Khutbah Jumat: The Importance Of Taqwa (August 1, 2025)
Khutbah I
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ الَّذِيْ أَنْعَمَنَا بِنِعْمَةِ الْإِيْمَانِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ. أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ. اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ،
فَيَا أَيُّهَا الْحَاضِرُوْنَ رَحِمَكُمُ اللهُ، أُوْصِيْكُمْ وَنَفْسِيْ بِتَقْوَى اللهِ، فَقَدْ فَازَ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ. قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى فِي الْقُرْآنِ الْكَرِيْمِ: يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ حَقَّ تُقٰتِهٖ وَلَا تَمُوْتُنَّ اِلَّا وَاَنْتُمْ مُّسْلِمُوْنَ
Ma'asyiral Muslimin Rahimakumullah,
First of all, let us express our gratitude to Allah SWT for the blessings of faith and Islam that He has bestowed upon us. It is by His grace that we are able to gather in this blessed place, on this blessed day, to perform the Friday prayer and listen to the sermon. May Allah SWT always guide us on the straight path and grant us the strength to remain steadfast in our faith.
Secondly, let us offer our prayers and greetings to our Prophet Muhammad SAW, the last messenger of Allah, who brought the message of Islam to humanity. May Allah SWT bless him, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his teachings until the Day of Judgment.
In this sermon, I would like to remind myself and all of you to always fear Allah SWT, to obey His commands, and to refrain from His prohibitions. Taqwa is the best provision for us in this life and the hereafter. Allah SWT says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].” (Quran, 3:102)
Ma'asyiral Muslimin Rahimakumullah, The essence of taqwa lies in the awareness of Allah SWT's presence in every aspect of our lives. It's about living consciously, knowing that our actions, intentions, and even our thoughts are known to the Almighty. When we cultivate this awareness, we're more likely to make choices that are pleasing to Him and avoid those that displease Him. This conscious living translates into a life of purpose, filled with good deeds, compassion, and a genuine desire to seek Allah's pleasure. It's not just about avoiding sins; it's about actively seeking opportunities to do good and make a positive impact on the world around us. This involves being mindful of our interactions with others, treating them with kindness and respect, and striving to contribute to the well-being of our community and the wider society. By embracing taqwa, we transform ourselves into individuals who are not only committed to their faith but also actively engaged in making the world a better place. This conscious effort to live a life of purpose and righteousness is the true essence of taqwa, a journey that leads us closer to Allah SWT and helps us achieve a fulfilling and meaningful existence. The journey of taqwa is a lifelong pursuit, requiring constant self-reflection and a sincere desire to grow closer to Allah SWT. It is a path that leads to inner peace, contentment, and ultimately, the pleasure of Allah SWT. May Allah SWT grant us the strength and guidance to live a life of taqwa.
Furthermore, the rewards of taqwa are not limited to the hereafter; they manifest in our daily lives as well. A person who fears Allah SWT is granted wisdom, clarity of thought, and the ability to navigate the challenges of life with grace and resilience. They are blessed with inner peace, contentment, and a strong sense of purpose. Moreover, taqwa fosters strong relationships, as it encourages honesty, integrity, and compassion in our interactions with others. When we prioritize taqwa, we create a ripple effect of positivity, enriching our own lives and the lives of those around us. This holistic approach to life, where faith and actions are intertwined, is the true embodiment of taqwa, a path that leads to both worldly success and eternal bliss. By embracing taqwa, we not only secure our place in the hereafter but also enhance the quality of our lives in this world, making it a journey filled with purpose, meaning, and divine blessings. It is a testament to the transformative power of faith, guiding us towards a life of righteousness and fulfillment.
Moreover, let’s also discuss the practical manifestations of taqwa. It's not just a concept to be discussed; it's a way of life to be lived. Taqwa is reflected in our actions, our words, and our intentions. It's about being honest in our dealings, fair in our judgments, and kind in our interactions with others. It's about fulfilling our responsibilities to our families, our communities, and the wider society. Taqwa is also about controlling our desires and resisting temptations. It's about being mindful of our time and using it wisely. It's about being grateful for the blessings that Allah SWT has bestowed upon us and using them for His pleasure. This daily commitment to living a life of righteousness is the true essence of taqwa, a journey that requires constant effort and self-reflection. It's about making conscious choices that align with our faith and striving to be the best versions of ourselves. By embracing these practical manifestations of taqwa, we transform ourselves into individuals who are not only devout but also actively engaged in making a positive impact on the world around us. This holistic approach to faith, where belief and action are intertwined, is the key to unlocking the true potential of taqwa and achieving both worldly success and eternal bliss. It is a testament to the transformative power of faith, guiding us towards a life of purpose, meaning, and divine blessings.
Ma'asyiral Muslimin Rahimakumullah, In this blessed month of August, as we approach the Islamic New Year, let us take this opportunity to reflect on our lives, to assess our relationship with Allah SWT, and to renew our commitment to taqwa. Let us make a conscious effort to improve ourselves, to strengthen our faith, and to live a life that is pleasing to Allah SWT. May Allah SWT accept our good deeds, forgive our sins, and guide us on the straight path.
