Selected Khutba English (revised) by Local Governance Support Program in ARMM

Writers Abdulwahid Inju Abdulgani Alawi Haidit Astarani Julasiri Abirin Mukhtar Jailani Abdullah Hamja Utoh Shervin Kasim Mahmood Pulangi Alimudin Abdullah Abdulcadir Mambuay Kamarudin Baulo Ahmad Mala Barjunaid Ibrahim Abdulsalam Alabat Ahmad Ali Bud Editor Nash Maulana Consultant Esmail Ebrahim Technical Team Kamarudin Baulo Cindy Fair, LGSPA Marion Maceda Villanueva, LGSPA Jose Deles Jr., LGSPA Myn Garcia, LGSPA Gemma Borreros, LGSPA Joseph Palanca, LGSPA Jodl Isahac, LGSPA Maya Flaminda J. Vandenbroeck, LGSPA Juvylyn Sobrivega, LGSPA Art Direction Gutierrez Mangansakan II Lay-out Artist Arthur Ian L. Garcia On the cover: Masjid Bacolod, Lanao del Sur

Selected Khutba A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines Copyright ÂŠ 2008 Local Governance Support Program in ARMM (LGSPA)

The Local Governance Support Program in ARMM (LGSPA) encourages the use, translation, adaptation and copying of this material for non-commercial use, with appropriate credit given to LGSPA. Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this book, neither the publisher nor contributor or editor can accept any liability for any consequence arising from the use of or from any information contained herein.

Reprinted version January 2009 ISBN No. 978-971-94065-0-1 Reprinted and bound in Manila, Philippines Published by: Local Governance Support Program in ARMM (LGSPA) Unit 72 LANDCO Corporate Center J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada Davao City, 8000 Philippines Tel Nos. (63-82) 227-7980-81 www.lgspa.org.ph

This project was undertaken with financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency. The reprinting of this publication is made possible by The Asia Foundation (TAF). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of TAF. The Asia Foundation 36 Lapu-Lapu Avenue Magallanes Village Makati City, 1232 Philippines Tel. No. (63-02) 851-1466 www.asiafoundation.org

Table of Contents Foreword Preface PAGE Good Governance 1. Leadership in Islam Attributes and Ideal Qualities of a Leader Leadership in Islam Conditions of Leadership in Islam The Prophet as a Model Leader Developing Leadership in You Leaders and the Followers

13 17 21 25 29 34

2. Addressing Graft and Corruption Trust and Justice in Islam Consequences of Graft and Corruption

39 43

3. Eliminating Dirty Political System The Political System in Islam The Effects of Dirty Politics in the Community Islam Condemns Bribery The Virtues of Consultation

47 51 55 59

Social Justice Due For the People 1. Right and Quality Education Seeking of Knowledge is an Individual Obligation The Importance of Knowledge

63 69

2. Proper Child Care or Tarbiyah Hasana The Rights of Children in Islam Proper Guidance of Children in Islam

74 78

3. Addressing Appropriate Social Concerns Health and Sanitation in Islam The Importance of Halal Cleanliness in Islam Preservation and Protection of the Environment

82 86 90 94

4. Preservation of Islamic Culture The Rights of Men The Rights of Women Gender in Islam What Islam Says of Intermarriages Status of Women in Islam

98 102 106 110 114

Peaceful Conflict Resolution in Islam 1. Eliminating Rido and the Importance of Unity and Reconciliation Brotherhood in Islam Equality in Islamic Society Preservation and Protection of Human Life and the Wisdom of Qisas The Virtues of Forgiveness Reconciliation and Unification in Islam The Importance of Unity in Islam

119 124 128 132 136 140

2. Promotion of Law and Order, Peace and Security Islam as a Religion of Peace The Rights of Neighbors

144 148

3. Effects of Violence and War in the Lives of the People Islam Condemns Terrorism

152

Addressing Poverty and Economic Development in Islam 1. Equitable Distribution of Resources The Importance of Zakat Encouraging People to Strive and Seek the Bounties of Allah Islam as a Religion of Ease

156 161 166

2. Environmental Preservation Preservation and Protection of the Environment

171

3. Elimination of Riba or Interest 176

Islam Prohibits Usury rohibits Usury

Islam A Complete Way of Life 1. No Secularism in Islam Islam a Complete Way of Life Islam is a Balanced Life Now and in The Hereafter

180 185

2. Strengthening Iman The Love for The Prophet The Hell The Virtues of Reading the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an

188 192 196

3. Islam is Against Tribalism No Tribalism in Islam

200

4. Promotion of Islamic Practices Islam Rejects Superstitious Beliefs and Practices

203

5. Our Legacy Youth of Today, Man of Tomorrow

207

Foreword The Local Governance Support Program in ARMM (LGSPA) of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is pleased to have supported the preparation and production of Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for Muslim Communities in the Philippines. This is part of LGSPA’s effort to promote good governance in the ARMM along with the recognition of the critical role of Muslim religious leaders in educating the community on the various issues affecting the day-to-day lives of the people. This initiative started with a modest effort during the 2005 ARMM elections. As part of support for voter’s education, LGSPA worked with Ustadz Ahmad Ali A. Bud, then the Dean of the Southern Philippines Center for Islamic Teaching and Training based at the Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi to prepare and disseminate khutba guidelines on Islamic values related to selecting a leader to masjids in Tawi-Tawi. Seven khutab were developed by Ustadz Ali Bud covering the seven Fridays of the 45-day election campaign period. As Chairperson of the Maslisul ‘ala (Supreme Council for Islamic Teaching and Advocacy) in Tawi-Tawi, Ustadz Ali Bud conducted meetings with the masjid preachers to discuss the guidelines and to promote the use of the guidelines for the Friday worship homily. Subsequently, Ustadz Ali Bud, who hosted a weekly radio program, received an encouraging number of SMS (text) messages from the listeners expressing their thoughts and opinions on the Friday messages. It is unfortunate that Ustadz Ali Bud passed away before his initial efforts developed into a more comprehensive scope. Nonetheless, his experience laid the groundwork for the Khutba development. This is a result of the collective effort of the five muftis from Basilan, Sulu, TawiTawi, Maguindanao and Lanao with the able assistance of their respective Shari'a experts and advisers. This is a product of a series of workshops and brainstorming sessions followed by writing of drafts and careful review of drafts before each khutba guideline was finalized. Special acknowledgement is due to Ustadz Esmail Ebrahim who played the key role in shepherding the process. LGSPA is proud and honored to have been part of this effort. It is deeply grateful for the trust and confidence accorded by the muftis in making LGSPA a project partner. LGSPA trusts this will serve as a useful tool in contributing to the development of social awareness among ARMM communities. An informed community will redound to informed participation in governance. LGSPA joins the hopes of the religious leaders that this awareness will serve to shape the governance each member of the community deserves and has been aspiring to for so long a time. Local Governance Support Program in ARMM.

PreFace Allah said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;O you who believe! When the call is made for prayer on Friday, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trading; that is better for you, if you know.â&#x20AC;? (62:9) For years, Muslim religious leaders have been engaging local community groups to foster social and economic development that strengthen aspects of Islam addressing relationship with their environment and other members of the community (muammalat).

Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for Muslim Communities in the Philippines was developed under the Assembly of the Darul Iftah to complement existing activities aimed at addressing social issues in Muslim communities across the country. This book will be disseminated throughout major mosques in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). This book is the product of a series of workshops, writing of drafts and careful reviews of these drafts to adopt a common theme for khutbas or Friday sermons. More significantly, these khutab emphasize issues relating to relationships of people with one another and their environment. Five major areas of concern had been identified: Good Governance, Social Justice, Conflict Resolution, Poverty and Economic Development and Islam as a Way of Life. The process of preparing these khutbas resulted in the strengthening of unity and collaborative work among Muslim religious leaders who come from different ethno-linguistic groups in Cotabato, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Marawi City, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. It must be clear to all that this is not a manual or a handbook. The khutab herein are intended to expand the current forms that are already being used in mosques. This book hopes to serve as a helpful reference to inspire Mus-lims to take an active role in their development and significantly contribute to improving their lives in accordance to the teaching of Islam. The objective of the khutba is to give Muslims hope and guidance. Faced with numerous challenges like poverty, economic deprivation and unresponsive or inefficient local governance, these khutab are a source of encouragement for Muslim communities to pursue their dream of peace and social development.

With the guidance of the Almighty Allah, we pray that this book will help deepen the understanding and shape the awareness of people to propel them to a better future. Abdulwahid Inju Abdulgani Alawi Haidit Astarani Julasiri Abirin Mukhtar Jailani Abdullah Hamja Utoh Shervin Kasim Mahmood Pulangi Alimudin Abdullah Abdulcadir Mambuay Kamarudin Baulo Ahmad Mala Barjunaid Ibrahim Abdulsalam Alabat

Kh u t ba

Attributes and Ideal Qualities of a Leader ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; Fear Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will earn success and

demand your mutual (rights) and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you) for Allah happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy, ever watches over you.” (4:1)

that the greatest requirement and duty of the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of histhe Lord, religion and Him the and Prophet Muhammad O Muslims! Fear Allah, Exalted, and obey you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty of the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad . Allah created human beings in higher stature than the rest of creatures. Nevertheless, even if human beings hardly transcend the ultimate Truth relating to the unseen, he cannot deny the existence of God that is self-evident unto him that is endowed with reason. Allah in His all encompassing Mercy and Omnipotence sent down the Prophet Muhammad as a perfect model of a leader in all aspects of life—spiritually, morally, socially, intellectually and politically —so that humankind can obtain the ultimate truth and follow the Divine guidance revealed through him by Allah, the ultimate source of truth and perfection. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty said:

  έϛϧϣϟ΍ ϥϋ ΍ϭϬϧϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ΍ϭέϣ΃ϭ ΓΎϛίϟ΍ ΍ϭΗ ϭ˸ Γϼλϟ΍ ΍ϭϣΎϗ΃ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ϡϫΎϧϛϣ ϥ· ϥϳΫϟ΍" " :ΞΣϟ΍) "έϭϣϷ΍ ΔΑϗΎϋ Ϳϭ (:()˽˺" “Those (Muslim(Muslim rulers) who, if We give ifthem the land, (they) orderland, for iqamat-as-Salât. ”Those rulers) who, Wepower give in them power in the (they) order [prayers]; to pay the zakât and they enjointoal-ma'rûf (belief in Oneness of Allah and allal-ma'rûf that Islam for iqamat-as-Salât. [prayers]; pay the zakât and they enjoin prescribes one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has (belief in Oneness of Allah and all that Islam prescribes one to do), and forbid forbidden). And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).” (22: 41) Al-Munkar (disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden). And with lah

rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures).” (22: 41)

The Ayat that has been mentioned briefly summarizes the criteria in selecting good leaders. By suchThe guidance be able to choose good and responsiblethe leaders frominamong them. Ayat shall that Muslims has been mentioned briefly summarizes criteria selecting

good leaders. By such guidance shall Muslims be able to choose good and

To be good leaders is to uphold the people’s responsible leaders from among them.trust in all aspects of governance. That is why the Lord (Allah) prescribes in the Holy Qur’an:

To be good leaders is to uphold the people’s trust in all aspects of governance. That why the Lordϥ΃(Allah) in the Holy ௌ ϥ· isϝΩόϟΎΑ ΍ϭϣϛΣΗ αΎϧϟ΍ prescribes ϥϳΑ ϡΗϣϛΣ ΍Ϋ·ϭ ΎϬϠϫ΃ ϰϟ·Qur’an: ΕΎϧΎϣϷ΍ ΍ϭΩ΅Η ϥ΃ ϡϛέϣ΄ϳ ௌ ϥ·"

(̋́:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "΍έϳλΑ Ύόϳϣγ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϪΑ ϡϛυόϳ Ύϣόϧ

“Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts upon whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is All-hearing, All-seeing.” (4:58)

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Know that when Muslim leaders are righteous, the Muslim Ummah will benefit as a whole. This was manifested in the tradition of the Holy Prophet ,when he rightly said: “Do not curse your leaders but invoke Allah to make them righteous, for their righteousness brings about your well being as well.”

14 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

Brothers and sisters, we must always be reminded that selecting good leaders is our responsibility. We must follow the criteria and guidance that Islam prescribes for us. The Prophet

said:

“There are seven groups of people who can seek refuge unto the Shade of Allah. For, shall there be no more shades (to shelter from the heat of the sun in the Judgment Day) except that of Allah. (And) among them are just rulers.” Good leadership qualities are shared by Muslims in this part of the world. Others may have had their chance of being elected or appointed to key positions, while others are already past their potential age in good leadership. Let us therefore join the search. And should you think there may be such persons among you, but have yet to decide on joining the row of choices, help them cultivate the interest in being one of the options in the coming days of selection of leaders. My brothers and sisters, the abundance of Sulu Sea or Lake Lanao are some of the principal trusts in the form of immense blessings that Allah has given us. Leaders must be chosen on the basis of who could best assume positions that carry the responsibilities inherent to that trust from the Almighty. Leaders may be chosen on the basis of their capability to protect and preserve the creation of Allah rather than the taking advantage of Allah’s bounty and its potential market value for selfish ends. Our time bears witness to processes in which moral choice does not actually prevail due to purported cases of massive fraud that have become the rule rather than the exemption in an established system. Let us also be vigilant of any process rather than sit on the sidelines while fraudulence and falsehood are being committed right before our very eyes. But should all falsehood become recurrent in an established system, it is incumbent upon us to be part of peaceful and rational efforts at seeking reforms. See things and talk about them; what can we contribute to get things back to proper order and make things better? Brothers and sisters, we must think and be aware of values and qualifications when selecting our leaders. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

ϡϛυόϳ ϲϐΑϟ΍ϭ έϛϧϣϟ΍ϭ ˯ΎηΣϔϟ΍ ϥϋ ϰϬϧϳϭ ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ϱΫ ˯ΎΗϳ·ϭ ϥΎγΣϹ΍ϭ ϝΩόϟΎΑ έϣ΄ϳ ௌ ϥ· " (̂˹:ϝΣϧϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛΫΗ ϡϛϠόϟ “Verily, Allah enjoins al-adl (justice and Oneness of Allah) and al-ihsân [patience in performing duties to Allah, and totally for Allah, and in accordance with the Sunnah (Tradition) of the Prophet , and giving (help) to kith and kin (in manners that Allah prescribes you in form of charity, visiting, looking after them, or any other form of help): and forbids alfahshâ' (evildeeds), and al-munkar (all that is prohibited by the law of Islam: polytheism, disbelief), and albaghy (all forms of oppression), God admonishes you, that you may take heed.” (16:90) Our dear Prophet time and again reminded us to be vigilant in selecting our leaders and reminded those who wished to be a leader. Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 15

said:

“Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand, then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given authority without asking for it, then you will be helped by Allah in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on you find that something else is better, then you should make up your oath and do what is better.” And again: “The Messenger of Allah said to Abdulrahman ibn Samura, ‘Abdulrahman do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone without Allah’s help to discharge the responsibilities attached thereon. But if you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped by Allah in the discharge of your duties.’” And we ask our Almighty Allah for His perfect Divine Guidance to enable us to select good, ideal and responsible leaders who can help improve our secular life and the Eternal one in the Hereafter. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Our dear Prophet said that leadership is a rare opportunity but it entails a big responsibility. A leader should lead a simple life. Simple life is a necessary ingredient for integrity. A leader must be the model of honesty, both in public and private affairs. But honesty is not enough. Complete transparency must be seen in all matters at all times and at all places. What is pertinent to these leaders is to ensure that the members of the public are not victimized and unjustly acted upon by incapable administrators or leaders. Dear believers of Islam! Fear Allah and feel His watch as if He is right in front of your eyes. Invoke Allah to grant righteousness to us all, and our leaders, and to make our leaders among those who fear Him. Seek refuge in Him and follow His commandments and seek His pleasure.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

16 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

Leadership in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

whom ye demand your mutual (rights) and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you) for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) O people! Fear Allah and know that He keeps perfect watch over you. Revere His commands and never disobey Him. Know that as Leaders in Islam, one of your greatest duties and responsibilities entrusted to you is to enjoin good and forbid evil. Why is it that we witness a general trend of ignoring and abandoning the duty of enjoining righteousness and forbidding evil by the so-called leaders of the Muslim Ummah which Allah, the Law-giver has ordained and commanded? Why do so many Muslim leaders ignore and abandon this duty? What is leadership in Islam? Before we find the answer to this question, let us read and mention some verses from Allah and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad . In our topic, let us delve into the term Khalifa (vicegerent) as used by Allah in reference to man. Allah said:

ϙϔѧγϳϭ ΎѧϬϳϓ Ωѧγϔϳ ϥѧϣ ΎѧϬϳϓ ϝѧόΟΗ΃ ΍ϭϟΎѧ˲ϗ , ΔϔϳϠΧ νέϷ΍ ϰϓ ϝϋΎΟ ϰϧ· Δϛ΋϶ϣϠϟ ϙΑέ ϝΎϗ Ϋ·ϭ" (˼˹:ΓέϘΑϟ΍ Γέϭγ) "ϥϭϣϠόΗ ϻ Ύϣ ϡϠϋ΃ ϰϧ· ϝΎϗ , ϙϟ αΩϘϧ ϭ ϙΩϣΣΑ ΢Αγϧ ϥΣϧ ϭ ˯΂ϣΩϟ΍ “Behold! Thy Lord said to the Angels; I will create a vicegerent (Khalifa) on Earth. They said: “Wilt thou place therein one who will make mischief and shed blood whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy Holy (Name)? He said: I know what ye know not.” (2:30) Brothers and sisters in Islam, leadership is of the level of highest trust in communities of people, tribes, nations and races that the led rest upon the leaders. Leadership is not anything to oppress other people with, nor defraud the government or the community of what is due to each as a matter of trust. While condemned leaders had their day in court or prison time, we see and hear what would seem a legalized squander of public funds; and worse yet, to some whims and caprices. On this, we call on the true believers, men and women, to help spread the glad tidings of good deeds and the prohibition of the wrong. Another label used by the Qur’an for the leader is Rasool. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

ϥϳϘϓΎϧϣϟ΍ ϥ· ΩϬηϳ ௌϭ Ϫϟϭγέϟ ϙϧ· ϡϠόϳ ௌϭ ௌ ϝϭγέϟ ϙϧ· ΩϬηϧ ΍ϭϟΎϗ ϥϭϘϓΎϧϣϟ΍ ϙ˯ΎΟ ΍Ϋ·" (˺:ϥϭϘϓΎϧϣϟ΍) "ϥϭΑΫΎϛϟ “When the hypocrites come to thee, they say we bear witness that thou art indeed the Messenger (Rasool) of Allah." Yea, Allah knoweth that thou art indeed His Messenger. And Allah beareth witness that the hypocrites are indeed liars.” (63:1) Also the Most High addressed Ibrahim as Imam (leader) in the Qur’an:

ϻ ϝΎϗ ϲΗϳέΫ ϥϣϭ ϝΎϗ ΎϣΎϣ· αΎϧϠϟ ϙϠϋΎΟ ϲϧ· ϝΎϗ ϥϬϣΗ΄ϓ ΕΎϣϠϛΑ ϪΑέ ϡϳϫ΍έΑ· ϰϠΗΑ΍ Ϋ·ϭ" (˺˻˽:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϳϣϟΎυϟ΍ ϱΩϬϋ ϝΎϧϳ 18 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

“And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled. The Lord said: I will make thee an imam to the people. (Abraham) pleaded: And also (imams) from my offspring! The Lord answered: But my promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.” (2:124) The fourth address of the leader, as used by the Prophet The Prophet of Islam

, is Sultan.

said:

“The Sultan of the Muslims is the guardian of those ladies who have no guardians.” Fifth, the Prophet

used the word Amir, when he said:

“When three (3) persons travel by land they must appoint one (1) as their Amir.” The explanation is that a leader in Islam is someone who is selected as the government leader who possesses the qualities and characteristics of a Mu’min (righteous) and implements the just system of Islam. Leadership must be aligned with verses of the Holy Qur'an, Allah said:

ϡϳϘϟ΍ ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϙϟΫ ௌ ϕϠΧϟ ϝϳΩΑΗ ϻ ΎϬϳϠϋ αΎϧϟ΍ έρϓ ϲΗϟ΍ ௌ Εέρϓ ΎϔϳϧΣ ϥϳΩϠϟ ϙϬΟϭ ϡϗ΄ϓ" (˼˹:ϡϭέϟ΍) "ϥϭϣϠόϳ ϻ αΎϧϟ΍ έΛϛ΃ ϥϛϟϭ “So set thou thy face truly to the religion being upright, the nature in which Allah Has Made humankind: No change (there is) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the true religion: but most among humankind know not.” (30:30) O ye Muslims! Whoever of you becomes the leader has to learn and put to practice the qualities and requirements of Allah and the way the other Prophets lead their people specially the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad . Other models are the leadership of the Companions (Sahaba), from Abu Bakr As Siddik, Omar Ibn al-Khattab Al Farouk, Uthman Ibno ‘ Affan Dhun Norain, and ‘ Ali ibni of Abi Talib. The Prophet Muhammad

said:

“ With you to follow are my way (Sunnah) and the way of the Khulafa ur Rashideen, who are my guided successors.” O! ye, who believe and servants of Allah: Any of you who is the appointed leader, always remember that he is one of the vicegerent of Allah in this land. The Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Verily, the leader among you is the vicegerent of Allah on that community; he shall protect the rights of the wronged among the populace. If the leader judges justly he will receive the reward of Allah and the people should be grateful for it. But if the leader judges unjustly, he is sure to receive the wrath from Allah and the people must be enduring and patient.” Dear Muslims, be just in this life. Be as the head of the family or be like the community leader. All of you are responsible for everything that is entrusted to you.

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In this regard, brothers and sisters in Islam, leadership should be in the hands of those who are qualified to serve the community and have the characteristics of compassion and empathy. A leader has high consideration for others. He has no pride and does not seek to be different or superior to his followers. He should avoid subjecting his followers and constituents to both physical and emotional hurts. Remember that these traits and characteristics of good leadership were exemplified by the Prophet during his lifetime! Therefore, in Islam it is considered worship once you respect, follow and demonstrate allegiance to the Muslim leaders as I have mentioned in the other Khutab. Our dear Prophet

said:

“We are the last but will be the foremost to enter paradise. The Prophet added; he who obeys me, obeys Allah, and he who disobeys me, disobeys Allah. He who obeys the chief, obeys me, and he who disobeys the chief, disobeys me. The Imam (leader) is like a shelter for whose safety the Muslims should fight and from whom they should seek protection. If the Imam (leader) orders people with righteousness and rules justly, he will be rewarded for that, but if he does the opposite, he will be responsible for that." Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! It is clearly manifested from the traditions of the Holy Prophet that the Muslim leader and the Muslim followers play a very important role in the development and promotion of peace and development in the community. Shafiq al- Balkhi, a learned scholar, told Harun al-Rashid, the Abbasid Caliph and ruler of the largest state of his time: You are a fountain and the other officials who help you to govern the world is the stream (which flows from it). If the fountain is clear, there can be no damage from silt in the channels; if the fountain is turbid, there will be no hope of maintaining the channels.” O Allah’s slave! Hold to the guidance of Allah and of your Prophet and make him as your Imam and leader in all that you do and say; and believe in him. Do not follow the lusts and desires of your inner selves, nor obey the devil, for you are in the dwelling of test and trials.

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Conditions of Leadership in Islam

DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP IN YOU

   ϥϣϭ ˬ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍   ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ΕΎ΋ϳγ     ϩΩΑϋ   ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϙϳέη ϻ ϩΩΣϭ .  .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ ϥϣϭ : :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃  .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍. ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :

ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ:

      (:) .  ͉ ˸ ˵ ͉   ˸   ͉  ˴   ˵                Ի ϥϭ˵ ΍ ϭ Ϙ Η Լ ΍ ϭ ϧ ϣ ΁ ϥϳ˶ Ϋ ϟ Լ Ύ Ϭ ϳ ΄ ϳ . ( ˺˹˻ : ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ ) ͊ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ ˴ ˴ ˴ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Himalways], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Dear Muslims, believers in Allah, Islam is a system, a complete way of life that man can adopt on Earth. Islam does not leave anything unturned as it delves into all the aspects of life as Allah the Creator mentioned in the Qur’an:

" ϧϳΩ ϡϼγϹ΍ ϡϛϟ Εϳοέ ϭ ϰΗϣόϧ ϡϛϳϠϋ ΕϣϣΗ΃ ϭ ϡϛϧϳΩ ϡϛϟ ΕϠϣϛ΃ ϡϭϳϟ΍" (.":Ύ )" (˼:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍ Γέϭγ) “O mankind! Fear your guardian Lord, who created you from a single person, created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; Fear

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“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5: 3) Dear believers, we are all responsible in our society; men are the leaders of their families, groups and communities and we must take that responsibility because we cannot turn our backs from such responsibilities. We must be good leaders of our own groups and work for the common good. Oh you courageous and good people, let us ponder on the present condition of our people and the community. In our midst, we find widespread poverty, worry and anxiety, and this may be partly because some of our leaders are bereft of the qualities of Islamic leadership. We have some leaders unfit for their job and do not even think about leading us in the way of the Shari’ah. The Prophet Muhammad

also said:

“People who have knowingly chosen a leader, but there is another (who is) better qualified to lead, then, indeed they have transgressed Allah and His Messenger and the whole Muslim community.” Some thinkers have laid the basis for a good leader. The Prophet Muhammad was adjudged the Greatest Leader of all Time, not by Muslims but by a survey opinion among mostly non-Muslim individuals from various disciplines and sectors (Time Magazine, July 15, 1974).These criteria formulated by American Professor Jules Masserman, a psychoanalyst, are that a leader must be one who can: 1) Provide for the well-being of those whom he leads; 2) Provide a social organization in which people feel relatively secure; and 3) Provide them with one set of beliefs.” Allah commands true believers to be constant in their devotion and worship. He also requires believers to implement a Shari’ah-guided administration and functions, because righteousness and a peaceful community can be attained completely only if the Shari’ah leadership were to prevail as a system. Indeed, the reason why Allah created humans is so that they can establish a system of peace, progress, and worship. As Allah said in the Qur’an:

(̋˿:ΕΎϳέ΍Ϋϟ΍ Γέϭγ)" .ϥϭΩΑόϳϟ ϻ· αϧϹ΍ ϭ ϥΟϟ΍ ΕϘϠΧ Ύϣ ϭ " “I have only created Jinns and Men, (so) that they may serve Me.” (51:56)

“I have only created Jinns and Men, (so) that they may serve Me.” (51:56)

In the same manner, the Almighty has naturally groomed man to become his

In the same to manner, the His Almighty has naturally groomed man toby become his Allah vicegerent vicegerent establish leadership. As clearly explained Almighty in theto establish His leadership. As clearly explained by Almighty Allah in the Qur’an: Qur’an:

ϙϔγϳ ϭ ΎϬϳϓ Ωγϔϳ ϥϣ ΎϬϳϓ ϝόΟΗ ΃ ΍ϭϟ΍˲ ,ΔϔϳϠΧ νέϷ΍ ϰϓ ϝϋΎΟ ϰϧ· Δϛ΋϶ϣϠϟ ϙΑέ ϝΎϗ Ϋ· " ϭ ΎϬϳϓ Ωγϔϳ ϥϣ ΎϬϳϓ ϝόΟΗ ΃ ΍ϭϟΎϗ ΔϔϳϠΧ νέϷ΍ ϰϓ ϝϋΎΟ ϰϧ· Δϛ΋϶ϣϠϟ ϙΑέ ϝΎϗ Ϋ· ϭ .ϥϭϣϠόΗ ϻ Ύϣ" ϡϠϋ΃ ϰϧϹΎϗ ,ϙϟ αΩϘϧ ϭ ϙΩϣΣΑ ΢Αγϧ ϥΣϧ ϭ ˯΂ϣΩϟ΍ .ϥϭϣϠόΗ (˼˹ :ΓέϘΑϟ΍ Γέϭγ ) ϻ Ύϣ ϡϠϋ΃ ϰϧ· ϝΎϗ ,ϙϟ αΩϘϧ ϭ ϙΩϣΣΑ ΢Αγϧ ϥΣϧ ϭ ˯΂ϣΩϟ΍ ϙϔγϳ

(˼˹ :ΓέϘΑϟ΍ Γέϭγ)

“Behold, thy Lord said to the Angels; I will create a vicegerent on Earth". They said: Wilt thou place therein one who will make mischief and shed blood, whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy Holy (Name)?" He said: I know what 22 ye know not.” (2:30)

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“Behold, thy Lord said to the Angels; I will create a vicegerent on Earth. They said: Wilt thou place therein one who will make mischief and shed blood, whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy Holy (Name)? He said: I know what ye know not.” (2:30) And Allah also said:

νέϷ΍ ϥϣ ϡϛ΄ηϧ΃ ϭϫ ϩέϳϏ Ϫϟ· ϥϣ ϡϛϟ Ύϣ ௌ ΍ϭΩΑϋ΍ ϡϭϗ Ύϳ ϝΎϗ ΎΣϟΎλ ϡϫΎΧ΃ ΩϭϣΛ ϰϟ· ϭ " ".ΏϳΟϣ Ώϳέϗ ϰΑέ ϥ· Ϫϳϟ· ΍ϭΑϭΗ ϡΛ ϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΎϬϳϓ ϡϛέϣόΗγ΍ϭ (˿˺ :Ωϭϫ Γέϭγ) “To the Thamud people (we sent) Salih, one of their own brethren. He said: O my people! Worship Allah: ye have no other God but Him. It is He who hath produced you from earth and settled you therein: then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him (in repentance): for my Lord is (always) near, ready to answer.” (11:61) That is the very reason why Islam stresses the importance of establishing Shari’ah leadership. Islam lays the conditions for Islamic leadership so that its objective of total peace on earth be realized, and more importantly, in the everlasting life in the Hereafter. To make clear the conditions for Islamic leadership, first, the leadership must be strong, just, and firm in all aspects. Allah said:

(˿˹:ϝΎϔϧϷ΍ Γέϭγ) ".Γϭϗ ϥϣ ϡΗόρΗγ΍Ύϣ ϡϬϟ ΍ϭΩϋ΃ ϭ "

“Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power.” (8:60) Like firmness in belief, the modern term is strong political will. Decisions and moves are founded on strong belief, physical health, sound mind and material stability. The people trust the leader in all aspects of life, especially with religious aspects, their lives, properties, and their community. Secondly, Allah said in SuratulYusuf:

(̋̋ :ϑγϭϳ Γέϭγ) ".ϡϳϠϋ υϳϔΣ ϰϧ· νέϷ΍ ϥ΋΍ίΧ ϰϠϋ ϰϧϠόΟ΍ ϝΎϗ

“(Joseph) said: Set me over the store-houses of the land for I am a good, knowledgeable keeper.” (12:55) And in another chapter of the Qur’an, Allah said:

ϕΣ΃ ϥΣϧ ϭ ΎϧϳϠϋ ϙϠϣϟ΍ Ϫϟ ϥϭϛϳ ϰϧ΃ ΍ϭϟΎϗ ΎϛϠϣ ΕϭϟΎρ ϡϛϟ ΙόΑ Ωϗ ௌ ϥ· ϡϬϳΑϧ ϡϬϟ ϝΎϗ ϭ ϡγΟϟ΍ϭ ϡϠόϟ΍ ϰϓ ΔργΑ ϩΩ΍ί ϭ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϩΎϔρλ΍ ௌ ϥ· ϝΎϗ ϝΎϣϟ΍ ϥϣ Δόγ Ε΅ϳ ϡϟ ϭ Ϫϧϣ ϙϠϣϟΎΑ (˻˽̀ :ΓέϘΑϟ΍ Γέϭγ) ".ϡϳϠϋ ϊγ΍ϭ ௌ ϭ ˯΂ηϳ ϥϣ ϪϛϠϣ ϰΗ΅ϳ ௌ ϭ Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 23

Their Prophet (who came after Moses) said to them: God hath appointed Talut as king over you", they said: “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he (is) to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?" He said: Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth; Allah is all-embracing, and He knoweth all things”. (2:247) We can deduce from those verses that those with higher learning have deeper understanding of the religion as the system; it is the truth that the path to real progress and development is through understanding the religion, wherewith peace is entrenched. Another condition for Islamic leadership that we can learn from those verses from Allah is justice or being just. True justice can only be obtained through complete learning of the Qur’an, and not on the basis of piecemeal understanding of it. The leader must be just even to animals and other creatures. One of the best results of justice as one of the conditions of leadership in Islam is that it instills tranquility in the hearts of the people. It is reported to have been said that Caesar sent a messenger to Umar (the second Caliph of Islam) to monitor his activities and situation. When his envoy enters Madina, he started searching for Umar and asked, “Where is your king? They replied, We do not any king but an honored ‘ Amir’. He went outside of Madina. So he went on looking for him and discovered him sleeping on the sand using his stick as a pillow. This was a small thing which he always carried with him, and he used it to stop others when they were doing evil. When he saw him sleeping like that he sensed humility in his heart and said to himself, This is the man whom all the kings are worried about, yet look at his condition. O ‘ Umar’ you have been just so you can sleep. While our king is a tyrant so there he stays up the whole night in fear.” This is one of the stories of the condition of leadership in Islam as exemplified by the second Caliph of Islam, Umar bin Al-Khattab.

24 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

The Prophet

as a Model Leader

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Himalways], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

) " ΍έϳΛϛ ௌ έϛΫϭ έΧϵ΍ ϡϭϳϟ΍ϭ ௌ ΍ϭΟέϳ ϥΎϛ ϥϣϟ ΔϧγΣ Γϭγ΃ ௌ ϝϭγέ ϲϓ ϡϛϟ ϥΎϛ ΩϘϟ " (˻˺:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍ “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) ,is a good example to follow. He who hopes in (the meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah most.” (33:21) Allah, the Most Merciful, made the Prophet Mercy to humankind and the rest of the creations.

