By Sheikh Abdul-Rahman al-Sudais – 08 Safar 1437

His Eminence Sheikh Abdul-Rahman al-Sudais –May Allah protect him– delivered this Friday Khutbah entitled “Meditations on Surat al-Hujurat” in which he talked about the rules of conduct and morals contained in this Qur’anic Chapter. It starts with the glorification of the commands of Almighty Allah and those of His Messenger –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him. Then, it exhorts Muslims not to raise one’s voice in the Prophet’s presence, both during his life and after his death. Later, it moves on to talk about the duty to reject rumours and check the veracity of what is said and heard; it warns against mockery, mistrust, and backbiting –among other forms of immorality and prohibited acts. Finally, it describes believers who are held in high esteem thanks to their devout adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him, seek His assistance, and implore Him to forgive us. He sent down the Criterion (i.e. the Holy Qur’an which distinguishes Truth from Falsehood) upon His Servant (the Prophet) that he may be to the Worlds a warner. We praise Him –Glory be to Him– for He has made His praise a foreword to His secret blessings and a conclusion to His fates and decrees.

I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah alone with no partner! He has made the Holy Qur’an as a clarification of all things, as guidance, mercy and good tidings for the Muslims”. I also bear witness that our Prophet and Master Muhammad is the Servant and Messenger of Allah. His Lord supported him with His Clear Book (the Qur’an) whose miracles have become apparent, whose signs have amazed all creatures, and whose eloquent verses have overwhelmed obstinate minds. May Allah send His Salat (Graces, Honours, and Mercy), Peace upon him, his family and his Companions through whom the flags and banners of Truth were raised sky-high!

(The Sheikh cites two lines of poetry which can be translated as follows):

A fragrant salat sent to the Prophet with rainy clouds,
Whose precipitation epitomises hope and invites gratitude.
Its features are laughing with cheery flowers,
Its sweet smell is perfuming late afternoons and early mornings.

Now then!

O Servants of Allah! Observe Taqwa (fear of disobeying Allah), for taqwa is the best light and the greatest gauge and standard (of a Muslim’s faith):

“…Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqûn (pious – see V.2:2)…” [Al-Hujurat: 13]

Let it be known to you that the best of all speech is that of the Book of Allah. It is the guidance and the leading light:

“… Indeed, there has come to you from Allâh a light (Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and a plain Book (this Qur’ân). Wherewith Allâh guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islâmic Monotheism).” [Al-Ma’idah: 15-16]

O Muslims!

The knowledge which has received so much intellectual scrutiny and captured the interest of inquisitive minds revolves around discovering the truth of divine revelation, delving into the depths of exegesis, and exploring the mysteries of the Glorious Book (the Holy Qur’an). In it are fixed the guideposts and the unshakable pillars of faith. It is the protective shelter (from all perils), the ever-lasting divine blessing, the irrefutable proof, and the cogent argument. It is the healer of hearts and the impartial arbitrator in equivocal cases.

Extolled be He Who has flowed His Glorious Book like springs into the hearts (of its readers) and made its meaning the most marvellous and its style the most beautiful. Humans can never fully grasp its inexhaustible meanings and none –including those endowed with felicitously phrased speech– can account for its content and form. The blessed are those who show keen interest in it and fully dedicate their minds and wills to it! The successful are those whom Allah has guided to meditate on its meanings and has selected to memorise it and remind others of memorising it. So they find themselves touring its (the Holy Qur’an’s) exquisite gardens and drinking from its sweet fountains.

(The Sheikh cites one line of poetry which can be translated as follows):

It is more refreshing to hearts than the dew drops
And more pleasant to eyelids than a sweet, short nap.

The Holy Qur’an instils joy into hearts and inspires human nature with ecstatic bliss. It revives hearts through regular daily recitals of some of its verses. This is why Allah called it in the Holy Qur’an “rooh” (an inspiration):
“And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad SAW) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command…” [Al-Shura: 52]

O Ummah of the Qur’an!

The superiority of the Holy Qur’an over all other discourse is like the superiority of Allah over His creatures. Imam al-Shatibi –May Allah bless his soul– said: “The Holy Qur’an is the entirety of the Sharia, the foundation of the creed, the spring of wisdom, the sign of the Message (of Islam), and the light for sights and insights. There is no access to Allah save through it and no salvation without it. Thus, whoever aspires to gain knowledge of the founding principles of the Sharia, intends to comprehend its real objectives, and desires to join its followers must necessarily take it (i.e. the Qur’an) as his intimate companion, permanent mate, and congenial partner so as to interact with it day and night, both in words and action.”

Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest)!

(Again, the Sheikh cites three lines of poetry which can be translated as follows):

Allah is Greatest! Both Muhammad’s religion and the Book
Are the most powerful and most suitable for words.
The sun of guidance brought it (the Holy Qur’an) over to mankind.
The description of its perfection resists the sun’s eclipse.
Mention not the chronicles of previous scriptures in its presence,
For at daybreak, kerosene lamps must be put out.

O Ummah of Islam!

In this era teeming with material and social conflicts, moral and behavioural phenomena, and twisted concepts about divine revelation (Sharia), it is a must to return to the Qur’anic morals and rules of conduct. It contains the rules of outstanding education and the foundations of a glorious civilisation. For this very reason, the tradition of the Messenger of Allah –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him– is intensive use of Qur’anic verses in admonishing people; in fact, in his khutbahs (Friday sermons) he would always quote it.

“… But warn by the Qur’ân, him who fears My Threat.” [Qaf: 45]

“O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.” [Yunus: 57]

(The Sheikh continues to cite lines of poetry which can be translated as follows):

The Book of Allah is the most reliable intercessor,
And the richest; it gives donations and confers favours.
It is the best companion, whose ‘talk’ never causes boredom,
Its repeated recital makes it even more beautiful.

How beautiful it would be to spend the best moments of our lives contemplating Qur’anic eloquent verses in this era of multiple challenges, searching for inspiration from its lessons and admonitions, reaping the sweetest of its fruits from the surah of good conduct and morals ‒al-Hujurat‒ which lays the foundations of politeness with Almighty Allah and with His Messenger –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him. In it, the servant of Allah is made aware of the borderlines of his actions which he should abide by and must never trespass:

“O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allâh and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” [Al-Hujurat: 1]

This is one of the greatest goals of the noble Sharia: freeing Allah’s servant from the servitude to sensual desires into the servitude and total submission to Allah. In fact, the convictional rationale behind the establishment of Sharia is to emancipate the mukallaf” from the temptations of his instinctive desires so that he could become a servant of Allah voluntarily as he is already a servant of His compulsorily.

The firmly established Islamic civilisation which was once consolidated by our noble Sharia and which has brought happiness to mankind throughout history is but a brilliant landmark reflecting the precept of obedience to the commands of Allah –May He be Glorified– and to the guidance of His Prophet –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him.

With numerous afflictions now befalling the Ummah from all directions and in different locations –both near and remote– groping for true faith and real objectives underlying our Sharia, besides adhering to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him, seem to be the safest and most efficient way. Both are the anchor for glory and victory and the most plausible logic of contemporary life. Thus, they can lead to the prosperity and empowerment of the Ummah, who could regain its former power and time-honoured glory.

O Ummah of the ‘Furqan’!

If the Surah of al-Hujurat starts with establishing the firm foundation of the servitude to Allah, it has indeed crowned this foundation with a refined code of conduct and high standards of morality that Muslims should have regarding the Prophet of Mankind –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him:

“O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.” [Al-Hujurat: 2]

It should be pointed out here that Muslim scholars have shown consensus that politeness with the Prophet –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him– after his death should be the same as that with him during his lifetime. Imam Ibn Muflih –May Allah bless his soul– says: “Voices should not be raised at his room –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him– nor should they be raised above the level of his own voice, because his veneration and respect are the same as during his lifetime.”

In the same vein, Imam Malek –May Allah bless his soul– said to someone who raised his voice in the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him: “You there! Do not raise your voice in the Mosque of the Messenger of Allah ‒May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him‒ for Allah –Glory be to Him– addressed some individuals to behave politely by saying to them: ‘” …Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet…”’ [Al-Hujurat: 2], eulogised other people’s behaviour when He said: “Verily! Those who lower their voices in the presence of Allâh’s Messenger (SAW), they are the ones whose hearts Allâh has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward.” [Al-Hujurat: 3], and dispraised others by saying: “Verily! Those who call you from behind the dwellings, most of them have no sense.” [Al-Hujurat: 4]. He must be revered both dead and alive.”

