IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL
THE FIRST KHUTBAH OF THE MONTH OF RABI‘ AL-THANI
DATED: 11TH RABI‘ AL-THANI 1447 AH CORRESPONDING TO 3RD OCTOBER 2025 CE
TOPIC: ISLAM AND THE CALL TO SECURITY AND PEACE
THE FIRST SERMON
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. We praise Him, glorified and exalted is He, we thank Him, we seek His help, we seek His guidance, we ask His forgiveness, and we repent to Him. Whomever Allah guides, none can mislead; and whomever He leaves astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. O Allah, send Your peace, blessings, and mercy upon him, upon his family, his companions, and upon all who follow them with righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
As to what follows,
O servants of Allah, I advise you and myself, first of all, with the fear of Allah, the Almighty, in secret and in open, for indeed it is the intended goal of all acts of worship, of all commands and prohibitions. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ﴾ [البقرة: 21]
“O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqarah: 21)
O Muslims, Islam is indeed the religion of security and peace; this is a clear and undeniable truth. It is a religion of freedom, equality, and brotherhood, long before such slogans were raised anywhere else in the world. With the two wings of security and peace, Islam spread its message across the globe. People entered the religion of Allah in crowds, its banners fluttered over the East and the West, and Islam extended through Gibraltar into Spain, reaching Southern France, Italy, the plains of Lombardy, and various parts of Europe. Its waves also spread across Asia and Africa.
And throughout this vast and great expansion, Islam never believed in the policy of oppression, seizure, or violation of sanctities. Rather, it deeply believed in the necessity of spreading security among people and striving to establish peace as much as possible. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَلَمْ يَلْبِسُوا إِيمَانَهُمْ بِظُلْمٍ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمُ الْأَمْنُ وَهُمْ مُهْتَدُونَ ﴾ [الأنعام: 82]
“They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice—for them there will be security, and they are the guided.” (Al-An‘am: 82)
And He also says:
﴿ وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا ﴾ [البقرة: 125]
“And [mention] when We made the House (the Ka‘bah) a place of return for the people and a sanctuary of security.” (Al-Baqarah: 125)
And the Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ﴾ [النور: 55]
“And He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security.” (Al-Nur: 55)
THE GREETING OF MUSLIMS
Islam has made peace (salam) the common greeting among Muslims. When one Muslim greets another, he says: As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh (Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah, and His blessings). Likewise, the greeting for the people of Paradise has been made:
﴿ سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ ﴾ [الرعد: 24]
“Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.” (Al-Ra‘d: 24)
And Allah says:
﴿ تَحِيَّتُهُمْ يَوْمَ يَلْقَوْنَهُ سَلَامٌ ﴾ [الأحزاب: 44]
“Their greeting the Day they meet Him will be, ‘Peace.’” (Al-Ahzab: 44)
And He, Exalted is He, says, honoring the righteous people of Paradise:
﴿ وَقَالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُهَا سَلَامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوهَا خَالِدِينَ ﴾ [الزمر: 73]
“And its keepers will say, ‘Peace be upon you; you have done well, so enter it to abide eternally.’” (Al-Zumar: 73)
And He also says:
﴿ ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَامٍ ذَلِكَ يَوْمُ الْخُلُودِ ﴾ [ق: 34]
“Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity.” (Qāf: 34)
And Allah the Exalted commanded His servants to send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ, saying:
﴿ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا ﴾
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.” (Al-Aḥzāb 33:56)
And He repeats this throughout the Glorious Qur’an:
﴿ سَلَامٌ عَلَى نُوحٍ ﴾
“Peace be upon Noah.” (Al-Ṣāffāt 37:79)
﴿ سَلَامٌ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ ﴾
“Peace be upon Abraham.” (Al-Ṣāffāt 37:109)
And likewise.
In Surat Maryam, Allah the Exalted says on the tongue of Prophet ʿIsa (Jesus, peace be upon him):
﴿ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَيَّ يَوْمَ وُلِدْتُ وَيَوْمَ أَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ أُبْعَثُ حَيًّا ﴾
“And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.” (Maryam 19:33)
As for the great Night of al-Qadr in the blessed month of Ramaḍān, in which the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad ﷺ, Allah the Exalted distinguished it with peace, saying:
﴿ سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ ﴾
“Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Al-Qadr 97:5)
Muslims also repeat the word of peace in every ṣalāh twenty-four times, and this is a clear sign and manifest proof of the Muslims’ love for peace, their attachment to it, their pride in it, their care for it, and their defense of it.