Muhammad

perfect,

(˺˹̀:˯ΎϳΑϧϷ΍) " ϥϳϣϟΎόϠϟ ΔϣΣέ ϻ· ϙΎϧϠγέ΃ Ύϣϭ " Allah, the Almighty said again in the Qur’an: “And, We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) but as a Mercy for the 'Alamîn (all creations).” (21:107) Anyone who believes that Prophet Muhammad established his government only for Muslims misses the point why those non-Muslim thinkers made objective, complementary statements about his person and leadership. Leadership of mixed constituency, such as the reality of our time here in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and elsewhere in the country, did not escape the test on the nature and character of the Prophet Muhammad as a person and a leader. In 628 GC, the Prophet Muhammad granted the Charter of Privileges of his government upon the Monks of St. Catherine Monastery in Mount Sinai (This is recorded in “Muslim History 570-1950 GC” by Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq). The Prophet’s Magna Carta consists of several clauses “covering all aspects of human rights,” especially of non-Muslims under a Muslim government, including topics such as “the protection of Christians; freedom of worship and movement; freedom to appoint their own judges and to own and maintain their property; exemption from military service, and the right to protection in (times of) war.” Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad organized a community of young believers in Madina upon his exile there, and with very few counterparts in Makka, where he employed the concept of foster parenting by rich families upon the poor youth (and vice-versa). The concept has been universally adopted by civilized communities and nations the world over. 26 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

concept of foster parenting by rich families upon the poor youth (and vice-versa). The concept has been universally adopted by civilized communities and nations the world over. Some of us may have lost the sense of history about some misguided individuals in our midst who were said to be forcing Islam on followers of other religions through the use of guns and swords—“in the name of Islam.” My brothers and sisters in Islam, we see for ourselves that this was not the way the Messenger of Allah taught and spread the religion in his time. Through the exemplary guidance of the Messenger of Allah , humankind received the light of truth shining upon them from darkness of falsehood; it provides the righteous a refuge from spiritual uncertainty of polytheism into absolute belief of One True God. The person finds true self-fulfillment, spiritual purification and moral perfection in life led according to the true essence of the Prophet’s teachings. Allah, the Almighty says in the Qur’an:

ΔϣϛΣϟ΍ϭ ΏΎΗϛϟ΍ ϡϬϣϠόϳϭ ϡϬϳϛίϳϭ ϪΗΎϳ΁ ϡϬϳϠϋ ΍ϭϠΗϳ ϡϬϧϣ ϻϭγέ ϥϳϳϣϷ΍ ϲϓ ΙόΑ ϱΫϟ΍ ϭϫ " " ϡϳϛΣϟ΍ ίϳίόϟ΍ ϭϫϭ ϡϬΑ ΍ϭϘΣϠϳ Ύϣϟ ϡϬϧϣ ϥϳέΧ΁ϭ ˬ ϥϳΑϣ ϝϼο ϲϔϟ ϝΑϗ ϥϣ ΍ϭϧΎϛ ϥ·ϭ (˼-˻:ΔόϣΟϟ΍) “It is He Who sent the unlettered Messenger (Muhammad) from among them, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book (al-Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah (AsSunnah: lawful ways, orders, acts of worship of Prophet Muhammad ). And verily! They (the peoples) had been before in manifest error.” And He has sent him (Prophet Muhammad) also to others among them who have not yet joined them (but shall they come to be among thee). And He (Allah) is the All-mighty, the All-wise.” (62:2-3) To believe and follow Prophet Muhammad in this world and in the Hereafter.

is the right way leading to real ultimate success

Allah, the Exalted, said in the Qur’an:

"ϥϭΣϠϔϣϟ΍ ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ Ϫόϣ ϝίϧ΃ ϱΫϟ΍ έϭϧϟ΍ ΍ϭόΑΗ΍ϭ ϩϭέλϧϭ ϩϭέίϋϭ ϪΑ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟΎϓ " (˺̋̀:ϑ΍έϋϷ΍) “So those who believe in him (Muhammad) honor him, help him, and follow the light (theQur'ân) which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.” (7:157)

(˽:ϡϠϘϟ΍) " ϡϳυϋ ϕϠΧ ϰϠόϟ ϙϧ·ϭ " And, “In him (Muhammad)

is the best in (human) character.” (68:4)

It was said that as an immigrant in Madina, the Prophet of Allah labored at extending a neighbor’s drainage beyond his doorstep where it previously dumped domestic wastes. Man is led astray by his own selfish desire and deviation at will from the true teachings of the Holy Prophet . Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 27

Allah, the Most High says:

(˼˻:αϧϭϳ) " ϥϭϓέλΗ ϰϧ΄ϓ ϝϼοϟ΍ ϻ· ϕΣϟ΍ ΩόΑ ΍ΫΎϣϓ ... " “So after the truth, what else can there be, (but) error? How then are you turned away?” (10:32) One of the essential conditions for the validity and acceptance of beliefs, religious rituals or any actions of humans, is by following the Tradition and practices of the Holy Prophet in Surah 10, Yunus, Ayat 32:; all else rest into nil. The true distinction of the people of Paradise from the Hell-bound will be the acceptance or rejection of the Tradition of the Holy Prophet . On the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah is narrated to have said: “My Ummah will enter Paradise except one who does not like (to be one).” They asked: “O Messenger of Allah and who does not like (to enter into Paradise)?” He replied “Whoever obeys me will enter paradise but who ever disobeys me will not like to enter Paradise.” (As compiled by Al-Bukhari). Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! As Muslims, we are required to shun all types of innovations in the religion and abandon all statements or opinions that contradict the tradition of the Prophet . . O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

28 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

Developing Leadership in You ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

Allah,ye through whom ye demand your (rights), and be heedful of the that wombs whom demand your mutual (rights) andmutual be heedful of the wombs (the mothers bore(the you): mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) Allahsaid saidininthe theHoly HolyQur'an: Qur'an: Allah

 αϳϟ ϥ΃ϭ ˬ ϯέΧ΃έίϭ Γέί΍ϭ έίΗ ϻ΃ ˬ ϰϓϭ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϳϫ΍έΑ·ϭ ˬ ϰγϭϣ ϑΣλ ϲϓ ΎϣΑ ΄Αϧϳ ϡϟϡϟ" " : " (˽˺(- ˼˿-: ϡΟϧϟ΍ ) ")ϰϓϭϷ΍ ˯΍ίΟϟ΍ ϩ΍ίΟϳ ϡΛ ˬ ϯέϳ ϑϭγ Ϫϳόγ ϥ΃ϭ ˬ ϰόγ Ύϣ ϻ· ϥΎγϧϺϟ “Nay, is (man) not acquainted with what is in the books of Moses—and of Abraham who “Nay, is (man) not acquainted with what is in the books of Moses—and of Abraham who fulfilled fulfilled his engagements? Namely that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of his engagements? Namely that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another; that man another; that man can have nothing, but what he strives for? That (the fruit of) his striving can what he strives That (the with fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight. willhave soonnothing, come inbut sight. Then will he for? be rewarded a reward complete.” (53:36-41) Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete.” (53:36-41) In another verse, Allah said: In another verse, Allah said:

  " Ύϣϭ έυΗϧϳ ϥϣ ϡϬϧϣϭ ϰοϗ ϥϣ ϡϬϧϣϓ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ΍ϭΩϫΎϋ Ύϣ ΍ϭϗΩλ ϝΎΟέ ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ ϥϣ" (:) " In another verse, Allah said:

(˻˼:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍) "ϼϳΩΑΗ ΍ϭϟΩΑ

Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah: of them some have died and some (still) wait: but they have never changed (their determination) in the least. (33:23) On a separate occasion, the Prophet

said: said:

“Everyone is responsible and everybody will be asked (in Hereafter) on his responsibility”. (Hadith Sahih) Dear believers, we are all responsible in our society; we men are the head or leader of our own families, our groups and our communities and we must take that responsibility, because we cannot turn our back from these responsibilities. We must be good leaders of our own groups and work for the common good. The leading leader is that Rajol (Man) who easily finds means to lead a group or community and finds solution to their problems. He can be considered a born leader. Another Rajol is any Mu’min that may not be a born leader, but because of his desire to learn and through his hard work, he is deemed a learned leader. That latent leader comes to the fore by force of circumstances which result to him leading a group with innate modesty. Often, this act emerges with great triumph. The least which many would often not opt to be with is the limited leader, who needs a push and prodding to lead the group. Some thinkers have laid the basis for a good leader with which the Prophet Muhammad was adjudged the Greatest Leader of all Time, not by Muslims but by a survey opinion among mostly non-Muslim individuals from various disciplines and sectors. (Time Magazine, July 15, 1974) Brothers and sisters, with sincere prayers to Allah and hard work you can find which leader category you belong.

34 Communities in the Philippines 30 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim

Allah the Almighty said:

(˼̂:ϡΟϧϟ΍) "ϰόγ Ύϣ ϻ· ϥΎγϧϺϟ αϳϟ ϥ΃ϭ" That man can have nothing but what he strives for.” (53:39) It can be observed that it does not matter which of these categories one really belongs to; what is important is the fact that all of us can be leaders in varying situations, times and places.

What we are trying is to help each other and find out our sense of leadership. One research mentions that there are five (5) LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP, namely: What we are trying is to help each other and find out our sense of leadership. One LEVEL 1:mentions POSITION research that there are five (5) LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP, namely: ¾ You are the appointed leader; your authority comes from a piece of official paper. ¾ People reluctantly follow you and do so only because of your title. LEVEL 2: PERMISSION ¾ People follow you beyond your stated authority; they follow you because of your relationship to a person in authority. ¾ For example, people may follow you just because you are the son or brother of the Mayor or Governor. LEVEL 3: PRODUCTION ¾ People follow you because of the results of your undertakings. ¾ People follow you because of a positive relationship and also because goals are being met or objectives are acquired. LEVEL 4: PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT ¾ People follow you because they are growing under your leadership. ¾ You help others truly develop. ¾ The leader is committed to develop new leaders for the organization. LEVEL 5: PERSONHOOD ¾ People follow you because of who you are and what you represent. This is a lifetime achievement. ¾ People respect you that is why they follow you. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, one does not stay permanently in one leadership level. Note that one may climb to a higher level.Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, one does not stay permanently in one leadership level. Note that one may climb to a higher level.

Allah the Almighty once again said: Allah the Almighty once again said:

What we are trying is to help each other and find out our sense of leadership. One research mentions that there are five (5) LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP, namely: Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 31

(˽˺-˽˹:ϡΟϧϟ΍) "ϰϓϭϷ΍ ˯΍ίΟϟ΍ ϩ΍ίΟϳ ϡΛ ˬ ϯέϳ ϑϭγ Ϫϳόγ ϥ΃ϭ" “That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight. Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete.” (53: 40-41). Let us observe that Level 3 and 4 are the ideal levels – levels that are practically reserved for “Rijaalon Sadakow” -- men who are “people-development-oriented” who produce results in their undertakings, especially not for thmselves but for the common good. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

(˺˺:Ωϋέϟ΍) "...ϡϬγϔϧ΄Α Ύϣ ΍ϭέϳϐϳ ϰΗΣ ϡϭϘΑ Ύϣ έϳϐϳ ϻ ௌ ϥ·..." “Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (13:11)

In another verse, Allah said:

"Ύϣϳέϛ Ύϗίέ ΎϬϟ ΎϧΩΗϋ΃ϭ ϥϳΗέϣ ΎϫέΟ΃ ΎϬΗ΅ϧ ΎΣϟΎλ ϝϣόΗϭ Ϫϟϭγέϭ Ϳ ϥϛϧϣ ΕϧϘϳ ϥϣϭ" (˼˺:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍) “But any of you (O! consorts of the Prophet ) that is devout in the service of Allah and His Messenger and work righteousness, to her shall We Grant Reward twice: And We Have prepared for her a generous sustenance.” (33:31) O ye who believe in the Hereafter, there is this key word to leadership in our time, and that is, prioritization. Whenever problems arise, the leader can easily deal with them and come up with a prudent resolution through the will of Allah, and through employing this key:

1. High Importance / High Urgency ¾ A problem in this category must take preference over all other problems. 2. High Importance / Low Urgency ¾ In this category, a deadline is set to solve the problem in order to have adequate time to work on it. 3. Low Importance / High Urgency ¾ The resolution of a problem in this category is delegated to the best people. 4. Low Importance / Low Urgency ¾ A problem in this category is resolved only if there is still time. ¾ This kind of problem is delegated to others.

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Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, let me remind ourselves on one of the most important factors that needs to be developed in the leadership of Muslims. The concept of moderation plays an important role in the determination and implementation of justice. Moderation affects every part of Muslim life. It is the method of seeking the middle way between two extremes. Moderation in worship should also be given emphasis because moderation in worship simply means that a Muslim worships his Lord (Allah) without any kind or form of extremism or negligence. Moderation is the brother of uprightness. It is one of the most noble of virtues and traits, since it is that which stops a person surpassing Allah’s set limits, promoting the performance of the obligatory duties without falling short or exaggerating. It teaches him to be abstinent, taking what is lawful over that which is not. Moderation is a source pride and honor for the practitioner. Allah said:

(˺˿:ϥΟϟ΍) "ΎϗΩϏ ˯Ύϣ ϡϫΎϧϳϘγϷ ΔϘϳέρϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ΍ϭϣΎϘΗγ΍ϭϟ΃ϭ" “If they (non-Muslims) had believed in Allah, and remained on the Right way (Islam); We should certainly have bestowed on them (rain) in abundance.” (72:16) And:

ΔϧΟϟ΍ ΏΎΣλ΍ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ ˬ ϥϭϧίΣϳ ϡϫ ϻϭ ϡϬϳϠϋ ϑϭΧ ϼϓ ΍ϭϣΎϘΗγ΍ ϡΛ ௌ ΎϧΑέ ΍ϭϟΎϗ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϥ·" (˺˽-˺˼ϑΎϘΣϷ΍) "ϥϭϠϣόϳ ΍ϭϧΎϛ ΎϣΑ ˯΍ίΟ ΎϬϳϓ ϥϳΩϟΎΧ “Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allah,” and thereafter stand straight, on them be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever) a reward for what they used to do. (46:13-14) O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such, and grant us the quality of following and embrace it. Show falsehood to us and grant us the quality of avoiding it.

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Leaders and the Followers ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

O believers! Fear Allah and be thankful to Him for His blessings and bounties which He has bestowed upon you. One of the greatest blessings of Allah for you is that He sent to you the best Prophet and Messenger (Muhammad ) and revealed His best scripture (al- Qur’an) with perfect and complete laws by which you are guided and regulated and choose Islam as your religion as He pleases. Because of Islam, Allah, the Most Gracious has joined and unified your hearts so that you may become universal brothers and sisters to one another. Islam emphasizes the great importance of brotherhood, mutual love and cooperation between the leaders and the led. The rights and duties of every ruler and citizen have been clearly defined in the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad . No one is allowed to neglect his own duty and violate the rights of others, but rather he is commanded to perform his duty and respect toward other’s rights. The negligence of one’s duty and violation of other’s rights will be questioned and reckoned in the Day of Judgment. Narrated by Ibnu Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah’s Messenger Muhammad saying: “All of you are guardians and responsible for your wards (ra’yat) and the things under your care.” (Compiled by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, independently of each other) The rulers are the protecting guardians over their people and are responsible for their welfare. On the other hand, the people have to abide by laws, be obedient to their rulers, and be responsible for them. The natural duty of the people in selecting their leaders emanates from their distinct right under the Sharia law. This right should not be violated by leaders through causes of mistrust such as cheating and other fraudulent processes or manners of selecting leaders. My brothers and sisters, election is the manner by which we select our leaders. Based on our experience, election can draw a thick dividing line among the people and their potential leaders. This is the case especially when the election results, in the views of some, are doubtful or debatable. From such divisiveness, mind and deed are bent toward subjectivity. There is social discord and quarrels unknown even to gambling aficionados placing bets in cockfights. The situation is worsened by overwhelming egoism among supporters and aspirants to leadership posts. The duties of the ruler toward his people include good governance in accordance to the teaching of the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet . Allah, the most Exalted, says: O believers! Allah and be thankful HimϪϳΩϳ for ϥϳΑ His Ύϣϟ Blessings He has ϝίϧ΃ ΎϣΑ ϡϬϧϳΑFear ϡϛΣΎϓ ϪϳϠϋ ΎϧϣϳϬϣϭ ΏΎΗϛϟ΍toϥϣ ΎϗΩλϣ and ϕΣϟΎΑBounties ΏΎΗϛϟ΍ which ϙϳϟ· Ύϧϟίϧ΃ϭ " bestowed upon you. One of the greatest Blessings of Allah for you is that He had sent to you the ϡϛϠόΟϟ ௌ ˯Ύηϭϟϭ ΎΟΎϬϧϣϭ Δϋέη ϡϛϧϣ ΎϧϠόΟ ϝϛϟ ϕΣϟ΍ ϥϣ ϙ˯ΎΟ Ύϣϋ ϡϫ˯΍ϭϫ΃ ϊΑΗΗ ϻϭ ௌ best Prophet and Messenger (Muhammad

ϡΗϧϛ ΎϣΑ ϡϛ΋Αϧϳϓ ΎόϳϣΟ ϡϛόΟέϣ ௌ ϰϟ· Ε΍έϳΧϟ΍ ΍ϭϘΑΗγΎϓ ϡϛΎΗ΁ Ύϣ ϲϓ ϡϛϭϠΑϳϟ ϥϛϟϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ Δϣ΃ (˽́:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍ ) "ϥϭϔϠΗΧΗ Ϫϳϓ

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And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad ) the Book (this Qur'an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah Willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; So strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ.” (5:48) Justice in ruling is by giving the people what is due them. The leader’s statements and actions are based on justice without the slightest degree of discrimination, oppression or tendency of tyranny. He abides by justice without giving in to personal whims and caprices, thereby deserving Allah’s love, acceptance, honor and help. For Allah has informed that He loves the just. Allah’s Messenger

has informed them of place of honor before their Lord, Allah, and saying:

“The just person will be seated upon pulpits of light before Allah; among those who do justice in his decision, with their families and that which is entrusted to them.” (Compiled by Muslim) Allah, the most Gracious, says:

ϡϛυόϳ ϲϐΑϟ΍ϭ έϛϧϣϟ΍ϭ ˯ΎηΣϔϟ΍ ϥϋ ϰϬϧϳϭ ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ϱΫ ˯ΎΗϳ·ϭ ϥΎγΣϹ΍ϭ ϝΩόϟΎΑ έϣ΄ϳ ௌ ϥ· " (̂˹:ϝΣϧϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛΫΗ ϡϛϠόϟ "Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice in Oneness of Allah) and Al-Ihsân [i.e. to be patient in performing duties to Allah, totally for Allah's in accordance with the Sunnah (Tradition) of the Prophet . In a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (portion of wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help): and forbids Al-Fahshâ' (i.e. evil deeds, disobedience of parents, associating partners with God, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, and Al-Munkar (all that is prohibited), and AlBaghy (all forms of oppression),He admonishes you, that you may take heed." (16:90) The ruler who is unjust to his people is cursed by Allah, the Most Exalted: Allah, the Almighty says:

ௌ ϡϬϧϠόϟ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ ˬ ϡϛϣΎΣέ΃ ΍ϭόρϘΗϭ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΍ϭΩγϔΗ ϥ΃ ϡΗϳϟϭΗ ϥ· ϡΗϳγϋ ϝϬϓ " (˻˼the - ˻˻Most :ΩϣΣϣ ) "ϡϫέΎλΑ΃ ϰϣϋ΃ϭ ϡϬϣλ΄ϓ The ruler who is unjust to his people is cursed by Allah, Exalted: Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land and sever ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight. (47:22-23) Allah, the Almighty says: The duty of the people towards their ruler is to obey them in goodness and virtue. Allah, the most High, says: The duty of the people towards their ruler is to obey them in goodness and virtue. 36 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

Allah, the most High, says:

ϩϭΩέϓ ˯ϲη ϲϓ ϡΗϋίΎϧΗ ϥΈϓ ϡϛϧϣ έϣϷ΍ ϲϟϭ΃ϭ ϝϭγέϟ΍ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ϭ ௌ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (̋̂:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "ϼϳϭ΄Η ϥγΣ΃ϭ έϳΧ ϙϟΫ έΧϵ΍ ϡϭϳϟ΍ϭ ͿΎΑ ϥϭϧϣ΅Η ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· ϝϭγέϟ΍ϭ ௌ ϰϟ· O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad ), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger , if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” (4:59) Allah, the most High, also says:

ϻϭ ϥϳϧίϳ ϻϭ ϥϗέγϳ ϻϭ Ύ΋ϳη ͿΎΑ ϥϛέηϳϻ ϥ΃ ϰϠϋ ϙϧόϳΎΑϳ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ ϙ˯ΎΟ ΍Ϋ· ϲΑϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " ϥϬόϳΎΑϓ ϑϭέόϣ ϲϓ ϙϧϳλόϳ ϻϭ ϥϬϠΟέ΃ϭ ϥϬϳΩϳ΃ ϥϳΑ ϪϧϳέΗϔϳ ϥΎΗϬΑΑ ϥϳΗ΄ϳ ϻϭ ϥϫΩϻϭ΃ ϥϠΗϘϳ (˺˻:ΔϧΣΗϣϣϟ΍) :ϡϳΣέ έϭϔϏ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ϥϬϟ έϔϐΗγ΍ϭ O Muhammad ! When believing women come to you to give you the Bai'â (pledge), that they will not associate anything in worship with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illicit, unlawful sexual relations, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, that they will not intentionally forge falsehood, and that they will not disobey you in any Ma'rûf (the Commandment of God)) then accept their Bai'â (pledge), and ask Allah to forgive them. Verily, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (60:12) The Prophet

said:

“There is no obedience in disobedience to Allah.” (Compiled by al-Bukhari and Muslim) Muslims believe that it is unlawful to rebel against their leaders or publicize their sins, since that will cause opposition to obeying authority. In the saying of Allah’s Messenger : “Whoever disapproves of something done by his (Muslim) ruler, then he should be patient for whoever leaves the ruler (sultan) even in a brief span (of time), will die (as if his) death (took place) the period of ignorance; The Prophet

also said:

“Whoever scores the ruler (sultan), he scores Allah. (Narrated by At Tirmidz As Hadith Hasan) Muslims must pray to Allah that their rulers may be guided through righteousness, success, prosperity, happiness, and to protect them from evil. National progress greatly depends on peoples’ righteousness; and corruption arises from corrupt peoples and rulers. Muslims believe in giving sincere advice to the Muslim leader ;in authority without insulting him, nor detracting his honor, as in the saying of the Prophet : “Religion is giving sincere advice” the companions asked: “To whom? “The Messenger of Allah replied: “To Allah, His book, His messenger, the Imam (leaders) of the Muslims and to the people” (Compiled by Muslim). Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 37

Therefore, my dear sisters and brothers in Islam, Islam is indeed a blessings to the Muslims. We then ask the Blessings and Mercy of Allah and His Protection from Evil. May all of us succeed in this World and in the Hereafter… Ameen. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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Trust and Justice in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

O servant of Allah! Fear Allah, the Most High and fulfill the trust you were entrusted with. Allah had offered the Amanah (the trust) to the heavens, the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it. Yet man agreed to bear it; he was indeed unjust and ignorant. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Trustworthiness is one of the noble virtues and attributes of a believer whom Allah has chosen to carry it out. Allah the Most High says: Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Trustworthiness is one of the noble virtues and ௌ ϥ· ϝΩόϟΎΑ ΍ϭϣϛΣΗ ϥ΃ αΎϧϟ΍ ϥϳΑ ϡΗϣϛΣ ΍Ϋ·ϭ ΎϬϠϫ΃ ϰϟ· ΕΎϧΎϣϷ΍ ΍ϭΩ΅Η ϥ΃ ϡϛέϣ΄ϳ attributes of a believer whom Allah has chosen to carry it out.

ௌ ϥ·" (̋́:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "΍έϳλΑ Ύόϳϣγ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϪΑ ϡϛυόϳ Ύϣόϧ

Allah the Most High says: “Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the Respected brothers and gives sistersyou! in Truly, Islam!Allah Trustworthiness is one of the (4:58) noble virtues and teaching which He (Allah) is ever All-hearer, All-seer.” attributes of a believer whom Allah has chosen to carry it out. If we try to ponder over this Ayat, Allah has commanded us to fulfill the trust to the people to Allah the says: whom it isMost due High and to render just judgment on having to decide on disputes between men. The dispensation of trust and justice is very much needed by each of us, whether he is the ruler or an ordinary citizen of the society. Every one of us should contemplate and struggle so that true justice can be realized. The true justice cannot be entrusted to those who are not trustworthy. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! As I have mentioned earlier, trust and justice and its compensation is very much important to every one of us. The Amanat can be translated as trust and honesty, justice and reliability of someone tasked to perform any act that is entrusted to Him by Allah—for his own benefit, the good of other people and other creatures and for the fulfillment of the Divine Commandment and will of Allah. A person who does not comply with the trust placed upon him by Allah is considered unfaithful and treacherous. When a person intentionally neglects the trust which Allah has placed upon him, then he is truly considered unfaithful and treacherous. How could a man render the trust to his fellow being while in fact he could not observe and fulfill the trust to Allah who created him and has given him His bounties (rizq)? Allah, the Most High says:

ΎϬϠϣΣϭ ΎϬϧϣ ϥϘϔη΃ϭ ΎϬϧϠϣΣϳ ϥ΃ ϥϳΑ΄ϓ ϝΎΑΟϟ΍ϭ νέϷ΍ϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ΔϧΎϣϷ΍ Ύϧοέϋ Ύϧ·" (̀˻:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍) "ϻϭϬΟ ΎϣϭϠυ ϥΎϛ Ϫϧ· ϥΎγϧϹ΍ “Truly, We did offer Al-Amânah (the trust or moral responsibility or honesty and all the duties which Allah has ordained) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e. afraid of Allah's Torment). But man bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results).” (33:72)

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Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The true believers cannot betray or neglect the trust given them by Allah, because if they intend to betray the trust, they are really unfaithful and treacherous to Allah and His Messenger . Allah, the Most Exalted, says in the Qur'an:

(˻̀ :ϝΎϔϧϷ΍) "ϥϭϣϠόΗ ϡΗϧ΃ϭ ϡϛΗΎϧΎϣ΃ ΍ϭϧϭΧΗϭ ϝϭγέϟ΍ϭ ௌ ΍ϭϧϭΧΗ ϻ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ"

Allah, the Most Exalted, says in the Qur’an:

“O, you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger , nor betray knowingly your Amânât (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you.” (8:27)

This verse informs us that a person who knows the trust imposed upon him by Allah and His Messenger but does not observe it is not a believer. We should always put in our minds, brothers and sisters in Islam, to keep the trust is to treat people the way you like them to treat you and be sincere to you as you would do towards them. It is also very important, especially those who were entrusted the affairs of the people and the community they govern, to safeguard the rights of the people, the poor, and the marginalized in every aspect of human interaction. My brothers and sisters in Islam! Between a husband and a wife, keeping the trust is that each of them should safeguard the other’s property and secrets. Every husband and wife must keep their intimate relations secret and sacred. No one else should know about it. This is not only applied to couples; it is also applied to friends in terms of one confiding something to another. We should strive to help preserve the family relations in our province. O Muslim! According to the saying of the Prophet it is terrible to hear a person who cannot be trusted by Allah. Nobody wants to have imperfect faith except the unfaithful one. O, my brothers and sisters in Islam! Know that a person who is not trusted is described in one of the Hadith of Prophet in which he said: “There are three signs of a Munafiq (hypocrite): When he speaks, he tells a lie. Whenever he promises, he always breaks it. And, if you trust, he is dishonest.” (Agreed Upon) Justice means fairness, fair dealing or equity, or putting things in a right place, perspective and observing the right of others over him. O, my brothers and sisters in Islam! Do we really want to enter Paradise? Surely, all of us want to enter Paradise. But we have to comply with the teachings of the Prophet concerning six matters, as reported by Ubadah Bin Al-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet said: ”Observe for me by yourself six matters and I guarantee for you the Paradise: Be truthful, if you speak; if you make a promise fulfill something ; Protect your private part from Zina (Adultery); Lower your gaze and hands (from stealing or grave crimes).” (Narrated be Ahmad and Ibnu Hibban)

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The believers who are true to their trust and covenants including the performance of five obligatory prayers which are Amanat of Allah shall be inheritors of Firdaus (Highest Paradise): Allah, the Most High, says: The believers who are true to their trust and covenants including the performance of five obligatory prayers which are Amanat of Allah shall be inheritors of Firdaus (Highest Paradise): A l who l areafaithfully h true , to their Amanât (all the duties which Allah has ordained, honesty, “Those moral responsibility and trusts etc.) and to their covenants. And those who strictly guard their T h e (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their fixed periods). These are indeed the M o s t inheritors, who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.” (23:8-11) High, says: May Allah guide us all to fulfill the trust and successfully bear the responsibility we have upon us. Let me remind our selves, our leaders, the husbands and the wives and all of us from falling into betraying and neglecting the trust.

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Consequences of Graft and Corruption ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ "

" .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ)

All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad . Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has come to fight all form of social vices and all reprehensible actions, prohibiting all sins inwardly and outwardly. The purpose of Islam is to establish a clean and virtuous society in which sin, crime, graft and corruption and motive for obscenity and evil do not exist. A society that is free from dishonesty, bribery, fraud, lewdness, rudeness and immorality. Islam has long struggled to establish such a clean society, which is based on modesty, brotherhood and honesty as its core qualities and virtues. Dear believers, in the society where we live in, the level graft and corruption is so high. We Muslims are now living in this kind of dilemma. The other form of graft and corruption which is very rampant in our society is justifying and legalizing the wrong and evil, as well as usurpation and fraud. Graft and corruption is haram that Islam so strictly prohibits man’s indulgence in it. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an: O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will:earn happiness in ϡϳυόϟ΍success ϥ΁έϘϟ΍ and ϰϓ ϰϟΎόΗ ௌ ϝΎϗ this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad ϭ ϡΛϹΎΑ αΎϧϟ΍. ϝ΍ϭϣ΃ ϥϣ ΎϘϳέϓ ΍ϭϠϛ΄Ηϟ ϡΎϛΣϟ΍ ϰϟ· ΂ϬΑ ΍ϭϟΩΗ ϭ ϝρΎΑϟΎΑ ϡϛϧϳΑ ϡϛϟ΍ϭϣ΃ ΍ϭϠϛ΄Η ϻ ϭ "

(˺́́ ΓέϘΑϟ΍ofΓέϭγ .ϥϭϣϠόΗ Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has come to fight all :form social) vices andϡΗϧ΃ all reprehensible actions, prohibiting all sins inwardly and outwardly. The purpose of Islam is to establish a clean which sin,for crime, graftnor anduse corruption motive for “And do not eat upand yourvirtuous propertysociety amonginyourselves vanities, it as bait and for the judges, obscenity and evil do not exist. A society that is free from dishonesty, bribery, fraud, lewdness, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people's property”. rudeness and immorality. Islam has long struggled to establish such a clean society, which is (2:188) based on modesty, brotherhood and honesty as its core quality and virtue. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam never increase or circulate your wealth by immoral, illegal Dear believers! In the society where we live in and the level graft and corruption is so high, we dealings! Muslims are now living in this kind of dilemma. The other form of graft and corruption which is very rampant ininour is justifying legalizing the wrong and evil,ofas usurpation The Prophet hissociety last sermons duringand his farewell pilgrimage, a prelude hiswell nearasdemise said: and fraud. Graft and corruption is haram that Islam so strictly prohibits man’s indulgence to it. “Indeed your blood, wealth and all your possessions or your pride are prohibited for you if you Allah said in the Holy Qur’an: corrupt them, neither is it proper for you to waste them. Corruption is one of the biggest sins in the eyes of Allah, which causes the Divine Wrath on Earth.” "

Similarly, Allah said in the Qur’an:

:Ύοϳ΃ ϝΎϗ ϭ

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.ϥϭόΟέϳ ϡϬϠόϟ ΍ϭϠϣϋ ϯΫϟ΍ νόΑ ϡϬϘϳΫϳϟ αΎϧϟ΍ ϯΩϳ΃ ΕΑγϛ ΎϣΑ έΣΑϟ΍ϭ έΑϟ΍ ϰϓ ΩΎγϔϟ΍ έϬυ " (˽˺ :ϡϭέϟ΍ Γέϭγ) “Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of the hands of men have earned, that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from evil).” (30:41)

According to scholars of tafsir, the curse resulting from men’s sins causes draught that dries up the earth; halts the growth and loss of crops; burns buildings and properties; produces not only heavy and extended rainfall, causing floods; but also produces strong winds and typhoons, and destructive earthquakes that result to massive deaths and loss of properties. These and other forms of disasters and calamities worsen the already sad state of poverty among the Earth’s inhabitants. Because of these trying experiences, some people wittingly resort to lawlessness and other forms of corruption as what indeed has happened in some parts of the region. Beware! These are signs of a diminishing faith. But as stated earlier none can and should justify as legal and proper anything that is immoral and corruption in our midst. Such would only entail misunderstanding among the people who may resort to engaging in rido (family feud), which is prevalent in our society. All these results are from the after effect of indulging to sinful misdeeds among the people—the most common of which is graft and corruption. One prominent scholar of Islam, Abul Aliyah, said: “Anyone who indulges in sinful acts on the surface of earth is indeed causing the destruction of this planet, because in truth, the earth’s provision and everything in its atmosphere and the terrestrial region moves in sheer dependence upon man’s faith and acquiescence of God’s Commandments laid down by Islam. The Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Verily, the believers and the community including the plants and animals, takes rests or respite upon the death of every evil-doer.” The Prophet

also said:

“No community that they are being wronged but their number and strength is superior over the evil-doers, and (if) they do not stop the evil, God will increase to them destruction and calamities.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, in the sayings of the Holy Prophet , it is evident that if graft and corruption as we witness in our community today will not be stopped, the curse of the Almighty will fall on us and those who engage in corruption, affecting even those who did not engage in it. The corrupt will suffer the irritation and annoyance of the Almighty. In the Qur’an, Allah said:

(˻̋:ϝΎϔϧϷ΍) "ΏΎϘόϟ΍ ΩϳΩη ௌ ϥ΃ ΍ϭϣϠϋ΍ϭ ˬ ΔλΎΧ ϡϛϧϣ ΍ϭϣϠυ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϥΑϳλΗ ϻ ΔϧΗϓ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ"

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And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allâh is Severe in punishment. (8:25) The Prophet Muhammad

also said:

“Indeed, a single judgment enforced against the culprit in a community is better to them than forty days of rain." In this regard, my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, it is incumbent to all of us to work in our limited capacity in the elimination of graft and corruption at all levels. We are responsible in the eyes of the Almighty. We have to be very careful from the very beginning. We have to exercise our rights to choose the right persons that will promote the welfare of the community and will lead the campaign and drive against graft and corruption. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to you. Answer our prayers! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached to other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the Hereafter from all the tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on us, on our leaders and on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an and benefit us in whatever is in it the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Political System in Islam

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) The political system under Islam is based upon the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad . Its basic rules and principles are set out from the Glorious Qur’an and this was exemplified by the Holy Prophet . Islam sternly requires the Muslim community to choose or appoint a leader who can lead and guide them in their secular affairs in preparation for the Eternal Life Hereafter. The Prophet said: “It is not allowed for three persons to travel on land but to appoint one of them as the leader.” Al Murudi, a scholar of the Shafii school of thought, said: “The leadership is associated to an exalted status of persons deemed successor to prophets, and related to safeguarding the religion and all that is for the good or welfare of the people.” Leadership is a very important commandment of Allah, the Most High when He said:

(̋̂:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "...ϡϛϧϣ έϣϷ΍ ϲϟϭ΃ϭ ϝϭγέϟ΍ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ϭ ௌ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" “O, ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority amongst you.” (4:59)

The religion of Islam safeguards the foundation and manner of leadership wherein the leader is never allowed to introduce innovations (Bid’ah) in the same manner that none should be rid or lessened from the complete way of Islam. Any innovation added is Bid’ah and constitutes invention of falsehood against Allah. Allah, the Most High said: The religion of(˺˹̋ Islam:ϝΣϧϟ΍ safeguards the foundation of leadership leader ) "ϥϭΑΫΎϛϟ΍ ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ϭand ௌmanner ΕΎϳ΂Α ϥϭϧϣ΅ϳ ϻ ϥϳΫϟ΍wherein ΏΫϛϟ΍ the ϯέΗϔϳ Ύϣϧ·is" never allowed to introduce innovations (Bid’ah) in the same manner that none should be rid or lessened from the complete way of Islam. Any innovation added is Bid’ah and constitutes “It is thoseofwho believeagainst not in the signs of Allah that forge falsehood: It is they who lie.” (16:105) invention falsehood Allah.

