IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST MERCIFUL, THE MOST COMPASSIONATE.
EID AL-ADHA SERMON FOR THE YEAR 1445 AH (2024 AD)
DATED 10/12/1445 AH – 16/6/2024 AD
WITH THE BLESSINGS OF HAJJ AND THE BREEZES OF THE FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest … There is no god but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest … and to Allah belongs all praise.
All praise is due to Allah, who by His grace, completes all righteous deeds. Praise be to Him who has guided us to this (Islam), and we would not have been guided had Allah not guided us. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone without any partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger, who fulfilled the trust, conveyed the message, advised the Ummah, and strived for the sake of Allah with true striving, leaving us on the clear, white path, which night like its day.
Brothers in faith, the best days of the world are swiftly passing, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are about to depart. The breezes of the blessed Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, are approaching the Ummah and the world, adorned with the chants of the pilgrims of the House of Allah, glorifying and magnifying Allah, striving, circumambulating, and remembering Allah much, repeating the eternal call: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am,” in response to the call of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him), as mentioned in Surah Al-Hajj: (وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالاً وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ) “And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass” (Al-Hajj: 27).
With the dawn of the Day of Arafah, where the word of Tawhid (monotheism) is exalted, the Possessor of the kingdom, glory be to Him, descends to the lowest heaven, taking pride in His servants who are responding to His call and affirming His oneness, in a radiant scene that embodies the unity of the Ummah, dissolves enmities, and restrains its inclinations… there is no difference between a leader and a subordinate, nor between a master and a servant, nor between the rich and the poor. It is a day that embodies the highest values of human dignity affirmed by the teacher of good to humanity in his Farewell Pilgrimage, as stated in the noble hadith: “Indeed, your blood, your wealth, and your honor are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours. Have I not conveyed? O Allah, bear witness.”
THE PHASE OF CALLING TO THE ONE AND ONLY GOD
Dear Muslims, in these blessed days of the sacred month, and in the moments of remembering the father of the prophets, our master Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and his exemplary stage of calling to the one and only God, and his sincere reliance on his Creator after being saved from the fire, and before that, emigrating with his religion and creed to where Allah willed, not what he willed, with the spirituality of the servant and the messenger, with a symbol that remains until the Day of Resurrection as mentioned in the Book of Allah, glory be to Him: (إِنِّي ذَاهِبٌ إِلَى رَبِّي سَيَهْدِينِ) “Indeed, I am going to my Lord; He will guide me” [As-Saffat: 99]. Leaving behind his people and family, to manifest the meanings of spiritual migration and patient endurance upon trials, culminating in the command to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him) and the response that brought with it the divine benevolence with a Quran that is recited: (سَلامٌ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ (109) كَذَلِكَ نَجْزي الْمُحْسِنِينَ) “Peace be upon Abraham (109). Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good” [As-Saffat: 109-110].
A MOMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVITUDE AND ELEVATION OF
NOBLE BROTHERHOOD AND HUMAN VALUES:
On this occasion, we call upon the whole world to embrace the values of excellence in servitude exemplified by our Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and to elevate the values of noble brotherhood and high human values. We must stand united against rising feelings of hatred, hostility, and racism, and come together on the principles of goodness and justice embodied in all divine laws, foremost among them is the values of the true Islam. These values offer a broad and safe ground for cooperation and human brotherhood and provide solutions to many of humanity’s problems.
Dear Muslims: Today is your day of celebration and joy; wear your finest clothes, spread joy to those around you, visit your relatives and neighbors, honor your elders, show mercy to your young ones, commit to visiting your sick, give charity to your poor, guard your tongues, always pray for your deceased, treat your spouses with kindness and remember the words of your Lord: (ولاتنسوا الفضل بينكم) “And do not forget to show graciousness between yourselves.”