In the book “Security and Peace in Islam” by Dr. Jamāl al-Dīn al-Ramādī, we find—through a hundred pages—an exposition of the principles of Islam for ensuring security and peace within Muslim lands and beyond, through the systems and laws it laid down for the protection of people’s lives, souls, properties, honor, and dignity. Islam set down limits and defined them, while the jurists explained the forms of discretionary punishments (taʿzīr) for dealing with offenders, punishing criminals, and deterring those who tamper with public order and disregard Islamic laws—laws that ensure human happiness, societal stability, and the advancement of nations.
SAFEGUARDING INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Islam also established sound principles for preserving external peace and security between Muslims and their neighbors, or other nations and their citizens. These principles are considered a just international law and a balanced global system, preventing wars, avoiding disputes and international tensions, and guaranteeing security and peace among all nations.
Thus, the author affirms that Islam has always been, and remains, the religion of peace and security, tranquility and serenity, love and brotherhood. It has never been a religion of war, strife, hatred, or enmity. Indeed, even linguistically, the very word “Islam” is derived from the same root as “peace” (salām).
When speaking of external peace and security, he writes: Islam urges safeguarding the message of daʿwah (calling to Allah) and defending it against those who stand in its way, so that those who wish to embrace Islam may not fear trials or coercion in their religion. However, Islam did not encourage aggression. Allah Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ ﴾
“But do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.” (Al-Baqarah 2:190)
And the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Win people’s hearts, be gentle with them, and do not raid them until you invite them [to Islam].”
It is also reported that Khālid ibn al-Walīd made a treaty with the people of al-Ḥīrah based on peace, without arrogance or injustice, without tyranny or oppression, without the dominance of the strong over the weak, nor the control of the victor over the defeated.
History also records that Muslims used to compensate people for damages caused to them by mistake from Muslims. For example, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allah be pleased with him) once ordered compensation to be given to a non-Muslim under protection (dhimmī) who complained to him that some Muslims had cut grapes from his vineyard during the conquest of al-Shām (Syria).
And when the just and firm Commander of the Faithful conquered al-Shām, he made peace with the people of Aelia (Jerusalem), guaranteeing their safety in their lives, wealth, churches, and crosses, and granted them a covenant for that. Islamic law thus dictates that Muslims must preserve the conditions of treaties of non-aggression between them and non-Muslims living under a non-Islamic state, and they must not resort to ways of breaking covenants, disregarding principles, or twisting interpretations of texts with various excuses, as modern governments often do.
THE RIGHTS OF FOREIGNERS
Dr. al-Ramādī relates from Islamic history many events and examples regarding the rights of foreigners in Muslim lands, which fall into three categories, from which principles of international law emerged. These demonstrate that peace is the very essence of the Islamic faith:
﴿ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا ﴾
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate.” (Al-Nisāʾ 4:1)
﴿ وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ ﴾
“And We have certainly honored the children of Adam.” (Al-Isrāʾ 17:70)
﴿ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ﴾
“And We made you into peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (Al-Ḥujurāt 49:13)
As for internal security and peace, we find that the second Caliph, ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allah be pleased with him), was the first to introduce the system of night patrols (ʿasas). During the caliphate of ʿAlī ibn Abi Ṭalib (may Allah be pleased with him), the police force (shurṭa) was organized, and its head was known as Ṣāḥib al-Shurṭa. Muslims also developed many administrative systems such as the police, the office of the market inspector (muḥtasib), the judiciary, and the Maḥkamat al-Maẓālim (Court of Grievances) to safeguard peace and order throughout the land.
The Prophet ﷺ himself used to judge between Muslims and personally settled disputes that arose among his people, later appointing select companions to judge between others. The just Caliph ʿUmar said:
“Beware of anger and of being annoyed with people during disputes, and of turning away from them in cases of contention.”
Thus, Islam guaranteed that people would receive their rights fully according to the Sharīʿah, which provided the means for resolving disputes and settling cases, always aiming at truth and eliminating injustice, thereby spreading peace and security—the very aims that modern international organizations strive to uphold.
Islam condemned and forbade the use of weapons without a rightful cause, or except in self-defense. It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever raises a weapon against us is not one of us.”
May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and his companions.
THE SECOND SERMON
All praise is due to Allah, who commanded the support of the oppressed and promised relief to His patient servants. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah send blessings and peace upon him, his family, and his companions altogether.
NIGERIA AT SIXTY-FIVE: A CALL FOR DEEP REFLECTION.
Indeed, the sixty-fifth anniversary of Nigeria’s independence comes at a time when rationality and the global order are being tested, and humanity stands at a crossroads. The global social, political, and economic systems have witnessed unprecedented changes, with national orientations being shaped by rapidly accelerating influences. Nigeria has had its fair share of this changing world, as reflected in our national life—and this calls for deep reflection.
