in hardship, and He will not test us more than what we are capable of. Let us remember that every hardship we face is a sign of love from Allah (s.w.t.).

To end my sermon, allow me to share a supplication that we can practise in our daily lives, which was taught by our Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), narrated by Imam Abu Dawud. The supplication is:

 

Which means: “O Allah, I hope for Your mercy.  Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye (without help or mercy from You).  Correct all of my affairs for me.  There is none worthy of worship but You.”

May Allah (s.w.t.) grant us His mercy, as well as patience and perseverance in facing all our challenges. May we be granted success in this world and the hereafter. Amin. Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.