By Sheikh Husein ibn Abdul-Aziz al-Sheikh – 07 Rabiul Awwal 1437

His Eminence Sheikh Husein ibn Abdul-Aziz al-Sheikh, may Allah preserve him, delivered the Friday khutbah entitled, “The Advice of the Prophet, Peace and Blessings Be upon Him, to His Ummah,” in which he talked about the real solutions to the problems and crises that the Muslim Ummah has been facing. He stated that the solution lies in following the advice given by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, to be mindful of Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding what He has forbidden. He highlighted the most important meanings and benefits contained in this Hadith.

Praise be to Allah. Praise be to Allah, the Protector of the believers and the righteous. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, Who has no partners, the God of those who preceded us and those who are yet to come, and I bear witness that our master and prophet, Muhammad, is His servant and chosen, trustworthy messenger. O Allah! Bestow Your prayers, peace, and blessings upon him and upon his family and all his Companions.

Now then,
O Muslims!
I advise you and advise myself to fear Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, and to obey Him in secret deeds and in private conversation, for obedience to Allah is the real success and fear of Him is the true achievement.

O Muslims!
In the midst of the various political, social, and security problems, as well as the other types of problem that our Ummah is facing, the sensible are looking forward to a future vision that could save the Ummah from its sufferings. In this respect, intellectuals have voiced their opinions, politicians have suggested their solutions, and thinkers have expressed their viewpoints. There have been different analyses of the reasons of these problems and various solutions for getting out of them. Many conferences and meetings have been held to put an end to such sufferings, but all this has been fruitless so far.

It is about time that the whole Ummah – including peoples, individuals, rulers, and subjects – should gain a clearer insight into the truth and search for effective solutions to their problems based on the immutable fundamentals of their religion and the principles of their beliefs. The Ummah will by no means find effective remedies for its ailments and solutions to its problems and crises except through a sound understanding of the Book of Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, and the Sunnah of our Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

Brothers in Islam!
Listen carefully to this great piece of advice given by the leading teacher of mankind and the master of all creation, our Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, through which he conveyed to the Ummah an eternal message that is bound to set right its condition in this world and in the hereafter and to attain success at all times. It is a piece of advice that we should always call to mind, and acting upon it should be the guiding principle that governs our actions, directs our intentions, and corrects our moves and orientations.

This advice was given by the one who did not speak out of his own desires. It does not give precedence to a national interest, nor does it stem from any racial bias or short-term view. It was issued by the one who did not speak out of his own desires and whose statements were all revealed to him by Allah. It is a source of light that is certain to help the Muslim Ummah today to lead a prosperous life that gives rise to goodness, might, righteousness, and power. This advice was inspired by the words of Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, Who says:

“O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (peace and blessings be upon him) calls you to that which will give you life …” (Al-Anfal: 24)

Today, the Muslim Ummah is in a state of dormancy, and is therefore in need of a comprehensive revival of its individuals, communities, souls, and values. Such revival should be built upon firm belief in Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, which is indispensable when facing crises. This will lead us to total reform, in the most comprehensive sense of the word, with the result that the Ummah will attain happiness, security, peace, righteousness, progress, and prosperity in all aspects of life.

O Muslims!
Following this advice will definitely ensure power for Muslims, and faithfully implementing its articles will guarantee glory for them in this life and the hereafter. How can it be otherwise when Allah has promised it in His Book? Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, says:

“Indeed, We have sent down for you (O mankind) a Book (the Qur’an) in which there is Dhikrukum, (your Reminder or an honour for you i.e. honour for the one who follows the teaching of the Qur’an and acts on its teachings) …” (Al-Anbiya’: 10)

He also says:
“… then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Al-A‘raf: 35)

O Muslims!
Without following this advice, individuals will find themselves at a loss; without sticking to its purport, communities will end up in utter destruction and devastation; and without acting on its dictates and ruling according to it, rulers will suffer dire consequences and will come to a tragic end. It is a message form the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, which is bound to link Muslims to their true origin while living in the modern age. Acting on this advice is the only guarantee to overcome the challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and targeting its values, cherished beliefs, and identity. Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “You have only gone ahead of other people because of supporting this religion.”

