New Delhi

Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim al Issa, Secretary General, Muslim World League, addressed the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid in Delhi on  July 14. He also led the prayers at the historic Mughal era mosque. His khutba (sermon) in the Arabic language is translated as below:

All praise be to Allah. We praise Him, seek His assistance, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils within ourselves and from the consequences of our evil actions. Whoever Allah guides, no one can misguide, and whoever He allows to go astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam with complete submission to Allah.”

“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person, and from him He created his wife, and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All­Watcher over you.”

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:  "Indeed, the believer who possesses good character will reach the status of the one who fasts and prays at night."

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:  "There is nothing that will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the scale of a believer than good manners. Indeed, Allah hates the one who is obscene and vulgar."

The Prophet, peace be upon him, exemplified the greatest and purest manners in his behavior and interactions, so much so that his Lord praised him, saying: “And verily, you (O Muhammad SAW) are on an exalted standard of character.”

And Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: "His character was the Qur'an." 

The Prophet, peace be upon him, informed us that his message is summarized in fulfilling the highest moral standards, as he said:  "I was only sent to perfect noble character."

Islamic civilization is one that was founded on ethics, methodologies, and objectives. It has provided humanity with remarkable human examples of integrity, honesty, sincerity, trustworthiness, fulfilling commitments, patience, forgiveness, generosity, compassion, and eloquence in speech.

Therefore, a Muslim, with their high morals and comprehensive wisdom, coexists with love and sincerity towards everyone, guided by the national framework that encompasses all. This framework serves as the constitution of every nation. There is no choice for peace, harmony, development, and prosperity in our world except through respecting this framework that unites each nation with its citizens.

Therefore, a Muslim respects their national constitution and values the general culture of their country. They strive to bring people closer together, fostering unity and avoiding division. 

A Muslim comprehends that the texts of Shariah (Islamic law) encompass noble objectives, seeking to bring about reform and construction. These objectives are comprehensive and consider multiple perspectives, rather than being limited to a singular viewpoint.

What may be appropriate for one country may not necessarily be suitable for another. Therefore, Islamic jurists have clarified that fatwas and Shari’ah-based judgments can vary according to the specific circumstances and contexts of each country.

In consideration of this, the "Makkah Document" was issued and endorsed by Islamic scholars and jurists. It explicitly prohibits the dissemination of fatwas beyond their appropriate context, local circumstances, and specific customs.

A true Muslim possesses high morals that are evident in their conduct, reflecting the magnificence and beauty of Islam through the values upheld by the Muslim community. Embracing these values serves to enhance the reputation of Islam. Furthermore, adhering to these values is an essential aspect of a Muslim's genuine behavior and is required in all circumstances.

Conversely, the opposite behavior - regrettably - is often attributed to our religion by those who are unfamiliar with the true essence of Islam. This misrepresentation occurs due to the actions of those who falsely claim affiliation with Islam. Such negative behavior is considered a deviation from the path of Allah.

I share these words with you and seek forgiveness from Allah for myself and for you. Therefore, let us seek His forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, who has adorned the believers with noble character and righteousness. Praise be to Allah, who has purified the believers with sincerity, honesty, and trustworthiness.

O Servants of Allah, A true believer is one whose outward appearance reflects their inner essence. They are the epitome of goodness, striving to benefit all people without discrimination. 

They are eager to comprehend the teachings of their religion with a proper understanding, guiding them to righteousness in both their words and actions.

The perfection of a believer is achieved when they possess awareness and wisdom, which can only be attained through a broad understanding of the teachings of the Noble Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

A true believer is beloved among people, as they exemplify the true essence of their religion through their lofty values and noble deeds. They embody the moderation and balance of Islam, rejecting all forms of extremism and violence, regardless of their justifications or pretexts.

The religion of Allah is a balanced and moderate one, avoiding extremes of exaggeration and negligence.

Allah, the Most High, says: “We have made you (true Muslims) a moderate nation”

And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:  “Verily, the religion is easy and no one burdens himself in religion but that it overwhelms him. Follow the right course, seek closeness to Allah, give glad tidings, and make things easy.”

O Allah, bestow blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad.

O Allah, be pleased with his noble companions and those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah, facilitate our affairs, fulfill our needs, and ease our burdens.

O Allah, guide us and direct us to the best of our affairs.

O Allah, grant us goodness in this world and the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.

O Servants of Allah,

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Remember the Almighty and Glorious Allah, and He will remember you. Show gratitude to Him for His blessings, and He will increase His blessings upon you. And remember that the remembrance of Allah is the greatest. Allah knows well what you do.

(This is the translated version of Dr Mohammad Abdulkarim Al-Issa's Friday sermon delivered at Jama Masjid, Delhi)