O Muslims, today we stand upon a memory dear to our hearts: sixty-five years since the independence of our country, Nigeria. That independence represented a turning point in our history—when we were freed from the yoke of colonialism and became able to determine our own decisions and sovereignty among nations. Since that day, our nation has passed through various stages, combining both achievements and challenges.
Among our achievements are: progress in education, the growth of religious awareness, the development of infrastructure, the expansion of urbanization, the flourishing of universities and institutes, attention to agriculture and food security, beginnings of projects in energy and electricity, and efforts in fighting corruption and enhancing security. All of this is from the grace of Allah upon us—so to Him belongs all praise and thanks.
However, dear brothers, great challenges still lie before us: administrative corruption, the spread of unemployment, the decline of values, weakness in services in education and health, rising prices, electricity shortages, and security challenges from terrorism and kidnapping. All these matters require from us sincere reflection, genuine cooperation, and determined effort. Indeed, servants of Allah, we do not face challenges with complaints and despair, but with hard work, solidarity, and sincerity—each in his position and according to his ability.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ﴾ [المائدة: 2]
“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Qur’an 5:2)
So let us, beloved ones, be builders of our nation: reforming what we can, making our achievements a motivation for further progress, and turning our challenges into a source of determination and perseverance—so that we may raise our country to the position it deserves, under the banner of justice and faith.
And know—may Allah have mercy upon you—that independence of the nation is a great blessing. It is not to be shown gratitude for only with words, but through action, reform, keenness on unity, avoidance of strife, and distancing from injustice. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor abandon him, nor despise him.” (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Let us also realize that the strength of nations lies in their unity. When they unite, they prevail; but when they divide, they collapse. Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ﴾ [آل عمران: 103]
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
O Muslims, it is our duty on this anniversary to remember our collective responsibility in building this great nation. It is not enough to wait for the government to reform everything; rather, it is an obligation upon every individual to be positive: reforming in his home, his community, his workplace, his school, and his mosque.
And again, let us remember that the strength of nations lies in their unity—when they are divided, they are torn apart, and when they unite, they are victorious. As Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ﴾ [آل عمران: 103]
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
In conclusion, the world has recently witnessed the proceedings of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where renewed calls were made for the recognition of the State of Palestine, and voices arose demanding an end to the occupation and the lifting of oppression from a defenseless, patient people. Yet, at the same time, we observed that many of these resolutions and appeals often remain mere ink on paper, never finding their way to implementation—because interests and alliances dictate the balance of power.
Here emerges a great lesson: that the strength of Muslims does not lie in the resolutions of the United Nations, but in their unity and cohesion. Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ ﴾ [الحجرات: 10]
“Indeed, the believers are but brothers.” (Qur’an 49:10)
And He, Most High, also says:
﴿ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ﴾ [آل عمران: 103]
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
But where are we with respect to these verses? We have seen the Ummah torn apart, each state pursuing only its own interests—even the cause of Palestine, which is a cause of creed and of the entire Ummah, has, for many Muslims, become a secondary issue.
One lesson we learn from the meetings of the United Nations is that the world respects only the strong, and responds only to those who possess the means of dignity and power. As for the weak and divided, their voice is never heard.
Thus, it is obligatory upon us to return to our religion, to unite our ranks, and to recognize that Palestine is a test of the unity and faith of the Ummah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The believer to another believer is like a building whose parts support one another.” (Agreed upon by al-Bukhari and Muslim).
So let us all be as one united front in supporting the causes of Muslims. Let us raise our children upon love for al-Masjid al-Aqsa and defense of the Ummah’s issues. And let us be certain that victory is in the Hand of Allah—but His laws never change. Allah the Exalted says:
﴿ إِنْ تَنْصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنْصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ ﴾ [محمد: 7]
“If you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.” (Qur’an 47:7)
That being said, send prayers and salutations upon the best of creation…
Supplication:
O Allah, set aright our leaders and guide them to what benefits the land and the people. O Allah, make Nigeria a secure and peaceful land, blessed with prosperity and ease, and likewise all Muslim lands. O Allah, grant honor to Islam and the Muslims. O Allah, support the oppressed in Gaza and the West Bank.
O Allah, have mercy on their martyrs, heal their wounded, and free their captives. O Allah, protect Qatar and all Muslim countries from the plots of enemies. O Allah, turn the schemes of the Zionists back upon them, tighten Your grip upon them, and send down upon them Your punishment which none can repel from the criminal people. Indeed, You are the One who responds to supplications, the All-Capable over them.
And may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions all together.