Bid’ahthe leads people astray and never will it succeed and never will Allah accept any of which. Allah, Most High said: The Prophet Muhammad said: “Anybody who invents innovations in this religion or in anyway that does not belong to it shall not be accepted.” The foundation of leadership is Shoorah (consultation) which is the teaching of that verse we uttered earlier. Consultation is best encouraged on matters that are not clear and explicit in the Qur’an and the Hadith. Matters that are clear and explicit in the verses of the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Hadith must be followed straightforward without reservations. Shoorah is done to make clear differing interpretations of the teachings of Qur’an and Hadith and is not to shorten or do away with the meaning and significance of the two main sources of learning in Islam. Bid’ah leads people astray and never will it succeed and never will Allah accept any of which. The Prophet Muhammad

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Qatadah, a prominent Muslim scholar said: “Allah, the Most High, commanded His Prophet to adopt consultation with his companions even in that situation where Wahi (Heavenly Guidance) is available. Indeed, Shoorah is beneficial to the people and that if they are conducting such consultation to please Allah, He, the Most High will guide them to the Truth.” During his time, the Prophet Muhammad the leader of the Ummah, advocated Shoorah even though he is Heavenly Guided. Ustadz Muhammad Hussain Haikal, one of the famous Muslim scholars of his time said: “Indeed, consultation is the very basic foundation of this life and never in the philosophy of the Prophet to lead alone his Divine mission except those that explicitly ordained by Allah.” Islam lays clearly the rules and regulations of leadership, from the basics of selecting the would be leader up to how he shall conduct the affairs of leading and his personal interaction with the people. Ibn Taymiyyah said: “It is a must that leadership be done according to Shari’ah and is done as Ibadah (worship) to get near to Allah which is considered as among the best forms of worship in obedience to Him and which is in conformity with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad .” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The principle of Shoorah teaches Muslims how a person should conduct his affairs so that, he will not become too self-centered and he will not abandon the responsibilities which devolve on him as a personality whose development counts in the eyes of Allah. In the context of Islam, consultation implies transparency and open-mindedness, which can only happen with respect and trust, empowerment, freedom of expression, readiness to be criticized, acceptance of divergence of views and other similar things. This principle was applied to its fullest extent by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad in his entire life both in private and in public affairs and was fully acted by the early Caliphs of Islam. These are the guidelines in the selection of leader in Islam: the manner of selection must be according to just one of these guidelines pursuant to the succession of the Khulafa after the Prophet Muhammad . Contemporary scholars have interpreted the process through which the Caliphs or leaders (Imam) succeeded the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad in the view of modern-day developments in selection of leaders, namely sector/popular voting or election; (Abubakar) appointment (Omar); majority representative nomination or voting (Usman); and unanimous party nomination (Ali). Indeed, these men had each become leaders’ model of their times, and that civilized nations of our time still uphold the process through which they assume the political leadership of the Muslim government. Specifically, the election of leaders to the highest position in the ARMM has been a combination of popular election and majority party nomination through which Abubakar, Usman and Ali assumed the leadership of the Muslim government. The Regional Cabinet is filled with men and women appointed by the Regional Governor to their respective portfolio positions. The Speaker of the Regional Legislative Assembly, like the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President, is elected by Khutba: way ofAmajority representative Selected Guide to Social Development forvoting. the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 49

of the Regional Legislative Assembly, like the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President, is elected by way of majority representative voting. All these, brothers and sisters, show that Islam is a system that is hardly outdated by today’s political system. The Prophet Muhammad

said:

“It is incumbent upon you to follow my path and the examples of the Khulafa ur-Rashideen.” Once a leader is selected according to the manner prescribed by Islam, the people must follow him in ease and hardship, up to the point where the leader is clearly and explicitly not doing the inherent leadership functions against the Revelations of the Holy Qur’an and Tradition of the Hadith. That is the other meaning of the saying of the Prophet

when he said:

“To listen and follow must a Muslim do, willingly or unwillingly, up to where the instruction is not against the Shari’ah. If the command is against the Shari’ah, it is not proper to listen much more follow.” Similarly, Islam rejects all kinds of autocratic authority or special privileges for a special person, groups or community. It also rejects hereditary rule because in Islam, no particular lineage has the monopoly over competence and integrity. The best person you can employ as stated in the Qur’an is the one who is competent and honest. Therefore, we Muslim voters as prescribed by Islam ought to choose and elect those who are deem to be the most competent and the most honest Ali, the fourth Caliph of Islam instructed, Malik ibn Ashtar Al-Nakha’ie before dispatching to Egypt as its governor said: “Know, O Malik that I am sending you to a country which has been subjected before you to both just and unjust rulers, and so the people will judge you in the same way now stand in judgment of your predecessors. Therefore, let good works be your assets. Discipline yourself and covet not that which is not rightly yours. Train your hearts to feel compassion for the people, to love them and be kind to them. Do not behave like a ferocious beast towards them, snatching away their sustenance, for the people are of two categories; they are your brother in religion ad/or your fellow human being.”

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The Effects of Dirty Politics in the Community ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy, that the requirement and duty on servants is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and Prophet Muhammad . The political system under Islam is based upon the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad . Its basic rules and principles are set out from the Glorious Qur’an and this was exemplified by the Holy Prophet . The sovereignty of God is the very foundation of the system. Legislation contained in the Qur’an becomes the basic law of the land. In the Qur’an, Allah said:

(˽˽:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍) "ϥϭέϓΎϛϟ΍ ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΄ϓ ௌ ϝίϧ΃ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΣϳ ϡϟ ϥϣϭ" “For those who make decisions other than what Allah has revealed are indeed disbelievers.” (5:44) Dirty politics employs a kind of governance and system in the community or nation, contrary to righteousness in Islam and its Shari’ah modeled by Prophet Muhammad and which his companions had successfully put into practice. It was the teachings of Islam that needs to be emulated on us. Government administrators of Muslim communities who follow not the principles set forth by the Shari’ah of Islam (from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith), could be facing varying problems and difficulties, including threatening destruction through calamities. They are also likely to face social ills that are difficult to overcome, such as thievery, extortion, robbery, killings, pilferage and the likes, which are counterproductive to the people’s struggle for progress. As a form of retribution to the people, any or all of the following may happen: burning of buildings and properties of men, heavy and extended rainfall causing floods, strong winds and typhoons, destructive earthquakes resulting to massive deaths and loss of properties and various forms of disasters to worsen the sad poverty state of communities of men and women. My brothers and sisters, if graft and corruption becomes the rule rather than exemption from which this country has suffered long enough, then be not part of it; rather do extend to one another the preaching of what is good and prohibit among yourselves that which is bad. Allah, the Almighty said:

(̀˼:ϝΎϔϧϷ΍) "έϳΑϛ ΩΎγϓϭ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΔϧΗϓ ϥϛΗ ϩϭϠόϔΗ ϻ· νόΑ ˯Ύϳϟϭ΃ ϡϬοόΑ ΍ϭέϔϛ ϥϳΫϟ΍ϭ" “The unbelievers are protectors, one of another: unless ye do this, (protect each other), there would be tumult and oppression on earth, and great mischief.” (8:73) Similarly, the Holy Qur’an also says: 52 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

ϥϭѧϣϳϘϳϭ έѧϛϧϣϟ΍ ϥѧϋ ϥϭѧϬϧϳϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎѧΑ ϥϭέϣ΄ϳ νόΑ ˯Ύϳϟϭ΃ ϡϬοόΑ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ" "ϡϳѧѧѧϛΣ ίѧѧѧϳίϋ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ϡϬϣΣέϳѧѧѧγ ϙѧѧѧ΋ϟϭ΃ Ϫϟϭѧѧѧγέϭ ௌ ϥϭѧѧѧόϳρϳϭ ΓΎѧѧѧϛίϟ΍ ϥϭѧѧѧΗ΅ϳϭ Γϼѧѧѧλϟ΍ (̀˺:ΔΑϭΗϟ΍) “The believers, men and women, are protectors, one of another: they enjoin what s just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, pay Zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them Wilt Allah Pour His Mercy: For, Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.” (9:71) If Muslims do not perform their own affairs in accordance with Shari’ah, (leaders and government workers, from top to bottom, are implementing the laws, policies, rules and regulations provided for by the Shari’ah) in the homeland then fitna or widespread disbelief, weak iman (faith) and destructive calamities are likely to emerge or occur, as earlier mentioned. It is very clear that all these problems and maladies adversely affecting the communities are the indirect offshoot of these dirty political systems, wherein government administrators and workers tend to ignore the Shariah of the Holy Qur’an and Prophet’s Tradition, and instead implement corrupt policies. Allah calls to the Prophet’s mind in the Holy Qur’an (Yusof: 53) Zalikha, the corrupt wife of Egyptian King Aziz, who once tried to seduce Yusof, said:

(̋˼:ϑγϭϳ) "ϡϳΣέ έϭϔϏ ϲΑέ ϥ· ϲΑέ ϡΣέ Ύϣ ϻ· ˯ϭγϟΎΑ ΓέΎϣϷ αϔϧϟ΍ ϥ· ϲγϔϧ ΉέΑ΃ Ύϣϭ" “Yet I do not absolve myself (of blame): the (human) soul certainly incites evil, unless my Lord doth bestow His Mercy: But surely my Lord is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful”. (12:53) When the people oft to seek the blessings of Allah and that they want to be spared from sufferings and calamities opposite to the good and blessings of this world and the Hereafter, they must unite because they are believers who strengthen their resolve in inviting the people to what is right. Until righteousness prevails upon the community and they forbid evil and able eliminate all forms of immorality and corruption, shall they attain life’s prosperity. Many people would then turn toward Allah and to His Messenger bounty from Allah is forthcoming.

, a sign by which the

Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

O Lord! We know for a fact that individual characters and personalities are often influenced by the environment, of the society that we Your servants live in the speeches we hear and the things we see. We seek refuge unto Thee from the ill-effects of such environment on us and our children.

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Islam Condemns Bribery ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

ϡΛϹΎΑ αΎϧϟ΍ ϝ΍ϭϣ΃ ϥϣ ΎϘϳέϓ ΍ϭϠϛ΄Ηϟ ϡΎϛΣϟ΍ ϰϟ· ΎϬΑ ΍ϭϟΩΗϭ ϝρΎΑϟΎΑ ϡϛϧϳΑ ϡϛϟ΍ϭϣ΃ ΍ϭϠϛ΄Η ϻϭ " (˺́́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍ ) " ϥϭϣϠόΗ ϡΗϧ΃ϭ “Do not eat up each other’s property unjustly (in any illegal ways like stealing, robbing, deceiving etc.) nor give bribery to the rulers (judges before presenting your cases) that you may knowingly eat up a part of the property of others sinfully.” (2:188)

Similarly, the Holy Prophet Muhammad instruction pertaining to bribery. In one Hadith, the Prophet

is very clear in many of his sayings and

of Allah said:

“The giver and taker of the bribe are equal in crime.” The same Hadith was also reported by Abu Huraira, quoting the Prophet Muhammad saying:

“The one who gives bribe and the one who accepts it (in changing) a judgment are both cursed by Allah.” Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! The curse of Allah and His Messenger is only deserved for doing a great evil and a detestable matter. Certainly, bribery is one of the most corrupting practices on earth, for it is a form of changing Allah’s verdict, neglecting people’s rights, establishing fraud and ruining what is right. Bribery is a great cause of corruption in the society and betrayal of the trust. By practicing bribery, the briber wrongs himself, for he spends his money to gain illegal achievements. On the other hand, the bribed wrongs himself by yielding to injustice and oppression against the commandments of Allah. Both of them usurp other people’s rights and take the possession of prohibited property. This shall not benefit them and thus ruin their wealth and the blessings therein. Another Hadith reported by Abdullah bin Amir says:

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Similarly, the Holy Prophet, Muhammad

“The Messenger of Allah

cursed (both) the bribe taker and giver.”

The use of wealth to gain the favor or influence a decision of judges, rulers or officers of public and private offices constitutes bribery. Most often, it is offered with ill-intent at wrongfully acquiring other people’s property or in usurpation of their rights. Similarly, judges and rulers can be the target of bribery, when they tend to favor the briber in their judgment and decisions against the truth. The executive officials may also be targets of bribery, when they neglect carrying out orders, or even worse than that, when they deliberately cease to execute verdicts especially a court verdict against a criminal all because of being bribed. In employment, bribery has an impact in hiring someone at the expense of another who may be more entitled to the job. For example, even if the one in charge passes the answers of the test, the employer might still decide to hire the other person who gave him a bribe. The Prophet

said:

“He who gives authority to a man from amongst a group, even though another from the same group is more pleasing to Allah, has indeed betrayed Allah, His Messenger and the believers.” (Narrated by Al-Hakim) Similarly, bribery can also be involved in implementing projects. In this regard, a tender for a project is published, and one of the bidders may bribe the ones in charge, so takes the project, despite that other bidders may be more honest and more proficient. Bribery can also be influential during conducting criminal investigation, as the investigators can be bribed to be lenient or even negligent in their investigation in favor of the culprits. During the last national election, followed by barangay and SK elections, see how some people of authority allow the misuse of the Holy Qur’an in exacting candidates’ oaths against opting for bloody confrontation during elections. My brothers and sisters, I am afraid we would forever lose the honor that our forefathers dearly preserved with their straight and honest dealings. We may lose this forever if we fail to redeem ourselves from the shameful impression that Muslim Mindanao provinces are a source of captive votes for the right price, bribery that is, from losing candidates of national elections. The evil effect on the bribe-taker is greater because his prayers may not be accepted by Allah since the bribe-taker ate from unlawful sources. Every flesh shaped by and developed out of nutrients from food gotten from unlawful sources cannot receive rewards from Allah. This is because the bribe-taker cannot give justice to the oppressed; he is most likely to take the stand of the person giving bribe. Moreover, the bribe-taker is held in contempt and irreverence by the people and is helpless to a high trust. Dear brothers and sisters in Islam fear Allah and safeguard your religion and the trust you are. Think for a moment which is better for you, to please Allah by establishing His justice and protecting yourselves from falling in the mud of your lusts, or to be oppressors reclining to the deception of this earthly life and subsequently being subjected to the wrath of Allah.

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Finally, the receiver of the bribe cannot in any manner be benefactor of the society. But taking bribe from one source after the other can cause the downfall of the society in which the briber or the receiver lives.

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The Virtues of Consultation ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

΍έϳΛϛ ϻΎΟέ ΎϣϬϧϣ ΙΑϭ ΎϬΟϭί ΎϬϧϣ ϕϠΧϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ αϔϧ ϥϣ ϡϛϘϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϛΑέ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺:˯Ύγϧϟ΍)"ΎΑϳϗέ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϡΎΣέϷ΍ϭ ϪΑ ϥϭϟ˯ΎγΗ ϱΫϟ΍ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ˯Ύγϧϭ “O mankind! Fear your guardian Lord, who created you from a single person, created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; Fear Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, who have strong faith to the Oneness of Allah! Fear Allah completely and be grateful for His immense blessings among which by making us Muslims and gave us Islam as our religion. Our religion was revealed to us by the Almighty with complete Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 59 guidance that makes us understand our relationship with Allah, the Almighty.

and gave us Islam as our religion. Our religion was revealed to us by the Almighty with complete guidance that makes us understand our relationship with Allah, the Almighty. This relationship was explained to us by Allah in the Qur’an:

(̂˻:˯ΎϳΑϧϷ΍) "ϥϭΩΑϋΎϓ ϡϛΑέ Ύϧ΃ϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ Δϣ΃ ϡϛΗϣ΃ ϩΫϫ ϥ·"

This relationship was explained to us by Allah in the Qur’an:

“Verily! Your Ummah [nation] is (of) one religion (of nationhood), and I am your Lord, therefore worship Me (Alone).” (21:92) Dear servants of Allah who are believers! Such principle of relationship between Allah and His creations is manifested in the Holy Qur’an and in the sayings of our dear Prophet Muhammad All the principles of human relations and other guidelines towards the right path and precise directions are contained in the teachings of the Qur’an and exemplified by the practices of the Holy Prophet . In this way, our dear Prophet Muhammad

said:

“I have left unto you two things and if you firmly adhere to them, you will never go astray: The Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and my Sunnah (practices).” There are instances when people (Muslims) have varying interpretations on different matters. It was perfectly instructed by Allah to all the believers that in cases of differences, the Muslims are required to abide by the sayings of the Almighty in the Qur’an, and His dear Prophet . Allah said:

ϩϭΩέϓ ˯ϲη ϲϓ ϡΗϋίΎϧΗ ϥΈϓ ϡϛϧϣ έϣϷ΍ ϲϟϭ΃ϭ ϝϭγέϟ΍ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ϭ ௌ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (̋̂:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "ϼϳϭ΄Η ϭ έϳΧ ϙϟΫ έΧϵ΍ ϡϭϳϟ΍ϭ ͿΎΑ ϥϭϧϣ΅Η ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· ϝϭγέϟ΍ϭ ௌ ϰϟ· “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.” (4:59)

When urgent problems arise about which the Qur’an and the sayings of the Holy Prophet yield no specific resolution, Islam promotes consultation with persons who are in authority on the issue at hand. Any decision should be made after thorough open consultation. Muslims who are in authority should seek the advice and recommendations of other learned Muslims. This is very clear in the Words of Allah, the Almighty: When urgent problems arise about which the Qur’an and the sayings of the Holy Prophet "ϥϭϘϔϧϳ ϡϫΎϧϗίέ Ύϣϣϭ ϡϬϧϳΑ ϯέϭη ϡϫέϣ΃ϭ Γϼλϟ΍ ΍ϭϣΎϗ΃ϭ ϡϬΑέϟ ΍ϭΑΎΟΗγ΍ ϥϳΫϟ΍ϭ" yield no specific resolution, Islam promotes consultation with persons who are in authority on :ϯέϭηϟ΍ the issue at hand. Any decision should be made after thorough open consultation.(˼́ Muslims who) are in authority should seek the advice and recommendations of other learned Muslims. “And those who answer the Call of their Lord and perform As-Salat (are) those who (conduct) This very clear in the Words of Allah,and the who Almighty: their isaffairs by mutual consultation, spend of what We have bestowed on them.” (42:38) 60 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

And Allah also said in the Qur’an:

ϡϬϟ έϔϐΗγ΍ϭ ϡϬϧϋ ϑϋΎϓ ϙϟϭΣ ϥϣ ΏϠϘϟ΍ υϳϠϏ Ύυϓ Εϧϛϭϟϭ ϡϬϟ Εϧϟ ௌ ϥϣ ΔϣΣέ ΎϣΑϓ" (˺̋̂:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁) "ϥϳϠϛϭΗϣϟ΍ ΏΣϳ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ϰϠϋ ϝϛϭΗϓ Εϣίϋ ΍ΫΈϓ έϣϷ΍ ϲϓ ϡϫέϭΎηϭ “And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allâh's) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who put their trust (in Him). (3:159) Allah sent the Prophet Muhammad as Mercy to the creations. Muhammad was the best person ever created by Allah, the seal of prophethood, and yet he listened and took the opinion of his companions. In the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophet encamped in a place which to him was a strategic position. But it was observed by one of his companion Al-Habbab Ibn Monzir the position of the Prophet and asked if the selection of the post was revealed to him by Allah or was it his personal choice. The Holy Prophet told him that the choice was that of his personal opinion and there was no Divine interference involved in it. Al-Habbab shared his opinion with the Prophet that that position was not militarily strategic and suggested that the troops be repositioned to a place more strategic to the advantage of the Muslim forces. After such consultation, the Prophet decided to leave the area and positioned to the place suggested by Al-Habbab. The Battle of Badr was phenomenal, and despite being outnumbered in terms of army size and armament, the few Muslims under the leadership of the Holy Prophet won the war. Part of the success of the Battle of Badr was attributed to the consultative approach applied by the Holy Prophet . Brothers and sisters in Islam, the lessons we learned from the Battle of Badr were the respect of the companions to the Prophet when Al-Habbab respectfully sought the opinion of the Prophet. The companions were indeed very mindful of any act of the Prophet . If the opinion of the Prophet was revealed to him by Allah, the companions would have respectfully and willfully followed the revelation of Allah, unconditionally. Secondly, the Holy Prophet companions.

was never a dictator. He listened to opinions and suggestions of his

The great Battle of Badr was considered to be a Mercy to the Muslims, because of the unity they exuded under the leadership of the Prophet . The victory in the Battle of Badr taught the Muslims a number of lessons. First was the consultation of the Holy Prophet and his companions that resulted to their success. Second was the consultation made after the conflict on issues concerning prisoners of war. The respected companions of the Prophet spoke and put forward opinions in relation to the prisoners. At the end of deliberation and hearing different views of the companions, the Holy Prophet followed the suggestion of Abu Bakr. It also teaches the Muslims that if there are opinions on certain issues, the Muslim in authority should always consider other ideas as was the case in the Battle of Badr and the post-conflict undertakings.

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My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, who have deep faith upon Allah, Islam, our religion, being your complete code of life, has always emphasized the importance of consultation in our daily affairs. Indeed, consultation will always bring good results to the community of Muslims as manifested in the sayings of our dear Prophet Muhammad . “My Ummah will never be united into misguidance.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The principle of consultation as I have mentioned earlier teaches a person on how he should conduct his affairs so that he will not become too egotistical and on the other hand, he will not lightly abandon the responsibilities which devolve on him as a personality whose development counts in the eyes of the Almighty. Consultation certainly implies transparency and open-mindedness which can only happen with respect, trust, empowerment, freedom of expression, readiness to be criticized, and acceptance of divergent views. This principle was applied to its fullest extent by the Holy Prophet in his private and public life and was fully acted upon by the early Caliphs of Islam. In the days of the Holy Prophet , consultation was practiced among leaders of various tribes or groups. The social system of the time was such that these leaders were the most influential as they had proven their prowess in various fields, especially physical strength, mental agility and eloquence in speech. Dear brothers and sisters in Islam let us join hands in imploring Allah the Almighty, the Most Merciful, for His guidance. There is no success to attain, nor goal to achieve except for those who are guided by the Almighty. We also seek His wisdom in granting us to do deeds that would be beneficial to ourselves, to our families and to our communities, especially our religion, Islam. We also ask the Almighty to protect us from evils and grant us good life in this world and in the world hereafter. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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Seeking of Knowledge is an Individual Obligation ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

ˬ ϡϠϘϟΎΑ ϡϠϋ ϱΫϟ΍ ˬ ϡέϛϷ΍ ϙΑέϭ ΃έϗ· ˬ ϕϠϋ ϥϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ϕϠΧ ˬ ϕϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϙΑέ ϡγΎΑ ΃έϗ· " (̋-˺:ϕϠόϟ΍) "ϡϠόϳ ϡϟ Ύϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ϡϠϋ “Read! In the Name of thy Lord, Who created human by the clot (of congenital blood).Read! And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who taught by the (use) of pen; taught human what he knew not.” (96:1-5) Our brothers and sisters in Islam! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and seek knowledge that perchance you will become closer to Allah, your Creator. Seek knowledge that you may be enlightened along the path of truth of that which your religion reveals; that your life in this World is refined in time for its eternal journey to the Hereafter. Indeed, knowledge is light that Allah has bestowed upon you that you may be brought out of the darkness of ignorance and thereby your actions and Ibadah (worship) are set aright to acceptance by Allah. So truly our actions and ritual worship incorrectly done are fruitless. None can deny the immense benefits of seeking knowledge and the importance of acquiring it. First, it is primary way at knowing Allah by the great signs self-evident in His Creation; and of knowing His Laws and Commandments through which the believer is assured heavenly abode in life after death, and therein to live forever. On the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with Him), the Messenger of Allah is reported to have said:

“Whoever sincerely walks on a path to seek knowledge (of Allah), his way to Paradise will be made easy (by Allah) for him” And again: “Whoever bears the sincerity of intent in seeking knowledge and dies along his path to that noble purpose, dies a martyr.” “Verily, the Angels spread their wings to the seekers of knowledge out of their pleasure for what the knowledge seekers are doing; and truly all creatures in the Heavens, and Earth including fishes in the sea, are asking forgiveness from Allah for the learned man (aleem); the superiority of an aleem over the ignorant worshipper is just like the superiority of the full moon over all stars in the sky; the ulama (learned) are the successors of the prophets (example – learned men received the knowledge from that which is left by the Prophet and pass them on to others)." 64 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

The Prophet has neither left a Dinar (gold coin) nor a Dirham (silver coin) but knowledge worthier than any wealth one can obtain in this World. Thus, whoever is trying to learn and earn the knowledge of the prophets wins a fortune” (Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidzi and Ibnu Majah). In truth, when we Muslims speak of martyrdom being associated with the Qur’an and the Hadith, other people might feel alarmed. And this is because it is not the intent or act of seeking knowledge that they see is often associated with martyrdom—whenever the word “martyrdom” is mentioned over the radio, TV, and newspaper reports. But mind you that there are important sources of knowledge in the Qur’an and the Hadith. There were in 1983 non-Muslim scientists, experts, and scholars of diverse fields of discipline from different parts of the world—America, Germany, Japan and Canada—who gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. What was their main purpose in doing so? It was to interpret a few verses of the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad from his Hadith. And these are some of the verses that they discussed thoroughly: Allah the Almighty said:

Δϔρϧϟ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧ ϡΛ ˬ ϥϳϛϣ έ΍έϗ ϲϓ Δϔρϧ ϩΎϧϠόΟ ϡΛ ˬ ϥϳρ ϥϣ Δϟϼγ ϥϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧ ΩϘϟϭ " (˺˽-˺˻:ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍) " ... Δϐοϣ ΔϘϠόϟ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧϓ ΔϘϠϋ “We created man from an extract of clay; then We made him a drop in a place of settlement firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into Alaqa (leech-like suspended thing, a blood clot); then We made the Alaqa into Mudgah (chewed-like substance).” (23:12-14) These verses were thoroughly discussed and interpreted in the book, “Developing Human, Clinically Oriented Embryology” by Dr. Keith Moore, one of the world’s most prominent scientists in the fields of anatomy and embryology and is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. The verse is complemented by a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad

said:

“In everyone of you, all components of your creation are collected together in your mother’s womb by forty days…” “If forty-two nights have passed over the embryo, God sends and angel to it, who shapes it up and creates its hearing, vision, skin, flesh and bones. Then he says, “O Lord is it male or female?” And your Lord decides what He wills…” Allah said in the Qur’an:

(˺̋:ϝΣϧϟ΍) " ... ϡϛΑ ΩϳϣΗ ϥ΃ ϲγ΍ϭέ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ϰϘϟ΃ϭ " “And He has set firm mountains in the earth so that (they) would not shake with you” (16:15) Again Allah said in many chapters of the Qur’an:

(˺˺:ΕϠλϓ ) " ... ϥΎΧΩ ϲϫϭ ˯Ύϣγϟ΍ ϰϟ· ϯϭΗγ΍ ϡΛ " Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 65

“Then He turned to the Heavens when it was smoke” (41:11) Again:

(˼˹:˯ΎϳΑϧϷ΍) "...ΎϣϫΎϧϘΗϔϓ ΎϘΗέ ΎΗϧΎϛ νέϷ΍ϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϥ΃ ΍ϭέϔϛ ϥϳΫϟ΍ έϳ ϡϟϭ΃ " “Have not the unbelievers known that the Heavens and the Earth were one connected entity, then We separated them?” (21:30)

ϕϭϓ ΎϬοόΑ ΕΎϣϠυ ΏΎΣγ Ϫϗϭϓ ϥϣ Νϭϣ Ϫϗϭϓ ϥϣ Νϭϣ ϩΎηϐϳ ϲΟϟ έΣΑ ϲϓ ΕΎϣϠυϛ ϭ΃ " (˽˹:έϭϧϟ΍) " ... Ύϫ΍έϳ Ωϛϳ ϡϟ ϩΩϳ ΝέΧ΃ ΍Ϋ· νόΑ “(Or their likeness) is the darkness in the deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. (The sources of) darkness are above another. If man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it…” (24:40) Such is the likeness of ignorance—and seeking refuge from the darkness of ignorance explains the reason why those experts, scientists and scholars of their respective fields gathered together in that convention. Their efforts may be an example of the importance of seeking knowledge that Islam, especially, has so obliged its followers with. Seek knowledge by exerting much effort and spending your provision in the way of Allah is encouraged by this Hadith as what the Ulama did ahead of us. They had to travel to far places for months or years in search of only one Hadith, which was not relayed to them. One of those was Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari who departed from Madina to Egypt in order to meet with one of the Sabah who narrated to him just one Hadith from the Prophet . In similar case, Allah decreed upon the Prophet Mohammad who was unlettered to read as commanded in the first revelation made through him. This Divine Commandment indicates the importance of seeking knowledge which is boundless. Al-Hassan Al-Basri (May Allah have Mercy on Him) said: “No Aleem (learned) can exceed but is always being exceeded by Allah.” Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with Him) said: “There is no way wherewith to make entrance to paradise except by the beneficial knowledge and the virtuous acts; whoever seeks paradise should go through learning and truly shall he seek it (Paradise) the easiest way”. My brothers and sisters in Islam, everlasting peace rests in Paradise for those who strive to achieve the bliss of Eternity. The final entrance to Paradise is to gain the love and pleasure of Allah. We can only get the love and pleasure of Allah by seeking the knowledge and know Islam extensively well. The Prophet Muhammad spread the teachings of Qu’ran, and his Hadith was recorded, interpreted and compiled by early Muslim scholars (after his demise); the Sahabah, Tabi’in and Tabi-it Tabi-in and their right application.

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recorded, interpreted and compiled by early Muslim scholars (after his demise); the Sahabah, Tabi’in and Tabi-it Tabi-in and their right application. We should remember that by our original state and birth we are all ignorant of the rules and regulations that Allah has prescribed us. Imam Al-Shafi’e (may the mercy of Allah be with him) said: No one is born aleem (learned) . For this reason, we should go out from the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge. Thus, Allah the Exalted, has sent down His Book, al-Qur’an as light which will ever serve as our torch over immense things that Allah has bestowed in all His compassion and mercy to humankind. Allah the Most Merciful says: We should remember that by our original state and birth we are all ignorant of the rules and Ωϗ έϳΛϛ ϥϋ ΍ϭϔόϳϭ ΏΎΗϛϟ΍ ϥϣ ϥϭϔΧΗ ϡΗϧϛ Ύϣϣ ΍έϳΛϛ ϡϛϟ ϥϳΑϳ Ύϧϟϭγέ ϡϛ˯ΎΟ Ωϗ ΏΎΗϛϟ΍ ϝϫ΄ϳ " regulations that Allah has prescribed us.

ϥϣ ϡϬΟέΧϳϭ ϡϼγϟ΍ ϝΑγ Ϫϧ΍ϭοέ ϊΑΗ΍ ϥϣ ௌ ϪΑ ϱΩϬϳ ˬ ϥϳΑϣ ΏΎΗϛϭ έϭϧ ௌ ϥϣ ϡϛ˯ΎΟ ϡϬϳΩϬϳϭ ϪϧΫΈΑ έϭϧϟ΍ ϰϟ· ΕΎϣϠυϟ΍

Imam Al-Shafi’e (may the mercy Allah be with him) said: ϰϟ· (˺˿ -˺̋of:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍ )"ϡϳϘΗγϣ ρ΍έλ “No one is born aleem (learned)”.

For people this reason, should go out from darkness Now of ignorance intototheyou light of knowledge. “O of theweScripture (Jews and the Christians)! has come Our Messenger Thus, Allah the Exalted, Has him) sent explaining down His Book, as Light which will ever serve as (Muhammad peace be upon to youal-Qur’an much of that which you used to hide from our Scriptures torch over and immense things Allahout has bestowed in All His Compassion andhas Mercy to the passing over that (leaving without explaining) much. Indeed, there come humankind. to you from Allah the Light (Prophet Muhammad peace be upon) and a Book (al-Qur’an); wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Compassion and Mercy. Allah takes them from of darkness of ignorance into the light of truth by His will and unto the right path.” (5:15-16) Allah the Most Merciful says:

Truly Allah is pleased with those believers who are endowed with knowledge inherited from the Prophet and His faithful companions who received such knowledge from the Prophet and put them into practice. Allah, the Exalted: Truly Allahίϳίόϟ΍ is pleased withϪϟ·those believers are΍ϭϟϭ΃ϭ endowed with knowledge ) "ϡϳϛΣϟ΍ ϭϫ ϻ· ϻ ργϘϟΎΑ Ύϣ΋Ύϗwho ϡϠόϟ΍ Δϛ΋ϼϣϟ΍ϭ ϭϫ ϻ· Ϫϟ·inherited ϻ Ϫϧ΃ ௌfrom ΩϬηthe" Prophet and His faithful companions who received such knowledge from the Prophet and put (˺́:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ them into practice.

“Allah the Bears witness that Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the Allah, Exalted: Angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. Lâ ilâh illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-mighty, the All-wise.” (3:18) Allah, the Exalted, also says: Allah, the Exalted, also says: Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 67

ௌ ϥ· ˯ΎϣϠόϟ΍ ϩΩΎΑϋ ϥϣ ௌ ϰηΧϳ Ύϣϧ· ϙϟΫϛ Ϫϧ΍ϭϟ΃ ϑϠΗΧϣ ϡΎόϧϷ΍ϭ Ώ΍ϭΩϟ΍ϭ αΎϧϟ΍ ϥϣϭ " (˻́:έρΎϓ) "έϭϔϏ ίϳίϋ “And of men and ad-Dawâb (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and cattle, in like manner of various colors, it is only those who have knowledge among His (servants) that fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-mighty, Oft-forgiving." (35:28) Allah, the Most High, also says:

(˺˺:ΔϟΩΎΟϣϟ΍) " ... ΕΎΟέΩ ϡϠόϟ΍ ΍ϭΗϭ΃ ϥϳΫϟ΍ϭ ϡϛϧϣ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ௌ ϊϓέϳ ... " Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. (58:11) Finally our dear Prophet

said:

“Learn Al-Ilm (knowledge), for learning is a type of Khashyah (Fear) of Allah. Seeking it is an act of worship. Studying it is a type of Tasbih (glorification of Allah). Searching for it is a Jihad. Teaching it to those who do not know is a charity and delivering it to those worthy of it is an act of drawing closer to Allah. This is one of the Khutbas of the Prophet on the importance of knowledge.” O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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The Importance of Knowledge

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ˶ ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

ˬ ϡϠϘϟΎΑ ϡϠϋ ϱΫϟ΍ ˬ ϡέϛϷ΍ ϙΑέϭ ΃έϗ· ˬ ϕϠϋ ϥϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ϕϠΧ ˬ ϕϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϙΑέ ϡγΈΑ ΃έϗ· " (̋ -˺:ϕϠόϟ΍) " ϡϠόϳ ϡϟΎϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ϡϠϋ

Allah has said in the Qur’an:

“Read! In the name of thy Lord who created humans by the clot (of congenital blood). Read! And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, Who taught by the (use) of pen; taught humans what he knew not.” (96:1-5) Prophet Muhammad

stated:

“The rank of the A’alim (scholar in Islam) over the shaheed (martyr) is one degree and the rank of the shaheed over the mu’min (A’abid) is one degree and the rank of the A’alim over ordinary people is like my own prominence (as a prophet) over lower status.” This Hadith sings the praises of people who believe deeply in Islam. It categorizes their degrees in spiritual status: 1. The Devout who only emphasizes acts of worship, dedicating himself to it as an end by itself. 2. The Martyr (the believer who has become Shaheed); 3. The Scholar (the believer who is al-Aalim). In this Hadith, the scholar (aleem) in Islam holds the banner of Islam over the rest, being exalted in spiritual rank, next or equal to that of the Prophet followed by the believers devoting much time in worship above all other duties. On the other hand, the Holy Prophet

also said:

“The seeking of knowledge is a religious duty [obligatory] to every Muslim man and woman.” From this Hadith, we deduce that seeking knowledge and acquiring it is a duty of any Muslim. The obligation to pursue knowledge is not specifically prescribed to persons of particular social class. Rather, it is made obligatory upon every Muslim, male or female, whatever his or her color or educational background may be. Therefore, it is a religious duty (faridha) to seek knowledge and wisdom, even as are other obligatory duties in Islam such as salat (prayers), fasting (sawm), hajj (pilgrimage), struggle for righteousness and perfection (jihad), and the preaching of good deeds and prohibiting the evil ones.