Let us now, may Allah bless you, listen to this great advice and this eternal message, with the intention of responding to its dictates and translating them into reality and with a view to showing full obedience and submission to it, so that Allah may have mercy on us and set right our condition.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:
One day, I was riding behind the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said, “O young man! I shall teach you some words: Be mindful of Allah, and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him with you. When you ask, ask Allah. When you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not benefit you with anything other than that which Allah has decreed for you; and if all of them gather to harm you, they will not harm you with anything other than that which Allah has decreed against you. The pens have been lifted and the ink has dried up.” (Reported by at-Tirmidhi, who classified it as hasan sahih (good and authenticated))

A narration other than the one reported by at-Tirmidhi reads as follows:
“Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him with you. Remember Allah in prosperity and He will remember you in adversity. Know that what has missed you was not going to befall you and that what has befallen you was not going to miss you. Know that victory comes with patience, that there is ease along with distress, and that there is relief along with every hardship.”

One scholar said, “This hadith contains great words of advice and some of the most important rules of the religion.” Another scholar went as far as saying, “I reflected upon this hadith and it amazed me to the point that I became light-headed. I really pity those who are ignorant of this hadith or have little understanding of its meaning.” How then would we think of ourselves today, when there are many who do not act on the teachings of this hadith, nor understand its meanings, nor even know its words?

O Muslims!
Being mindful of Allah, as indicated in this hadith, means observing the limits He has set, undertaking one’s duties towards Him, obeying His commands, and avoiding what He has forbidden.

“(It will be said): “This is what you were promised, – (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allah) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allah (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worship none but Allah Alone, i.e. follow Allah’s Religion, Islamic Monotheism). “Who feared the Most Gracious (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen) and came with a heart turned in repentance (to Him and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism).” (Qaf: 32-33)

Being mindful of Allah requires protecting the senses of one’s head from committing sins and protecting the stomach from consuming forbidden food and drink. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and at-Tirmidhi reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “True shyness of Allah means protecting the senses of one’s head from committing sins and protecting the stomach from consuming forbidden food and drink.” It is a type of awareness of Allah’s presence that prevents one from committing sins and prevents one’s senses from going astray. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If anyone guarantees [the chastity of] what is between his two jawbones [i.e. his mouth and tongue] and what is between his two legs [i.e. his private parts], I shall guarantee Paradise for him” (Reported by al-Bukhari). It is a type of awareness that requires the people of the Ummah to control their desires lest they should lead them astray or keep them away from lofty values and good manners. Allah says:

“… the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues – Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).” (Al-Ahzab: 35)

Fellow Muslims!

One of the principles of Islam is that punishment or reward will be commensurate with one’s deeds. If anyone is mindful of Allah in the above sense, Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, will shield him with His care and protection and will help him attain power and victory. This protection will cover the servant both in his religious and worldly matters and will help him attain all types of benefits and keep him away from all forms of harm.

Scholars have said, “There are two ways in which Allah protects His servant: The first is Allah’s protection of the servant’s religion and faith against deluding doubts and forbidden desires, by preventing him from what may otherwise adversely affect his religion. Allah says: “… Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen (guided) slaves.” (Yusuf: 24)

The second is Allah’s protection of the servant’s affairs in this life, for example by granting him good health and protecting his offspring, family, and property.” Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, says:

“For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah …” (Ar-Ra‘d: 11)
Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas said, “The mu‘aqqibat [translated in the above verse as “angels in succession”] refers to the angels whom Allah has appointed to guard each person by His command. When the decree of Allah comes – when He decrees that some calamity should befall him – the angels withdraw from him.”

Al-Hafidh ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said:
One of the amazing ways in which Allah safeguards those who are mindful of Him is that He makes animals that are normally dangerous to man guard a person against harm. This is what happened with Safinah, the freed-slave of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when his boat was wrecked and he was drifted to an island. There, he saw a lion that kept walking along with him until it guided him to the way.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stressed this meaning in his advice when he said, “Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him with you.” Therefore, if anyone keeps the limits set by Allah and undertakes his duties towards Him, Allah will certainly surround him with His protection, bless him with guidance and success, and grant him His help and support.

