Bismi Allaahi al-Rahmaan al-Raheem

 Bismillaahi wa Salaatu wa Salaamu 'ala nabiyyinaa Muhammad, wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi 'ajma'een, amma ba'du

Translation of some excerpts of
Jummu'ah Khutbah from Haram Makkah 
4th February 2000/ 28th Shawwaal 1420

The Imam of the Holy Mosque in Makkah Al-Mukarrammah, Sheikh Abdur Rahman As-Sudais began his sermon by praising and thanking Almighty Allah for the countless favours He has bestowed on His servants. He then stated the word of monotheism: none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammed is the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his household and righteous companions.

The Imam advised himself and the worshippers to fear Almighty Allah as He should be feared because piety is the reason for ones happiness in this world and the home of the hereafter. The Sheikh then devoted his sermon to the topic of good treatment amongst muslims. He said it is well known that man is civilised by nature and cannot live in isolation, he needs to deal with others to achieve common interests. Accordingly, it is required of the muslim to deal with others in a good manner, to reflect the correct image of the religion to which he belongs. Whenever a nation works together to better the treatment within it's borders and with other nations, even with those whom it is at odds with, it can truly achieve glory. The Imam regretted the phenomenon of bad behaviour and mistreatment that is on the rise amongst muslims who are of weak faith. Many people treat others in an uncivilised manner which only reflects their ill-intentions and indifferent attitude towards others. This weakens the ties of love between people and adds strength to the evils of envy and hatred. It is therefore necessary that the efforts of the righteous reformers in a nation be directed to the issue of good behaviour amongst people. Allah the Almighty sent the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, to mankind to perfect their morals. Islam has called for good treatment and true speech amongst people. Allah said in the Holy Quran:"Say to My servants that they should only say those things that are best." "And argue with them in ways that are best." "Repel evil with what is better." The Imam explained this is the behaviour which our religion has called us to, whenever we follow such a course then love will prevail amongst people. Allah said: "Repel evil with what is better, then will he between whom and thou was hatred become as if he were thy friend and intimate." Sheikh As-Sudais told the worshippers that the first step towards good treatment of others lies in the good treatment of ones own soul. He who trains himself on good behaviour will surely do good to others.

Regrettably, many are wronging their own souls, they are those who when they speak to others speak only falsehood. They are the backbiters who spread slander amongst people, and others who mistreat people to a level which threatens to spoil the social relations among the society. Such people have surely distanced themselves from the gracious teachings of Islam.

The first who has the right of good treatment from a muslim is His Lord Allah. For whom he should direct fully his prescribed duties and obey His rules at all times. Next in rank of good treatment is the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, whom a muslim should love and follow. Then are those charged with authority amongst people whom muslims should obey, offer advice to and supplicate to Allah for their success. Then come the parents to whom Islam has granted considerable rights. Allah the Almighty said in the Holy Quran: "Thy Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents." The Imam added that Islam has also called for the good treatment of wives, the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, said, "The most perfect muslims are those of you who have the best morals and are best to their wives." Islam has called on muslims to bring up their children on the righteous path and not to break the ties of kinship because Allah has commanded us to be heedful of the wombs that bore us. Islam has broadened the sphere of good treatment to all muslims, Allah said, "The believers are but a single brotherhood." Sheikh As-Sudais added that Islam has also called for the good treatment of neighbours, "And do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are of kin, neighbours who are strangers and the companion by your side." The Imam advised muslims to treat their neighbours well, to be kind to others, to lower the wing of humility, not to break the ties with those who have broken away from them and to forgive those who have wronged them. He said another group who deserve good treatment is the scholars because of the sublime position Islam has given to them. They are the group charged with the explanation of the Shari'ah and the Sunnah. The Imam told the worshippers that the mission of Islam is unrivalled and accordingly we should make good treatment of others a priority in our Islamic nation first before others. In this age of globalisation our nation is in pressing need of breeding good treatment within its society. Previously, Islam spread in many parts of the world because of the good behaviour of muslims towards others in matters such as trade. The Imam advised muslims to treat others well to obtain happiness in this world and the hereafter. He recited the verse, "Nor can goodness and evil be equal, repel evil with what is better, then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as a friend and intimate and no-one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune."

Sheikh As-Sudais concluded his sermon by telling the worshippers that there are certain groups in society which need to be treated particularly well, such as the youth due to their sensitive age, women and orphans. "They ask thee concerning orphans, say, the best thing to do is what is for their good." "Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans eat up fire into their bodies, they will soon be enduring a blazing fire." Islam has also called for the good treatment of widows, the needy, patients, the injured and disabled. The Imam drew the attention of the muslims to the good treatment of labourers, house-maids, indebtors who are in difficulty, those who have departed from their country for education, those who suffer oppression for their religion and those who have devoted themselves to serve other muslims.

May Allah bless and protect those who follow His guidance. Ameen

Translation by: Abdur Rahman Hassan Ibrahim

Islamic Info

 

Source:  Jamiatul Ulama (Kwazulu-Natal)