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righteousness and perfection (jihad), and the preaching of good deeds and prohibiting the evil ones. My brothers and sisters in Islam! Sources of knowledge are infinite. Allah says no mortal being can produce a single verse of His Revelation—even by using all trees on Earth sharpened for pencils (or rolls of paper) and neither with thrice as much as the waters of the seas for ink. And this is a Divine challenge that the Holy Qur’an poses upon the mortal man, particularly the unbelieving. That is why the Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” And: “Seek knowledge even if one has to go to China.” Allah said in the Qur’an: My brothers and sisters in Islam! Sources of knowledge are infinite. Allah says no mortal being can produce a single verse of His Revelation—even by using all trees on Earth sharpened for ΔϘϠϋ Δϔρϧϟ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧ ϡΛ ˬ ϥϳϛϣ έ΍έϗ ϲϓ Δϔρϧ ϩΎϧϠόΟ ϡΛ ˬ ϥϳρ ϥϣ Δϟϼγ ϥϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧ ΩϘϟϭ" pencils (or rolls of paper) and neither with thrice as much as the waters of the seas for an ink. (˺˽ -˺˻:upon ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ ) " ...man, Δϐοϣ ΔϘϠόϟ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧϓ And this is a Divine challenge that the Holy Qur’an poses the mortal particularly the unbelieving. “We created man from an extract of clay; then We made him a drop in a place of settlement That is why the Prophet Muhammad firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into Alaqa (leech-like suspended thing, a blood clot); then We made the Alaqa into Mudgah (chewed-like substance).” (23:12-14) This verse was thoroughly discussed and interpreted in the book, “Developing Human, Clinically Oriented Embryology” by Dr. Keith Moore, one of the world’s most prominent scientists in the fields of anatomy and embryology and is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. The verse is complemented by a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad

said:

“In everyone of you, all components of your creation are collected together in your mother’s womb by forty (40) days…” “If forty-two (42) nights have passed over the embryo, God sends and angel to it, who shapes it up and creates its hearing, vision, skin, flesh and bones. Then he says, “O Lord is it male or female?” And your Lord decides what He wills.” Moore’s American colleagues, Dr. Jo Leigh Simpson of the Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, Texas) and Dr. E. Marshall Johnson of Anatomy and Development Biology at the Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) both studied Hadith. Simpson commented that the “two Hadith provide us with specific timetable for the main embryological development before forty days… We learn from these experts that seeking knowledge is not limited to a specific age bracket or time; and neither can knowledge be enough of its seekers. In other words, Muslims must use every opportunity for seeking knowledge. We know that there is a specific time for prayer, a specific time for fasting, and a specific time for hajj. However, the duty of seeking knowledge in Islam is not limited to any specific moment, time, age, or year. The time Selected Khutba: A Guide Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 71 span within which seeking knowledge cantobe done is broadly extended anytime “from the cradle to the grave.” How many of us do that? Find out and contemplate!

seeking knowledge can be done is broadly extended anytime “from the cradle to the grave.” How many of us do that? Find out and contemplate! In addition, there exist several quotations from the Holy Qur’an that equates knowledge with what is said of piety and righteousness. About knowledge, the Qur’an says:

ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϱϭΗγϳ ϝϫ ϝϗ ϪΑέ ΔϣΣέ ΍ϭΟέϳϭ ΓέΧϵ΍ έΫΣϳ Ύϣ΋Ύϗϭ ΍ΩΟΎγ ϝϳϠϟ΍ ˯Ύϧ΁ ΕϧΎϗ ϭϫ ϥϣ΃" (̂:έϣίϟ΍) " ΏΎΑϟϷ΍ ΍ϭϟϭ΃ έϛΫΗϳ Ύϣϧ· ϥϭϣϠόϳ ϻ ϥϳΫϟ΍ϭ ϥϭϣϠόϳ “Is one who is obedient to Allâh, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allâh's Signs and Verses).” (39:9) Islam considers knowledge as a spiritual light and it considers ignorance as darknessknowledge as a sight while ignorance as blindness. The Qur’an says:

ϻϭ Ύόϔϧ ϡϬγϔϧϷ ϥϭϛϠϣϳ ϻ ˯Ύϳϟϭ΃ ϪϧϭΩ ϥϣ ϡΗΫΧΗ΄ϓ΃ ϝϗ ௌ ϝϗ

Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ Ώέ ϥϣ ϝϗ "

Islam considers knowledge as a spiritual light and it considers ignorance as darkness˯Ύϛέη Ϳ ΍ϭϠόΟ έϭϧϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϣϠυϟ΍ ϱϭΗγΗ ϝϫ ϡ΃ έϳλΑϟ΍ϭ ϰϣϋϷ΍ ϱϭΗγϳ ϝϫ ϝϗ ΍έο knowledge as a sight ϡ΃ while ignorance as blindness.

(˺˿:Ωϋέϟ΍) " έΎϬϘϟ΍ ΩΣ΍ϭϟ΍ ϭϫϭ ˯ϲη ϝϛ ϕϟΎΧ ௌ ϝϗ ϡϬϳϠϋ ϕϠΧϟ΍ ϪΑΎηΗϓ ϪϘϠΧϛ ΍ϭϘϠΧ

The Qur’an says: “Say (O Muhammad): "Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It is) Allâh." Say: "Have you then taken (for worship) Auliyâ' (protectors, etc.) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves?" Say: "Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign to Allâh partners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them." Say: "Allâh is the Creator of all things, He is the One, the Irresistible." (13:16) Thus, the pursuit of knowledge is a continuing endeavor; it is like the light and source of sight to us. To all Muslims it is obligatory, indeed. Finally our dear Prophet

said:

“Learn Al-Ilm (knowledge), for learning is a type of Khashyah (Fear) of Allah. Seeking it is an act of worship. Studying it is a type of Tasbih (glorification of Allah). Searching for it is a Jihad. Teaching it to those who do not know is a charity and delivering it to those worthy of it is an act of drawing closer to Allah. This is one of the Khutab of the Prophet (peace be upon him) on the importance of knowledge.” O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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The Rights of Children in Islam

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

O servants of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights, for they are but phases of time that you pass through to the life of the hereafter until you reach your final destination. Every passing day draws you closer to the hereafter and away from this life. He who takes advantage of the opportunities of these days and nights avails by doing what gets him closer to his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes that occur on their passage. Blessed is he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing the alterations of life and what they entail of wisdom and secrets. Children are considered a joy, an adornment as well as a way to continue one’s descent. Islam enjoins us to have children but it insists as the same time that they should be good and righteous which requires an intensive effort to raise them correctly. The ability to raise children correctly is an inherent requirement of marriage in Islam. Just as obedience toward the parents is taught to and enjoined of children, the parents also have their natural duties and responsibilities upon their children. Not only do newlyweds need fresh reminders of parental duties and responsibilities in family life. Indeed, the same reminder to all of us comes from the Qur’an and the Hadith (Tradition) Prophet of Allah. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah Says:

"ϼϣ΃ έϳΧϭ ΎΑ΍ϭΛ ϙΑέ Ωϧϋ έϳΧ ΕΎΣϟΎλϟ΍ ΕΎϳϗΎΑϟ΍ϭ ΎϳϧΩϟ΍ ΓΎϳΣϟ΍ Δϧϳί ϥϭϧΑϟ΍ϭ ϝΎϣϟ΍ " (˽˿:ϑϬϛϟ΍) “Wealth and children are the adornment of the life in this world. But righteous deeds that last are better with your Lord for rewards and better in prospect of hope.” (18:46). The Prophet

was said to have extended the greetings of peace even to children.

A child is an apple of one’s eye; a source of great joy and companionship—and of great hope, next to Allah. This blessing brings forth mercy and abundance in reward. However, this depends in large extent upon children’s upbringing by which we, parents, rear them to become obedient and respectful children and as individuals worthy of the human title khalifa or God’s vicegerent on earth. Such is the reason why Allah has so described them in the above Ayat (verse) of the Holy Qur’an. Muslims should perform their parental responsibilities toward their children and such responsibilities are inherent rights of children from their parents. Allah says:

ϻ Ω΍Ωη υϼϏ Δϛ΋ϼϣ ΎϬϳϠϋ ΓέΎΟΣϟ΍ϭ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϫΩϭϗϭ ΍έΎϧ ϡϛϳϠϫ΃ϭ ϡϛγϔϧ΃ ΍ϭϗ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " (˿:ϡϳέΣΗϟ΍) " ϥϭέϣ΅ϳ Ύϣ ϥϭϠόϔϳϭ ϡϫέϣ΃ Ύϣ ௌ ϥϭλόϳ

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“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not (for executing) the commands they receive from Allah but do that which they are commanded.” (66:6) The Holy Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Two persons were bane to Islam after me.” His followers asked who these persons would be and the Messenger of God said, “The first is the learned who keeps his learning (education) by himself and did not share it with others. The second is the uneducated who pretend to know better (in matters of religion).” At times, the ulama here stood calm in the midst of adverse comments from some younger persons who uphold violence and claimed to have learned Islam better. In another day, the same people would seek dialogue with the ulama on unconventional changes on otherwise established interpretation of the Shariah of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet . Everything has its share of adverse and beneficial outcome. For, such occasions of dialogue gave each party the opportunity to know each other’s stand as well as the background and academic tools upon which violence on the other side or tolerance on our part was upheld. The Muslim parents ought to provide their children with sound education or continuing learning on Islam and upbringing based on the noble character of the Prophet . Education is the right of every Muslim child. In Surah al-Alaq, the first verse revealed to Prophet Muhammad (under compulsion in the hands of the Archangel Jibril), thus:

, Allah commands His Prophet

“Read! In the name of your Lord Who created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick congenital blood). Read! And your Lord is Most Generous Who taught (the writing) by the pen; he has taught man that which he knew not. Nay! Verily, man does transgress (in disbelief and evil deed) because he considers himself self-sufficient. Surely, unto your Lord is the return.” (96:1-8) Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Seek knowledge from cradle to grave.” In another occasion he

was reported to have said:

“Seek knowledge even if it has to be (acquired) in China.” And: “God has not created anything better than reason.” Another Hadith quotes the Prophet

as directing the parents to:

“Train your children in archery and swimming.” 76 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

The home is the first environment that the children grow in; it is the place where their parents touch them and help mold their attitude, character and personality as individuals. It is the realm that parents’ role of nurturing the young is to be fulfilled the most and that of giving them equal attention. Sayyid Ibn Musa narrated that the Prophet of Allah

had said:

“No greater gift a father can give his children than (their emulation) of good deeds.” Aside from education, the parents ought to demonstrate their love and affection, and generosity on matters of spending—shun discrimination among their sons and daughters. It is also important that parents should be constantly on guard and be aware of things of the environment that might unduly influence children (including their organization with other youngsters and the forms of media that they read, watch or listen to). A child who feels s/he is being treated fairly, just as his/her siblings are treated equally by parents, often develops self-confidence throughout the growing years. Ill-feelings of jealousy toward the child’s siblings and other people would have no place in the child’s heart but contentment and tolerance. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Remember the rights of our children from us as parents are our corresponding obligations. Parents are responsible in instilling in their children the religious beliefs of Islam even more that the education which everyone is running after. Parents are also to train their children for prayer, fasting, honesty and avoidance of evil practices such as alcohol, drug abuse, and sexual promiscuity. Parents should make their children aware of their family’s history and heritage. In Muslim societies these tasks should not be left entirely to schools since it is the primary responsibility of the parents and are children’s rights. In non-Muslim societies or in societies where Islamic teachings are not correctly followed, the task of Muslim parents is even more grave. O Lord! We know for a fact that individual characters and personalities are often influenced by the environment of the society that we Your servants live in; the speeches we hear and the things we see. We seek refuge unto Thee from the ill-effects of such environment on us and our children.

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Proper Guidance of Children in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

O servants of Allah! Fear Allah and be aware of the fact that Islam has clarified and explained every matter in this life and the Hereafter by showing us their basics and details. We all know that life can be perpetuated only through the survival of the species, the procreation of offspring and the succession of generations. Hence, the procreation of children has been foremost among the noblest objectives of marriage. It is no wonder, therefore, that the love of begetting children comes first and that marriage has been instituted to maintain species and to secure the multiplication of the human race. For this reason, the Prophets and Messengers of Allah (peace be upon them all) expressed their wish to beget the righteous progeny through whom their existence is perpetuated and the remembrance of their names is prolonged. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam endorses the natural relationship of children and their parents by specifying the rights and obligations of one to the other. Parents are to expect tender loving care and respect throughout their lives and should receive special care in old age. Children on the other hand have the rights to genetic purity, to life, legitimacy maintenance and future security. O you with faith! Learn in Islam the beauty of the immense Divine favor to humankind, the guidance, system and laws that benefit you and your children. Human beings form the society in which Islam is followed and established as a system of guidance on secular affairs and as spiritual life that is friendly toward others and a refuge from oppression . Associate no partners with Allah; and seek refuge from darkness of ignorance into the light of Truth in Islam. Muslims carry out great responsibility toward their children even as the Qur’an tells them. Allah said in the Qur’an:

ϻ Ω΍Ωη υϼϏ Δϛ΋ϼϣ ΎϬϳϠϋ ΓέΎΟΣϟ΍ϭ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϫΩϭϗϭ ΍έΎϧ ϡϛϳϠϫ΃ϭ ϡϛγϔϧ΃ ΍ϭϗ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " (˿:ϡϳέΣΗϟ΍) " ϥϭέϣ΅ϳ Ύϣ ϥϭϠόϔϳϭ ϡϫέϣ΃ Ύϣ ௌ ϥϭλόϳ “O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the commands they receive from Allah but do that which they are commanded. (66:6) Upon birth, the parents should immediately utter the Kalima to the infant as mandated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad : “Introduce or utter first and foremost kalima shahada to the newborn.” Aside from bringing up their children with education on Islam, it is a parental responsibility to rear their children in obedience of Allah and His Messenger . Every family should heed the words of the Prophet Muhammad

“Instruct your children to pray when they are seven years of age and hit them if they do not pray when they are ten.” Upon birth, the parents Selected should Khutba: immediately Kalimaforto infant as mandated by the A Guide toutter Social the Development thethe Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 79 Holy Prophet Muhammad

In sports, the Prophet

said:

“Train your children in archery and swimming.” If the parents are not aware of this Hadith, then they are responsible and accountable before Allah for failure and negligence. Ward off your children from hellfire which can be the consequence of ignorance, greed and wayward aspirations which develop as our children grow alongside wrong influence, parental shortfall in rearing them, lack of education, poverty and impropriety in one’s sense of pride, among many factors. Give your children the best of guidance if not the best of education obtained from schools of secular and spiritual learning. Forewarn your children against bragging about your elevated status in life; or not be ashamed of poverty that engulfs many of us. It is better to tell and push them to strive harder in learning than flatter them for gaining insufficient knowledge. For knowledge is one thing required of every Muslim to seek and acquire from cradle to grave. Among families, it often time happens that the child struggles or strives to attain some level of societal heights through education, fame and financial gains. But unfortunately, some of us here in our region who want to take the same path of sheer aspirations have taken the shorter route to notoriety, instead of scholarly fame; to adventurism driven by greed and hatred, instead of the worthy, success-propelling endeavors that would have made parents proud of them. The thought of gaining the most out of obtaining the least in learning has had its share of sad ending stories; some of whose characters have suffered cerebral instability and many had been pulled into violent life or have become a bane to society. The parents should know how to deal with their children using the best and most effective ways at parenting and by which to show them love and affection so they will grow up with confidence. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

Ward off your childrenέΑϛϟ΍ fromϙΩϧϋ hellfire which be the consequence ignorance, and ϼϓ Ύϣϫϼϛ ϭ΃ ΎϣϫΩΣ΃ ϥϐϠΑϳ Ύϣ·can ΎϧΎγΣ· ϥϳΩϟ΍ϭϟΎΑϭ ϩΎϳ· ϻ· of ΍ϭΩΑόΗ ϻ΃ ϙΑέgreed ϰοϗϭ " wayward aspirations which develop as our children grow alongside wrong influence, parental Ώέ ϝϗϭinΔϣΣέϟ΍ ϝΫϟ΍ lack ΡΎϧΟofΎϣϬϟ νϔΧ΍ϭpoverty ˬ Ύϣϳέϛand ϻϭϗimpropriety ΎϣϬϟ ϝϗϭ ΎϣϫέϬϧΗ ϑ΃ ofΎϣϬϟpride, ϝϘΗ shortfall rearingϥϣ them, education, in one’sϻϭ sense among many factors. (˻˽ -˻˼:˯΍έγϹ΍) " ΍έϳϐλ ϲϧΎϳΑέ Ύϣϛ ΎϣϬϣΣέ΍ Give your children the best of guidance if not the best of education obtained from schools Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be dutiful to your parents. If of secular and spiritual learning. Forewarn your children against bragging about your one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, elevated status in life; or not be ashamed of poverty that engulfs many of us. It is better to tell nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. And lower unto them the wing of and push them to strive harder in learning than flatter them for gaining insufficient submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as knowledge. For, knowledge is one thing required of every Muslim to seek and acquire from they did bring me up when I was small." (17:23-24) cradle to grave. The parents should keep watch over their children. They should be watchful guardians of things Among families, it often time happens that the child struggles or strives to attain some level they read and write, and over their doings, their friends as well as the places they go to. The of societal heights through education, fame and financial gains. But unfortunately, some of us children should be equally treated and not to favor any one of them over the others. here in our region who wanted to take the same path of sheer aspirations were befallen by shorter routes to notoriety, instead of scholarly fame; to adventurism driven by greed and hatred, instead of the worthy, success-propelling endeavors that would have made parents proud of them. 80 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines The thought of gaining the most out of, actually, obtaining the least in learning has had its share 80 have suffered cerebral instability, many had of sad ending stories; some of whose characters been pulled into violent life or themselves generally becoming bane to society.

Dear Muslim parents! Remember that we parents are always responsible for instilling in our children the right and correct religious teachings of Islam. We are also obligated to train our children to pray, to fast, to be honest and always instill in them the avoidance of evil practices. The parents are also mandated and responsible for the proper education of their children. The Prophet

said:

“There is nothing better for a parent to leave his child than good breeding.” (Authenticated by AlTabarani) Finally, the parents should instill in them the good manners such as caring for others, being kind to relatives, respect for elders, and love for the young. By doing so, God-willing, the children will grow up in an atmosphere of care, compassion, affection and generosity to be able to grow up as responsible individuals. O Lord! Keep us away from the peril of ignorance, senseless argument and harmful quarrels and violence and help us become aware of our responsibilities as parents toward our beloved children.

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Health and Sanitation in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam is indeed a great blessing for every Muslim. It is a blessing from the Almighty since Islam addresses every aspect of human life. In relation to health and sanitation, Islam gave strong emphasis on the Muslims to look into the important teachings of Islam on health and sanitation. O servants of Allah! Fear Allah and protect yourselves and your offspring from any harm and injury in this World and from grievous punishment in the Hereafter. One of the causes of harm to human health and life is diseases or physical weakness. For this reason, ways and causes by which ailment and diseases can penetrate or even ruin the health should be blocked. According to a wise saying: “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Why do we care for our health? It is because health is much valuable to man and by having good health he can do his works with relative ease and effectively. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad

said:

“The firm believer is better and dearer to Allah than the believer that is weak in resolve.” One of the means of preventing the causes and sources of disease is cleanliness and purification, and in the Sight of Allah such forms part of Ibadah (worship). On the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ash-Ari (May Allah be pleased with him), the following wasf narrated from the saying of the Messenger of Allah: “Purification is a half of faith” (Narrated by Muslim) Why purification is considered half of faith? The reason is that Ibadah is invalid and not accepted by Allah unless it is performed by a person with purity of intention and belief and that his food and drink come from pure and lawful sources. Purity in intention and belief is the basic foundation of all good deeds without which even prayers may be invalidated. A person who observes purification will be much loved by Allah, the Most Merciful. Allah, the Most High, said:

ϥ΃ ϥϭΑΣϳ ϝΎΟέ Ϫϳϓ Ϫϳϓ ϡϭϘΗ ϥ΃ ϕΣ΃ ϡϭϳ ϝϭ΃ ϥϣ ϯϭϘΗϟ΍ ϰϠϋ αγ΃ ΩΟγϣϟ ΍ΩΑ΃ Ϫϳϓ ϡϘΗϻ " (˺˹́:ΔΑϭΗϟ΍) "ϥϳέϬρϣϟ΍ ΏΣϳ ௌϭ ΍ϭέϬρΗϳ “Never stand you therein. Verily, the mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety is worthier that you stand therein (to pray). In it are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure." (9:108)

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And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure for prevention from harm or injury is also part of faith. On the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah Be pleased with him), this Hadith was narrated from statement of the Messenger of Allah : “Belief consists of more than seventy branches; the best of it is saying La ilah ilallah (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and the least of it is removing harm from the path.” (Narrated by Muslim) Removing harm from the path means removing anything that causes harm to one’s body, health, life and property such as broken glass, thorns, dirty garbage, urine, and other foul things, and clearing the way of anything harmful, even as the proper parking of vehicles at rest. Muslims should show the model good examples themselves in their own houses, surroundings, pathways, mosques, schools and places where people assemble or rest. Government officials should also set good examples in observing cleanliness and sanitations and enjoin other people into observance of cleanliness and sanitation for purpose of preventing the cause and sources of sickness and diseases in the community. If there is no disease, the people would enjoy the blessings of health which brings strength, energy in activity to any one, young and old, male and female. Thus, birth spacing is permissible in Islam if it is prescribed with a degree of authority to prevent harm or danger to physical health and the life of the suckling infant or of the mother’s. Such prevention and healthcare concern are among several reasons cited for birth spacing. Birth spacing has been permitted by the Prophet Muhammad . On authority upon Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), a Hadith was narrated: “We used to practice az’l (sexual withdrawal) while the Qur’an was being revealed.” In another version of the same Hadith: “We used to practice sexual withdrawal during the Prophet’s reached him and he did not forbid us.” (Narrated by a Muslim)

lifetime. News of this

The purpose of birth spacing is to give the mother the appropriate period within which she can regain her physical strength that was lost during the period of pregnancy, during the breastfeeding of her baby, as well as during the period of the maternal care for the baby. Physical strength and health are great blessings from Allah which He bestows upon everyone, because strength and health enable a Muslim to perform his/ her duties and works, and enable them to do many virtuous acts within their lifetime. Allah encourages a mother to breast-feed the newborn which is a natural form of birth spacing. Allah, the Most Merciful says:

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ϥϬϗίέ Ϫϟ Ωϭϟϭϣϟ΍ ϰϠϋϭ ΔϋΎοέϟ΍ ϡΗϳ ϥ΃ Ω΍έ΃ ϥϣϟ ϥϳϠϣΎϛ ϥϳϟϭΣ ϥόοέϳ Ε΍Ωϟ΍ϭϟ΍ϭ" ϰϠϋϭ ϩΩϟϭΑ Ϫϟ Ωϭϟϭϣ ϻϭ ΎϫΩϟϭΑ ΓΩϟ΍ϭ έ΂οΗ ϻ ΎϬόγϭ αϔϧ ϑϠϛΗ ϻ ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ϥϬΗϭγϛϭ ϥ΃ ϡΗΩέ΃ ϥ·ϭΎϣϬϳϠϋ ΡΎϧΟ ϼϓ έϭΎηΗϭ ΎϣϬϧϣ ν΍έΗ ϥϋ ϻΎ˰λϓ ΍Ω΍έ΃ ϥΈϓ ϙϟΫ ϝΛϣ Ιέ΍ϭϟ΍ ΎϣΑ ௌ ϥ΃ ΍ϭϣϠϋ΍ϭ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ϡΗϳΗ΁ Ύϣ ϡΗϣϠγ ΍Ϋ· ϡϛϳϠϋ ΡΎϧΟ ϼϓ ϡϛΩϻϭ΃ ΍ϭόοέΗγΗ (˻˼˼:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "έϳλΑ ϥϭϠϣόΗ “The mothers shall give suckle to their children for two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling, but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than that which he can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child; nor father on account of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no sin of them. And if you decide on a foster suckling-mother for your children, there is no sin on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you agreed (to give her) on reasonable basis. And fear Allah and know that Allah is All-seer of what you do.” (2:233) May Allah bestow upon us the blessing (ni’mat) of health, physical strength, the beneficial effect of the intellect and thought. Lastly, we should care and protect our environment from impurities, destruction from sheer exploitation and mismanaged wastes, in order to attain social cleanliness and sanitation which are the sources of good health and strength. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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The Importance of Halal ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

Ύϣϣ ΎΟέΣ ϡϬγϔϧ΃ ϲϓ ϥϭΩΟϳ ϻ ϡΛ ϡϬϧϳΑ έΟη Ύϣϳϓ ϙϭϣϛΣϳ ϰΗΣ ϥϭϧϣ΅ϳ ϻ ϙΑέϭ ϼϓ " (˿̋:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) " ΎϣϳϠγΗ ΍ϭϣϠγϳϭ Εϳοϗ “But no, by your Lord, they can have no faith until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” (4:65) When the Prophet was sent by Allah as His vicegerent on earth, he categorically emphasized the difference between what is Halal and what is Haram. The Prophet Muhammad consistently emphasized the importance of Halal, such that being compulsory or obligatory upon the Muslim is to seek only of sources of living from lawful earnings. Lawful things are clear and unlawful things are also clear. Things unclear and difficult to determine should be avoided. Allah said in the Qur’an:

" ϥϳΑϣ ϭΩϋ ϡϛϟ Ϫϧ· ϥΎρϳηϟ΍ Ε΍ϭρΧ ΍ϭόΑΗΗ ϻϭ ΎΑϳρ ϻϼΣ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ Ύϣϣ ΍ϭϠϛ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " (˺˿́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) “O! ye people! Eat of what is good on Earth, Lawful and good; And do not follow the footsteps of the Evil one (Shaitan); For he is to you an avowed enemy.” (2:168) Again:

" ϥϭΩΑόΗ ϩΎϳ· ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· Ϳ ΍ϭέϛη΍ϭ ϡϛΎϧϗίέ Ύϣ ΕΎΑϳρ ϥϣ ΍ϭϠϛ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " (˺̀˻:ΓέϘΑϟ΍)

“O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allah)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him that ye worship.” (2:172) A Hadith narrated by An-Nuaman ibn Bashir says:

“I heard the Prophet saying both halal and haram are evident but between them are doubtful (unclear) things and most people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these unclear things, he saves his religion and his honor, and whoever indulges in these unclear things is like the shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable if it gets into it. O people Verily! Every king has a hima and the hima of Allah on Earth is His prohibition. Verily there is a piece of flesh (in the human body) wherewith the whole body becomes good when it is good; but when it is bad,Selected the whole body is bad. Beware! It is for thetheheart.” Khutba: A Guide to Social Development Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 87

human body) wherewith the whole body becomes good when it is good; but when it is bad, the whole body is bad. Beware! It is the heart.” Allah said:

" ϥϳΑϣ ϭΩϋ ϡϛϟ Ϫϧ· ϥΎρϳηϟ΍ Ε΍ϭρΧ ΍ϭόΑΗΗ ϻϭ ΎΑϳρ ϻϼΣ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ Ύϣϣ ΍ϭϠϛ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " (˺˿́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) “O! Ye people! Eat of what is good on Earth, Lawful and good; And do not follow the footsteps of the Evil one; For he is to you an avowed enemy.” (2:168).

If we are going to internalize the importance of Halal in the lives of Muslims, Islamic religion is very concerned with and pays great importance to cleanliness of food and drinks. This is because food and drinks not only affect one’s physical wellbeing but also affects one’s spiritual and religious practice towards Allah. Secondly, it is also important for Muslims to consider other things pertaining to Halal. Matters related to sources of livelihood should also be looked whether they were earned through Halal means or from other sources prohibited by Islam. In the same manner, those who are given the responsibility to lead the people, or those who are in authority should also consider the application of Halal governance in discharging their duties and responsibilities. Halal therefore is an encompassing terminology that the Muslim should reflect on in all phases of human life. The essence of Halal in terms of food products was substantially discussed by the Ulama anywhere from raw materials to by-products, and from honest-to-goodness production of Halal foods out of permissible or clean sources and process to a promising global market. But such constituted only half of the whole concept of Halal. The other half entirely rests upon our own watch of our sources of living—clean that is—and therefore free from any contamination of unlawful sources, such as money or provisions derived from robbery, ransom, thief, bribery, dishonesty in matters of trust in private or public transaction, and plunder of public funds. Allah is All-knowing, All-hearing. He knows all that is hidden and all that which we reveal. We are not pointing an accusing finger upon anyone of any crime. Muslims who understand the system of life in Islam are those who are aware of the fact that his religion prohibits all means of earnings that are taken from unlawful sources. Islam declares that all earnings are unlawful in which wealth is acquired without effort and energy exerted for its acquisition. This is the reason why Islam puts great emphasis on lawful acquisition of wealth. Things otherwise acquired without the slightest perspiration of efforts and labor or intellect in higher profession in public or industrial employment, are of those that are obtained unlawfully. On the fruits of labor, the Holy Prophet

said:

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“Pay the wages of labor before the worker’s perspiration dries up.” Scholars of Islam say those who earn wealth by their labor have not only been promised the glad tidings that they will be rewarded with paradise. Islam attaches degradation with usurpation of property of other people. If any profession or business is prohibited in Islam, it is the business of exploitation, and such is not only unlawful; it is deemed mortal sin in Islam. Therefore, invoke your Lord by praying often, reciting His speech with humbleness and humility and being kind to His creation, for Allah like the good doers. Seek the means to approach Allah by being dutiful to parents, and keeping relations with kith and kin and to the rest of the community for Allah keeps relation with those who do so and severs relations with those who shun their relatives. Seek the guidance from Allah by fearing Him and keeping and trusting in Him, for Allah those who trust in Him. Remember Allah always by your words and seek His forgiveness, for truly, those who remember Allah in dhikr will acquire ultimate happiness. Seek the means to approach Allah by loving your Prophet and reciting the Salat for his benefit. Surely, he who recites the Salat on the Prophet, then Allah will suffice for him concerning all his needs. When one says Salat once on the Prophet , Allah will give him ten times that Salat, and he will earn the Prophet’s love and Shafa’a (right to intercede with Allah on the Day of Judgment) by Allah’s leave. Seek Allah’s pleasure by being kind to the orphans, the weak and even animals. Surely, Allah gives mercy to those among His slaves who are merciful. Seek Allah by ridding your hearts from all types of sin, envy and rage towards Muslims, and by offering sincere advice and being compassionate with all creations. Seek the guidance from Allah by abandoning whatever the evil inner self commands one to do and satisfy of sins, lusts and desires, protect your sights from illegal things, preserve your tongue from uttering evil and stay away from all types of beliefs, actions and statements that Allah has disallowed. Seek the guidance from Allah by having perfect sincerity and obeying the Messengers of Allah. Allah willing, if you do this, you will earn all that you seek that are good and beneficial.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Cleanliness in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Muslims implore Allah in worship alone, Who prescribes unto you the practice of cleanliness. Cleanliness in the context of Islam includes not only physical cleanliness. Cleanliness embraces the emotional and intellectual wellbeing of individuals from within, as well as, physically, the external parts of the human body in the personal hygiene. Cleanliness is the key to worship because Allah accepts only that which is clean and pure. In the Qur’an: Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Muslims implore Allah in worship alone, Who prescribes unto them the practice of cleanliness. Cleanliness in the context of Islam includes not ΍ϭΣγϣ΍ϭ ϕϓ΍έϣϟ΍ ϰϟ· ϡϛϳΩϳ΃ϭ ϡϛϫϭΟϭ ΍ϭϠγϏΎϓ Γϼλϟ΍ ϰϟ· ϡΗϣϗ ΍Ϋ· ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" only physical cleanliness. Cleanliness literally embraces the emotional and intellectual ˯ΎΟ ϭ΃ έϔγof ϰϠϋ ϭ΃ ϰοέϣ ϥ·ϭas΍ϭέϬρΎϓ ϡΗϧϛ ϥ·ϭtheϥϳΑόϛϟ΍ ϰϟ·parts ϡϛϠΟέ΃ϭ ϡϛγϭ΅έΑ wellbeing individuals from ϡΗϧϛ within, well as,ΎΑϧΟ physically, external of the human body in the personal hygiene. Cleanliness is the key to worship because Allah accepts only ϡϛϫϭΟϭΑ ΍ϭΣγϣΎϓ ΎΑϳρ ΍Ωϳόλ ΍ϭϣϣϳΗϓ ˯Ύϣ ΍ϭΩΟΗ ϡϠϓ ˯Ύγϧϟ΍ ϡΗγϣϻ ϭ΃ ρ΋Ύϐϟ΍ ϥϣ ϡϛϧϣ that ΩΣ΃ which is clean and pure.

ϡϛϠόϟ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϪΗϣόϧ ϡΗϳϟϭ ϡϛέϬρϳϟ Ωϳέϳ ϥϛϟϭ ΝέΣ ϥϣ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϝόΟϳϟ ௌ Ωϳέϳ Ύϣ Ϫϧϣ ϡϛϳΩϳ΃ϭ In the Qur”an: (˿:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛηΗ “O you who believe! When you intend to offer as-salât (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles. If you are in a state of janâba (had prior lawful sexual engagement), purify yourself (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey or (when) any of you comes from answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women and you find no water, then perform tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His favor on you that you may be thankful.” (5:6) Similarly, the great Prophet Muhammad

declared that:

“Cleanliness is half of iman.” (faith in the Oneness of Allah) Therefore, if the servant stands to worship the Almighty to perform the obligatory prayers, it is very important for him to wear clean clothes, clean the place of worship as well as the body and everything attached to the emotional, social and intellectual well-being of the worshipper. The Almighty Allah said:

":ϥϳϓέγϣϟ΍ ΏΣϳ ϻ Ϫϧ· ΍ϭϓέγΗ ϻϭ ΍ϭΑέη΍ϭ ΍ϭϠϛϭ ΩΟγϣ ϝϛ Ωϧϋ ϡϛΗϧϳί ΍ϭΫΧ ϡΩ΁ ϲϧΑΎϳ" (˼˺:ϑ΍έϋϷ΍) “O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes), while praying and going round (tawâf) the Ka'bah, and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allâh) likes not Al-Musrifûn (the extravagant).” (7:31) The grandson of Prophet Muhammad Hassan the son of Ali used to wear clean and good clothes whenever he performed his prayers. He was once asked why he would always wear new, clean and good clothes. The Grandson of the Prophet said that my Lord (Allah) is Clean and Pure and therefore, Allah loves to see the worshipper clean and pure, and He commands all the believers to take their adornment in mosques. Dear believers in the Oneness of the AAlmighty Allah! It is because of Communities our aspiration for purity, Selected Khutba: Guide to Social Development for the Muslim in the Philippines | 91 cleanliness and hygiene that Allah sends down rains from the sky aside from His blessings (on individuals). 91 Allah said in the Qur’an:

Dear believers in the Oneness of the Almighty Allah! It is because of our aspiration for purity, cleanliness and hygiene that Allah sends down rains from the sky aside from His blessings (on individuals). Allah said in the Qur’an: Allah the Qur’an: ίΟέ said ϡϛϧϋin ΏϫΫϳϭ ϪΑ ϡϛέϬρϳϟ

˯Ύϣ ˯Ύϣγϟ΍ ϥϣ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϝίϧϳϭ Ϫϧϣ Δϧϣ΃ ϡϛϳηϐϳ Ϋ·" (˺˺:ϝΎϔϧϷ΍) "ϡ΍ΩϗϷ΍ ϪΑ ΕΑΛϳϭ ϡϛΑϭϠϗ ϰϠϋ ρΑέϳϟϭ ϥΎρϳηϟ΍

“(Remember) when He covered you with a slumber as a security from Him, and He caused water (rain) to descend on you from the sky, to clean you thereby and to remove from you the rijz (whispering, evil-suggestion) of Shaitân (Satan), and to strengthen your hearts, and make your feet firm thereby.” (8:11) O! Muslims, Believers of Allah! This verse says that God sends down rains from the skies to help cleanse the human body with which to attain physical, intellectual and spiritual cleanliness and, therefore, remove impurities. Moreover, physical tidiness protects the body from sickness or illnesses. Form Islam’s point of view, such is the wisdom of ablution performed prior to each prayer. Aside from that, respected brothers and sisters, cleanliness is not only confined to individual physical body. Cleanliness is also cleaning the house and the surroundings. Islam prescribes Muslims to build comfort rooms as this also forms part of cleanliness in Islam. Another reason for the building of comfort or rest rooms was that Islam forbids urinating in a flowing stream and forbids pissing on streets, under the trees and other shaded places. This simply means that Muslims should also focus on matters related to cleanliness as this entails betterment and general development of the Muslim community. Of equal importance are matters of health, cleanliness and sanitation in direct relation to social welfare. Medical cases of affliction of communicable diseases or incurable illnesses are normally remote on persons or communities giving much emphasis or specific concerns on cleanliness and personal hygiene. On the contrary, filthiness easily attracts diseases and is a catalyst for harmful viruses. Until very recently, there has been this widespread scare on SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome which medical laboratories have traced from harmful bacteria that dwell on filths of human discharge. Equally alarming, but least known is the finding of a Canadian medical specialist named Dr. Glenn Shepherd that establishes direct link between respiratory problem and some incurable diseases with human consumption meat deemed unclean—specifically, pork. But even if Muslims and the People of the Book are prohibited from eating meat of pigs, these are not supposed to be killed just because they are haram or dirty. For, just as other creatures, they may be serving some purpose in the entire creation. It may be that such creatures form essential part of the ecological balance of which most of us do not know much. We were told that biogas derived from a septic tank made for hogs generates electricity that supplies the power requirement in a piggery in the North in which they are raised. The international standards of Halal require complete hygiene and cleanliness. Thus cleanliness is part and partial of the life of every Muslim. But even if the meat of the pig is prohibited to Muslims and the People of the Book, pigs are not other creatures, they may be serving some purpose in the entire creation. It may be that such creatures form essential part of the ecological balance of which92 most of us do not know much.