“Truly. Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty to Him), and those who are Muhsinun (good-doers).” (An-Nahl: 128)
By Allah! If the Ummah preserves the limits set by Allah as they ought to be preserved and as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded us to do, Allah will appoint for it relief from every distress and a way out of every difficulty.

Qatadah said, “If anyone fears Allah, Allah will be with him; and the one whom Allah is with is in fact with the invincible group; for Allah is the Guard Who never sleeps and the Guide Who never goes astray.” One of the righteous predecessors wrote to a Muslim brother of his, “If Allah is with you, who else should you fear? And if He is against you, who else should you seek help from?” May Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, inspire Muslims to make this their motto and guiding principle, both in their words and their deeds.

Brothers in Islam!
This type of protection extends to the righteous servant’s offspring after his death, as Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, says about the two orphans: “… and their father was a righteous man …” (Al-Kahf: 82)

According to one interpretation of this verse, Allah protected the two orphans by virtue of the righteousness of their father. Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, also says: “And let those (executors and guardians) have the same fear in their minds as they would have for their own, if they had left weak offspring behind. So let them fear Allah and speak right words.” (An-Nisa’: 9)

If anyone is mindful of Allah during his youth while he is still strong, Allah will protect him in his old age when he is weak and will preserve for him his hearing, sight, and strength. One of the pious predecessors exceeded the age of one hundred, yet he still enjoyed his strength and lively mind. One day he leapt off from a high boat to the ground. When reprimanded for this, he said, “We preserved these limbs from sins in our youth, so Allah has preserved them for us in our old age.”

Fellow Muslims!
The Ummah, both at the individual and social levels, with all its different classes and ranks, is urged to conform to Allah’s religion, have true faith in Allah, submit to His orders in every aspect of life, and rid itself of the evil whims and desires of the lower self. Its political, economic, social, and other conditions should all be in line with the law of Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. The Ummah should make Islam, in its pure state, a comprehensive way of life which it should abide by in every stage of its development, in all its dealings and relationships, and in every single act it undertakes. It is only then that Allah will protect the Ummah from the adversities, hardships, crises, and trials from which it has been suffering. It is only then that the Ummah will ensure security and stability and that it will be granted power and victory.

“It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong, i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.” (Al-An‘am: 82)

When the Ummah is true to its faith in Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, and is guided by the example of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, and when this is the motto it adheres to in all its actions no matter how many worldly interests may be sacrificed, as was the case with the Ummah in the past, it will definitely be granted security in all its aspects and forms – security from enemies and dangers as well as from fears and various sources of harm.

When all Muslims act on the dictates of their religion and the principles of Islam, shun the various forbidden whims and desires, and sincerely serve Islam, after making the necessary preparations and using all the means that Allah commands us to use, then Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, will give them power in the land, provide them with strength, grant them honour, make their enemies fear them, and make good, justice, and peace prevail among them.

“… But honour, power and glory belong to Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him), and to the believers …” (Al-Munafiqun: 8)

Whenever the Ummah is hit by afflictions and hardships, whenever it is subjected to fears and seeks security, whenever it is humiliated and seeks power, and whenever it is lagging behind and aspires to progress and stability, as is the case in the present times, it will never find a way to achieve what it aspires to unless it complies with the conditions set forth by Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, which include showing obedience to Allah and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, demonstrating total compliance with Islamic Shari‘ah, and following the way that Allah has chosen for us. Only then will the Ummah will be spared all forms of corruption and deterioration. Only then will its fears, anxieties, and disturbances be dissipated. None of the worldly powers, however great they may be, will then be able to stand in its way. Otherwise, its suffering will increase and its misery will escalate.

