On Friday, Sheikh Dr. Osama bin Abdullah Khyat delivered a sermon at the Grand Mosque, commencing with a reminder to the congregation about the importance of piety and mindfulness of Allah, as well as the belief in his meeting. He emphasized the inevitability of calamities befalling individuals in various forms, which lead to distress and disrupt the serenity of life. This reality cannot be ignored or changed, for it is a part of Allah’s design for creation.
Dr. Khyat elaborated on the different reactions people exhibit when confronted with hardship. Those who lack faith and assurance may suffer from despair and dissatisfaction, confronting adversity with distress that amplifies their grief. They might mismanage their responses, resulting in actions that earn them further disfavor from Allah, without having any impact on altering their fate.
Contrastingly, the wise individuals exhibit patience and acceptance during trials, seeking solace in Allah’s words about patience and the blessings it brings. They are motivated by the teachings of the Quran, which extol the virtues of patience and detail its rewarding outcomes. Dr. Khyat quoted, “And we will surely reward those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.” He underscored that true prosperity lies in the practice of patience, citing the famous statement of Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab: “The best life is the one that we live with patience.”
He reiterated that a believer’s life revolves around two key aspects: patience and gratitude. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remarked, “Amazing is the affair of the believer; everything has good for him… If good befalls him, he is grateful, so it is good for him; and if harm befalls him, he is patient, so it is good for him.”
Meanwhile, at the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Salah bin Muhammad Al-Budeir presented a sermon emphasizing the necessity for individuals to be preoccupied with what is beneficial to them both in this world and the hereafter, while avoiding meddling in the affairs of others. He categorized such meddling as undesirable, noting that it fosters animosity and ill will, leading to regret and misery.
Dr. Al-Budeir stressed that those who possess determination and nobility of character distinguish themselves by abandoning trivial pursuits and focusing on necessities for their lives and spiritual welfare. He argued that by concentrating solely on matters that genuinely concern them, individuals protect themselves from immense harm, which reflects sound practice in Islam. Furthermore, he suggested that engagement with pertinent issues yields rewards such as respect, tranquility, and blessings in various aspects of life including time and relationships.
He presented the idea that individuals entangled in what does not pertain to them often find themselves in distress and disharmony. Meddling and prying into others’ affairs, uncovering their secrets, and excessively inquiring about their circumstances only lead to negative outcomes, including hostility and discomfort. Such behavior stands in contrast to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who warned against three significant actions: gossiping, wasting wealth, and excessive questioning.
He underscored that a person’s joy is tied to self-reflection rather than scrutinizing others. Engaging in idle chatter without purpose is futile; those who refrain from unnecessary conversation and actions safeguard their own well-being. He urged the congregation to embrace the principles of restraint and to seek only relevant knowledge, avoiding issues that do not require their attention.
In conclusion, Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budeir reminded the community to regularly invoke blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and to pray for the strength and support of Islam and Muslims. He implored Allah to protect their countries, aid the oppressed in Palestine, and bring relief to the suffering, invoking divine assistance to mend their hardships and grant them victory over the oppressors. More broadly, he emphasized the importance of compassionate engagement, underscoring collective responsibility for each other’s well-being.
This week’s sermons served as timely reminders of patience in adversity and the importance of focusing on one’s own spiritual journey while being mindful of their interactions with others.