92 | Selected Khutba: A Guidejust to Social Development for are the Muslim Communities in the Philippines supposed to be killed because they Haram or dirty. For, just as

We were told that biogas derived from a septic tank made for hogs generates electricity that

international standards of Halal require complete hygiene and cleanliness. Thus cleanliness is part and partial of the life of every Muslim.

In this respect, the Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Do not harm and do not be harmed.” But my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, if we look at the sad state of some local Muslim communities today, one would regrettably admit seeing instead the virtue of cleanliness among our brothers and sisters of the other faith. It is therefore a challenge to every one of us to seriously look into this concern. We have the Book of Allah, the Qur’an and we have also the teachings of the Holy Prophet . If we apply both the teachings of the Qur’an and the Tradition of Prophet Muhammad in the conduct of life, we certainly are living a community or nation, or a society free from contamination of illnesses and other consequences of unclean body or environment; a society that can deliver us from weakness and shortfall into success in this World and in the Eternal Life Hereafter. Islam is not only religion per se; it is a system, a way of life. The fact that Islam links every human deed in secular affairs with the spiritual life is best explained by the mathematical philosophy of one-to-one correspondence of real numbers to an infinite set of points in a line. Life is analogous to a line segment having its beginning and end points upon which the line is drawn. A geometric principle holds that any line can be drawn and extended until infinity. Life is also extended eternally to its spiritual stage from its limited worldly state, determined by such two points or dots. This also explains why Islam does not put a barrier between worldly affairs and spiritual life. One’s thought of both worlds is constantly inseparable, just as there is no separation of the Church and the State, so to speak, in Islam. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ In this respect, the Prophet Muhammad May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Preservation and Protection of the Environment ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad . Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam is a very practical world view. From its principles and injunctions, it seeks to give pragmatic shapes to its concepts and values. Indeed, the notion of Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and Khalifa (vicegerency) have been translated into practical injunctions in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law). Such Shari’ah institutions as Haram zones, inviolate areas within which development is prohibited to protect natural resources and ni’ma reserves are established solely for the conservation of wildlife, marine resources and forest from the core of environmental legislation of Islam. O Servants of Allah, you should understand that Allah has bestowed us things of ni’ma in this world, innumerable and immense; He guides us to His religion so that we can succeed in this world, as well as gain reward by doing good deeds in preparation for the Eternal Life Hereafter. Such is the main purpose of life and its objective. Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an:

ϊϔϧϳ ΎϣΑ έΣΑϟ΍ ϲϓ ϱέΟΗ ϲΗϟ΍ ϙϠϔϟ΍ϭ έΎϬϧϟ΍ϭ ϝϳϠϟ΍ ϑϼΗΧ΍ϭ νέϷ΍ϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϕϠΧ ϲϓ ϥ· " ΔΑ΍Ω ϝϛ ϥϣ ΎϬϳϓ ΙΑϭ ΎϬΗϭϣ ΩόΑ νέϷ΍ ϪΑ ΎϳΣ΄ϓ ˯Ύϣ ϥϣ ˯Ύϣγϟ΍ ϥϣ ௌ ϝίϧ΃ Ύϣϭ αΎϧϟ΍ (˺˿˽:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϭϠϘόϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ νέϷ΍ϭ ˯Ύϣγϟ΍ ϥϳΑ έΧγϣϟ΍ ΏΎΣγϟ΍ϭ ΡΎϳέϟ΍ ϑϳέλΗϭ “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allâh sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayât (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding.” (2:164) These verses tell us how important we are in this world as the Khalifa (vicegerent) of Allah created by Him. Such is the main purpose and objective of life. Nonetheless, we are to worship Him alone and none else. This way, Ibadah (worship) is most important to us. We must understand that ibada is not only expressed or done with Salah (daily prayers), or fasting on Ramadhan, or to perform hajj once in a lifetime. Ibada in its real sense is obedience to the Commandments and Divine Teachings of Allah in the Holy Book (Qur’an) as well as obedience to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad , and be thankful to the Creator for whatever good and happiness we attain or achieve in this world in preparation for the Eternal Life in the Hereafter. My brothers and sisters in Islam! As Muslims, we must know the things that Allah commands us and not ignore them. Do these things in the best manner that you can. You should help preserve and protect the things He bestowed upon us on Earth that one is unable to count in one’s lifetime. Such creations are “signs self-evident unto the wise.” “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 95 which Allâh sends downSelected from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of 95 sky and the earth, are indeed Ayât (proofs, winds and clouds which are held between the evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding.” (2:164)

ϥϣ Ώϳέϗ ௌ ΕϣΣέ ϥ· Ύόϣρϭ ΎϓϭΧ ϩϭϋΩ΍ϭ ΎϬΣϼλ· ΩόΑ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΍ϭΩγϔΗ ϻϭ" – (̋˿ :ϑ΍έϋϷ΍ ) "ϥϳϧγΣϣϟ΍ On love and protection of the environment without the slightest intent of greed on and abuse of the creations, the Prophet of Islam said:

“And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear “Love whatever onAllâh's the Earth andisHe who near is above and hope; Surely, Mercy (ever) untowill thelove goodyou.” doers.” (7:56) In the Hadith mentioned, Holy said that loveofand are not to Therefore, as IMuslims, we the have to Prophet abide by the teachings the care Shari’ah. Do confined not create personal relations among human beings, but are extended to other creations like the flora and disturbances and destruction of any form to yourselves and your neighbors, as well as to other fauna on land and water. creations on Earth and in the seas. In this regard, man should The Holy Prophet said: not cause destruction in any form upon the Earth because Allah the Almighty said: “Do not create harm so you will not be harmed.”

In his pre-deployment orientation to the Muslim army of his time, he would forbid them to harm the people that were non-party to the conflict, “the elderly, the children and women (among them), as well as the synagogues and places of worship (of other religions) and do not cut the trees.” We have to be aware of the fact that Islam prescribes the protection and preservation of Mother Nature and whatever is entrusted to us by the Almighty. Islam also reminds us not to be wasteful on anything beneficial for humankind. We should not destroy whatever is on Earth and in seas which are all created for the benefit of humankind. Allah said in the Qur’an:

ϥ΍ϭΧ· ΍ϭϧΎϛ ϥϳέΫΑϣϟ΍ ϥ· ˬ ΍έϳΫΑΗ έΫΑΗ ϻϭ ϝϳΑγϟ΍ ϥΑ΍ϭ ϥϳϛγϣϟ΍ϭ ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ΍Ϋ Ε΁ϭ " (˻̀-˻˿:˯΍έγϹ΍) " ΍έϭϔϛ ϪΑέϟ ϥΎρϳηϟ΍ ϥΎϛϭ ϥϳρΎϳηϟ΍

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“And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskîn (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatîn (devils), and the Shaitân (Devil Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord.” (17:26-27) In the same manner, anything we need for the welfare of the people should be properly and carefully managed as mandated by Islam. This includes the slaughtering of animals, hunting of birds and catching of fish. Any action without justification and valid reason should be avoided and discouraged. Wrong interpretation and amendments of any teachings of Islam has to be ceased. Muslims should without any reservation worship Allah alone and obey His Eternal Guidance and follow the tradition of Prophet Muhammad . In the end, I encourage you to obey Allah and to follow the Prophet . May Allah grant us success and happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. May Allah the Almighty guide us to the right path and forgive us from the sins that we have committed. O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet. You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such, and grant us the quality of following and embracing it. Show falsehood to us as such, and grant us the quality of avoiding it.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Rights of Men

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! Allah did not command you to worship Him because He needed you. He does not stand in need of anything in existence. He commanded you to do so because you need Him. Your life’s affair will not be straight nor will your earthly and spiritual matters if you do not rely on Him. O servants of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights, for they are but phases of time that they pass through to the life of the hereafter until you reach your final destination. Every passing day draws you closer to the hereafter and away from this life. He who takes advantage of the opportunities of these days and nights avails by doing what gets him closer to his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes that occur on their passage. Blessed is he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing the alterations of life and what they entail of wisdom and secrets. Dear Muslims who indeed believe in Allah, He the Most High said in the Qur’an:

ϥϣϭ ϡϫέϣ΃ ϥϣ ΓέϳΧϟ΍ ϡϬϟ ϥϭϛϳ ϥ΃ ΍έϣ΃ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ௌ ϰοϗ ΍Ϋ· Δϧϣ΅ϣ ϻϭ ϥϣ΅ϣϟ ϥΎϛ Ύϣϭ"

O servants of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights, for they are but phases (˼˿of:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍ ) "ΎϧϳΑϣ ϻϼο ϝο ΩϘϓ ௌ ιόϳ of time that you pass through to the life the hereafter until you reach yourϪϟϭγέϭ final destination. Every passing day draws you closer to the hereafter and away from this life. He who takes advantage of the of these days and avails bybeen doingdecided what gets him closer to “It is not fitting for opportunities a believer, man or woman, whennights a matter has by Allah and His his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes Messenger to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and that occur on their, passage. Blessed he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing His Messenger he is indeed on theiswrong path.” (33:36) the alterations of life and what they entail of wisdom and secrets. In another verse of the Qur’an Allah said: Dear Muslims who indeed believe in Allah, He the Most High said in the Qur’an:

(˼˽:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "... νόΑ ϰϠϋ ϡϬοόΑ ௌ ϝοϓ ΎϣΑ ˯Ύγϧϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ϥϭϣ΍ϭϗ ϝΎΟέϟ΍" “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has given the one more (physical strength) than the other.” (4:34) But many families of our generation may not be doing as well, because they are in a situation in which women or the mothers are the ones seeking source of their livelihood; wherein husbands are dependent on women, which, indeed, is against the Shari’ah of the Holy Qur’an and the Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad . The Prophet said: “Never will a group of people (nation) succeed whose leader is a woman.” We understand from this Hadith that women must put themselves under the leadership and care of their husbands, if they want the blessings of Allah. Men also have the right to practice polygamy or marry two, or three, or four, albeit on absolute, non-compromise condition of having to “deal with them justly.” Permission forms the mutual right of husband and wife, such that travel is not to be made one of them disapproves of it. Allah said: But many families of our generation may not be doing as well, because they are in a situation in Selected Khutba: A Guideseeking to Social Development the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 99 which women or the mothers are the ones source offortheir livelihood; wherein husbands are dependent on women, which, indeed, is against the Shari’ah of the Holy Qur’an and the Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad 99

ௌ ϥόρ΃ϭ ΓΎϛίϟ΍ ϥϳΗ΁ϭ Γϼλϟ΍ ϥϣϗ΃ϭ ϰϟϭϷ΍ ΔϳϠϫΎΟϟ΍ ΝέΑΗ ϥΟέΑΗ ϻϭ ϥϛΗϭϳΑ ϲϓ ϥέϗϭ " (˼˼:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍) " ΍έϳϬρΗ ϡϛέϬρϳϭ ΕϳΑϟ΍ ϝϫ΃ αΟέϟ΍ ϡϛϧϋ ΏϫΫϳϟ ௌ Ωϳέϳ Ύϣϧ· Ϫϟϭγέϭ “And stay quietly in your houses, and make not a dazzling display, like that of the former times of ignorance (Dark Ages); and establish regular prayer, and give zakat and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, ye members of the family, and to make you pure and spotless.” (33:33) Again Allah said:

"... ϡϬϟ΍ϭϣ΃ ϥϣ ΍ϭϘϔϧ΃ ΎϣΑϭ νόΑ ϰϠϋ ϡϬοόΑ ௌ ϝοϓ ΎϣΑ ˯Ύγϧϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ϥϭϣ΍ϭϗ ϝΎΟέϟ΍" (˼˽:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) Men are protectors and maintainers of women because Allah has made one of them to excel the other and because men spend (to support women) from their means. (4:34) Another right of husbands over their wives is when wives are requested by their husbands, they have to answer willingly and accede to such; otherwise the wives will be cursed all night by the Angels until morning. The wives’ personal hygiene and sanitation, the well-being and total cleanliness of the children, and the proper arrangement of the house must also be looked into by the wives. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

έηΑϭ ϩϭϗϼϣ ϡϛϧ΃ ΍ϭϣϠϋ΍ϭ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ϡϛγϔϧϷ ΍ϭϣΩϗϭ ϡΗ΋η ϰϧ΃ ϡϛΛέΣ ΍ϭΗ΄ϓ ϡϛϟ ΙέΣ ϡϛ΅Ύγϧ"

Another right of men over their wives is when they are requested they have to answer willingly (˻˻˼:ΓέϘΑϟ΍ "ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍Her and accede to such; otherwise she will be cursed all night by the Angels until )morning. personal hygiene and sanitation, the well being and total cleanliness of the children and the proper arrangement of the house must also be looked into by the wife. “Your wives are as a tilth unto you so approach your tilth when or how ye will. But do some good act for your souls beforehand, fear Allah, and know that ye are to meet Him (in the Allah said inand thegive Holy(these) Qur'an:good tidings to those who believe.” (2:223) hereafter),

It is also the right of man over his wife to secure her and that she herself protects her awra (body parts), their daughters, and their properties and belongings. Also, it is very important not to allow anyone that the husband dislikes to be inside his house. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

ϥ΃ ϰϧΩ΃ ϙϟΫ ϥϬΑϳΑϼΟ ϥϣ ϥϬϳϠϋ ϥϳϧΩϳ ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ ˯Ύγϧϭ ϙΗΎϧΑϭ ϙΟ΍ϭίϷ ϝϗ ϲΑϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ"

It is also the right of man over his wife to secure her and that she herself protect her awra (body (̋̂:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍ ) "ΎϣϳΣέ ௌ ϥΎϛϭ ϥϳΫ΅ϳnotϼϓtoϥϓέόϳ parts), their daughters, all their properties and belongings and΍έϭϔϏ it is very important allow anyone that the husband dislikes to be inside his house.

“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and daughters and the believing women that they should cast their Allah garments said in theover Holytheir Qur'an: outer persons (when out of doors). That is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested. And Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:59) Oh dear Muslims who are mu’min, Allah said: And Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:59) 100 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

Oh dear Muslims who are mu’min, Allah said:

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ϥ·ϭ ΔϘϠόϣϟΎϛ ΎϫϭέΫΗϓ ϝϳϣϟ΍ ϝϛ ΍ϭϠϳϣΗ ϼϓ ϡΗλέΣ ϭϟϭ ˯Ύγϧϟ΍ ϥϳΑ ΍ϭϟΩόΗ ϥ΃ ΍ϭόϳρΗγΗ ϥϟϭ" (˺˻̂:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "ΎϣϳΣέ ΍έϭϔϏ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥΈϓ ΍ϭϘΗΗϭ ΍ϭΣϠλΗ “Ye are never able to do justice between wives even if it is your utmost intent. But turn not away (from a woman) altogether (such) as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If ye come to a friendly understanding, and practice self-restraint, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (4:129) My dear brothers and sisters who believe in the Oneness of Allah, because we are only human, we can never be perfect, never do we be able to perfectly do justice between us, our friends, relatives, sons and daughters and between wives as stated above. But it is enough of us that justice and fairness is foremost in our aim and deeds. O Lord! Guide us lest we be misguided by the evils in dealing with women especially the wives, and grant us lawful ways through earning for our families appropriate sustenance in order for them to fulfill their rights over us. My dear brothers and sisters who believe in the Oneness of Allah, because we are only human, we can never be perfect, never do we be able to perfectly do justice between us, our friends, ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ relatives, sons and daughters and between wives as stated above. But it is enough of us that Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ and ϭϫ fairness Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫin our ϝϛ aim ϥϣ and ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ justice is foremost deeds. έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ

.ϡϳΣέϟ΍

O Lord! Guide us lest we be misguided by the evils in dealing with women especially the wives, and grant us lawful ways through earning for our families appropriate sustenance in order for May direct to the of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the them Allah to fulfill theirus rights overblessings us. words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Rights of Women

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! I exhort you to fear Allah and learn about His great wisdom behind the commandments by which He prescribed these forms of worship and prohibited you from drawing close to the causes of sin and wrongdoings. Allah does not command you to worship Him because He needs you. He does not stand in need of anything in existence. He commands you to do so because you need Him. Your life’s affair will not be straight nor will your earthly and spiritual matters if you do not rely on Him. Furthermore, the forms of worship that Allah prescribed for you will make your bodies become healthier and your hearts and souls to become more righteous. These prayers benefit the individuals as well as the groups and nations. As the hearts and souls become righteous, the bodies shall grow healthy and well. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has laid down the rights and duties of women. Fulfilling these rights ensures tranquility, peace, and harmony for the Muslim nation. Allah Who has ordained these rights is the All-knower of the secrets of this universe and the nature of mankind that require the presence of every members of the community and the society. In ages of the pagan Arabs prior to the system introduced by Islam, women had no rights in law or in society. They were considered lowly human beings in the level of household property sans the human soul in them. They were bound by marriage and not by love but by the satisfaction of their husbands’ lust. The Qur'an and the Hadith created a position of women not by accident of circumstances. They became equal partners of men and equality became the principle of the parties in marriage. Males are mentioned in the al-Qur’an, and so the females also have their place in it. Allah the Almighty said in the Qur'an:

ΕΎϗΩΎλϟ΍ϭ ϥϳϗΩΎλϟ΍ϭ ΕΎΗϧΎϘϟ΍ϭ ϥϳΗϧΎϘϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϣϠγϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ ϥ· " ϥϳϣ΋Ύλϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϗΩλΗϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϳϗΩλΗϣϟ΍ϭ ΕΎόηΎΧϟ΍ϭ ϥϳόηΎΧϟ΍ϭ Ε΍έΑΎλϟ΍ϭ ϥϳέΑΎλϟ΍ϭ Γέϔϐϣ ϡϬϟ ௌ Ωϋ΃ Ε΍έϛ΍Ϋϟ΍ϭ ΍έϳΛϛ ௌ ϥϳέϛ΍Ϋϟ΍ϭ ΕΎυϓΎΣϟ΍ϭ ϡϬΟϭέϓ ϥϳυϓΎΣϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϣ΋Ύλϟ΍ϭ (˼̋:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍) " Ύϣϳυϋ ΍έΟ΃ϭ “Verily, the Muslims (who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (in Oneness of Allah); the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden); the men and the women who are humble (before Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât, and alms, etc.), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the optional Nawâfil fasting), the men and the women who guard themselves (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). (33:35) With respect of mutual rights of women, the Qur’an says: With respect of mutual rights of women, the Qur’an says: Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 103

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(˻˻́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) " ϡϳϛΣ ίϳίϋ ௌϭ ΔΟέΩ ϥϬϳϠϋ ϝΎΟέϠϟϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ϥϬϳϠϋ ϱΫϟ΍ ϝΛϣ ϥϬϟϭ..." “They (wives) have rights (over their husbands as regards to living expenses) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards to obedience and respect) to what is reasonable. But men have a degree (of responsibility) over women. Allah is All-mighty, All-wise.” (2:228) A Hadith as narrated by Tirmidhi, the Holy Prophet

said:

“Indeed, you have rights over your women and they have rights over you.” In Suratul Yasin, Allah Promises that “No soul shall suffer from least injustice” in the Day of Reckoning. That means all of us, without a single exemption, shall be made accountable for misdeeds and crime each one has committed against anyone whether Muslim or non-Muslim. From Hakim Muawiyah as his father reported: “He said, ‘I asked O Messenger of Allah “What right has the wife over her husband?’” The Prophet said: “It is that you shall give her food when you have taken your food, that you shall clothe her when you have clothed yourself, not revile her, not leave her alone except within the house.” Aside from the above-mentioned Hadith, there are other rights of women (married) from their partners (husband). Women should be treated kindly and not be hated for one bad trait as there might be other good qualities in them. Women should be given leisure time and provided food subsistence, clothing and an abode for them to stay. They should be educated in Islam, especially about the five pillars of Islam, and in important things that need to be done as a matter of duty in daily life. In short, men should regard women as their dearest partners in their struggles in life. In Islam, the Muslim woman has an independent personality, equal to the man in religious duties, in the right to education, in reward to her deeds as well as in defending her beliefs. She has complete and total control of her possession. She is free to choose her marital partner and has the right to demand the power of divorce. Furthermore, she can keep her maiden name after marriage, if she so wishes. She is also responsible for her family but the man has the primary responsibility. O Lord! Guide us lest we be misguided by the evils in dealing with women especially the wives, and grant us lawful ways through earning for our families appropriate sustenance in order for them to fulfill their rights over us.

A Hadith as narrated by Tirmidhi, the Holy Prophet

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for

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the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Gender in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! I exhort you to fear Allah and learn about His great wisdom behind the commandments by which He prescribed these forms of worship and prohibited you from drawing close to the causes of sin and wrongdoings. Allah does not command you to worship Him because He needs you. He does not stand in need of anything in existence. He commands you to do so because you need Him. Your life’s affair will not be straight, nor will your earthly and spiritual matters, if you do not rely on Him. Furthermore, the forms of worship that Allah prescribed for you will make your bodies healthier and your hearts and souls to more righteous. These prayers benefit the individuals as well as the groups and nations. As the hearts and souls become righteous, the bodies shall grow healthy and well. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has laid down the rights and duties of women. Fulfilling these rights ensures tranquility, peace and harmony for the Muslim nation. Allah Who has ordained these rights is the All-knower of the secrets of this universe and the nature of mankind that require the presence of every member of the community and the society. In ages of the pagan Arabs prior to the system introduced by Islam, women had no rights in law or in society. They were considered lowly human beings in the level of household property sans the human soul in her. They were bound by marriage and not by love but by the satisfaction of their husbands’ lust. In the Qur’an, Allah, the Almighty said:

ϥϭѧϣϳϘϳϭ έѧϛϧϣϟ΍ ϥѧϋ ϥϭѧϬϧϳϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎѧΑ ϥϭέϣ΄ϳ νόΑ ˯Ύϳϟϭ΃ ϡϬοόΑ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ" "ϡϳѧѧѧϛΣ ίѧѧѧϳίϋ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ϡϬϣΣέϳѧѧѧγ ϙѧѧѧ΋ϟϭ΃ Ϫϟϭѧѧѧγέϭ ௌ ϥϭѧѧѧόϳρϳϭ ΓΎѧѧѧϛίϟ΍ ϥϭѧѧѧΗ΅ϳϭ Γϼѧѧѧλϟ΍ (̀˺:ΔΑϭΗϟ΍) “The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'rûf (Oneness of Allah and all that Islam prescribes of them); and forbid (among them) the Al-Munkar (associating partnes with Allah and disbelief of all sorts, and all that Islam forbids). They perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give the Zakât, and obey Allah and His Messenger . Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise” (9:71)

Allah also said:

ௌ Ωϧϋ ϡϛϣέϛ΃ ϥ· ΍ϭϓέΎόΗϟ ϝ΋ΎΑϗϭ ΎΑϭόη ϡϛΎϧϠόΟϭ ϰΛϧ΃ϭ έϛΫ ϥϣ ϡϛΎϧϘϠΧ Ύϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺˼:Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍) "έϳΑΧ ϡϳϠϋ ௌ ϥ· ϡϛΎϘΗ΃ “O mankind! We have created you from a pair of male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2)]. Verily, Allah is AllKnowing, All-Aware” (49:13) Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 107

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My brothers and sisters in Islam, this verse tells us that all believers, male and female, are together in enjoining good deeds and forbidding what is evil; and performing daily prayers. So there is no difference between the male and female in the sight of Allah as creation. Women are obliged to practice all their duties and responsibilities in Islam and so are the men. If men sin, punishment is due them and so will the same punishment be due to women when they commit the same sin. The guidance of Islam is upon the believing men and women whose existence as a pair of genders made into tribes, nations and races and yet knowing each other exudes great signs of the Might of Allah, the All Knowing, the Wise. That’s why Allah looks not upon your faces and affluence, but upon your Taqwa (faith in God). The best among you is the one who has the most Taqwa. My brothers and sisters, we must know our duty and obligations to each other because Allah has prescribed specific duties and obligations or responsibilities to both men and women. Some of these obligations may be complied independently and yet complementary of each other. Women have special mentions in the Holy Qur’an (Chapter on Women) and given specific duties while preserving their dignity and status in society. Recall that in performing hajj, Muslims of all colors, nations and tribes, men and women, young and adult ought to perform the sae (jog-run to and from the hills of Safa and Marwa), in sheer tribute to and in remembrance of the life struggle of Hajar, the wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the mother of the Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him). You will know that in performing hajj, there are restrictions on men that are allowed for women: the wearing of inner garment while in the state of ihram, and the wearing of jewelry in public which is absolutely prohibited to men. Mariam (Mary), the Mother of the Prophet Isa or Jesus (peace be on him) is honored with a chapter in her name in the Holy Qur’an in which is narrated the births of the Prophet Yahyah or John the Baptist and that of Jesus (on whom both be peace). In one Hadith, the Prophet of God

said:

“Verily! It is the virtuous woman that helps bring success to man in this world and in the Hereafter.” Therefore, respected brothers and sisters in Islam, both men and women are credited with the capacity for learning and understanding and teaching, and of the aims of acquiring knowledge is that of becoming more conscious of God. Islam considers that the more a person studies the creation and observes its workings, the more he or she conscious of the Creator, the power who made and sustains the creation. Thus, the central definition of Islam on the relationship between man and woman shall be based on the principles of the teachings of the Qur’an:

ϙϟΫ ϲϓ ϥ· ΔϣΣέϭ ΓΩϭϣ ϡϛϧϳΑ ϝόΟϭ ΎϬϳϟ· ΍ϭϧϛγΗϟ ΎΟ΍ϭί΃ ϡϛγϔϧ΃ ϥϣ ϡϛϟ ϕϠΧ ϥ΃ ϪΗΎϳ΁ ϥϣϭ" (˻˺:ϡϭέϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛϔΗϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ 108 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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“And of His signs is this: He created you for helpmeets from yourselves that ye might fing rest in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy, Lo! Herein indeed are portents for folks who reflect.” (30:21) Our Prophet also said that women are to be respected and not to be abused, because Islam treats women with dignity, and that there is hardly a total success in life without women. So our Muslim brothers, men must give the rights of the women in their home, society and religion so that they may be blessed by Allah. O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such, and grant us the quality of following and embracing it. Show falsehood to us as such, and grant us the quality of avoiding it.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ Our Prophet .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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What Islam Says About Intermarriages ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. O slaves of Allah! Know that the religion is for Allah Alone and He decides whatever He wills and guides who He wills. Allah sent Muhammad (peace be upon him) and made him the greatest Imam and leader and He does not accept Iman from anyone until and unless they refer every matter of the religion to the Prophet’s judgment and decision. My brothers and sisters in Islam, we must understand that Islam is the only true religion. Islam is the perfect and complete code of life. The Qur’an is the final and Last Book of Allah, revealed unto the Prophet Muhammad the last and seal of all Prophets. Islam does not only deal with Aqeedah (belief), Ibadah (worship), Akhlaq (values) Mu’amalat (civil and social transactions); Islam covers all aspects of life. My brothers and sisters in Islam, we have to understand that we are created from a single man and woman (Adam and Hawa) and thenceforth, we have multiplied (from a congenital fluid from a pair of male and female) into different tribes and nations and to know each other. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:

ௌ Ωϧϋ ϡϛϣέϛ΃ ϥ· ΍ϭϓέΎόΗϟ ϝ΋ΎΑϗϭ ΎΑϭόη ϡϛΎϧϠόΟϭ ϰΛϧ΃ϭ έϛΫ ϥϣ ϡϛΎϧϘϠΧ Ύϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺˼Islam :Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍ "έϳΑΧ ௌ ϥ·Islam ϡϛΎϘΗ΃ My brothers and sisters in Islam, we must understand that is the)only trueϡϳϠϋ religion. is the perfect and complete code of life. The Qur’an is the final and Last Book of Allah, revealed unto the Prophet Muhammad “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes,

that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqûn (righteous)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware”. (49:13) But the most honorable in the eye of Allah is the one who is most righteous. We have come to this world to multiply but with guidelines in accordance with the teachings of Islam. In Islam, men are allowed to marry up to four but Allah says:

΍ϭΣϛϧΗ ϻϭ ϡϛΗΑΟϋ΃ ϭϟϭ Δϛέηϣ ϥϣ έϳΧ Δϧϣ΅ϣ ΔϣϷϭ ϥϣ΅ϳ ϰΗΣ ΕΎϛέηϣϟ΍ ΍ϭΣϛϧΗ ϻϭ "

But the most honorable in the eye of Allah is the one who is most righteous. We have come to ௌϭ world έΎϧϟ΍ toϰϟ·multiply ϥϭϋΩϳbutϙ΋ϟϭ΃ ϡϛΑΟϋ΃ ϭϟϭin accordance ϙέηϣ ϥϣ έϳΧ ϥϣ΅ϣ ΩΑόϟϭ ΍ϭϧϣ΅ϳ ϰΗΣ ϥϳϛέηϣϟ΍ this with guidelines with the teachings of Islam.

(˻˻˺:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) " ϥϭέϛΫΗϳ ϡϬϠόϟ αΎϧϠϟ ϪΗΎϳ΁ ϥϳΑϳϭ ϪϧΫΈΑ Γέϔϐϣϟ΍ϭ ΔϧΟϟ΍ ϰϟ· ΍ϭϋΩϳ

In Islam, men are allowed to marry up to four but Allah says:

And do not marry Al-Mushrikât (idolatresses), till they believe (worship Allah Alone). And indeed a slave woman who believes is better than a (free) Mushrikah (idolatress), even though she pleases you. And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikûn till they believe (in Allah Alone) and verily, a believing slave is better than a (free) Mushrik (idolater, etc.), even though he pleases you.” Those (Al-Mushrikûn) invite you to the Fire, but Allah invites (you) to Paradise and forgiveness and makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations,) clear to mankind that they may remember.” (2:221) Certainly, we are created on this Earth for a purpose. One such purpose is to marry in order to fulfill the creation of humankind made into nations and tribes. The man to have a wife and the woman to have a husband must have to fulfill the necessary requirements prescribed by Islam. Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 111

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Based on these verses, we must follow and obey the real teachings of Islam and we should be very strict on this, especially nowadays, when some Muslims do not seem to follow the teachings of Islam. Some young women marry among the disbelieving idolaters and the unbelieving marry their daughters. Look at in the Holy Qur’an that even the believing woman who is an immigrant from another place must be tested if she is a true believer. Allah said:

ϥϫϭϣΗϣϠϋ ϥΈϓ ϥϬϧΎϣϳΈΑ ϡϠϋ΃ ௌ ϥϫϭϧΣΗϣΎϓ Ε΍έΟΎϬϣ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ ϡϛ˯ΎΟ ΍Ϋ· ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " ΡΎϧΟ said: ϻϭ ΍ϭϘϔϧ΃ Ύϣ ϡϫϭΗ΁ϭ ϥϬϟ ϥϭϠΣϳ ϡϫ ϻϭ ϡϬϟ ϝΣ ϥϫ ϻ έΎϔϛϟ΍ ϰϟ· ϥϫϭόΟέΗ ϼϓ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣ Allah ΍ϭϠ΋γϳϟϭ ϡΗϘϔϧ΃ Ύϣ ΍ϭϠ΋γϭ έϓ΍ϭϛϟ΍ ϡλόΑ ΍ϭϛγϣΗ ϻϭ ϥϫέϭΟ΃ ΍Ϋ· ϥϫϭΣϛϧΗ ϥ΃ ϡϛϳϠϋ (˺˹:ΔϧΣΗϣϣϟ΍) " ϡϳϛΣ ϡϳϠϋ ௌϭ ϡϛϧϳΑ ϡϛΣϳ ௌ ϡϛΣ ϡϛϟΫ ΍ϭϘϔϧ΃ Ύϣ “O you who believe! When believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them, Allah knows best as to their Faith, then if you ascertain that they are true believers, send them not back to the disbelievers, they are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them. But give the disbelievers that (amount of money) which they have spent [as their Mahr] to them. And there will be no sin on you to marry them if you have paid their Mahr to them. Likewise hold not the disbelieving women as wives, and ask for (the return of) that which you have spent (as Mahr) and let them (the disbelievers) ask back for that which they have spent. That is the judgment of Allah. He judges between and among you. And Allah is All-knowing, All-wise.” (60:10) Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Intermarriage and mate selection is patterned and unpredictable. There were different views amongst different school of thoughts. Accordingly, people tend to marry people who are in various social ways and like themselves, but others believed that marital choice is not altogether a matter of similarities, rather, it seems to some extent to be a matter of social similarities and psychological differences. We have to be aware of this verse as a rule and as commandment. As Muslims, it is our obligation and responsibility to follow and obey the final commandments of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad . Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an: Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Intermarriage and mate selection is patterned and ϥϣϭ ϡϫέϣ΃ ϥϣ ΓέϳΧϟ΍ ϡϬϟ ϥϭϛϳ ϥ΃ ΍έϣ΃ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ௌ ϰοϗ ΍Ϋ· Δϧϣ΅ϣ ϻϭ ϥϣ΅ϣϟ ϥΎϛ Ύϣϭ" unpredictable. There were different views amongst different school of thoughts. Accordingly, :Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍ ) "ΎϧϳΑϣ ϻϼο ϝοthemselves, ΩϘϓ Ϫϟϭγέϭbut ௌ others ιόϳ people tend to marry people who are(˼˿ in various social ways and like believed that marital choice is not altogether a matter of similarities, rather, it seems to some extent to be a matter of social similarities and psychological differences. “It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. Whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger We have to be aware of this verse as a rule and as commandment. As Muslims, it is our has indeed strayed in plain error.” (33:36) obligation and responsibility to follow and obey the final commandments of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad . In the end, let us pray to Almighty Allah to forgive our sins and guide us to the Right Path so that we can attain real success and happiness in this World as well as in the Hereafter. Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an:

O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and 112 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines the Hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our 112 prayers.

other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the Hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Status of Women in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

O Muslims! I exhort you to fear Allah and learn about His great wisdom behind the commandments by which He prescribed these forms of worship and prohibited you from drawing close to the causes of sin and wrongdoings. Allah does not command you to worship Him because He needs you. He does not stand in need of anything in existence. He commands you to do so because you need Him. Your life’s affair will not be straight, nor will your earthly and spiritual matters, if you do not rely on Him. Furthermore, the forms of worship that Allah prescribed for you will make your bodies become healthier and your hearts and souls more righteous. These prayers benefit the individuals as well as the groups and nations. As the hearts and souls become righteous, the bodies grow healthy and well. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has laid down the rights and duties of women. Fulfilling these rights ensures tranquility, peace and harmony for the Muslim nation. Allah Who has ordained these rights is the All-knower of the secrets of this universe and the nature of mankind requiring the presence of every member of the community and the society in large. Let us all practice Taq’wa (piety and righteousness), and revere Allah and obey His Divine Commandments. We ask Allah to protect us from evils and falsehood and help us lay the foundation of moral values according to the rules of our Lord.