“… then whoever follows My Guidance he shall neither go astray, nor shall be distressed. But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ta-Ha: 123-124)

No Muslim nation throughout history neglected this way but it lagged behind the convoy, was gripped by fear, and was snatched by its enemies from all sides. Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, says:

“(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: “From where does this come to us?” Say (to them), “It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).” …” (Al ‘Imran: 165)

It is also established that the Chosen Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
When you enter into the ‘inah transaction (a type of usurious transaction), hold the tails of oxen (to plough the land), are content only with farming (so that ploughing and farming are your main concern), and give up jihad (struggle in the way of Allah), Allah will make disgrace prevail over you, and will not remove it until you return to your religion.

O Muslims everywhere!
The promise of Allah will certainly be fulfilled, despite the changing ages and the varying states, as long as the above conditions are strictly observed. Whoever wishes to have Allah’s promise fulfilled must meet the condition He has stipulated.

“… And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? …” (At-Taubah: 111)

Therefore, when this Ummah’s righteous predecessors from among the Prophet’s Companions and their followers strictly adhered to this way, out of their trust in Allah, reliance on Him, and strong faith in Him, with firm determination and patience in adversity; when they followed in the footsteps of the best example, our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, along continuous, uninterrupted strife in the way of Allah, diligence and good work, Allah made the high edifice of this religion established through them, and the strong state of Islam was set up to be established in the four corners of the world, spreading justice, righteousness, and goodness.

This is because they realised the real value and the true weight of this worldly life, and so they did not incline towards it, as we have inclined towards it. They knew its insignificance and transience, and so they were not deceived by it, as we have been deceived by it today. They also recognised the real worth of the hereafter, highly valued it, and kept it before their eyes. They worked hard to enjoy its eternal bliss and devoted themselves completely to it, and therefore willingly bore all difficulties on the way to this end. As for us, we are willing to bear all difficulties for the sake of this worldly life, and many of us have abandoned real work for the hereafter.

Relating the events that occurred in the year 463 (1070G), Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on his soul, said,
The Roman Emperor came along in armies as huge as the mountains, in huge numbers equipped with great arms, bent on eradicating Islam and its followers. He met the Sultan of Muslims heading an army of 20,000 men. The Sultan was alarmed because of the huge number of the polytheists. Muslim scholar Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Abdul-Malik al-Bukhari advised him to launch the battle on Friday afternoon, when the Muslim preachers delivering the Friday khutbahs were engaged in praying for victory for those fighting in the cause of Allah. When the two armies faced each other, the Muslim Sultan dismounted his horse and prostrated himself to Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, supplicated Him, and sought His support. Allah then granted His support to the Muslims who inflicted a crushing defeat on the polytheists, and it was a glorious victory.

The situation today calls for reconsideration and genuine correction.

Fellow Muslims!
How could Allah’s promise to provide protection for a people be fulfilled when they have turned away from implementing the Two Revelations and rushed to man-made laws and constitutions, as has been the case with the Ummah for more than a century?! In fact, many Muslim countries are still in that state.

How could victory, glory, and goodness be given to a people who direct their acts of worship to other than Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, as is the case at some tombs in certain well-known places in some Muslim countries?

How could a people be granted success when their economic system is founded on usury and forbidden transactions which contradict the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, following the example of the East or the West?

How could a nation be saved when many vices and abominations are rife in it, as is the case in some Muslim countries today?

How could a people be given glory when bribery and nepotism are rampant among them, when their dealings are based on lies, immorality, fraud, and deceit, and when honesty is not observed in many of their transactions, and truthfulness in all its details and forms is totally absent?

How could the condition of many Muslims be ameliorated when some of them lack the sense of loving and hating others for the sake of Allah, Majesty and Glory be to Him, and the worldly life has become their guiding principle in matters of loyalty and disavowal?

O Allah! Set right the condition of Muslims. O Allah! Set right our condition and the condition of all Muslims. O Allah! Set right our condition and the condition of all Muslims, O Most Merciful of all the merciful!

May Allah bless you and me with the Qur’an and make us benefit from its verses and clear guidance. I have said what you have heard, and I ask forgiveness of Allah for myself, for you, and for all Muslims, for any sin we have committed. Ask Allah for forgiveness. He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.