O Brothers and Sisters in faith!

Among the greatest rules of conduct, which is contained in the Surah of Al-Hujurat and which really represents a code of good conduct for both individuals and societies, is the need to cross-check news and to trust Muslims. This is clear in the words of the Truth ‒Glory be to Him:

“O You who Believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done.” [Al-Hujurat: 6]

In this respect, our Prophet –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him– said: “Beware of negative suppositions, for negative suppositions are the most deceiving forms of speech.”

Unfortunately, in the current circumstances characterised by the escalation of bloody events and permanent tension, there are certain ill-willed persons who are trying to create cracks within the Ummah’s unity, dismantle its concord, and fabricate allegations to taint the reputation of innocent and honest people with false rumours and invented fabrications. They keep concocting lies and stories about people. They describe as ugly everything which is otherwise pleasant and enchanting, totally ignoring what the Prophet –May Allah’s Salat and Peace be upon him– said: “The real Muslim is the one from whose harmful tongue and hand Muslims are kept safe.” [An agreed-upon Hadith]

In fact, the more false rumours are circulated and the more untrue news are broadcast by shameless and brazen people who are driven by base motives and who badly exploit modern technology for vicious purposes, the more punishable by Allah their sins will be. Therefore, while facing such pervert psychic behaviour, the virtuous Muslim should call to mind the words of the Truth ‒May He be glorified:

“The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islâmic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers … .” [Al-Hujurat: 10]

This aims at fulfilling the principle of Islamic fraternity in the purpose of reconciling between Muslims and improving their current conditions. This becomes all the more pressing in times of crises in order to avoid conflicts and overcome challenges.

Muslims should also call to mind the following words of Allah ‒May He be exalted:

“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another.” [Al-Hujurat: 12]

and again His ‒Exalted and Most High be He‒ following words:

“And why did you not, when you heard it, say: “It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allâh)! This is a great lie.”” [Al-Nur: 16]

Hammad ibn Zayd –May Allah bless his soul– said: “I have learned that Muhammad Ibn Wasi’ was sitting with a group of people among whom there was a man who was talking too much, so Muhammad said: ‘What about if one of us just refrained from talking?! He will thus not commit sins nor hurt others.’” Imam Ahmad –May Allah bless his soul– said: “To my knowledge, no one has practiced backbiting without ending up fallen (from grace).” Also, Sheikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyah –May Allah bless his soul– said: “Talking about people must be based on knowledge and justice, not ignorance and injustice. In fact, slandering people is a more serious offence than stealing their money.”

O Ummah of belief!

In this age of satellite communication, information networks and social media, we must try to be more responsible and not listen to the cockiness and travesties of the ‘vampires of darkness’ who are seeking to spread out falsehood and evil among Muslims, through the instigation of dispute, estrangement, backbiting and slander. In His Wise Book, our Lord makes reference to backbiters and slanderers in the most chilling and repulsive way, thus:

“Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting).” [Al-Hujurat: 12]

Likewise, we must not listen to them (such people as backbiters and slanderers) as they mock righteous Muslims and true believers:

“O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former.” [Al-Hujurat: 11]

Today, some groups of people –fuelled by a snarling modern media– may never find peace with themselves until they have slandered and mocked others in the most offending terms, making this their ultimate end; and what an evil end it is, indeed! They write down falsehood with their own pens and whimsically conceal the truth. They backbite the honourable and the pure and mock the righteous and the virtuous among us in an attempt to break up the unity of the Muslim Ummah, the fraternity of faith among its members and their national cohesion.

(The Sheikh quotes two lines of poetry that can be translated as follows):

Hold back your tongue against backbiting people,
Slandering, calumniation and falsehood
Do them justice and not injustice; give them advice
And rule over them as Allah has commanded you.

We ask Allah to grant us guidance, success, and rationality, and to protect the country and the people against their extremism. This, indeed, is our wish and hope. We pray Allah to grant us success to say and do what is right!

May Allah bless us by the Holy Qur’an and the Noble Sunnah and grant us the benefit of its verses, remembrance and wisdom! Having said this, I ask Almighty Allah to forgive me, you and all Muslims, males and females, all our sins and wrongdoings; so ask Him for forgiveness and repentance! My Lord is indeed Most Forgiving, Most Merciful!