(˻˻́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "...ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ϥϬϳϠϋ ϱΫϟ΍ ϝΛϣ ϥϬϟϭ..."

Allah said in the Holy Quran:

“And the women have similar rights over men in a just manner...” (2:228) O Muslims!weI find exhort Historically, that you in previous ages women were considered as part of man’s wealth and property. the and desert Arabia before Islam, a woman could be sold or purchased like any to fear In Allah learn property. Worse, idol-worshipper Arabs of the pre-Islamic era considered women as cause about His greatthe wisdom for bad luck and misfortunes. They even buried alive infant females and young girls. But with the behind advent of Islam,the Islam completely changed all the previous practices, so deplorable was the commandments by outlawed which infanticide as an unjustifiable act and abolished it. situation then. Islam He prescribed these Prophet vigorously fought against these practices, often by quoting a verse in forms Muhammad of worship and the prohibited Holy Qur’anyou thatfrom asks: drawing close to the causes of sin and wrongdoings. (̂-́:έϳϭϛΗϟ΍) "ΕϠΗϗ ΏϧΫ ϱ΄Α ˬ ΕϠ΋γ ΓΩ΅ϭϣϟ΍ ΍Ϋ·ϭ" Prophet Muhammad

“And when the girl buried alive is made to ask for what crime she had been slain.” (81:8-9)

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This verse was revealed and has liberated most of Arabia from the age of jahiliya (ignorance) when girls’ birth among families were considered bad omens. Muhammad the man of mercy and noble character, considered women as important in the society; as important as men. He taught that women are entitled to rights and obligations as much as men are. He taught that nobody has the right to scorn and look down upon women just because are females. In one of the foreign missions of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad , Abu Jah’l who was a non-believer intervened on orders of Abu Sufian to block the Muslims’ preaching in the Abyssinian kingdom of the Christian Negus. The envoy of the unbelievers beseeched the Christian ruler against heeding Islam’s teaching on women that deemed of unworthy beings. The Prophet’s envoys reminded the unbeliever’s envoy by asking: Weren’t you born of a woman, too, like any other mortal? But the Christian king became more interested and despite the unbeliever’s hindering, he went on to ask the Muslims what their Holy Book said about Christ. Their answer, taken from the Suratul Mariam (Chapter of the Virgin Mary), drew silence from the crowd at the king’s palace, instead of disputes and arguments. We, Muslims are believers of Allah whose Commandment was exemplified by His Last Prophet, Muhammad and not of the ignorance of Abu Jah’l and neither of his master Abu Sufian who were opposed to the Prophet’s anti-idolatry campaign in Makkah. In marriage, a woman is considered of equal partner to her husband. The Holy Qur’an describes the woman as a companion of her husband with reciprocal love and a source of peace to him. Allah said:

Muhammad

ϙϟΫ ϲϓ ϥ· ΔϣΣέϭ ΓΩϭϣ ϡϛϧϳΑ ϝόΟϭ ΎϬϳϟ· ΍ϭϧϛγΗϟ ΎΟ΍ϭί΃ ϡϛγϔϧ΃ ϥϣ ϡϛϟ ϕϠΧ ϥ΃ ϪΗΎϳ΁ ϥϣϭ" (˻˺:ϡϭέϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛϔΗϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ “And among His wonders is that He created mates for you, out of your own kind, that you may dwell in harmony with them and instill love and tenderness between you. Verily in this are signs for those who reflect...” (30:21) By the example provided by ladies such as Khadija, Fatima, Zainab, Aisha and many more, Islam highlight the greatness of women. Their roles illustrate the meaning of a woman’s life and turned it into a shining example for future generations. Their lives are the best examples of ethical and moral lives that point to nobility, graciousness, and civility. The Holy Qur’an completely clears women of the responsibility for the fall of Adam. The Qur’an gives woman respectability, honor, and dignity. It is Islam that gives women the same rights as those of men for the first time in history. Allah says in the holy Qur’an: 116 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

By the example provided by ladies such as Khadija, Fatima, Zainab, Aisha and many more, Islam highlighted the greatness of women. Their role 116 illustrated the meaning of woman’s life and turned it into shining example for future generations. Theirs were the best examples for ethical and moral life that point to nobility, graciousness, and civility.

(˻˻́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "...ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ϥϬϳϠϋ ϱΫϟ΍ ϝΛϣ ϥϬϟϭ..." “And the women have similar rights over men in a just manner.” (2:228) Modern man recognizes there can be no freedom in the real sense without economic rights. Fourteen hundred years ago, Islam gave women the right to inherit the property and wealth of their fathers and their husbands and the right to acquire, own, and dispose of wealth. Allah said in the Qur’an:

(˼˻:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "... ϥΑγΗϛ΍ Ύϣϣ Ώϳλϧ ˯ΎγϧϠϟϭ ΍ϭΑγΗϛ΍ Ύϣϣ Ώϳλϧ ϝΎΟέϠϟ ..."

Allah said in the Qur’an:

“For men shall have what they earn, and (so) women shall have of what they earn.” (4:32) In marriage a woman is considered by Islam as equal partner free from injustice and all forms of compulsion. Describing the woman as a companion of her husband, an individual to love, and a source of peace and solace to him. Allah the Almighty once again said in the Qur’an:

ϙϟΫ ϲϓ ϥ· ΔϣΣέϭ ΓΩϭϣ ϡϛϧϳΑ ϝόΟϭ ΎϬϳϟ· ΍ϭϧϛγΗϟ ΎΟ΍ϭί΃ ϡϛγϔϧ΃ ϥϣ ϡϛϟ ϕϠΧ ϥ΃ ϪΗΎϳ΁ ϥϣϭ" (˻˺:ϡϭέϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛϔΗϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ

Allah the Almighty once again said in the Qur’an:

“Among His wonders is that He created mates for you, out of your own kind, that you may dwell in harmony with them, and instill love and tenderness between you. Verily in this are signs for those who reflect.” (30:21) To impress upon his followers the high position of womanhood, the Prophet

declared:

“Paradise lies under the feet of the mothers.” Islam makes no distinction between men and women in so far as their moral orspiritualcapabilities or their consequential rewards or punishment in the Hereafter. Allah says in this regard:

ϥϭѧϣϳϘϳϭ έѧϛϧϣϟ΍ ϥѧϋ ϥϭѧϬϧϳϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎѧΑ ϥϭέϣ΄ϳ νόΑ ˯Ύϳϟϭ΃ ϡϬοόΑ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ" "ϡϳѧѧimpress ѧϛΣ ίѧѧѧϳίϋ ௌ ϡϬϣΣέϳѧѧ ѧγ ϙѧѧ ѧ΋ϟϭ΃ Ϫϟϭѧѧ ѧγέϭ ௌ ϥϭѧѧthe ѧόϳρϳϭ ΓΎѧѧѧϛίϟ΍ ϥϭѧѧѧΗ΅ϳϭ Γϼѧѧѧλϟ΍ To uponௌ hisϥ· followers the high position of womanhood, Prophet (̀˺:ΔΑϭΗϟ΍) Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 117

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“And [as for] the believers, men and women, are wali (Guardians) unto one another: they enjoin the good and forbid the wrong, and are constant in prayer, and they render the poor-due, and pay heed unto God and His Messenger. Upon them Allah will bestow His Grace; Verily, God is All-mighty, All-wise.” (9:71) Allah also said:

Ύѧϣ ϥѧγΣ΄Α ϡϫέѧΟ΃ ϡϬϧϳίѧΟϧϟϭ ΔΑϳρ ΓΎϳΣ ϪϧϳϳΣϧϠϓ ϥϣ΅ϣ ϭϫϭ ϰΛϧ΃ ϭ΃ έϛΫ ϥϣ ΎΣϟΎλ ϝϣϋ ϥϣϭ" (̂̀:ϝΣϧϟ΍) "ϥϭϠϣόϳ ΍ϭϧΎϛ

Allah also said:

“As for anyone, male or female who does righteous deeds and is a believer—To (them) shall We certainly cause to live a goodly life, and certainly shall We grant unto such, rewards according to the best of what they ever did.” (16:97) We therefore ask Allah the Almighty to guide us and make us truly Muslims who believe and are successful in this life and in the Eternal Life Hereafter.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ We therefore Allah the Almighty Guide us and make truly Muslims who believe are Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ·askˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛto ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭus ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫandϲϟϭϗ successful in this life and in the Eternal Life Hereafter. .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Brotherhood in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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(˺˹:Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍) "ϥϭϣΣέΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ϡϛϳϭΧ΃ ϥϳΑ ΍ϭΣϠλ΄ϓ ΓϭΧ· ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ Ύϣϧ·" “The believers are nothing less than brothers. So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive His Mercy.” (49:10) Dear brothers and sisters who are believers in the Oneness of Allah, if the true spirit of brotherhood is put into practice by the Muslims there can be no jealousy, rivalry and hatred between and amongst the Muslims. Similarly, if the Muslims work hand-in-hand and help other Muslims, there can be no poverty and the lives of the Muslims will be alleviated, as has been assured by the teachings of Islam. Another important factor that can be associated with the importance of brotherhood in Islam is that the foundation of the society becomes stronger and love, harmony and peace will always prevail upon the Muslim nation. Do not let the sense of tribalism prevail over your sense of brotherhood in Islam. The Maguindanaon, for instance, should have no preference among them over the Maranao or Tausug, or Yakan on the basis of favor founded upon commonality in language or practices but on sheer justice among brothers and sisters in matters of choice or decision-making in any engagement or field of endeavor. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The reason of misunderstanding between a Muslim and his fellow Muslim that resulted to conflict is that we fail to internalize the truer spirit and meaning of brotherhood. Have we asked ourselves when was the last time we shared something to our brother Muslims? Those who are economically well off when did you share your Zakat and Sadakat to your fellow poor and needy brother? Those who are in authority, have you ever comprehended your responsibility towards your brother Muslims? Furthermore, some people do not see their brothers (fellow Muslims) as brothers and do not treat them the way they deserve to be treated. They would start a fight with them over any little thing and fall out with them over trivial matters. Remember respected brothers and sisters in Islam when the Holy Prophet

said:

“Do not envy one another; do not deceive one another. Do not quarrel (against) one another and do not leave one another; do not sell other’s commerce without his knowledge. Make yourselves true servants of Allah and brothers in Islam. Verily, the Muslim is a brother of a fellow Muslim and it is not allowed for the Muslim to deceive and betray his fellow Muslim. He should not insult, abuse, and affront the fellow brother Muslim.” (Related by a Muslim) Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, at this very moment, it is very important for all of us to be united in Islam. Indeed, Islam is the unifying factor for all of us. We have to help one another. We have to unite ourselves and hold on to the rope of Allah. Allah said in the Qur’an:

ϥϳΑ ϑϟ΄ϓ ˯΍Ωϋ΃ ϡΗϧϛ Ϋ· ϡϛϳϠϋ ௌ Εϣόϧ ΍ϭέϛΫ΍ϭ ΍ϭϗέϔΗ ϻϭ ΎόϳϣΟ ௌ ϝΑΣΑ ΍ϭϣλΗϋ΍ϭ" Remember in Islam HolyΎϧ΍ϭΧ· Prophet ϡϛϟ ௌ ϥϳΑϳrespected ϙϟΫϛ ΎϬϧϣbrothers ϡϛΫϘϧ΄ϓand έΎϧsisters ϟ΍ ϥϣ ΓέϔΣ Ύϔηwhen ϰϠϋtheϡΗϧϛϭ ϪΗϣόϧΑ ϡΗΣΑλ΄ϓ ϡϛΑϭϠϗ (˺˹˼:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁) "ϥϭΩΗϬΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ϪΗΎϳ΁ 120 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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“Hold fast, all of you together, unto the rope of Allah (Qur'ân, Islam) and be not divided among yourselves. Remember Allah's favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islam), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah Makes His Ayât (signs, proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations,) clear to you, that you may be guided.” (3:103) Servants of Allah! Brotherhood in Islam forms part of Great Mercy from Allah to the community of Muslims. In unity do the Muslims benefit and gain advantage in their lives through the development of their faith in Allah. The society, the economy, stable peace and order shall be attained. The concept of brotherhood was institutionalized by Prophet Muhammad and his companions during his early life in Madina and Allah the Almighty mentioned the companions of the Holy Prophet in the Qur’an as an example of expression of affection and brotherhood, when the companions from Makka were welcome by the companions in Madina like they were true brothers. Allah said in the Qur’an: Servants of Allah! Brotherhood in Islam forms part of Great Mercy from Allah to the community of Muslims. In unity do the Muslims benefit and gain advantage in their lives through the ΔΟΎΣ ϡϫέϭΩλ ϲϓ ϥϭΩΟϳ ϡϬϳϟ·The έΟΎϫ ϥϣ ϥϭΑΣϳ ϡϬϠΑϗ ϥϣstable ϥΎϣϳϹ΍ϭ ϥϳΫϟ΍ϭbe" development of one’s faith inϻϭ Allah. society, the economy, peaceέ΍Ωϟ΍ and ϭ˯ϭΑΗ order shall attained. ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΄ϓ Ϫγϔϧ ΢η ϕϭϳ ϥϣϭ ΔλΎλΧ ϡϬΑ ϥΎϛ ϭϟϭ ϡϬγϔϧ΃ ϰϠϋ ϥϭέΛ΅ϳϭ ΍ϭΗϭ΃ Ύϣϣ The concept of brotherhood was institutionalized by Prophet Muhammad

(̂:έηΣϟ΍) "ϥϭΣϠϔϣϟ΍

“And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts over that which they have been given (from Banî An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be successful.” (59:9) Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! We have to strengthen our brotherhood in Islam because we do not have differences in Allah, we are all equal before Allah we come from one origin. Allah confirmed this in the Qur’ an: Respected brothers sisters in Islam!ϡϛΑέ We Ύϧ΃ϭ haveΓΩΣ΍ϭ to strengthen in Islam (̂˻and :˯ΎϳΑϧϷ΍ ) "ϥϭΩΑϋΎϓ Δϣ΃ ϡϛΗϣ΃ our ϩΫϫ brotherhood ϥ·" because we do not have differences in Allah, we are all equal before Allah and we came from one origin. “Truly! This, your Ummah (Brotherhood) is one religion, and I am your Lord, therefore worship Me (Alone). [Tafsîr Kathîr] (21:92) Allah confirmed thisIbn in the Qur’an:

And the Holy Prophet

said:

“There is no difference between an Arab and non-Arab, between a black man and a white man except piety.”

And the Holy Prophet

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Because of the importance of brotherhood in Islam, Allah the Almighty, told Prophet Muhammad that if the lineage of man cannot be traced, he should be made a brother in Islam. In the Qur’an, Allah said:

αϳϟϭ ϡϛϳϟ΍ϭϣϭ ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϧ΍ϭΧΈϓ ϡϫ˯ΎΑ΁ ΍ϭϣϠόΗ ϡϟ ϥΈϓ ௌ Ωϧϋ ργϗ΃ ϭϫ ϡϬ΋ΎΑϵ ϡϫϭϋΩ΃" (̋:Ώ΍ίΣϷ΍) "ΎϣϳΣέ ΍έϭϔϏ ௌ ϥΎϛϭ ϡϛΑϭϠϗ ΕΩϣόΗ Ύϣ ϥϛϟϭ ϪΑ ϡΗ΄ρΧ΃ Ύϣϳϓ ΡΎϧΟ ϡϛϳϠϋ “Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah. But if you know not their fathers’ (names, call them) your brothers in faith and mawâlîkum (your freed slaves). And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend. And Allah is Ever Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:5) Respected Muslims! We have to sustain love and respect for one another. We have to extend help and assistance to one another. We have to forgive one another. The reason for this exhortation is for us attain the true meaning of peace, justice and human development, and freedom from exploitation and most of all, we will be loved by the Almighty and we will be prosperous in this world and in our spirits’ journey through Eternity in the Hereafter. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, the wisdom of brotherhood in Islam can be realized to fullest context if the following pieces of advice are followed by each one of us: Good manners Do not envy your brothers Happy smiling faces Do not promise if you cannot fulfill it Love your brother as you love yourself Extend the greetings of peace wherever you meet your brother Maintain the brotherhood with anyone Show humility toward your brother Protect the secret of your brother Help your brother when he is in need Look for him if you have not seen him in few days Love and respect your brother Respected Muslims! Islam as our religion encourages us to follow the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad in his dealings with his companions and the people he meets. In this regard, Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an that Muslims should follow what the Prophet has given to the Muslims and refrain from doing whatever the Prophet has prohibited. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to you. Answer our prayers! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached to other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the Hereafter from all the tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on us, on our leaders and on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Equality in Islamic Society ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ: (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

Oh Servants of Allah who stand as protectors of Islam! We all believe that Islam is the religion of truth which transcends geographical boundaries of communities and nations. We all believe that Islam’s boundaries are beyond nationality and racial color. Islam builds unity in humanity and strengthens the notion that the entire realm of the universe is made one so that humanity is unified into the purpose of the worldly life the triumph of peace and true iman of every individual. Allah said in the Holy Qur’an:

ௌ Ωϧϋ ϡϛϣέϛ΃ ϥ· ΍ϭϓέΎόΗϟ ϝ΋ΎΑϗϭ ΎΑϭόη ϡϛΎϧϠόΟϭ ϰΛϧ΃ϭ έϛΫ ϥϣ ϡϛΎϧϘϠΧ Ύϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺˼ :Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍ ) "έϳΑΧ ϡϳϠϋ ௌ ϥ· ϡϛΎϘΗ΃ “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (49:13) The Prophet Muhammad

said:

“All of you are the children of Adam and Adam is created out of clay, no advantage has an Arab over a non-Arab, except on (the basis of) piety.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! We are all the same, no one is better than the other, so be mindful of your companion, because you are not created out of pearl or diamond and that the other is also not fashioned from the ashes. Dear servants of Allah, let us ponder on our present condition and situation: Why are the Muslim communities poor and in quandary? Maybe one reason is the fact that each sector or group in the community looks down on the another, believing that one group belongs to the best and purest of breeds while the other is from lowly caste. This is just like the lamentable fact that some Maranaos may, for instance, look down on the Maguindanaon, and vice versa. Other Mindanao Muslim tribes have also hardly outgrown similar attitudes that unwittingly make them deviate from the true teachings of Islam and virtually turn them back in time to Jahilia (Dark Ages), a deplorable era from which the Prophet Muhammad delivered ancient Arabs into the light of belief. Believers, discord often results from such bigotry, even as some of us are fighting against each other. We rarely work together or support one another and we have had fragmented people and communities too difficult to unify. Each tribe or group differs from one another; many have even opted to forge alliance with acknowledged enemies like Abu Sufian and his followers who kept driving a wedge between and among the people and nations in the time of the Prophet Muhammad . The Prophet Muhammad

said:

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Dear Muslim brothers and sisters in Islam, Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

ϰγϋ ˯Ύγϧ ϥϣ ˯Ύγϧ ϻϭ ϡϬϧϣ ΍έϳΧ ΍ϭϧϭϛϳ ϥ΃ ϰγϋ ϡϭϗ ϥϣ ϡϭϗ έΧγϳ ϻ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" ϥϣϭ ϥΎϣϳϹ΍ ΩόΑ ϕϭγϔϟ΍ ϡγϹ΍ α΋Α ΏΎϘϟϷΎΑ ΍ϭίΑΎϧΗ ϻϭ ϡϛγϔϧ΃ ΍ϭίϣϠΗ ϻϭ ϥϬϧϣ ΍έϳΧ ϥϛϳ ϥ΃ (˺˺:Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍) "ϥϭϣϟΎυϟ΍ ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΄ϓ ΏΗϳ ϡϟ “O, ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others; it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former). Nor let some women laugh at others; it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former). Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other. Nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames. Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed and those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong.” (49:11) Let us have reflection of this verse, especially during this period when the ARMM election is near wherein others may tolerate discussing openly the faults of his brother, if only for some political ambition. That is the main reason why others are being used by some adversary parties to trample upon their brothers. Dear brothers, let us repent to Allah and go back to His commandments. Dear servants of Allah who dearly protect His religion, who takes pride in upholding the liberty of his/her community. Let us go back to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an so we can have true progress. For not until we go back to the Qur’an so shall disunity continue to prevail among us. Dear Muslims, let us accept that we are very loose in holding onto our proverbial Rope of Allah— Islam, that is. But we can go back to its true teachings as we sustain jamaa or grouping with mutual respect, by which we can constitute the Ummah Waahidah, or united community of believers, as the Prophet wanted us to be. “The likeness of Mu’min (believers) in their brotherhood, love and affection is like a single body wherein one part feels the pain once another part is subjected to adverse condition.” The Holy Prophet

said:

“A believer is to another believer like a house where one part supports the other.” Such is realized only if each of us shows sheer concern over the other. In that way we shall constitute Ummah Waahidah; strong and well-founded. On the other hand, if one continues to think being better than the other in terms of human ability, color, race, family, and look down upon others, we are being pushed back in time to the Dark Age, by which we seem to be getting lost from the path of Islam and against the Revelations of the Holy Qur’an and Prophetic Traditions. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam! Let us be merciful and seek Allah’s pleasure by being kind to the orphans, the weak and all other creations. Surely, Allah gives mercy to those among His slaves who are merciful. Seek Allah by ridding your hearts from all types of sin, envy and rage agains Muslims and by offering sincere advice and being compassionate to all creations.

Dear servants of Allah who dearly protect His Religion; who takes pride in upholding the liberty of his/ her community: Let us go back to the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, so we can have true progress. For, not until we go back to the Qur'an, so shall disunity continue to prevail among us.

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Dear Muslims, let us accept that we are very loose in holding onto our proverbial Rope of Allah—Islam, that is. But we can go back to its126 true teachings as we sustain jamaa or grouping with mutual respect, by which we can constitute the Ummah Waahidah, or united community of believers, as the Prophet wanted us to be.

Seek the guidance from Allah by abandoning whatever the evil inner self commands one to do and satisfy of sin, lusts and desires, protect your sights from illegal things, preserve your tongue from uttering evil and stay away from all types of beliefs, actions and statements that Allah has disallowed. Seek the guidance from Allah by having perfect sincerity and obeying the Messengers of Allah. Allah willing, if you this, you will earn all that you seek that is good and beneficial.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍theϭϫguidance Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ϝϛ ϥϣperfect ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϲϟ the ௌ Messengers έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ Seek from AllahΏϧΫ by having sincerity and ϡϛϟϭ obeying of Allah. Allah willing, if you this, you will earn all that you seek, that is good and beneficial. .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Preservation and Protection of Human Life and the Wisdom of Qisas ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

΍έϳΛϛ ϻΎΟέ ΎϣϬϧϣ ΙΑϭ ΎϬΟϭί ΎϬϧϣ ϕϠΧϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ αϔϧ ϥϣ ϡϛϘϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϛΑέ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺:˯Ύγϧϟ΍)"ΎΑϳϗέ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϡΎΣέϷ΍ϭ ϪΑ ϥϭϟ˯ΎγΗ ϱΫϟ΍ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ˯Ύγϧϭ 128 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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“O mankind! Fear your guardian Lord, who created you from a single person, created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; Fear Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

O Muslims! Fear Allah the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy. The greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad . Believers in Allah, there are numerous explanations made by Muslim scholars concerning preservation and protection of human life with a wisdom of Qisas. For this topic, Islam emphasizes worth in valuing one another. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

Ύϣϧ΄ϛϓ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΩΎγϓ ϭ΃ αϔϧ έϳϐΑ Ύγϔϧ ϝΗϗ ϥϣ Ϫϧ΃ ϝϳ΋΍έγ· ϲϧΑ ϰϠϋ ΎϧΑΗϛ ϙϟΫ ϝΟ΃ ϥϣ" ΍έϳΛϛ ϥ· ϡΛ ΕΎϧϳΑϟΎΑ ΎϧϠγέ ϡϬΗ˯ΎΟ ΩϘϟϭ ΎόϳϣΟ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϳΣ΃ Ύϣϧ΄ϛϓ ΎϫΎϳΣ΃ ϥϣϭ ΎόϳϣΟ αΎϧϟ΍ ϝΗϗ (˼˻:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍) "ϥϭϓέγϣϟ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ϙϟΫ ΩόΑ ϡϬϧϣ “On that account: We ordained for the children of Israel that if anyone slays a person, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he has slain humanity. If anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved humanity. Then although there came to them our Messengers with clear signs, yet even after that many of them continued to commit excesses in the land”. (5:32) The above verse explains that man is obliged to preserve and protect the human life and be protectors of one another. Allah forbids murder and spreading of mischief in the land. Islam prefers that people should restrain themselves from bad deeds such as murder; mischief such as kidnapping, sowing of fear or terror, rumor-mongering and stirring conflicts in the society. Whoever causes the development and economic security of the society, it would be as if he saved the lives of the entire people. This refers to justice, equality, cooperation like the supports of the rich to the poor sector of the society. There are many other passages in the Holy Qur’an concerning doing mischief, spreading chaos, robberies, etc. wherein Allah declares grave penalty upon the perpetrators. Allah said: The above verse explains that man is obliged to preserve and protect the human life and being ϭ΃ ΍ϭΑϠλϳ ϭ΃ ΍ϭϠΗϘϳ ϥ΃ ΍ΩΎγϓ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ϥϭόγϳϭ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ௌ ϥϭΑέΎΣϳ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ˯΍ίΟ Ύϣϧ·" protector of one another. Allah forbids murder and spreading of mischief in the land. Islam ΓέΧϵ΍ ϲϓ ΎϳϧΩϟ΍ ϲϓ ϱίΧrestrain ϡϬϟ ϙϟΫthemselves νέϷ΍ ϥϣfrom ΍ϭϔϧϳ ϑϼΧsuch ϥϣ ϡϬϠΟέ΃ϭ ϡϬϳΩϳ΃ ϊρϘΗ prefers thatϡϬϟϭ the people should badϭ΃deeds, as murder, mischief, such as kidnapping sowing of fear or terror; rumor-mongering and the (˼˼stirring :ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍conflicts ) "ϡϳυϋ inΏ΍Ϋϋ society. Whoever causes the development and economic security of the society, it would be as if he saved the lives of the entire people. This refers to justice, equality, cooperation: like the “The punishment whosector wageofwar against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with supports of the richoftothose the poor the society. might for mischief through the land is execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet sides, or exile from theQur’an land: concerning That is their disgrace in this World, chaos, and a Therefrom are opposite many other passages in the Holy doing mischief, spreading grievous punishment is theirs in the Hereafter.” (5:33) robberies, etc. wherein Allah declares grave penalty upon the perpetrators. Allah said:

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It is very clear that grievous punishments are forewarned of those who are doing mischief. Moreover murderers, robbers, adulterers and the like are the people who dare to wage war against Allah and His Messenger. They are the people, who, while still alive, are forewarned of execution, or crucifixion, or of cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile to isolated places and that, if they do not change, hellfire is their permanent abode on resurrection after death. The preservation and protection of human life is the wisdom of qisas. In qisas the life of each individual is sanctified and is inviolable. If one kills another person, he must pay by giving his life as a sentence for his wrong doing, except when the close kin of the victim, pardoned him. Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an: The preservation and protection of human life is the wisdom of qisas. In qisas the life of each ϥγϟΎΑ ϥγϟ΍ϭ ϥΫϷΎΑ ϥΫϷ΍ϭ ϑϧϷΎΑ ϑϧϷ΍ϭ ϥϳόϟΎΑ ϥϳόϟ΍ϭ αϔϧϟΎΑ αϔϧϟ΍ ϥ΃ ΎϬϳϓ ΎϧΑΗϛϭ" individual is sanctified and is inviolable. If one kills another person, he must pay by giving his life ϡϫ aϙ΋ϟϭ΄ϓ ௌforϝίϧ΃ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΣϳ ϥϣϭ when Ϫϟ ΓέΎϔϛ ϭϬϓkinϪΑofϕΩλΗ ϥϣϓpardoned ιΎλϗhim. ΡϭέΟϟ΍ϭ as sentence his wrong doing,ϡϟexcept the close the victim,

(˽̋:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍) "ϥϭϣϟΎυϟ΍

Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an: “We ordained therein for them: Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal. But if any one remits the retaliation by way of diat (blood money), it is an act of atonement for himself. And if anyone fails to judge by what Allah hath Revealed, he is a wrong-doer.” (5:45)

Allah ordained us to establish the law of equality (Qisas) the concept of free-for-the-free, the slave-for-the-slave, and the woman-for-the-woman. It is a law whom none may question the principle upon which equality is founded. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Blood money is obligatory upon everyone who kills a person, whether directly or by any other means. If he intended the murder, the blood money comes from his wealth. If the murder was similar to intentional murder or accidental murder, the blood money is due from his relatives, as this is what the messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) decreed. Allah in the Qur’an provides: Allah ordained us to establish the law of equality (Qisas)—the concept of free-for-the-free, the ϥϣϓ ϰΛϧϷΎΑ ϰΛϧϷ΍ϭ ΩΑόϟΎΑ ΩΑόϟ΍ϭ έΣϟΎΑ έΣϟ΍ ϰϠΗϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ιΎλϘϟ΍ ϡϛϳϠϋ ΏΗϛ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" slave-for-the-slave, and the-woman-for the-woman. A law which none may question the ϥϣϓ ΔϣΣέϭ ϥϣequality ϑϳϔΧΗisϙϟΫ ϥΎγΣΈΑ Ϫϳϟ· ˯΍Ω΃ϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ωΎΑΗΎϓ ˯ϲη ϪϳΧ΃ ϥϣ Ϫϟ ϲϔϋ principle uponϡϛΑέ which founded.

(˺̀́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϡϳϟ΃ Ώ΍Ϋϋ ϪϠϓ ϙϟΫ ΩόΑ ϯΩΗϋ΍

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Blood money is obligatory upon everyone who kills a person, whether directly or by any other means. If he intended the murder, the blood money “O ye who The Iflaw equality is prescribed to you in murder cases oformurder: the murder, free for the comes frombelieve! his wealth. theofmurder was similar to intentional accidental free; slaveis for slave; the woman woman. if any remission is madebebyupon the bloodthe money duethe from his relatives, as for thisthe is what the But messenger of Allah (peace brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate him with handsome him) decreed. gratitude. This is a consideration and a Mercy from your Lord. After this, whoever exceeds the limits shall dealt provides: with in grave chastisement.” (2:178) Allah in thebe Qur’an

Dear brothers and sisters in faith! Islam is a religion of equality; no one is above the other on the basis of color, race and wealth. The only basis where one is better than the other is piety or Taqwa. If you are indeed a Muslim, you must always treat your brothers and sisters equally under the principle of qisas and above all, you must follow what Allah said in the Holy Qur’an.

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Allah said in the Qur’an:

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Dear brothers and sisters in faith! Islam is a religion of equality; no one is above the other on the

Taqwa. If you are indeed a Muslim, you must always treat your brothers and sisters equally under the principle of qisas and above all, you must follow what Allah said in the Holy Qur’an. Allah said in the Qur’an:

(˺̀̂:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϭϘΗΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ΏΎΑϟϷ΍ ϲϟϭ΃ Ύϳ ΓΎϳΣ ιΎλϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ" “In the law of equality there is (saving of) life to you. O ye men of understanding that ye may restrain yourselves.” (2:179) In conclusion, in qisas there is indeed preservation and protection of human life. Qisas is a deterrent. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers. In conclusion, in qisas there is indeed preservation and protection of human life. Qisas is a deterrent.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ Ϫϧ·usˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟOௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ O Allah!ϭϫ Help repent and ΏϧΫ surrender to You. Answer our prayers. Allah! Makeϭus΍Ϋϫ feelϲϟϭϗ the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being .ϡϳΣέϟ΍

attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and hereafter fromblessings all tribulations and temptations. pious inwardly May Allahthe direct us to the of the Glorious Qur’an so Make that weusshall benefit from and the outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored forO Allah! Answer ourofprayers. the forgiveness our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Virtues of Forgiveness ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) ".ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ " ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; to Him and we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah, be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an:

(˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ ) "ϥϭϣϠγϣ ϡΗϧ΃ϭ ϻ· ϥΗϭϣΗ ϻϭ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

΍έϳΛϛ ϻΎΟέ ΎϣϬϧϣ ΙΑϭ ΎϬΟϭί ΎϬϧϣ ϕϠΧϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ αϔϧ ϥϣ ϡϛϘϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϛΑέ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" ( ˺: ˯Ύγϧϟ΍)"ΎΑϳϗέ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϡΎΣέϷ΍ϭ ϪΑ ϥϭϟ˯ΎγΗ ϱΫϟ΍ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ˯Ύγϧϭ “O mankind! fear your guardian Lord, who created you from a single person, created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; -Fear Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) 132 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, this day is very important to every Muslim. This is a day (Friday) when Muslims should cheer, especially those who have strong faith to the Oneness of Almighty Allah. Today, the topic of my Khutba is about the virtues of forgiveness. The Muslim should not consider forgiveness merely a noble trait necessary to adopt, but the Muslim goes beyond that. He considers forgiveness to be an integral part of his faith and the completion of his Islam. This is because Allah has commanded the Muslims to be forgiving. Muslims, if we all know the virtues of forgiveness and its relevance to us Muslims, then we attain fulfillment in keeping constancy with love, care, mercy and forgiveness within and among us. These character traits bring us closer to our fellow Muslims and other human beings and the creations all around us. Similarly, forgiveness brings us closer to Allah, that we may entirely achieve the exalted status of being God-fearing individuals. Allah said in the Qur’an: Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, this day is very important to every Muslim. This is a :ΓέϘΑϟ΍ ( ) :έϳλΑ ϥϭϠϣόΗ ΎϣΑ ௌ ϥ· ϡϛϧϳΑ ϝοϔϟ΍ ΍ϭγϧΗ ϻϭ ϯϭϘΗϠϟ Ώέϗ΃ ΍ϭϔόΗ ϥ΃ϭ" day (Friday) when Muslims should cheer, especially those who have strong faith to the Oneness of Almighty Allah. Today, the topic of my khutba is about the virtues of forgiveness. “And to forego and give is nearer to at-taqwa (piety, righteousness). And do not forget liberality between yourselves. Truly, Allah isforgiveness All-Seeing of what a you do.” trait (2:237) The Muslim should not consider merely noble necessary to adopt, but the Muslim goes beyond that. He considers forgiveness to be an integral part of his faith and the Dear Muslims brothers in Islam! allcommanded good deeds,the it isMuslims the forgiveness in you that completion of his Islam. and Thissisters is because AllahOf has to be forgiving. Allah loves most.

