EIDULFITR KHUTBAH: ISTIQAAMAH IN DEVELOPING THE UMMAH

Blessed Muslims, Let us give the highest of Praise to Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala for granting us the deen of Islam. We are grateful that, by His Permission, we are able to congregate to perform the eid prayer together, uttering the noblest of words to describe the Greatness, Majestic, and Excellence of Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala. We perform these in deep happiness after successfully avoiding the temptation of nafs while fasting. We truly hope that the Ramadaan tarbiyyah will become the catalyst towards increasing and strengthening our fighting spirit. We must always keep istiqaamah (steadfastness) in developing our inner quality in defending and enhancing the dignity of the Muslim ummah.

Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and All Praise belongs to Allah Alone

Blessed Muslims, What is pertinent for the Muslims today is to perform muhaasabah (selfevaluation), istiqaamah in performing good deeds, diligence in increasing taqwa, and getting closer to Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala. Ramadaan tarbiyyah necessitates that we are always capable of controlling the self, physically and spiritually, and also our senses from committing prohibited acts by Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala. We are required to fulfill His Commands with absolute obedience at all times, without an iota of complaint even the size of an atom. This must be adhered to throughout our lives and in every situation. We cannot afford to be comfortable and satisfied in assuming that all of our deeds are accepted by Allah during Ramadaan, hence providing alibi in committing disobedience and fasaad (transgression) because of the ample

deeds reaped will wipe away the sins to be accumulated. What a calamity for the Muslim ummah in having such gross understanding, for it is truly from the whisperings of iblees and shaytaan that constantly longs for the destruction of our deeds, certainty, and imaan. Even though Rasulullah sallAllahu alayhi wasallam had taught us that eid is a day of happiness and how it should be celebrated, it is very much different with what is being done nowadays. Some Muslims nowadays lack the understanding on matters regarding halaal and haraam, sinning and performing good deeds, and free mixing between opposite gender (nonmahram), even to the extent of committing unlawful acts according to the Shareeah hence incurring the displeasure of Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala.

Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and All Praise belongs to Allah Alone

Blessed Muslims, While in this festive mood of eidulfitr, we are encouraged to exercise several matters as prescribed in the religion, namely: 1. Creating a harmonious atmosphere by greeting others, smiling, shaking hands (same gender), congratulating, and seeking forgiveness, in strengthening the love and ties of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst Muslims. 2. We must connect and solidify the ties of kinship (silaturrahm) among family members, relatives, friends, the Muslim scholars, and fellow neighbors through visitations even to those that have cut ties with us. 3. From the sunnah, we are encouraged to congratulate each other by uttering: TaqabbalAllaahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept it (the worship) from us and from you) 4. We should highly encourage our family members to increase the dhikr, tahmeed, and tahleel in glorifying and exalting Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala. 5. We must never commit any acts that are against Islamic teachings such as having parties, free mixing and shaking hands between non-mahram,

watching obscene movies, wasting time, excessive joking with vulgarities, heedless and missing salaah, and being wasteful.

Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and All Praise belongs to Allah Alone

Blessed Muslims, Let us perform deeds that will increase the unity and silaturrahm amongst us, visiting each other, and honoring the guests with full ikhlaas and a pure heart. Allah has created mankind from various race and ethnicities, men and women, so that they will cooperate with each other, tolerant, having positive thoughts of others, united, advising and greeting each other, visiting and wishing well for others. Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala mentions in al-Quran: And indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me. But the people divided their religion among them into sects each faction, in what it has, rejoicing. So leave them in their confusion for a time. (al-Muminoon 23:52-54) Hence, do not allow political differences to cause us to break out of our bashfulness, solely to vilify and slander others. Let us not have ill thoughts of others, spreading fitnah, keen to pick on the mistake of others and exposing them, and defaming others, as it was mentioned in a hadeeth: Whoever says about his brother that which he doesn't deserve, Allah will block him in hell fire until he proves what he said. (at-Tabaraani: hasan) Do not be ensnared by the deception of the nafs, iblees, and shaytaan for they are always plotting to disunite us. On the contrary, let us unite in building and reviving the true strength of Islam that is often belittled. Most people are more interested in crowding at entertainment events that is never beneficial, as compared to attending the gathering of knowledge or congregational prayer at the masjid or surau.

As true Muslims, we cannot allow problems plaguing the Muslim ummah to seep through without any effort and adequate response to overcome them or at least controlled from further spreading, thus causing severe harm. Todays generation must be equipped with knowledge, guidance, and support so that they will develop a strong self-identity and confidence, competent in facing various challenges to come. Everyone, from children to adults, must return to the knowledge-oriented culture, seriously learning authentic Islamic knowledge of various sciences in providing guidance in their lives. The parents have a significant role in family leadership, with the responsibility to ensure that no form of fasaad (corruption) occurs within the family. In addition, the children must adhere and obey their parents, for as long as they do not go against Islamic teachings. Umar bin al-Khattab radiyAllaahu anh had once said: Educate your children, for indeed they were brought out for a period that is different than yours.

Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and All Praise belongs to Allah Alone

Blessed Muslims, We must be very responsible in educating the children, family, and people so that they will be shielded from any element that can corrupt the mind and actions. Let us become observant, and also resourceful in providing guidance and advice with love. Todays generation is the future leaders that will build a civilization that is unique according to the era that they live in If we do not equip them with the necessary knowledge, then they will definitely fall behind, ultimately becoming beggars in their own land. Insha Allah, for as long as we are breathing, we must try with all our might in utilizing our soul, wealth, intellect, and authority, to carry out such noble ambition until a complete comprehension of Islam is achieved.

Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great, and All Praise belongs to Allah Alone

Blessed Muslims, Indeed, any effort undertaken to achieve this lofty objective is a form of noble jihaad that requires diligence and thorough commitment from every individual known as a Muslim, mumin, and muttaqi. It is the responsibility of every Muslim individual to contemplate and practice the spirit of jihaad in their lives according to their capacity and need. Jihaad is a basic duty that encompasses a wide scope, beginning with affirmation in the heart to fighting in the battlefield risking ones life. In truly comprehending the spirit of eidulfitr, let us learn the lessons from events that took place in the past and present. Let us prepare ourselves by obtaining unwavering strength in the mind, knowledge, and power, in building a generation of high caliber, free-spirited with sound akhlaaq, and in constant obedience to Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala and His Messenger. Insha Allah, with that we will be able to build a community that is united, having solid brotherhood, sensitive to its surrounding, and ever ready for jihaad in upholding the kalimah of Allah. Let us galvanize our effort in reviving the strength of the Muslim ummah. Let us stop bickering and blaming each other when an issue arises. Instead we should be cooperative in exchanging constructive ideas to resolve arising dilemmas. We are all equal in the Sight of Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala, only to be distinguished according to the level of our taqwa. Therefore, let us strive to avoid calamity from befallen on us due to our own wrongdoing. And whatever strikes you of disaster it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much. (ash-Shooraa 42:30)

THE SECOND KHUTBAH

Blessed Muslims,

Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala has mentioned in al-Quran: This [Quran] is notification for the people that they may be warned thereby and that they may know that He is but one God and that those of understanding will be reminded. (Ibraaheem 14:52) Even though we are to be happy and joyous on eidulfitr with our new clothing, let us not forget the predicament of our Muslim brethren in our land and elsewhere, facing severe tribulations in the form of war, becoming refugees, natural disaster, poverty, starvation, and depression. In the name of Muslim unity, let us lend out aid and assistance, giving donation to our level best to express our sympathy and concerns with their plight. Hopefully, our humble contribution will help alleviate their burden and suffering that they endure. To the Muslims with a pure heart and humanitarian concern, let us make dua to Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala, begging for His Help and Aid for the Muslim ummah all over the world. Let us pray to Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala in freeing all of us from all types of problem, depression, and attachment so that we may continue on living in peace and harmony. In competing to do good deeds, let not the Muslims fall behind as always. It is very saddening and humiliating when a non-Muslim organization or individual would step forward in giving aid, while we are still struggling to make a decision or take action. Let us have istiqaamah in obeying the commands of Allah and His Messenger. Invite and remind our own selves, spouses, family members, relatives, neighbors, and the Muslim community as a whole to always hold onto the authentic teachings of Islam. Fulfill our very duty and role as a daie in that which suits us best, with wisdom and intelligence, without giving up, inviting mankind in accepting the Truth. Indeed, the future of Islam and its prominence lies within our hands thus we cannot be heedless and negligent. Take heed, for the enemies of Islam are united and together, doing whatever it takes to spread their corrupted ideology and religion. They are backed with strong funding and solid network intending to destroy the Muslims, so are the Muslims prepared to face these threats? Allah Himself has promised tremendous rewards and goodness in this world and the Hereafter for those that strive in performing good deeds and fulfilling their religious duties.

Let us not forget to re-kindle silaturrahm that may have been disconnected in the past, or strengthen the existing ties by visiting each other. Make ziyaarah to those that are weak, underprivileged, elders, orphans, and the poor ones. Hopefully, the joy and blissfulness of eidulfitr can all be shared together. Remember that ziyaarah is not an invitation, thus pay your visit at a suitable time without setting a specific time to the host, for it will only bring difficulty for them. Let us not forget to visit our family members, neighbors, or relatives even though they are not having an open house. Visiting each other is not only during eid, but instead all year round. Avoid all type of wastage and extravagance in preparing for eidulfitr, including in our food and drinks. Take precaution in our journey by asking for safety and security from Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala. Let us send peace and blessing upon Prophet Muhammad sallAllahu alayhi wasallam, as Allah Subhaanahu Wataaala had ordered in His Book: Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace. (al-Ahzaab 33:56)

O Allah! Forgive the Muslimeen and Muslimaat, the Mumineen and Muminaat, whether alive or those that have left us. O Allah! Grant honor to Islam and the Muslims, and humiliate those that are committing shirk with You. Destroy the enemies of Your Religion and grant Rahmah to the Muslims, O Lord of the Worlds! O our Rabb! We beseech Your Forgiveness, ya Allah! For indeed You are Most Forgiving. Bestow on us Your Rahmah as rahmah that is never ending.