All praise is due to Allah, the Almighty, the Most Powerful and Wise in His knowledge and actions. Allah does as He wills when He desires, and none can question His decisions. We send peace and blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his family, his companions, and all who follow their noble path until the Day of Resurrection.
We thank Allah for granting us life to witness this blessed Jumah. Indeed, Allah reminds us in the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him]” (Q3:102). This is a reminder for us to remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the challenges we may face.
As Muslims, we are encouraged to embrace every situation with faith and patience, trusting in Allah’s wisdom and seeking His guidance to improve our circumstances. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient” (Q2:155).
Brothers and sisters, it is clear that life is full of trials. At times, we may face fear, insecurity, hunger, or financial difficulties. Our businesses may not prosper, or we might suffer from natural disasters, losses, or the death of loved ones. Whether it’s the destruction of crops or the loss of cherished family members, these are all tests from Allah. And in these moments of hardship, we are commanded to remain patient and have faith in Allah’s plan. He has promised glad tidings to those who endure patiently.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized this when he said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer! There is good for him in everything, and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah, and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently, and that is better for him” (Muslim). This is the beauty of faith—a Muslim sees the good in every situation, whether it brings joy or hardship.
Dear brothers and sisters, a good Muslim does not lose hope in difficult times. We are forbidden from despairing or thinking of drastic actions like suicide. No matter how severe our trials, committing suicide is a grave sin in Islam, and its punishment is severe. Instead, we are encouraged to seek help through prayer and patience. Allah is with those who are patient, and He promises ease after every difficulty.
Looking at the current economic situation in our country, Nigeria, many are struggling. It is a challenging time, but as believers, we must remain patient and trust that Allah will guide us to better days. Islam teaches us not to rebel against our leaders or curse them in frustration. Instead, we should pray for their guidance, for they are the captains of our ship. Through our sincere prayers, Allah can guide them to lead us through these turbulent times safely.
In these times of hardship, let us be mindful of our duty to one another. Those of us who are blessed with wealth should show mercy to those who are struggling. We should follow the teachings of Allah and the example of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). The Prophet said: “A faithful believer is like the bricks of a wall, enforcing each other” (Sahih Bukhari 2446). Just as bricks support one another to form a strong structure, we too must support one another in our communities.
We must not be like those who turn against Allah when tested. Every trial is a part of our faith, as Allah says in the Qur’an: “Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars” (Q29:2-3).
These trials are part of the ethics of Islam that every Muslim should understand and practice. We ask Allah to unite our hearts, to grant us sustenance with blessings, to increase us in beneficial knowledge, and to protect us from calamities.
Surely, Allah enjoins justice, the doing of good, and giving to our relatives. He forbids indecency, evil, and rebellion. He admonishes us that we may be mindful. Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, ask Allah to send blessings upon him and greet him with peace (Q33:56).
May Allah accept our prayers, guide us through our challenges, and grant us success in this world and the hereafter. Ameen.
Imam Alhaji Abdulrazaq Akanji Abdulaziz can be reached @ aseperi@yahoo.co.uk.