THE DUTY TO SUPPORT THE OPPRESSED
Brothers in faith, there are various Muslim lands engaged in battles of liberation against their enemies, foremost among them is Palestine, especially our beloved Gaza. The Palestinians have given their utmost, displaying remarkable heroism in resilience, martyrdom operations, and courageous resistance in cities, villages, and camps despite their limited weapons, equipment, and funds. Despite being targeted by rockets, tanks, and aircraft, having their homes destroyed, fields burnt, displaced from their homes, and besieged and starved to force them into submission to the oppressive Zionist enemy, they have not wavered, bowed, or bent. This has been clearly demonstrated to the entire world in the current brutal Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Muslims around the world have a duty to support them, as they are Muslims and the Islamic brotherhood obliges solidarity with them. Allah Almighty says: (وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَاءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ الَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا أَخْرِجْنَا مِنْ هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ الظَّالِمِ أَهْلُهَا وَاجْعَلْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا وَاجْعَلْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ نَصِيرًا) “And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and [for] the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper’?” [An-Nisa: 75]. As the hadith says: “A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; he does not oppress him nor does he abandon him” (Agreed upon), meaning he does not forsake him. As they are oppressed in the land, Islam requires us to support the oppressed regardless of their faith.
Our Eids will truly be when those besieged are liberated from ongoing oppression, unjust siege, and accumulating hostility from the friend before the enemy, from the close before the faraway. There is no power or strength except with Allah Almighty. Our Eids will be when Al-Aqsa Mosque is freed from the clutches of the Jews, their oppression, and from the injustice of the Jews and others. Despite the trials, with the arrival of the blessed Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, we do not lose hope in Allah’s facilitation, His help, and support to relieve the Ummah from these tragedies and guide it to work for its religion and the good of all humanity. We are always optimistic about our Lord’s promise to support His religion and establish it on earth as stated in Surah Al-Hajj: (وَلَيَنصُرَنَّ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزيزٌ) “And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” (Al-Hajj: 40)
After solat, we shall collect donations for our brothers and sisters in Palestine as usual, please donate generously, may Allah be merciful to you all. (AQSAH CONCEPTS, 0005125108, JAIZ BANK).
CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY NIGERIA AND THE ISLAMIC SOLUTION
Dear honorable Muslims, it has become clear to those with insight that our beloved country, Nigeria, is currently facing various challenges. These challenges include economic, security, political, social, educational, and religious issues, as well as racial intolerance, among other challenges.
Brothers in faith, know that the root of all good and happiness for humanity lies in faith in Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner, who has the most beautiful names, and in fearing Him. The root of all evil and misery for humanity lies in disbelief in the Lord of Might and Majesty, the All-Wise. Allah Almighty says: (وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَى آمَنُوا وَاتَّقَوْا لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ بَرَكَاتٍ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَكِنْ كَذَّبُوا فَأَخَذْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ) “And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heavens and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.” [Al-A’raf: 96].
Currently, Nigeria is experiencing an economic crisis, manifested in the removal of fuel subsidies, resulting in increased prices of goods in the markets. This includes the different types of fuel such as petrol, diesel, gas, and kerosene, as well as food, which is essential for human life, and the constant devaluation of the Naira against the Dollar. The Nigerian Labor Congress and the Trade Union Congress are demanding an increase in the minimum wage for workers in Nigeria and are threatening a nationwide strike, believing that raising workers’ wages is the only solution to the economic crisis. However, increasing workers’ wages is not a solution to this crisis and would actually make life harder for the citizens in general and for the workers in particular. The only solution is to turn to Allah by following what He has prescribed for us in our worldly and religious affairs. Islam is a comprehensive religion that addresses all aspects of human life. Allah Almighty says: (وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَى لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ) “And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.” [An-Nahl: 89].
Some might argue that Nigeria is not an Islamic country, but we would like to inform them that regardless, following what Allah has prescribed is essential for the salvation of all the world’s inhabitants in their worldly lives.
ISLAMIC SOLUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC CRISIS
1. Prioritize Agriculture: Pay utmost attention to agriculture so that the country can feed its inhabitants with domestic produce.