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: وَتَزَوَّدُوْا فَاِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوٰىۖ وَاتَّقُوْنِ يٰٓاُولِى الْاَلْبَابِ
Allah SWT says: “And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa. And fear Me, O you of understanding.” (Quran, 2:197)
May Allah SWT grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of Islam in our lives. Ameen.
بَارَكَ اللهُ لِيْ وَلَكُمْ فِي الْقُرْآنِ الْعَظِيْمِ، وَنَفَعَنِيْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ بِمَا فِيْهِ مِنَ الْآيَاتِ وَالذِّكْرِ الْحَكِيْمِ، وَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّيْ وَمِنْكُمْ تِلَاوَتَهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيْعُ الْعَلِيْمُ. أَقُوْلُ قَوْلِيْ هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ لِيْ وَلَكُمْ وَلِسَائِرِ الْمُسْلِمِيْنَ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوْهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُوْرُ الرَّحِيْمُ.
Khutbah II
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ حَمْدًا كَثِيْرًا طَيِّبًا مُبَارَكًا فِيْهِ. أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ. اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ،
فَيَا أَيُّهَا الْمُسْلِمُوْنَ، أُوْصِيْكُمْ وَنَفْسِيْ بِتَقْوَى اللهِ، فَقَدْ فَازَ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ. اِتَّقُوا اللهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوْتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُوْنَ.
Ma'asyiral Muslimin Rahimakumullah,
In this second sermon, I would like to remind myself and all of you to continue to fear Allah SWT in every aspect of our lives. Let us strive to increase our knowledge of Islam, to improve our worship, and to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood. Let us also remember our brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and make dua for their well-being.
As we discussed in the first khutbah, taqwa is the cornerstone of a successful life, both in this world and the hereafter. It is the foundation upon which we build our relationship with Allah SWT and with our fellow human beings. In these challenging times, when the world is facing so many difficulties, taqwa is more important than ever. It is the light that guides us through the darkness, the anchor that keeps us grounded in the face of adversity. It is the source of our strength, our hope, and our resilience.
To elaborate further on how taqwa serves as the guiding light, consider the myriad challenges we face in the modern world. From economic uncertainties to social injustices, from personal struggles to global crises, the path forward can often seem unclear and fraught with danger. In such times, taqwa acts as our compass, directing us towards solutions that are just, compassionate, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. It encourages us to seek knowledge, to engage in critical thinking, and to make decisions that are not only beneficial to ourselves but also to the wider community. Taqwa also empowers us to resist the temptations of the world, to avoid harmful behaviors, and to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. This unwavering commitment to moral and ethical principles is the essence of taqwa, a guiding force that enables us to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and integrity. By embracing taqwa, we transform ourselves into individuals who are not only grounded in faith but also actively engaged in creating a better world for all.
Furthermore, taqwa provides the much-needed resilience to face the trials of life with unwavering faith and determination. Life is a journey filled with both joy and sorrow, success and failure, ease and hardship. It is during the difficult times that our faith is truly tested. A person who has taqwa understands that these trials are a part of Allah SWT's plan and that they serve as opportunities for growth and self-reflection. They do not despair in the face of adversity; instead, they turn to Allah SWT for strength and guidance. They remember that Allah SWT is always with them, and they trust in His wisdom and mercy. This unwavering faith is the source of their resilience, enabling them to overcome challenges with grace and fortitude. Taqwa also fosters a sense of gratitude, even in the midst of hardship. A person who has taqwa recognizes the blessings that they have and focuses on the positive aspects of their life, rather than dwelling on the negative. This positive outlook helps them to maintain hope and optimism, even when things are tough. By embracing taqwa, we cultivate the inner strength to face any challenge, knowing that Allah SWT is our ultimate protector and guide.
In addition to the guiding light and the resilience it provides, taqwa is the anchor that keeps us grounded in the face of adversity. The world is full of distractions and temptations that can easily lead us astray. Material possessions, worldly pleasures, and the approval of others can become our primary focus, causing us to lose sight of our true purpose in life. Taqwa acts as an anchor, firmly rooting us in our faith and reminding us of our ultimate goal: to please Allah SWT. It encourages us to prioritize the things that truly matter – our relationship with Allah SWT, our family, our community, and our commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Taqwa also helps us to resist the allure of instant gratification and to focus on the long-term consequences of our actions. It encourages us to make choices that are not only beneficial in the short term but also pleasing to Allah SWT in the long run. This unwavering commitment to our faith and our values is the essence of taqwa, an anchor that keeps us steadfast in the face of life's storms. By embracing taqwa, we find stability and purpose in a world that is constantly changing.
Let us ask Allah SWT to grant us the strength to live a life of taqwa, to be guided by His light, and to be anchored in His love. Ameen.
اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُسْلِمِيْنَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ، وَالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ، اَلْأَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْأَمْوَاتِ، إِنَّكَ سَمِيْعٌ قَرِيْبٌ مُجِيْبُ الدَّعَوَاتِ. اَللّٰهُمَّ أَرِنَا الْحَقَّ حَقًّا وَارْزُقْنَا اتِّبَاعَهُ، وَأَرِنَا الْبَاطِلَ بَاطِلًا وَارْزُقْنَا اجْتِنَابَهُ. رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ. وَصَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ وَسَلَّمَ. وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ.