Friday Sermon Archives Series, first delivered on 27th October 2000 and edited, 28th October 2023
Introduction
Despite our current condition, we must try to repel the prevalent sense of despair, despondency and inferiority because, irrespective of our personal or collective circumstances, Allah has guided us to what is best, both in this life and the Hereafter.
The Final Religion
“This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” Surah Al – Maidah (5:3)
The Final Prophet
Not only are we following the best religion, but we have the best examples to emulate;
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have an excellent example, for him who fears Allaah and the Last day and remembers Allaah much.” Surah Al – Ahzaab (33:21)
Also;
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the last end (seal) of the Prophets. And Allaah is Ever All – Aware of everything.” Surah Al – Ahzaab (33:40)
“And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard of ) character.” Surah Al – Qalam (68:4)
Muhammad is indeed the final and best of the Messengers and Prophets; the only one sent to all of mankind and Jinn.
The Balanced & Best of Generations
In addition to all of this, Allah has bestowed on us a generation of people whose worth will never be equalled by any other religion or way of life – the Sahaba;
“Thus We have made you a middle – just and balanced – nation, that you may be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger be a witness over you.” Surah Al Baqarah (2:143)
(A point of interest; the above verse is the central [middle] verse of Surah Al – Baqarah, which is comprised of 286 verses)
and;
“You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al – ma’ruf, (i.e. Islam & all that is good) and forbid Al – munkar, (disbelief & all that is evil), and you believe in Allaah.” Surah Ali Imran (3:110)
We were also told by the Messenger that the best of generations was his one, then those who followed them and those who followed them… (taabieen and taabi taabieen)
Striving for Perfection
How does the following hadeeth apply to us? Abu Ya’la Shaddad ibn Aws narrated from our Messenger; “Verily Allah has prescribed Al I’hsan (excellence, perfection, precision) in everything…” (Muslim, hadeeth no.17 in An – Nawawee’s 40 Hadeeth)
Explanation of the above hadeeth: The Prophet’s saying “Allah kataba Al – I’hsan in everthing…” demonstrates that Al – I’hsan – excellence, perfection, precision, are an obligation:
Kataba means prescribed, ordained, enjoined. It is, therefore, an order. For example, Allah uses the word kitaba (enjoined) when stating;
“Verily, the prayer is enjoined (kitaba) on the believers at fixed hours.” Surah An – Nisa (4:103)
Additionally,
“Fasting is Kutiba (enjoined) on you.” Surah Al Baqarah (2:183)
If this hadeeth was at the forefront of our minds we would surely be in a better state than we are now. The problems we face individually, collectively, in our homes etc. would be minimised as we would all be certain of each others efforts to perfect or excel in the acts of goodness we are doing. Excelling in evil is indeed foolish and not from the characteristics of a sincere, devout Muslim.
Allah also orders us with excellence, perfection, precision etc. when He says;
“And observe Al – I’hsan, for indeed Allaah loves Al – Mu’hsineen –(those who observe Al – I’hsan).” Surah Al Baqarah (2:195)
Wilful neglect & falling short
Unfortunately, today we often witness the opposite approach and wilfully neglectful approach towards attaining high standards. This accords with the prophetic observation from our Messenger:
Abdullah ibn ‘Umar narrated from our Messenger; “Indeed people are like camels, out of a hundred you will hardly find a single suitable one to ride.” (Bukharee & Muslim)
Sheikh Ali Hasan al Halabi, when commenting on this narration, stated; “Just like a hundred camels, which seems like a large number,… if you need one for carrying or riding, or coming and going, you will hardly be able to find one. the majority of people are the same: If you were to select from them one who is suitable for teaching, etc…you would hardly find anyone to carry out the tasks properly. This is the state of affairs, because man is unjust and ignorant, and injustice and ignorance are the cause of defects which prevent the attainment of perfection or completeness…” (40 Hadeeth of the caller hadeeth no.15)
Conclusion: Striving for the best
The hadeeth is well known to many, (paraphrasing); “The best of you in Jahilliyyah (pre-Islamic practice) is the best of you in the deen…”
We must always set out to strive for the best if we want to accrue Allah’s blessings, favour and support in this life and the Hereafter, particularly:
- if we truly love Allah and His Messenger
- if we want success for this Ummah and;
- if we realise that this religion is, in essence, encapsulated by everything that is good.