2. Focus on Industry: Pay utmost attention to industry.
3. Engage in Lawful Trade: Conduct lawful trade free from usury, deceit, and lies.
4. Wealth Redistribution: The rich should give zakat on their wealth to the poor.
5. Charity and Gifts: Encourage charity, gifts, and donations.
6. Waqf (Endowment): Establish endowments for the sake of Allah.
7. Inheritance Implementation: Implement inheritance as prescribed by Allah.
8. Government Support: Provide government subsidies for essential food and medical supplies.
THE SECOND SERMON:
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, who says in His Glorious Book: (ولْتَكُنْ مِنْكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ) “Let there arise from among you a group inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are the successful.” [Al-Imran: 104]. May peace and blessings be upon the bringer of good tidings and the warner, his family, his companions, and those who follow them.
OUR MESSAGE TO THE SCHOLARS OF THE UMMAH
Dear scholars, inheritors of the prophets, bearers of the banner of conveying and guiding after the prophets, your responsibility in conveying this religion is great, and your duty in reforming this society is immense. Step into the field of guidance and instruction, and beware of neglecting your duties and hiding the knowledge you have been given. Do not isolate yourselves from the society, for the danger of that is significant. Listen to what your Lord, Almighty, says: (إنَّ الّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ والْهُدَى مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلناسِ في الكتابِ أُولَئك يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللاَّعِنُونَ, إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصْلَحُواْ وَبَيَّنُواْ فَأُولئك أتُوبُ عَلَيهِم وَأَنَا التَّواب الرَّحِيمُ) “Indeed, those who conceal what We sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We made it clear for the people in the Scripture – those are cursed by Allah and cursed by those who curse, except for those who repent and correct themselves and make evident [what they concealed]. Those – I will accept their repentance, and I am the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.” (Al-Baqarah: 159-160).
Furthermore, it is important to highlight the issue of excessive and unregulated use of social media by some scholars, may Allah rectify them, where they use it to spread rumors, call each other names, and insult each other. This undoubtedly contributes to the spread of immorality, which Islam has warned against. The scholars of the Ummah are exemplary models in the society after the noble Prophet, by adhering to the morals of the Qur’an, following the righteous prophetic path, and guiding the Ummah with wisdom and good counsel. As one poet aptly puts it:
O you who claim to understand, to what end, O brother of delusion, do you accumulate sins and blame, and commit many mistakes?
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MUSLIM WOMEN
O women, fear Allah regarding yourselves. Observe His limits, fulfill His commands, avoid what He has prohibited and rebuked, fulfill the rights of your husbands, sons, and daughters, give in charity frequently, avoid cursing, and do not respond to your husbands’ kindness with ingratitude and ungratefulness. Always remember the good they have done for you as much as you can. The Prophet (peace be upon him) addressed women in the Eid prayer ground, saying: “O women, give charity, for I have seen that you are the majority of the inhabitants of Hell.” They asked, “Why is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Because you frequently curse and are ungrateful to your husbands.” Remember also that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When a woman prays her five (daily prayers), fasts her month (Ramadan), guards her chastity, and obeys her husband, it will be said to her: Enter Paradise through whichever gate you wish.” (Reported by Ahmad and At-Tabarani).
Supplication: O Allah, be with the pilgrims of Your Sacred House in the east and west of the earth. O Allah, show them the truth as truth and grant them the grace to follow it, and show them falsehood as falsehood and grant them the grace to avoid it. O Allah, make their pilgrimage accepted, their efforts rewarded, their sins forgiven, their deeds accepted, and return them to their families safely, forgiven, as on the day their mothers gave birth to them.
O Allah, grant us security in our homelands and appoint over us the best among us. Support with the truth those who are in charge of our affairs, and achieve security and stability in our country. O Allah, we ask You for all the good, immediate and delayed, what we know and what we do not know, and we seek refuge in You from all evil, immediate and delayed, what we know and what we do not know. O Allah, honor Islam and the Muslims, and improve the conditions of Muslims everywhere. O Allah, bring back the pilgrims to their families safe, accepted, and forgiven. O Allah, grant us security in our lands and homes, protect us from turmoil and evil, and improve our leaders. Answer our prayers, for You are the All-Hearing, All-Responding.