Message of Islam

Allah says in the Quran, “And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than his jugular vein” (Quran Chapter 50: verse 16). In this ayah, the Lord of the worlds describes His awareness of each and every human being, his or her innermost thoughts, desires, and intentions. The statement, “We know what his soul whispers to him,” provides us with comfort because it gives us reassurance that no matter what we suffer – our sadness or grief or worry - Allah is aware of it as well. We are not alone. It also can instill fear in us because we are reminded that the negative, irresponsible, or unvirtuous thoughts that we have are not completely private because Allah knows of them as well. Whatever anger, resentment, or jealousy we may feel, He is aware of it all. It gives us a reminder to hold ourselves accountable because the One who will hold us accountable in the next life is aware of everything that goes on in our minds.

Prophet Muhammad’s personality was a fountain of optimism. Despite his own trying financial situation and the verbal insults hurled at him throughout the Makkan period of his prophethood, he remained extremely positive.

This recording is the Firday sermon of Dr. Farhan Abdul Azeez on this positive attitude that all of us must inculcate within us.

#WhoisMuhammad #WhoDoYouLove #877WhyIslam

Unsure and apprehensive, he walked into the soup kitchen and found someone who looked as if he knew what he was doing. He asked him where he should go since this was his first time volunteering, and he was directed to the kitchen. As he walked there, his mind was racing. His friend had told him to come to volunteer to serve food to the homeless because it would look good on his transcript. He knew that he needed a boost for college so he decided to give it a shot. Now that he was here, however, he felt out of place. This neighborhood looked nothing like his and, on a Saturday morning, he would much rather be playing basketball. Once he arrived at the kitchen, he saw dozens of people scurrying around, some preparing food, some washing dishes, and others giving orders. He was placed at the cutting board to chop carrots. Soon, the food was prepared and it was time to serve. The next hour became an experience he would never forget for the rest of his life. He did not expect to be so affected by the people who came in for food: their tired faces, their tattered clothing, and their warm smiles. He left the soup kitchen that day feeling a deep sense of appreciation for his life and for the experience that helped to soften his heart.

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be among you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, and this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib [the Prophet’s uncle] shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in the obligatory alms-giving (zakat). Perform hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O people, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my example, the sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and

may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly.

Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

As I embarked on my most important dawah trip to Mexico, I began to reflect and think of my past three outreach missions. “Why was this the most important?” I asked myself, “I am traveling with the least amount of luggage and alone.” The answer was that I was going in order to call my elderly grandmother to Islam, while she lay on her deathbed, and it would not be easy. Seeing my family in distress and emotional would be hard, as well. I booked this trip exclusively for her, my “Abuelita,” my grandma. She requested to see me, and I took this request as my last opportunity to convey the message of Islam to her. As I was flying over the Gulf a Mexico I prayed for the Almighty to open her heart and make her last words be the best words, words of tawheed.

“Time is money!”This is nothing short of a mantra in America and in many other parts of the world. It’s understandable that people are concerned with earning a living and having enough money to survive, to succeed. But what about the people who spend substantial time, talent, and wealth not for self-interest or personal advantage, but for the benefit of other human beings and betterment of the society? Are they foolishly unconcerned about their own lives? No, they possess higher values and their altruism moves them to act, and they attain a loftier position among us.

Volunteerism is the willingness to spend one’s resources in the way of Allah SWT without looking for rewards from anyone except Allah SWT. This is part of our Deen, hence an act of worship (ibaadah) and we are highly encouraged to spend what Allah SWT has blessed us with for His sake. In fact, Islam was spread by volunteerism starting from the house of Abul Arqam ibn Abil Arqam to the migration to Al-Madinah, as well as in every confrontation with the Quraish.

Picture this: The stage is set, the walls are decorated, the doors are open, and the last minute preparations are wrapping up. The table settings and centerpieces are placed to perfection. The banquet hall looks like a scene from a fairy-tale wedding. The guests for the fundraiser, conference, or program are beginning to arrive. As they trickle in one by one, stopping by registration and then taking their seats, they comment on how beautiful the hall looks and eagerly await the program to begin. Little do they know that behind the polished smiles and the perfect-looking venue are a multitude of exhausted volunteers. From endless nights of planning and preparation, to phone calls, emails, and meetings, the amount of volunteer effort that goes into planning an event, fundraiser, program, or conference is often unappreciated.

Remember the individual (there’s usually at least one in every community) who used to be really active in your local Islamic center but you don’t see him or her around anymore? This individual was someone who was always there, passionate about the causes, eager to spend hours to serve the community. What happened to that individual? Why have they taken a back seat or even, in some cases, disappeared from the masjid? Thankfully there are many others who continue to be vibrant volunteers year after year, always looking for opportunities to give back, and adapting to new conditions by learning new skills. They do not vanish but, rather, remain shining examples for the new generations. They serve the cause as it should be served. We call these individuals activists, those volunteers who found it within themselves to devote their lives to Islamic and charitable work.

It’s August, but Elizabeth has already started sewing dolls at her church for the gift boxes they distribute to needy children during the winter season. This year she’s donated one sewing machine and lent another. They work in shifts, sometimes more than ten women of varying ages at a time, preparing presents to bring smiles to children’s faces. These women give up their time to bring a touch of happiness to young souls confronted with adversity. Although the children often live in far reaches of the earth, Elizabeth and her co-volunteers can touch them with their compassion, and experience joy in knowing their efforts make a positive difference in their lives.