Jumaat Sermon in Japan

Place: Osaka University, Prayer Room

Date: 4th March 2011

Title: Rasulullah’s s.a.w. Contributions To His Community

Dear beloved brethren,

        On this blessed day, let us strive to increase our taqwa to Allah s.w.t. by performing all of His commandments and avoiding all of His prohibitions. Through the appreciation of Prophetic history and the upholding of his sunnah, we hope to be able to instill a profound sense of love for our beloved Prophet s.a.w., increase the blessings in our lives and gain the pleasure of Allah s.w.t.

Dear brothers,

        For the last few weeks, we have explored the history of the life of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and witnessed his loving nature towards every creations of Allah s.w.t. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is remembered in the pages of history not only as a man of noble characteristics, but also as a man devoted to make changes and improvements to his community. The Prophet s.a.w. stood out as the prime example for those who strive for goodness and success in this world and in the hereafter. As such, Allah s.w.t. mentions in surah Al-Ahzab verse 21:

 

Meaning: “You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.”

         A clear example of the Prophet’s s.a.w. contribution to his community can be seen through the construction of the mosque as soon as he migrated to Madinah. Apart from serving as a place of worship and spiritual development, the mosque was also used as a centre for the Prophet s.a.w. to arbitrate and resolve all manners of disputes and complaints from the people of Madinah at that time.

       Additionally, the Prophet’s contribution also include matters related to the social and economic development of his community. One such manifestation is through the introduction of social justice based on the initiative of zakat collection and distribution, as well as the introduction of Baitul Mal which serves as the central repository for the wealth and reserves of the city of Madinah at the time.

        Furthermore, the Prophet s.a.w. also ensured that those who are most in need of help and assistance, were located around the proximity of the Prophet’s s.a.w. residence in Madinah. Those who passed by the Prophet’s house, will certainly see these adjoining verandah’s attached to his house.

         Let us observe, my dear brothers, the care and concern of a community leader and an Imam as exemplified by the Prophet s.a.w., who always wanted to ensure that the most vulnerable and needy can receive assistance as quickly and as conveniently as possible.

Dear brethren,

         The Prophet’s s.a.w. eagerness to contribute and his community-mindedness, were inherited by his subsequent successors such as caliph Sayyidina ‘Umar Bin Al-Khattab r.a. It was narrated in the book entitled ‘Hayaatus Sahabah’ written by Sheikh Yusuf Al-Kandahlawi, that one day while performing his task as a khalifah, Sayyidina ‘Umar r.a. used to assist a mother who could not afford to provide food to her hungry children because of extreme poverty. He himself carried a sack of wheat all the way from the treasury to her house while saying to his male-servant named Aslam as follows: “This is my responsibility and the trust placed upon me, therefore let me bear it.” 

         Once he reached her house, he helped her to start a fire until his beard was filled with dust and dirt from the stove. Sayyidina ‘Umar then proceeded to bake and knead the wheat until it became bread.

         This is an example of the nobility in the character of Sayyidina ‘Umar r.a., who was educated in the madrasah of Rasulullah s.a.w. Just like his teacher, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., Sayyidina ‘Umar was always ready to serve his community, extending his assistance to whosoever that needs his help. Such noble example must become an inspiration for us and raise within our hearts the zeal and desire to serve our community.

Dear beloved brothers,

         As the ummah of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., we need to strive as much as possible to emulate the examples of the Prophet s.a.w. in our daily lifes., including that of service to the community. This can be achieved by inculcating the spirit of helping each other and of giving benefit to the community around us.

         This includes our effort to upgrade and raise the socio-economic and education levels of our community. Let us begin with our closest relatives, by raising the awareness and the motivation to improve their income levels, or the motivation and inspiration to guide our children toward achieving success in the future. If possible, we should extent our services beyond our family circles to people such as our neighbours or our friends.

         We can also contribute our services by referring them to nearby mosques, self-help organizations, both in terms of social assistance, economic or educational services.

 

Dear brethren,

         We should know that every effort we spent and expended in helping our brothers will not be wasted in the eyes of Allah s.w.t. The Prophet s.a.w. said:

 

Meaning: “And Allah will help His slave, as long as His slave helps his brothers.”  Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari.

      Therefore, let us continue to uphold the sunnah of the beloved Prophet as well as that of the succeeding Righteous Caliphs (Khulafa’ Rasyidin), who are never tired of serving and dedicating themselves to their communities. May our every effort, time and money we dedicate for the development of our community be accepted as a presentable deed before Allah s.w.t., and lead us to attain His Pleasure when we meet Him on the Day of Judgment later. Amin Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin

Adapted from: Osaka Muslim Association