As we gather here today, we begin by praising Allah, the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. All praise is due to Him alone, for He is the Lord of the Universe. We seek His forgiveness and assistance in all our endeavors, and we ask Him to guide us on the straight path. In our journey through life, we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our own souls and from the consequences of our misdeeds. It is He who guides whom He wills, and no one can lead astray those whom Allah has chosen to guide. Conversely, those whom Allah leads astray cannot be guided by anyone else.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him), his noble family, his dedicated companions, and all those who follow their path until the Day of Judgment.
The Universality of Islam
Islam is not merely a religion confined to a single culture or nation; it is a universal religion preached by all the prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity throughout history. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last of these prophets, and his message is a continuation of the teachings of all those who came before him.
Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has communicated to us through various prophets, each chosen to deliver His message to their respective communities. As stated in the Holy Quran, chapter 4, verse 163: “We sent Revelation to you, O Muhammad, just as we sent Revelation to Nooh and the Prophets after him; and we sent Revelation to Ibrahim, Isma’eel, Ishaq, Ya’aqub, Haroon, and Sulayman; and we gave the Zaboor to Daawood.” This verse highlights the continuity of divine guidance through the ages, affirming that the teachings of Islam are rooted in a long tradition of prophetic messages.
In chapter 21, verse 25, Allah further emphasizes the essence of this message: “And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that ‘There is no deity except Me (Allah). So worship Me.'” This fundamental principle underscores the core of Islamic belief: the oneness of Allah and the call to worship Him alone.
The Purpose of Our Creation
Allah has created us with a specific purpose, which is to worship Him. This purpose is articulated clearly in the Quran, specifically in chapter 51, verse 56, where Allah says, “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” This declaration leaves no room for doubt regarding our existence; we are here to serve and worship our Creator.
It is important to understand that Allah does not require our worship for His own benefit; rather, worship is for our own spiritual growth and fulfillment. Allah does not need our wealth nor does He need us to feed Him, as He reminds us in verses 57 and 58: “I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me. Indeed, it is Allah who is the (continual) Provider, the firm possessor of strength.” These verses highlight Allah’s self-sufficiency and His role as the Sustainer of all creation.
The Imperative to Accept Islam
Dear brothers and sisters, it is therefore imperative for us to accept Islam wholeheartedly and to dedicate our lives to the worship of Allah. The teachings of Islam provide us with a comprehensive framework for living a life that is pleasing to our Creator. In doing so, we not only fulfill our purpose but also find peace, solace, and guidance in a world that can often feel chaotic and confusing.
The act of worship in Islam extends beyond the rituals of prayer and fasting; it encompasses all aspects of life. Every action we take can be transformed into an act of worship if performed with the right intention and in accordance with Allah’s guidance. This holistic approach ensures that our daily lives reflect our commitment to Allah and His teachings.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the importance of our faith and our responsibility to worship Allah. May He grant us the strength and perseverance to remain steadfast in our worship and to seek knowledge that enhances our understanding of His message.
Let us also encourage one another in this journey, supporting each other in our endeavors to grow spiritually and to fulfill our purpose as Muslims. May Allah make it easier for us all to follow the path of righteousness and to live lives that are pleasing to Him.
In conclusion, let us reaffirm our commitment to worship Allah alone, to uphold the teachings of Islam, and to be a source of positivity and support within our communities. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe, and may His blessings be upon us all.
Imam Alhaji Abdulrazaq Akanji Abdulaziz can be reached @ aseperi@yahoo.co.uk