Muslims, if we all know the virtues of forgiveness and its relevance to us Muslims, then we Our dear Prophetin keeping said: constancy with love, care, mercy and forgiveness within and among attain fulfillment us. These character traits bring us closer to our fellow Muslims and other human beings and the “Allah, you all arearound indeed the yours (is) Love, Mercy have that Mercywe on may me.” creations us. Merciful, Similarly, forgiveness brings and us Forgiveness, closer to Allah, entirely achieve the exalted status of being God-fearing individuals. There was the man in the time of Prophet Muhammad that he mentioned as a resident and dweller of Paradise. Abdullah Ibn Am’r accompanied that man and closely observed him and to Allah said in the Qur’an: find out why the Prophet called him the dweller of Paradise. For three days Abdullah keenly observed the activities of the man. After observing the man, Abdullah did not find any distinct or particular deed that was different from his (Abdullah’s) deeds and of the other companions of the Prophet . The man worshipped Allah as we worshipped Allah. Abdullah asked the man in curiosity about what made the Prophet describe him as the dweller of paradise.

The man said to Abdullah: I do not know any other deed or action that made the Prophet said that I am a dweller of Paradise, except that before I sleep, I would not fall in slumber until after forgiving all those people who have hurt me. Abdullah said: “that is the reason why the Prophet told us that you are a resident of paradise.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, Allah the most High ordered and enjoined the Muslims to forgive one another, especially when differences stem only from minor causes. Allah said in the Qur’an:

Dear Muslims brothers and sisters in Islam! Of all good deeds, it is theSelected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 133 forgiveness in you that Allah loves most. 153

ϡϬϧϋ ϑϋΎϓ ϙϟϭΣ ϥϣ ΍ϭοϔϧϻ ΏϠϘϟ΍ υϳϠϏ Ύυϓ Εϧϛ ϭϟϭ ϡϬϟ Εϧϟ ௌ ϥϣ ΔϣΣέ ΎϣΑϓ" " ϥϳϠϛϭΗϣϟ΍ ΏΣϳ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ϰϠϋ ϝϛϭΗϓ Εϣίϋ ΍ΫΈϓ έϣϷ΍ ϲϓ ϡϫέϭΎηϭ ϡϬϟ έϔϐΗγ΍ϭ ( : ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ )

“By the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. Had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you. So pass over (their faults) and ask (Allah's) forgiveness for them and consult them in affairs. Then, when you have taken a decision, put : your trust in Allah. Certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (3:159) Dear believers! Forgiveness has a lot of good of things inherent to it. It is indeed very beneficial and valuable to every individual, in particular, and to the community in general. Brothers and sisters, the conflict that we have lived with in most of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, between and among groups, parties and even among kin, calls for revitalizing and enhancing within us the act of forgiving. When everyone has the capability to forgive before going to sleep, there would not anymore be conflict or wars or killings to ruin ties of kinship and friendship. During the time of Prophet Muhammad , Bilal, one of his most celebrated companions harbored ill-feelings against Abu Zar when the latter called him, “son of a black man.” Bilal related the story to Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Prophet told Abu Zar: Do you still uphold the custom and tradition of the people in the era of ignorance? Abu Zar put the right part of his face on the land and told Bilal to put his foot on his (Abu Zar’s) right face. Bilal said: “I swear to Allah that I can not put my foot on the face of Abu Zar who always prostrates to Allah the Most High. That was when Bilal forgave Abu Zar. My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, these are some of the deeds and behaviors of the Holy Prophet . One behavior of the Holy Prophet toward his companions was forgiveness. The Prophet was the model of human relations naturally endowed with affection, mercy, and forgiveness. One day, there was a man who urinated on the mosque of the Holy Prophet . One of the companions, Omar Ibn al-Khattab said: Leave it O Prophet of Allah , I will hit him! The Prophet told his companions to bring water and pour it on the area where the man urinated. Servants of Allah! Our dear Prophet Muhammad was praised by Allah because of his good manners and behaviors. This was the reason why Allah has said in the Qur’an: “And verily, you

are on an exalted standard of character.” (68:4)

( : ϡϠϘϟ΍) "ϡϳυϋ ϕϠΧ ϰϠόϟ ϙϧ·ϭ" The companions of the Holy Prophet asked Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet about the manners of the Holy Prophet ,the only answer that Aisha gave was that his character was the Qur’an. That was our dear Prophet the human model in terms of manners whose character is the Qur’an, the perfect standard of character. One of these important characters and values was forgiveness. Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! We have to clearly understand the importance of forgiveness and remember that it is enjoined by Allah upon all Muslims.

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Authenticated by Bukhari, a hadith reported by Ibno Zubair who said that Allah ordered His 154 Prophet Muhammad to put emphasis more on forgiveness (in judging) the attitudes of other people.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! We have to clearly understand the importance of forgiveness and remember, it is enjoined by Allah upon all Muslims. Authenticated by Bukhari, a hadith reported by Ibno Zubair who said that Allah ordered His Prophet Muhammad to put emphasis more on forgiveness (in judging) the attitudes of other people. Allah said in the Qur’an:

(

: ϑ΍έϋϷ΍) "ϥϳϠϫΎΟϟ΍ ϥϋ νέϋ΃ϭ ϑέόϟΎΑ έϣ΍ϭ ϭϔόϟ΍ ΫΧ"

“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (don't punish them).” (7:199) Respected Believers! The fruits of forgiveness are the following: Allah will reward you with good things in this World and in the World Hereafter. You will be adopting the manners of the Prophet . If you forgive your fellow Muslim, Allah will also forgive you. Peace and tranquility will remain in the community. Allah guarantees you paradise in the Eternal Life. O Allah! Guide us and protect us from the causes of ignorance and destruction. Save us from the defects of ourselves. Help us make the last of our deeds be the best and most righteous. Forgive all of us. Respected Believers! are the following:

The

fruits

forgiveness

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍willϭϫreward Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ things ϝϛ ϥϣin ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ ϲϟ ௌHereafter. έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭYou ΍Ϋϫwillϲϟϭϗ Allah you with good this Worldέ΋Ύγϟϭ and in ϡϛϟϭ the World be adopting the manners of the Prophet ; If you forgive your fellow Muslim, Allah will also.forgive ϡϳΣέϟ΍ you; Peace and tranquility to reign all over the community; and Allah guarantees you paradise in the Eternal Life. May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words of Allah! the Ayat andus wise I say this and Allah Great and Most Honored for from the O Guide andDhikr. protect us from the ask causes of the ignorance and the destruction. Save us forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful. the defects ourselves. Cause the last of our deeds to be the best and most righteous. And forgive all of us.

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Reconciliation and Unification in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

O Brothers in Islam! I exhort to myself and you to have fear for Allah the Holy One internally and apparently through the time. We must observe true obedience to Allah and His Messenger so that we may become successful in this World and the Eternal Life Hereafter. One of the manifestations of fear and obedience to Allah and to His Prophet is the mutual reconciliation among Muslim brothers and sisters. Allah, the Exalted, says:

ϲΗϟ΍ ΍ϭϠΗΎϘϓ ϯέΧϷ΍ ϰϠϋ Ύϣϫ΍ΩΣ· ΕϐΑ ϥΈϓ ΎϣϬϧϳΑ ΍ϭΣϠλ΄ϓ ΍ϭϠΗΗϗ΍ ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ ϥϣ ϥΎΗϔ΋Ύρ ϥ·ϭ " ϥϳργϘϣϟ΍ ௌ ϥ·I exhort ΍ϭργϗ΃ϭ ϝΩόϟΎΑ and ΎϣϬϧϳΑyou΍ϭΣϠλ΄ϓ ϥΈϓAllah, ௌ έϣ΃ ϲϐΑΗ O, BrothersΏΣϳ in Islam! to myself to have Ε˯Ύϓ fear for the ϰϟ· Holy˯ϲϔΗ One,ϰΗΣ internally and apparently through the time. We must observe true obedience to Allah and His Messenger ( that- ̂we :Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍ ) "ϥϭϣΣέΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ϡϛϳϭΧ΃ ϥϳΑ ΍ϭΣϠλ΄ϓ ΓϭΧ· ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ Ύϣϧ· ˬ so˺˹ may become successful in this World and the Eternal Life Hereafter. One

of the manifestations of fear and obedience to Allah and to His Prophet is the “If two parties among the believers fall to a quarrel, make ye peace between them. But if one of mutual reconciliation among Muslim brothers and sisters. them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight ye (all) against the one that transgresses until it complies with the Command of Allah. Then, if it complies, make peace between them with justice, and be fair. For, Allah loves those who are fair and just. The Allah, the Exalted, says: believers are a single brotherhood. So make peace and reconciliation between your (contending) brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive Mercy.” (49:9-10)

So, fear Allah if you are believers! The reconciliation of and amicable settlement among conflicting groups of Muslim is enjoined by Allah, the Most Merciful, as mentioned in the verse above. O brothers and sisters in Islam! Our best model is the Prophet Muhammad . In his lifetime, once he would know that a quarrel or conflict had started among Muslims, he would immediately settle their enmity and would reconcile them amicably and equitably. It was narrated that once two young children, one from Ansar and the other from Muhajiren were quarreling. The Ansars called out: “O Ansars, come out and help the Ansar child” and likewise the Muhajiren shouted for help: “O Mujahiren! Help each other.” The messengers of Allah immediately went out and said (to both parties): What! Is not the case of jahiliyyah (ignorance) which you have done? They replied: “No, O Messenger of Allah ! It was only that the two youngsters were quarreling with each other; the one was hitting the other in retaliation. The Prophet said, “There is nothing wrong if you help your brother whether he is the oppressor or the one being oppressed. If he is oppressed, help him (by defending him) and if he is an oppressor, prevent him from committing his oppression. That is your act of helping. (Narrated by Muslim on the authority of Jabir) O brothers in Islam, there are great virtues and wisdom in amicable settlement and reconciliation among conflicting parties. The Prophet Muhammad reconciled the people of Abu Sufian and the Muslim government after the Battle of Uhud when the following verse was revealed. Allah said: Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development forye the peace Muslim Communities the Philippines “And if two parties among the believers fall to a quarrel, make betweeninthem, but if | 137

The Prophet Muhammad reconciled the people 137 of Abu Sufian and the Muslim government after the Battle of Uhud when the following verse was revealed.

ௌ ΍ϭόϳρ΃ϭ ϡϛϧϳΑ Ε΍Ϋ ΍ϭΣϠλ΃ϭ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗΎϓ ϝϭγέϟ΍ϭ Ϳ ϝΎϔϧϷ΍ ϝϗ ϝΎϔϧϷ΍ ϥϋ ϙϧϭϠ΋γϳ " (˺:ϝΎϔϧϷ΍ ) " ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣ ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· Ϫϟϭγέϭ “They ask you (O Muhammad ) about the spoils of war. Say: "The spoils are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger ." So fear Allah and keep straight the relations between yourselves, and obey Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ) if you are believers.” (8:1) Remember that Abu Sufian brought along his people to join a caravan as he plotted to kill the Prophet . Remember that not only did Sufian’s armored warriors take part in the Battle of Uhud, but the non-combatants, among them women, mutilated the dead bodies of the Muslim companions of the Prophet Muhammad . Having been sent by Allah as a Mercy to humankind, Prophet Muhammad absolved their war crimes as embodied in his first postwar program of amnesty for war criminals who turned Muslims, including the formidable Khalid Ibn al Walid (after the Battle of Bad’r in which Abu Jah’l was killed as an unbeliever). The second phase of his post-war program was his government’s undertaking of what is now contemporarily referred to as relief and rehabilitation. His government took custody of the spoils of war (managed by organized, the people of Abu Sufian and their properties, out of which a fifth part went to the government for post-war relief and rehabilitation (as managed by the Baitul Ma’al or House of Custodians that he organized). In our time it would have taken a diplomatic and international law experts to have thought of such proposition and undertakings. Civilized nations in later years would similarly take custody of the spoils of war and take care of peoples ruined by World War II, particularly the Germany of the early 1940s (See also Sir R. Phillimore’s International Law). But, my dear brothers and sisters, with all due respect: if we do nor have the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad in taking over properties as spoils of war; the authority of the government, the empire that He established; the expertise of international diplomats in international law— then we better opt not subject properties left by evacuees to confiscation. On the authority of Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah is reported to have said: “Shall not I inform you of the best (good deed) in degree than fasting, prayers and charity? They replied: “Yes, (verily you should inform us) He said: reconciling the conflict of the two parties. For it (conflict) shall be the shaving; I mean not shaving of hair in the head but shaving the religion (narrated by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidzi) The shaving of religion is meant for mutual conflict of Muslims to lead the civil war of which consequence weakens and eventually befalls the followers of Islam, because they the lack defenders (in unification) against those who oppose the Law of Allah. O Allah! Guide us and protect us from the causes disunity, ignorance and destruction. Save us from the defects of ourselves! Cause the last of our deeds to be the best and the most righteous and forgive us all. 138 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Importance of Unity in Islam

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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Respected brothers and sisters in Islam, first of all we should thank Allah, Lord of all creations, Most Gracious; Most Merciful to His servants. Likewise, may the blessings and peace be to our Prophet Muhammad who had carried the Divine Trust of Allah. Allah the Most High says: Respected brothers and ϝ΁ sisters in Islam,ϡΗϧ΃ϭ first ϻ· of all we should thank Lord΍ϭϧϣ΁ of allϥϳΫϟ΍ Creations, (˺˹˻ :ϥ΍έϣϋ ) "ϥϭϣϠγϣ ϥΗϭϣΗ ϻϭ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣAllah, ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" Most Gracious; Most Merciful to His servants. Likewise, may the blessings and peace be to our Prophet Muhammad “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah, the Exalted, says:

" ΏΎϘόϟ΍ ΩϳΩη ௌ ϥ· ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ϥ΍ϭΩόϟ΍ϭ ϡΛϹ΍ ϰϠϋ ΍ϭϧϭΎόΗ ϻϭ ϯϭϘΗϟ΍ϭ έΑϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ΍ϭϧϭΎόΗϭ " (˻:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍) “Help you one another in righteousness and unity; But do not help one another in sin and transgression; And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment.” (5:2)

Thus, my brothers and sisters, we are forewarned by Allah in this verse against being part of transgression, of oppression or of mischief in the land, here in our province and anywhere in this part of the world, by anyone or any group claiming to be of Muslims and doing mischief against the weak, non-combatants, leaders of other religions, women and children and worse yet, In the name of Islam. The Prophet had to deal arduously against arrogance and oppression; of the poor by the rich; of the strong against the weak; and of the powerful few against the multitude of ordinary weak people. According to the teachings of Islam in Quran and Hadith, we cannot accept arrogance, cruelty, or oppression in any place. Islam invites all Muslims to be cognizant about the rights of others, Muslims or non-Muslims. Islam is against any tyranny or corruption in any form. There is no difference between black and white; neither the Arab has advantage over the non-Arab. Allah Exhorts the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad to unite and rest their affairs upon mutual cooperation, enjoining righteousness and forbidding what is evil. So, fear Allah because as you do good deeds, you will be immensely rewarded by Allah in this World and with promise of everlasting heavenly abode in Paradise. But if anyone of you commits unlawful acts, evils and sins before Allah, you will be given a grievous punishment of hellfire. Allah, the exalted, also says: Thus, my brothers and sisters, we are forewarned by Allah in this verse against being part of ϥϳΑ ϑϟ΄ϓ ˯΍Ωϋ΃oppression ϡΗϧϛ Ϋ· ϡϛϳϠϋ ௌ Εϣόϧ ௌ ϝΑΣΑ transgression, or mischief in the ΍ϭέϛΫ΍ϭ land, here΍ϭϗέϔΗ in Suluϻϭ andΎόϳϣΟ anywhere in this΍ϭϣλΗϋ΍ϭ part of the" world, anyone any ϡϛΫϘϧ΄ϓ group claiming be of Ύϔη Muslims mischief the ϡϛΑϭϠϗ weak, ϡϛϟ ௌbyϥϳΑϳ ϙϟΫϛorΎϬϧϣ έΎϧϟ΍ ϥϣtoΓέϔΣ ϰϠϋ and ϡΗϧϛϭdoing Ύϧ΍ϭΧ· ϪΗϣόϧΑagainst ϡΗΣΑλ΄ϓ non-combatants, leaders of other religions, women and children—and worse yet, “in the name (˺˹˼:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁) "ϥϭΩΗϬΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ϪΗΎϳ΁ of Islam.” The Prophet

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And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (this Qur'ân), and be not divided among ourselves. Remember Allah's favor unto you: for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together so that by His Grace, you became brethren. You were on the brink of a pit of Fire but He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes His Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) clear to you that you may be guided. (3:103). Unity strengthens the bond of brotherhood in Islam; in contrast, disunity weakens the faith and ties of brotherhood and results to failure and enmity. On the authority of Ibnu Umar (May Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah was reported to have said: “Verily! From among the servants of Allah, there will be a group of people who shall not be the prophets and the martyrs. But prophets and the martyrs shall wish for their high place in Allah. They asked: O Messenger of Allah , inform us about them. He replied: They are those who have loved each other for the sake of Allah, not because of blood relationship and the wealth they have because of each other. By Allah, their faces will be full of lights and they will be pleased at the place of light; they will have no fear (of punishment) when the people will have fear. (Narrated by Abu Dawud) We should be grateful to Allah Most Gracious Lord of all creations for giving us Islam as our religion. The Prophet succeeded in creating a universal brotherhood based on faith, which surpassed old blood-ties and tribal loyalties previously accepted as the norms. Thus the Muslim Ummah (the Muslim community as the fabric of society), with its principles of internal solidarity, was brought into being under the Prophet's hands after a good deal of struggle. In his remarkable farewell speech, the Prophet spoke of principles that summed up all developments underlying the principles of Islam. The principles put emphasis on: a) human rights, b) social justice, c) just economic system, d) righteousness, and e) solidarity. Unity of the Ummah is a principle of utmost importance. Allah says in Qur’an:

ϥϳΑ ϑϟ΄ϓ ˯΍Ωϋ΃ ϡΗϧϛ Ϋ· ϡϛϳϠϋ ௌ Εϣόϧ ΍ϭέϛΫ΍ϭ ΍ϭϗέϔΗ ϻϭ ΎόϳϣΟ ௌ ϝΑΣΑ ΍ϭϣλΗϋ΍ϭ " ϡϛϟ ௌ ϥϳΑϳ ϙϟΫϛ ΎϬϧϣ ϡϛΫϘϧ΄ϓ έΎϧϟ΍ ϥϣ ΓέϔΣ Ύϔη ϰϠϋ ϡΗϧϛϭ Ύϧ΍ϭΧ· ϪΗϣόϧΑ ϡΗΣΑλ΄ϓ ϡϛΑϭϠϗ (˺˹˼:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁) "ϥϭΩΗϬΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ϪΗΎϳ΁ Hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in your faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus, Allah makes His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) clear to you, that you may be guided.” (3:103)

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Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! If we are going to ponder deeply the teachings of Islam on matters related to unity, there is no reason why Muslims can not move forward in every aspects of human development. The teachings of Qur’an on unity promote human interaction. Unity in Islam does not mean we ought to stop being followers of different schools of thought. Unity in Islam means we should meet on common grounds and discuss the differences and find solution. Allah said: Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! If we are going to ponder deeply the teachings of Islam on matters related to unity, there is no reason why Muslims can not move forward in every aspects ௌhuman Ωϧϋ ϡϛϣέϛ΃ ϥ· ΍ϭϓέΎόΗϟ ϝ΋ΎΑϗϭ ΎΑϭόη ϡϛΎϧϠόΟϭ ϰΛϧ΃ϭ έϛΫ human ϥϣ ϡϛΎϧϘϠΧ Ύϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" of development. The teachings of Qur’an on unity promote interaction.

(˺˼:Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍) "έϳΑΧ ϡϳϠϋ ௌ ϥ· ϡϛΎϘΗ΃

Unity in Islam does not mean we ought to stop being followers of different schools of thought. Unity in IslamWe means should meet common and discuss the you differences and and find “O mankind! have we created you fromon a pair male grounds and a female, and made into nations solution. tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allâh is that (believer)

who has at-Taqwa [one of the Muttaqûn (righteous)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All- Aware.” (49:13) Allah said: We therefore ask the Almighty to Guide us and the whole Muslim nation and we seek His Blessings for the unity of the Ummah. O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such and grant us the quality of following and embracing it. Show falsehood to us as such and grant us the quality of avoiding it.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ “O mankind! have created pair male έ΋Ύγϟϭ and a female, you ϭinto Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ·WeˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫyouϝϛfrom ϥϣa ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟandௌmade έϔϐΗγ΃ ΍Ϋϫnations ϲϟϭϗ and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ (believer) who has at-Taqwa [one of the Muttaqûn (righteous)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, AllAware.” (49:13) May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the We therefore ask and the wise Almighty and the whole nation and we seek His words of the Ayat Dhikr.toI Guide say thisusand ask Allah the Muslim Great and the Most Honored for Blessings for the of unity the Ummah. the forgiveness ourof sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful. O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such, and grant us the quality of following and embracing it. Show falsehood to us as such, and grant us the quality of avoiding it.

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Islam as a Religion of Peace ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy, that the requirement and duty on the slave is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah said in the Holy Qur’an: O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy, that the requirement and duty " ϥϳέγΎΧϟ΍ ϥϣ ΓέΧϵ΍ ϲϓ ϭϫϭ Ϫϧϣ ϝΑϘϳ ϥϠϓ ΎϧϳΩ ϡϼγϹ΍ έϳϏ ώΗΑϳ ϥϣϭ " on the slave is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and Prophet Muhammad (peace be (́̋:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ ) upon him) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an: other than Islam (submission to God); Never will it be accepted of “If anyone desires a religion him; and in the Hereafter; He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” (3:85)

In Sura Ya-sin, Allah says:

(̋́:αϳ) " ϡϳΣέ Ώέ ϥϣϻϭϗ ϡϼγ "

“’Peace—(a Word of salutation) from a Lord, Most Merciful!” (36:58) My brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has been the fastest religion of the world today, the overall increase of followers of all sects and denominations of other faiths cannot be compared to the incredible increase in number of the followers of Islam. The increase in population of Islam’s followers was specifically noted in the US and Great Britain. And it is said that in Great Britain, there are more Muslims than Methodists. O believers! know that by the blessings of the Almighty Allah, Lord of the universe, we are being commanded to uphold and embrace Islam, that we may benefit from the blessings He had spread upon all creations and that per chance we become aware of the Hereafter. Allah, The Most High says:

" ϥϳΑϣ ϭΩϋ ϡϛϟ Ϫϧ· ϥΎρϳηϟ΍ Ε΍ϭρΧ ΍ϭόΑΗΗ ϻϭ ΔϓΎϛ ϡϠγϟ΍ ϲϓ ΍ϭϠΧΩ΍ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ "

O believers! know that by the blessings of the Almighty Allah, Lord of the universe, we are being ) (˻˹́:ΓέϘΑϟ΍ commanded to uphold and embrace Islam, that we may benefit from the blessings He had spread upon all creations and that per chance we become aware of the Hereafter.

O you who believe! Enter perfectly into Islam whole-heartedly; (by obeying all its rules and Allah, The Most High says: regulations) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan); for he to you an avowed enemy. (2:208) In this verse, we have to understand thoroughly that the call of Allah to enter Islam is neither limited to parents but is extended to their children; nor only to the leaders of the people alone, but to whole of humankind, so we seek refuge from severe chastisement in the Hereafter. The meaning of Islam is peace and so we are assured by the Messenger of Allah that we are protected from evil and nafs (want) and from all oddities of life, as we hold fast unto the rope of Allah in Islam.

In this verse, we have to understand thoroughly that the call of Allah to enter Islam is neither limited to parents but is extended to their children; nor only to the leaders of the people alone, Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 145 but to whole of humankind, so we seek refuge from severe chastisement in the Hereafter. The 145 by the Messenger of Allah meaning of Islam is peace and so we are assured that we are protected from evil and nafs (want) and from all oddities of life, as we hold fast unto the rope of Allah in Islam.

Prophet Muhammad

said:

“A true believer is he who can save another Muslim by his tongue and fingers.”

This means that the moment you embrace and profess Islam as your religion then, you do not allow yourself to utter bad words to others and not to tell a lie and to speak ill of others. The Prophet

said:

“One of you is not a true believer until he believes completely. Then you cannot be called believers until you love each other and remain true believers yourselves.” Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Don’t you want any of my advice? For any of your undertakings should you do it, can hold firmly your religion? Convey the word peace (salam) amongst you because it is a word of salutation from God (Allah); a language of the Lord, Most Merciful. From it (salam) Islam is designed for us to profess.” Another important factor of peace is the significant role of tolerance in achieving peace on earth as Islam is always advocating for it. Nothing could be truer than the statement that tolerance is indeed a permanent law of nature. But it is not something which has to be externally imposed for the human desire for tolerance is limitless. Just as truth and honesty are virtues, so is tolerance a virtue. And just as no one ever needs to ask for how long one should remain truthful and honest, so does one think of tolerance as having an eternal value. The way of tolerance should be unquestioningly adopted at all times as possessing superior merit. A man who is intolerant is not a human being in the full sense of the expression. To become enraged at antagonism is surely a sign of weakness. Of course, there are many who not want to recognize the principle of tolerance as being eternal, for, in conditions of adversity, the temptation to retaliate becomes too strong. The feelings of anger which accompany negative reaction must somehow be vented and those who think and act in this way are keen to retain the illusion that, in hitting back, they are doing anything unlawful. Such thinking is quite wrong. In reality, when a man is enraged at anything which goes against his will, tolerance as a priority becomes paramount. Many men strive to become supermen. But the true superman is one who, in rally trying situations, can demonstrate his super tolerance. Just any act of antagonism does not give us the license to be intolerant; rather, such occasions call for greater tolerance than in normal circumstances. In everyday matter, where is none of the stress and strain of opposition, no one has difficulty in being tolerant. It is only in extraordinary situations, fraught with conflict, that the truly tolerant man will prove his mettle. This is part of the teachings of peace in Islam as a religion. May Allah guide us all to fulfill the trust and successfully bear the responsibility we have upon us. Let me remind ourselves, our leaders, the husbands and the wives and all of us from falling into betraying and neglecting the trust.

The Prophet

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ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit from the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Rights of Neighbors

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Fear Allah and safeguard what He ordered you to safeguard. Keep and safeguard His rights and the rights of His people and creation. O servant of Allah, the neighbor’s right is proven in many verses from the Holy Qur’an and Hadith. It was even said that Angel Jibreel kept emphasizing upon Muhammad the importance of the neighbor’s rights until the Prophet developed an impression that Jibreel was going to prescribe a share in the inheritance for the neighbor. No one harms his neighbor except an ill-mannered person who is wicked and evil. The Prophet

said:

“By Allah, he does not believe. By Allah he does not believe. By Allah he does not believe. It was said: O Messenger of Allah! Verily, he lost and failed. Who is he? He said: It is he whose neighbor does not feel safe from his bawaaiq. They asked: what is Bawaaiq? He said: His evil.” (Agreed upon) The Muslim who knows the teachings of his religion is the best of people in his dealings especially with his neighbors. Being a Muslim, that person is most deserving of respect being himself respectful, kind and considerate toward his neighbors. He is aware of the many a teaching of Islam concerning his neighbors never before taught. Allah said in the Qur’an:

έΎΟϟ΍ϭ ϥϳϛΎγϣϟ΍ϭ ϰϣΎΗϳϟ΍ϭ ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ϱΫΑϭ ΎϧΎγΣ· ϥϳΩϟ΍ϭϟΎΑϭ Ύ΋ϳη ϪΑ ΍ϭϛέηΗ ϻϭ ௌ ΍ϭΩΑϋ΍ϭ "

O servant of Allah, the neighbor’s right is proven in many verses from the Holy Qur’an and ϥϣ ΏΣϳIt was ϻ ௌeven ϥ· ϡϛϧΎϣϳ΃ ΕϛϠϣ ϝϳΑγϟ΍ ϥΑ΍ϭ ΏϧΟϟΎΑ ΏΣΎλϟ΍ϭ ΏϧΟϟ΍ έΎΟϟ΍ϭ ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ϱΫ Hadith. said that AngelΎϣϭ Jibreel kept emphasizing upon Muhammad

(˼˿:˯Ύγϧϟ΍ ) " ΍έϭΧϓ ϻΎΗΧϣ ϥΎϛ

“Worship Allah and associate none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hand possess. For verily, Allah loveth not the arrogant and boastful!” (4:36) Be not strangers with your own neighbors. For neighbors have mutual rights of each other in a kinship born of shared space of domiciles next to each other. The likeness of the tolerance promoted by Islam is the contagious housing units in the midst of modern-day development. The Prophet Muhammad had a number of narrated Hadith on treatment and rights of neighbors and neighboring relationship. The Messenger of Allah once said: “The Archangel Gabriel did stop to advise me about a neighbor till I thought that he would soon make (that neighbor) an heir (of the believers).” The teachings of the Prophet indicate Muslims should know the rights of his neighbors over him at all times and to help his neighbors in times of emergency and disaster. He shares with them his joys and to sympathize with or console them in moments of bereavement and sorrowful situation, and pay visit when one of them is sick.

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Be not strangers with your own neighbors. For neighbors have mutual rights of each other in a kinship born of shared space of domiciles next to each other. The likeness of the tolerance

his joys and to sympathize with or console them in moments of bereavement and sorrowful situation, and pay visit when one of them is sick.

Learned Muslims, Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq have recorded in their book, “ Muslim History 570-1950 GC” that in 628 GC, the Prophet Muhammad granted the Charter of Privileges of his government upon the Monks of St. Catherine Monastery in Mount Sinai. The Prophet’s Magna Carta consists of several clauses “ covering all aspects of human rights,” especially of non-Muslims under a Muslim rule, including such topics as “ the protection of Christians; freedom of worship and movement; freedom to appoint their own judges and to own and maintain their property; exemption from military service, and the right to protection in (times of) war.” My dear brothers and sisters, the neighborhood of the Prophet Muhammad in Madina was much like our contemporary neighborhoods of mixed inhabitants among followers of several religions. The peoples of other faiths had known the Prophet’s religion through the personality traits and character that he exceptionally exemplified in his lifetime. But in this day and age of hatred, greed and distrust, who could best exude the teachings of Islam to our non-Muslim neighbors here in Basilan when all that the province has become is being noted for violence and abuses, whoever the culprits may be, among parties contending for control of Basilan’s natural resources, economy and politics. In one occasion, the Prophet of Allah was said to have extended for his Jew neighbor a drainage canal that used to end at the Messenger’s doorstep. And by means of Zakat and Sadaka, the Muslim who lives in affluence and abundance never overlooks at the situation of his neighbors living in poverty. One reason that fasting is made obligatory is that it brings the level of hunger to both the rich and the poor in an annual occasion of immense earthly and heavenly reward. Among Muslims, neighborhood is classified into three groups: 1) Muslims who are related by blood or kinship; 2) Muslims who are not related by blood; and 3) non-Muslims. The first group is bound by religion and kinship; the second by religion, and the third of neighborhood. Indeed, living next to each other’s domicile constitutes a kinship that is born of shared space of dwellings making them close enough to each other. The Muslim is to avoid doing anything that would physically or may emotionally hurt his neighbors. If he does, he would be answerable in the Eternal Life that he may not enter paradise even if he was so destined to. The Prophet of Allah

said:

“He unto whose hands his neighbors are not safe shall not enter paradise.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! It is really shameful to go to sleep with a full stomach while your neighbor is hungry. It is shameful to always wear new clothes, yet be so stingy that would not even give your neighbor your used clothes to cover his nudity. It is shameful to enjoy all the good things you have such as food, cloth, perfume and much more, while your neighbors long for bones and dry bread. Are you aware of what the Prophet (peace be upon him) said regarding giving things away to your neighbors even if it were a little thing. The Prophet of Islam

said:

Learned Muslims, Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq have recorded in their book, “Muslim History 570-1950 GC” that in 628 GC, the Prophet Muhammad

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“Certainly, a woman should not belittle what her neighbor gives her, even if is a sheep’s intestines.” Again the Prophet

also said:

“Four are from happiness: a good wife, a spacious residence, a good neighbor and a comfortable vehicle. And four are from misery: a bad neighbor, a bad wife, a bad vehicle and a small (stifling) residence.” Some people do not care about others if they themselves are comfortable. They would not mind if all the people were annoyed by them and angry with them. They would not mind even if their reputation was hurt so long as they satisfy their lusts and joys. Their lusts and desires are fulfilled and their needs are met, so it does not matter if all these were satisfied at the expense of their honor, dignity or reputation. For that reason, these people are despised by others, hated by their neighbors and have a disgusting reputation among their peers. The Prophet

said:

“If you feel no shame, then do whatever you wish.” O! Lord, strengthen our faith to think that Islam does not make distinction or difference upon anyone from among the rich, the poor, the weak and strong; the educated from the uneducated; the Muslims from the non-Muslim neighbors with regards to their rights toward each other. Again the Prophet ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ

ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍

May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Islam Condemns Terrorism

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

΍έϳΛϛ ϻΎΟέ ΎϣϬϧϣ ΙΑϭ ΎϬΟϭί ΎϬϧϣ ϕϠΧϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ αϔϧ ϥϣ ϡϛϘϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϛΑέ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺:˯Ύγϧϟ΍)"ΎΑϳϗέ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϡΎΣέϷ΍ϭ ϪΑ ϥϭϟ˯ΎγΗ ϱΫϟ΍ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ˯Ύγϧϭ

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O servant of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights, for they are but phases of time that you pass through to the life of the hereafter until you reach your final destination. Every passing day draws you closer to the hereafter and away from this life. He who takes advantage of the opportunities of these days and nights avails by doing what gets him closer to his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes that occur on their passage. Blessed is he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing the alterations of life and what they entail of wisdom and secrets. My respected brothers and sisters in Islam, the subject of my Khutba is about where Islám stands in relation to Terrorism. Sadly, terrorism and Islam have become so closely intertwined in most Western thought in these days and this did not happen by accident. There are some people with ill agenda who seek to discredit the good name of Islam and who consider Islam as threat to their global ambitions. There are, sadly, also some misguided Muslims who are playing directly into their hands, by committing acts of violence that are totally forbidden by The Holy Qur'án and the prophetic Sunnah. Why they commit these acts of terror, the reasons may be debated on, but never justified. Let us first define what we mean by Terrorism. Chambers English Dictionary defines it as “the systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve some goal.” But in practice, the term is rarely used objectively. One man’s terrorist is usually another man’s freedom fighter. As Muslims, our only point of reference is our Holy Qur'án and Sunnah. What does Islam say about terrorism? It seems rather strange and unnecessary that one should need to explain why Islam condemns terrorism. After all, the very word, Islam, is derived from the Arabic letters ‘seen’ ‘laam’ and ‘meem’ which form the root word ‘salama’ meaning ‘peace.’ Islam therefore means the state of being at peace, or to bring into peace. In its very roots, therefore, there is nothing in common between a way of life that stands for peace, harmony, order, justice and compassion on the one hand, and acts of hatred, vengeance and evil, on the other hand. Indeed, Islam and terrorism stand on opposite ends of the moral spectrum. In Islam, life is so sacred. It is a gift from God and He alone has the right to take it back. Murder and the killing of innocent civilians in warfare are strictly forbidden. Allah said in the Holy Qur'án:

O servant of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights, for they are but phases of Ύϣϧ΄ϛϓthat νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΩΎγϓ ϭ΃ αϔϧ έϳϐΑlifeΎγϔϧ ϝΗϗhereafter ϥϣ Ϫϧ΃ ϝϳ΋΍έγ· ϰϠϋyour ΎϧΑΗϛfinal ϙϟΫdestination. ϝΟ΃ ϥϣ" time you pass through to the of the until youϲϧΑ reach Every passing day draws closer hereafter and Ύϣϧ΄ϛϓ away Ύfrom He who (˼˻you :ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍ ) " to...the ΎόϳϣΟ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϳΣ΃ ϫΎϳΣ΃this ϥϣϭlife.ΎόϳϣΟ αΎϧϟ΍takes ϝΗϗ advantage of the opportunities of these days and nights avails by doing what gets him closer to his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes “If anyone kills a human being, unless it be [in legal punishment] for murder or for spreading that occur on their passage. Blessed is he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing corruption on earth, it shall be as though that person has killed all of humanity. Whereas if the alterations of life and what they entail of wisdom and secrets. anyone saves a life, it shall be as though one has saved the lives of all of humanity.” (5:32) My respected brothers and sisters in Islam, the subject of my khutbah is about where Islám One of the great moral debates in history has been the question of means and ends. Does the stands in relation to Terrorism. Sadly, terrorism and Islam have become so closely intertwined in end justify the means? Can one achieve moral ends by immoral means? Some people argue most Western thought in these days, and this did not happen by accident. There are some that the end justifies the means. Islam is very clear on this. One cannot achieve halaal ends by people with ill agenda, who seek to discredit the good name of Islam, and who consider Islam haraam means. The ends and the means have to inextricably integrated with each other. Only as threat to their global ambitions. There are, sadly, also some misguided Muslims who are moral means can achieve moral ends. This wasDevelopment the wayforofthethe Prophets and all God’s A Guide to Social Muslim in theof Philippines | 153 playing directly into theirSelected hands,Khutba: by committing acts of violence that areCommunities totally forbidden by The beloved servants, throughout the ages. Holy Qur'án and the prophetic Sunnah. Why they commit these acts of terror, the reasons may 157 be debated on, but never justified. One of the great moral debates in history has been the question of Means and Ends. Does the End Means? Can achieve moral ends by immoral means? Some people Let justify us firstthedefine what weone mean by Terrorism. Chambers English Dictionary definesargue it as

haraam means. The ends and the means have to inextricably integrated with each other. Only moral means can achieve moral ends. This was the way of the Prophets and of all God’s beloved servants, throughout the ages. However, much as we are provoked, much as we might be tempted to retaliate or to defend ourselves with forbidden actions, we cannot do so. Terrorism is evil. Terrorism is indiscriminate. An act of terror does not distinguish between combatant and civilian, innocent or guilty. By its very nature it is an act of cowardice. Islam does not promote or condone cowardice. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The issue of terrorism cannot be for all the times be associated to any teachings of Islam. No Muslims of sound mind can justify any acts of terrorism in any form. What is happening in Mindanao, specifically in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, is the wrong interpretation of the teachings of Islam. There are, however, other Muslims who have very limited understanding of Islam and have equated terrorism as an act of worship, sanctioned by Prophet Muhammad . But nothing in the Sunnah of can be associated to terrorism. Life is considered too precious to be taken carelessly. A Hadith according to Abu Dawood says that the Prophet Muhammad came across a body of a woman after a battle and he reprimanded his followers, saying, “She was not among those who fought us.” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, is it permissible to take the life of a non- Muslim? Is it justified to rob the properties of the non-Muslims? Is it an excuse to kidnap a wealthy non-Muslim? The Prophet Muhammad

said:

“Whoever kills a Dhimmi [a non-Muslim citizen of an Islamic State] is not even going to smell the fragrance of Paradise.” In another important Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad

said:

“A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands, other Muslims are safe; and a Mu’min, [a Believer] is he in whom all of humankind has a sanctuary for life and property.” Can you imagine that? Not only must other Muslims be safe from our words and our deeds, but the whole of humankind must feel safe in our custody! What an honor! What a responsibility! What a big, big responsibility to answer for on the Day of Judgment! Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam has nothing to do with terrorism. Islam is indeed a religion spread all over the world recognized and accepted by the world as a religion that always advocate for peace and security and harmony and has nothing to do with terrorism. It is therefore high time for those who associate Islam with terrorism to look deeply into the teachings of Islam and peaceful message Islam. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad

said:

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The issue of terrorism can not be for all the times be associated to any teachings of Islam. No Muslims of sound mind can justify any acts of terrorism in any form. What is happening in Mindanao specifically in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is the wrong interpretation of the teachings of Islam. There are, however other Muslims who have very limited understanding of Islam equated terrorism as an act of worship, sanctioned by Prophet Muhammad 154 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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“You will never enter paradise until you become a true believer (mu’min). You will never become a true believer until you love one another. Shall I lead you to a deed that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread peace between and amongst you. Most importantly, we must always seek the help of our Creator. Allah alone is able to facilitate any success. The formula is simple: we need meticulous planning, followed by hard work, prayer and supplication. Then we must be patient and persevere, entrusting our affairs to Allah. This is known as Tawakkul. It is our best guarantee of success. Let us pray to Allah, to help us clear the good name of Islam. As Muslims and as true Believers, let our thoughts, our words and deeds, show convincing proof that Islam, the way of Peace, has no place for terrorism, whether it is individual, group or state terrorism. O Allah, in these difficult times, let us defeat the hate mongers and slanderers. In the words of your Prophet Moses, who prayed, O Allah, expand my breast for me, and loosen my tongue. Help us also, by giving us wisdom and articulate speech. Let us personify noble character and good manners, and so win the war of hearts and minds, for Islam.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ

And most importantly, we must always seek the help of our Creator. Allah alone is able to Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛis ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟplanning, ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫby ϲϟϭϗ facilitate anyϪϧ· success. The formula simple: we need meticulous followed hard work, prayer and supplication. Then we must be patient and persevere, entrusting our affairs to .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ Allah. This is known as Tawakkul. It is our best guarantee of success. May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words Letthe us Ayat pray to Allah, help us clear theand good Islam. As and Muslims and as true Believers, of and wisetoDhikr. I say this askname Allahofthe Great the Most Honored for the let our thoughts, words andHim deeds, show convincing proof that Islam, the Peace, has forgiveness of ourour sins. Invoke for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, theway MostofMerciful. no place for terrorism, whether it is individual, group or state terrorism. O Allah, in these difficult times, let us defeat the hate mongers and slanderers. In the words of your Prophet Moses, who prayed, “O Allah, expand my breast for me, and loosen my tongue.” Help us also, by giving us wisdom and articulate speech. Let us personify noble character and good manners, and so win the war of hearts and minds, for Islam.

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The Importance of Zakat ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1)

O servant of Allah! Fear Allah and know that one can not be a true believer until he submits to the commandments of Allah. Allah has prescribed for your certain duties and made them mandatory, the implementation thereof is your source of happiness in this world and in the world Hereafter. One of these duties is the paying of Zakat. Every Muslim possessing liable amount of money or property must pay an annual percentage of that amount as charity. This charity has great and obvious advantages in the Islamic society. It makes the rich reconcile with the poor. It fulfils some of the poor’s needs and alleviates some of their suffering. It protects the needy from going astray in terms of criminal behavior such as robbery, violating other people’s property and even committing suicide. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Allah said in the Qur’an:

O servant of Allah! Fear Allah and know that one can not be a true believer until he submits to ϥϭѧϣϳϘϳϭ έѧϛϧϣϟ΍ ϥѧϋ ϥϭѧϬϧϳϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎѧΑ ϥϭέϣ΄ϳ νόΑ ˯Ύϳϟϭ΃ ϡϬοόΑ ΕΎϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍ϭ" the commandments of Allah. Allah has prescribed for your certain duties and made them "ϡϳѧѧѧϛΣ ίѧѧѧϳίϋ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ϡϬϣΣέϳѧѧ ѧγ ϙѧѧisѧ΋ϟϭ΃ ѧγέϭofௌhappiness ϥϭѧѧѧόϳρϳϭ ΓΎѧѧѧϛίϟ΍ ѧΗ΅ϳϭ Γϼѧѧworld ѧλϟ΍ mandatory, the implementation thereof yourϪϟϭѧѧ source in this worldϥϭѧѧ and in the Hereafter. (̀˺:ΔΑϭΗϟ΍)

“The believers, men and women, are auliyâ' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one One of these the paying of Zakat. Every Muslim possessing amount of the money or another, they duties enjoinis(upon the people) al-ma'rûf (belief in Oneness liable of Allah and all Islam property must an and annual percentage of that amount as charity. This charity hasGod great prescribes onepay to do), forbid (people) from al-munkar (associating partners with andand all obvious advantages in the Islamic society. It makes the rich reconcile with the poor. It that Islam forbids); they perform as-salât (iqâmat-as-salât or prayesrs) and give the zakât, and fulfils obey someand of the needs Allah and alleviates of their It protects needy from going Allah Hispoor’s Messenger. shall havesome His Mercy onsuffering. them. Surely Allah isthe All-Mighty, All-Wise.” astray in terms of criminal behavior such as robbery, violating other people’s property and even (9:71) committing suicide. Believers! Zakat is taken from the rich people to be distributed for the poor and needy people. Respected and sisters in the Islam! Zakat is an brothers obligation and part of pillars of Islam; it causes the giver with the blessing such that the human body and soul is cleansed of want, greed and covetousness; Zakat enhances Allah said in the Qur’an: growth in the wealth of the Muslim in accordance with the teachings of Islam. Again in the words of Allah in the Qur’an:

ϡϳϠϋ ϊϳϣγ ௌϭ ϡϬϟ ϥϛγ ϙΗϼλ ϥ· ϡϬϳϠϋ ϝλϭ ΎϬΑ ϡϬϳϛίΗϭ ϡϫέϬρΗ ΔϗΩλ ϡϬϟ΍ϭϣ΃ ϥϣ ΫΧ

˺˹˼ (

ΔΑϭΗϟ΍ :

)

“Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 157 invoke Allah for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them, and Allah is AllHearer, All-Knower”. (9:103)

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Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! Zakat is the third of the five pillars of Islam. As such, we also have to understand reasonably why it is mentioned along with Salah (prayers) twenty eight

obligation to Allah as a form of worship. Zakat is a commitment to Allah for the poor and, indeed, the betterment of the community for which people are responsible before Allah.

Ask any financial authority of rich Muslim countries like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia about these nations’ secrets to financial success, and he will tell you point blank that it is the institutionalized management of the Zakat from the citizens or the government’s corporate engagements into what is locally known as government-owned and controlled corporations, as well as string of partnership (mudaraba) financial investments through or entered into by the Islamic banks into several business venues whose operations are deemed Halal (lawful). Zakat in rich Muslim countries generate incomes upon which a series Zakat is derived (and managed) and runs to an almost infinite progression in growth. The concept can only be copied for a Muslim community because investing of Zakat money is institutional in its process and its rules so strict in prohibition of Haram-generating transactions, such as riba or lending with interest, as well as the use of Zakat financial investment for manufacturing, transporting of, and anything associated with products that are deemed Haram. Such is the reason why any Islamic banking system requires the organizing of Ulama managing council being the body that finally determines whether transactions entered into by the banks are to be considered halal (lawful) or haram (unlawful). In Muslim countries, the common factor among big, medium and big businesses is the will being truthful in declaring their incomes and properties from which Zakat is due. And this they will tell you as their secret to financial success. Theirs probably is the most appropriate interpretation of God’s description of Zakat being analogous in the Holy Qur’an to a corn seed that grows with seven ears; then bears fruit seven times then with growing seeds from each into seven hundred more times in a plant. And so forth. At the end of the year, Zakat is computed 1/40 or 1/10 (depending on its source) on the basis of the summed up profits from all the sources of Zakat continuously multiplying from all collective Zakat from citizens and institutions previous. The concept is not in anyway like the pyramid scheme of which not a few have fallen conned with; neither it is anyway or anywhere similar to the practice of usury. The Islamic investment venues are bound by stringent agreements or contracts governed by the principles of the partnership and profit-and-loss-sharing concept of the Shari’ah law. Regrettably, however, this is far from being practiced in most parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Some have opted to be engaging in risky, unlawful businesses such as usury, smuggling, and even illegal dangerous drugs trade. Another important factor that we in the Autonomous region failed to internalize is the importance of Zakat and its role in our economy. In the Philippines, the number of Muslims is approximately 10 million. If an institution is established in the management of this huge amount of Zakat in the promotion of welfare of the ARMM constituents, there is big tendency of development in every aspect of human life. The region is very rich in its resources but the share of Zakat for its recipient as manifested in the Qur’an is not properly and appropriately managed as what Islam wants to do so. Besides, wealth is Allah’s favor upon you. If you appreciate it gratefully, it will increase and if you are ungrateful, it will perish and vanish. Allah’s mercy is near to those who are benevolent, so safeguard your wealth by giving the needy their rights to some of it. Ask any financial authority of rich Muslim countries, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, their nations’ secret to financial success, and he will tell you point blank that it is the institutionalized management of the Zakat from the citizens or the government’s corporate 158 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines engagements into what is locally known as government-owned and controlled corporations, as well as string of partnership (mudaraba) financial investments through or entered into by the 162 operations are deemed Halal (lawful). Islamic banks into several business venues whose Zakat in rich Muslim countries generate incomes upon which a series Zakat is derived (and

so safeguard your wealth by giving the needy their rights to some of it. The recipients of Zakat, if deprived of their rights, will have the tendency to do evil, just to make two ends meet. The society that is corrupted, crime infested and insecure shall have no opportunity for the wealth to grow, provision to increase, or a descent life to be established. This same society will be moving from one misery to another. Prophet Muhammad

said in one of his Hadith as reported by Abdullah Ibno Abbas:

“Verily! When the Prophet ordered Mua’az Ibno Jabal to Yemen, the Prophet instructed him: Mua’az! You will be meeting people who also possess a book or they are the so called People of the Book. Invite them to testify that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is indeed the Messenger of Allah. If they believe, inform them that Allah ordered them to pray the five times daily obligatory prayers. If they believe, inform them that Allah has ordered from the rich amongst them to pay their Zakat and for this to be distributed to the poor amongst them. If they believe that, avoid devouring their wealth and avoid the prayers of the oppressed. Verily the prayers of the oppressed are answered by Allah.” According to Tabarani as narrated by Ali, the Prophet

said:

“Verily, Allah has ordered the rich people amongst the Muslims to apportion an amount for the poor in order for them to be relieved from hardship. The needy cannot work hard if they are hungry and they will become weak. If they will not be treated well by the rich Muslims, then they will be accountable to Allah and they will be punished with a very strong punishment.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The true objectives of Zakat will be for the poor and those who are in need. The community will be loved and blessed by Allah with full of blessings. These are the groups of Muslim who are indeed believers and they trust and love one another, they enjoin what is good and they forbid what is bad and harmful; and they can create a strong relationship and connection with Allah so that they can fulfill the obligatory prayers and the love and respect to one another will be strengthened through giving their Zakat. Allah said in the Qur’an:

ϼϳϠϗ ΍ϭϧΎϛ ˬ ϥϳϧγΣϣ ϙϟΫ ϝΑϗ ΍ϭϧΎϛ ϡϬϧ· ϡϬΑέ ϡϫΎΗ΁ Ύϣ ϥϳΫΧ΁ ˬ ϥϭϳϋϭ ΕΎϧΟ ϲϓ ϥϳϘΗϣϟ΍ ϥ·"

so safeguard your wealth by giving the needy their rights to some of it. The recipients of Zakat, if "deprived ϡϭέΣϣϟ΍ϭof their ϝ΋ΎγϠϟrights, ϕΣ will ϡϬϟ΍ϭϣ΃ ˬ ϥϭέϔϐΗγ ϳ ϡϫέΎΣγϷΎΑϭ ˬ ϥϭόΟϬϳ Ύϣ meet. ϝϳϠϟ΍ The ϥϣ have ϲϓϭ the tendency to do evil, just to make two ends society that is corrupted, crime infested and insecure shall have no opportunity the:ΕΎϳέ΍Ϋϟ΍ wealth to) (˺̂for-˺̋ grow, provision to increase, or a descent life to be established. This same society will be moving from one misery to another. Verily, the Muttaqûn (pious) will be in the midst of gardens and springs (in Paradise). Taking joy in the things that their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinûn (good-doers). They Prophet Muhammad used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope]. In the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness. In their properties, there was the right of the beggar and the Mahrûm (the poor who does not ask the others). (51:15-19)

A Hadith related by Abu Huraira that the Prophet

said:

“Allah accepts the Zakat (with) His Right Hand and Allah will take care of it for you as you took care of the bay of your horses.” A Hadith related by Abu Huraira that the Prophet

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This means that it is an obligation for the Muslims to pay their Zakat so that love of one another will remain into the hearts of the poor and the needy and the rich and the poor become close to one another. Seek Allah’s pleasure by being kind to the orphans, the weak, and even the animals. Surely, Allah gives mercy to those among His slaves who are merciful. Seek Allah by ridding your hearts from all types of sin, envy, and rage against Muslims. Offer sincere advice and be compassionate to all creations. Seek the guidance from Allah by abandoning whatever the evil inner self commands one to do and satisfy of sin, lusts and desires, protect your sights from illegal things, preserve your tongue from uttering evil and stay away from all types of beliefs, actions and statements that Allah has disallowed. Seek the guidance from Allah by having perfect sincerity and obeying the Messenger of Allah. Allah willing, if you do this, you will earn all that you seek, that is good and beneficial.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ

Seek Allah’s pleasure by being kind to the orphans, the weak and even with animals. Surely, Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍gives ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ϝϛHisϥϣslaves ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ Allah έϔϐΗγ΃ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ Allah mercy to those ΏϧΫ among who έ΋Ύγϟϭ are merciful. Seek by ϭ ridding your hearts from all types of sin, envy and rage on Muslims, and by offering sincere advice and being .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ compassionate with all creations. May direct us from to theAllah blessings of the Glorious Qur’an we self shallcommands benefit in the SeekAllah the guidance by abandoning whatever the so evilthat inner onewords to do of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored the and satisfy of sin, lusts and desires, protect your sights from illegal things, preserve your for tongue forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful. from uttering evil and stay away from all types of beliefs, actions and statements that Allah has disallowed.

Seek the guidance from Allah by having perfect sincerity and obeying the Messenger of Allah. Allah willing, if you do this, you will earn all that you seek, that is good and beneficial.

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Encouraging People to Strive and Seek the Bounties of Allah ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) O brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam is the complete way of life. Specifically it seeks to install economic order within the larger socio-economic sphere that imposes fairness in its operations and one that strengthens the social order. Islam views man as the agent of change he being the vicegerent who bears greater task and responsibility over the rest of the creations with rational deeds. His task is to learn and relearn and mold the intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual factors in him that best suit the environment in which lives in order to serve Allah’s purpose of creating him. The foundation of Islam’s concept of economy lies in the following principles laid by the Holy Qur’an. 1. Allah is the Creator and ultimate Owner of all resources human and material: The Qur’an says,” To him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, its layers beneath, and all that is between them.” (20:6)

(˿:Ϫρ) "ϯέΛϟ΍ ΕΣΗ Ύϣϭ ΎϣϬϧϳΑ Ύϣϭ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ Ύϣϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϲϓ Ύϣ Ϫϟ " 2. Allah is the Provider and Sustainer of all; Creator of human and non-human alike. He has created the means that are the human faculties. He created the natural resources, and endowments so that then may sustain all: Allah said in the Qur’an:

"ϡϳϠόϟ΍ ϊϳϣγϟ΍ ϭϫϭ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ΎϬϗίέϳ ௌ ΎϬϗίέ ϝϣΣΗ ϻ ΔΑ΍Ω ϥϣ ϥϳ΄ϛϭ " (˿˹:ΕϭΑϛϧόϟ΍) “And so many a moving (living) creatures there are, that carry not their own provision! Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the All-hearer, the All-knower.” (29:60) 3. The human and natural factors of production are bestowed freely in equity: Allah once again said in the Qur’an:

Ώϳѧλϧ ˯ΎѧγϧϠϟϭ ΍ϭΑѧγΗϛ΍ Ύѧϣϣ Ώϳѧλϧ ϝΎѧΟέϠϟ νόΑ ϰϠϋ ϡϛοόΑ ϪΑ ௌ ϝοϓ Ύϣ ΍ϭϧϣΗΗ ϻϭ " (˼˻:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) "ΎϣϳϠϋ ˯ϲη ϝϛΑ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϪϠοϓ ϥϣ ௌ ΍ϭϠ΋γϭ ϥΑγΗϛ΍ Ύϣϣ “And wish not for the things into which Allah has made some of you to excel (over the) others. For men, there is reward for what they have earned, (and likewise) for women there is reward for what they have earned; And ask Allah of His Bounty. Surely, Allah is Ever All-Knowing of everything.” (4:32) 162 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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4. Man is the khalifah or vicegerent of Allah on Earth, whose function is to extract produce, usufruct, consume share, and distribute in a just manner and equitably to all humankind such provisions from Allah, over which His servants have equal rights. Allah said in the Qur’an:

Ωϧϋ ϡϛϣέϛ΃ ϥ· ΍ϭϓέΎόΗϟ ϝ΋ΎΑϗϭ ΎΑϭόη ϡϛΎϧϠόΟϭ ϰΛϧ΃ϭ έϛΫ ϥϣ ϡϛΎϧϘϠΧ Ύϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺˼:Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍) "έϳΑΧ ϡϳϠϋ ௌ ϥ· ϡϛΎϘΗ΃ ௌ “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. one of the Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Seeing.” (49:13)

So, Islam takes the view that Allah, the Creator of all resources, has provided all the means necessary for the sustenance of all His creations -- human faculties as well as the environment. Man’ s function is to apply his faculties rationally and utilize the resources to produce enough to meet his needs. The Qur’ an explicitly points out of basic needs of man. In a verse addressed to Adam (peace be upon him) the first human, Allah stated in the Qur'an:

(˺˺̂-˺˺́:Ϫρ) "ϰΣοΗ ϻϭ ΎϬϳϓ ΍΅ϣυΗ ϻ ϙϧ΃ϭ ˬ ϯέόΗ ϻϭ ΎϬϳϓ ωϭΟΗ ϻ΃ ϙϟ ϥ·"

The Qur’an explicitly points out of basic needs of man. In a verse addressed to Adam (peace be “Verily, youthe have promise fromstated Us) that you will never be hungry therein nor (be) naked. And upon him) first(ahuman, Allah in the Qur’an: you (will) suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun's heat.” (20:118-119)

So the Qur’an firstly establishes the physiological needs of man – food, clothing, water and shelter – which are universal. It suggests that man, from his inception, has been divinely assured of the availability and sufficient means to meet basic needs. The Qur’an points to man’s livelihood as embodied with and available from the riches of the Nature. Allah again said in the Qur’an:

(˺˹:ϑ΍έϋϷ΍) "ϥϭέϛηΗ Ύϣ ϼϳϠϗ εϳΎόϣ ΎϬϳϓ ϡϛϟ ΎϧϠόΟϭ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛΎϧϛϣ ΩϘϟϭ " “And surely, We gave you authority on the Earth and appointed for you therein provisions (for your life). Little thanks do you give.” (7:10) The Earth has been made subservient to man so that he may work and find convenience of life in it. Allah also said:

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"ϥϭέϛϔΗϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ ϙϟΫ ϲϓ ϥ· Ϫϧϣ ΎόϳϣΟ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ Ύϣϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϲϓ Ύϣ ϡϛϟ έΧγϭ " (˺˼:ΔϳηΎΟϟ΍) “And all hath subjected to you all that is in the Heavens and all that is in the Earth; it is all as a favor and benefit from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people who think deeply.” (45:13) If should be clarified here that when the Qur’an states two things: Firstly, Allah, being the ultimate source of nature and natural laws, is the one from Whom everything comes. Secondly, man cannot sit and wait for his sustenance to fall into his lap. Instead he has the characteristics of intelligence and physical strength to use in order to seek for his livelihood that God has provided through Nature. Man has to employ his capabilities to earn his living. The Qur’an calls the rest by sleeping during the night and quest of some of Allah’s bounties as grace and good. Allah said in the Qur’an:

"ϥϭόϣγϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ ϙϟΫ ϲϓ ϥ· ϪϠοϓ ϥϣ ϡϛ΅ΎϐΗΑ΍ϭ έΎϬϧϟ΍ϭ ϝϳϟΎΑ ϡϛϣΎϧϣ ϪΗΎϳ΁ ϥϣϭ "

If should be clarified here that when the Qur’an states that two things: one, that Allah being the (˻˼ :ϡϭέϟ΍) ultimate source of nature and natural laws, it is from Him that everything comes and secondly, that man cannot sit and wait for his sustenance to fall into His lap, but rather that he has the characteristics of intelligence and physical strength to seek for his livelihood that God has “Among His signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day and your seeking of His bounty. provided with the Nature, and has to employ his capabilities to earn his living. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen.” (30:23) The Qur’an calls the rest by sleeping the have night nothing and quest some Allah’s The essential Qur’anic principle is thatduring “man can butofwhat he of strives for.bounties as grace and good.

Allah said: Allah said in the Qur’an:

(˼̂:ϡΟϧϟ΍) "ϰόγ Ύϣ ϻ· ϥΎγϧϺϟ αϳϟ ϥ΃ϭ "

The essential Qur’anic principle is that “man can have nothing but what he strives for. “And Allah that said:man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad).” (53:39) This has both a spiritual meaning and secular relevance – that man’s earnings come through his effort. He sees fruits of his effort and this will be completely rewarded. Allah said:

(˽˺-˽˹:ϡΟϧϟ΍) "ϰϓϭϷ΍ ˯΍ίΟϟ΍ ϩ΍ίΟϳ ϡΛ ˬ ϯέϳ ϑϭγ Ϫϳόγ ϥ΃ϭ " “And that his deeds will be seen, then he will be recompensed full and the best of recompense.” (53: 40-41). To work for livelihood is an individual obligation of every Muslim male with physical ability. Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an:

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ϡϛϠόϟ ΍έϳΛϛ ௌ ΍ϭέϛΫ΍ϭ ௌ ϝοϓ ϥϣ ΍ϭϐΗΑ΍ϭ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΍ϭέηΗϧΎϓ Γϼλϟ΍ Εϳοϗ ΍ΫΈϓ " (˺˹:ΔόϣΟϟ΍) "ϥϭΣϠϔΗ “Then when the (Jumu'ah) Salât (prayer) is finished, you may disperse through the land and seek the bounty of Allah (by working) and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.” (62:10) On the authority of Anas Ben Malik (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet is quoted as having said: “ To seek for lawful sustenance is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Narrated by Tabarani as Hadith Hasan) The Messenger of Allah

said:

“There is none among the Muslim who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it but is regarded as Sadaqah (Charity) from him.” (Compiled by Al-Bukhari) O Lord! Guide us lest we be misguided by the evils in dealing with women especially the wives, and grant us lawful ways through earning for our families appropriate sustenance in order for them to fulfill their rights over us. O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such, and grant us the quality of following and embracing it. Show falsehood to us as such, and grant us the quality of avoiding it. On the authority of Anas Ben Malik (May Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet is quoted as ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ having said:

Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ

“To seek for lawful sustenance is obligatory upon every Muslim.” (Narrated by – Tabarani as .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ Hadith Hasan) May Allah directof usAllah to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words The Messenger of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Islam as a Religion of Ease ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ).ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy that the requirement and duty on the slave is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and Prophet Muhammad . Allah, the most Exalted, says:

ϝΑϗ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ ϡϛΎϣγ ϭϫ ϡϳϫ΍έΑ· ϡϛϳΑ΃ ΔϠϣ ΝέΣ ϥϣ ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϝόΟ Ύϣϭ ϡϛΎΑΗΟ΍ ϭϫ " (̀́:ΞΣϟ΍) "...αΎϧϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ˯΍ΩϬη ΍ϭϧϭϛΗϭ ϡϛϳϠϋ ΍ΩϳϬη ϝϭγέϟ΍ ϥϭϛϳϟ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϓϭ “He has chosen you (to convey His Message of the Oneness of Allah) and has not lent upon you in religion any hardship. It is the religion of your father Abraham. It is He (Allah) who has named you Muslims both before and in this (Qur’an), that the Messenger (Muhammad ) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over humankind” (22:78) Our dear Prophet Muhammad had not been made to choose between two good things but he had preferred only what is better and easier as long as it did not involve evil. O my brothers and sisters in Islam, the religion of Islam which the Prophet Muhammad had brought upon us from Allah, the Most High, is the religion of alleviation and lightness, whose teachings are double and practical. It is the best of all religions, for it brings fulfillment and happiness to all humankind and it is perfect and complete in its regulating laws and principles and aspects of life whether spiritual, social, economic, or political. Allah, the All-mighty, exhorts us to be the real Muslims and to practice true Islam until the time of our death. Allah, the Most High says:

(˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ ) "ϥϭϣϠγϣ ϡΗϧ΃ϭ ϻ· ϥΗϭϣΗ ϻϭ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" “O you who believe! Fear Allah (by fulfilling His commandment and abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared, indeed; and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) in complete submission to Allah”. (3:102) Islam is the complete submission to the will of Allah by worshipping Him alone throughobedience to Him by following His commandment and saving oneself from blasphemy of associating partners with God. In other words, Islam is inclusive and all-encompassing in the application of its laws to all of human life, belief, secular and spiritual affairs, polity and other matters inherent to him. The term “ Muslim” connotes all believers who practice the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and all the Prophets before him sent by Allah, the Most High. Muhammad was the last Messenger tasked with completing and perfecting the religion of Islam in all aspects; its laws and teachings are not susceptible to revision, amendment and change through time until the Day of Judgment. There is no religion acceptable by Allah other than Islam. Allah, the most Exalted, says: “He has chosen you (to convey His Message of the Oneness of Allah) and has not lent upon you in religion any hardship; It Khutba: is the Areligion of your fatherforAbraham. It is He (Allah) who has Selected Guide to Social Development the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 167 named you Muslims both before and in this (Qur’an), that the Messenger (Muhammad

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(́̋:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁) "ϥϳέγΎΧϟ΍ ϥϣ ΓέΧϵ΍ ϲϓ ϭϫϭ Ϫϧϣ ϝΑϘϳ ϥϠϓ ΎϧϳΩ ϡϼγϹ΍ έϳϏ ώΗΑϳ ϥϣϭ " “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter. He will be of the losers.” (3:85) O believers, all laws and teachings of Islam are easy to perform and comply. For Allah does not like to impose hardship on His servants but He likes ease for them. Allah, the Most Gracious says:

(˺́̋:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "...έγόϟ΍ ϡϛΑ Ωϳέϳ ϻϭ έγϳϟ΍ ϡϛΑ

Ωϳέϳ ..."

O believers, all laws and teachings of Islam are easy to perform and comply. For, Allah does not like to impose hardship on His servants but He likes ease for them. “Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you.” (2:185) Allah, the Most Gracious says: Allah, the Most Merciful, has not forced upon us to fulfill things beyond our capability but he only Commands us to perform our obligations commensurate to our ability.

Allah, the Most High says:

(˺˿:ϥΑΎϐΗϟ΍) "... ϡΗόρΗγ΍ Ύϣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗΎϓ "

Allah, the Most Merciful, has not forced upon us to fulfill things beyond our capability but he only Commands us to perform our obligations commensurate to our ability. “So keep your duty to Allah, and fear Him, as much as you can” (64:16) Allah, the Most High says: Allah, the Almighty, also says:

(˻́˿ :ΓέϘΑϟ΍) " ... ΎϬόγϭ ϻ· Ύγϔϧ ௌ ϑϠϛϳϻ " “Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope.” (2:286) It was narrated in one Hadith that the Prophet Mohammad

said:

“If I have ordered you to do something, perform it within your capability.” Out of mercy and grace of Allah to His servant, it is permitted to do something that, in effect, violates His Commandment in which punishment in this World and in the Hereafter may be waived by Will of Allah. The following cases may be of such circumstances, subject to finer, scholarly interpretation, depending on its social context and situation under which a person is experiencing certain dilemma or predicament in moments of sheer necessity, or is under extreme compulsion: 1. The dispensation to utter words of unbelief under compulsion is granted on the basis of the following Qur’anic verse, which is self-explanatory: 2. Eating unlawful food by necessity due to extreme hunger that causes death is pardonable on the basis of this verse of the Qur’an:

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(˺˹˿:ϝΣϧϟ΍) "... ϥΎϣϳϹΎΑ ϥ΋ϣρϣ ϪΑϠϗϭ ϩέϛ΃ ϥϣ ϻ· ϪϧΎϣϳ· ΩόΑ ϥϣ ͿΎΑ έϔϛ ϥϣ " “Who utters unbelief after accepting faith in Allah, excepting him who is compelled which has heart remaining firm in faith” (16:106)

"ϡϳΣέ έϭϔϏ ௌ ϥΈϓ ϡΛϹ ϑϧΎΟΗϣ έϳϏ ΔλϣΧϣ ϲϓ έρο΍ ϥϣϓ ... " (˼:ΓΩ΋Ύϣϟ΍) “But whoever is compelled by hunger, not inclining willfully to sin, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful” (5:3) Scholars have determined circumstances under which doing so may become permissible, such as survival at sea or in desert in which no other food permissible for human consumption is anywhere near or within reach. 3. To shorten the four-rakaat prayers while on journey is permissible on the basis of this Qur’an verse:

"...Γϼλϟ΍ ϥϣ ΍ϭέλϘΗ ϥ΃ ΡΎϧΟ ϡϛϳϠϋ αϳϠϓ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ϡΗΑέο ΍Ϋ·ϭ " (˺˹˺:˯Ύγϧϟ΍) “When you travel through the Earth, there is no sin for you if you shorten your prayers”. (4:101) This is basically to allow maximum utilization of the time for the traveler in which there may be room for resource saving or its maximum use while being away from home. 4. A traveler and a medical patient are granted dispensation from fasting during Ramadhan. 5. Similarly, a man is allowed to take of another person’s provisions if he is dying of hunger; but he should ask for forgiveness thereafter.

This is a very sensitive issue and is most vulnerable to misinterpretation, especially in the local communities. After the Battle of Uhud (624 GC), the Prophet Muhammad allowed dispensation of absolute ownership by subjecting the properties and the people of Abu Sufian to government custody. A fifth of which went to the Muslim government (as managed by the Baitul Ma’al or House of Custodians he organized) to feed and rehabilitate the survivors of war, many of them civilians, non-combatants, including women, who Abu Sufian and Abu Jah’l brought with them in a multitude of caravan. 6. One is also permitted to abandon enjoining good and forbidding evil for fear of suffering the oppression of a person (specifically, under a remote case in which all possible ways and means humans are capable of doing, including diplomatic After the Battle of Uhud (624 GC), the Prophet Muhammad allowed dispensation of Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social the Muslim the Philippines absolute ownership by subjecting the Development propertiesfor and the Communities people ofin Abu Sufian| 169 to government custody. A fifth of which went to the Muslim government (as managed by the Baitul Ma’al or House of Custodians 173 he organized) to feed and rehabilitate the survivors of war, many of them civilians, non-combatants, including women, whom Abu Sufian and Abu Jah’l brought with them in a multitude of caravan.

persuasion, have been explored and exhausted in trying to neutralize the source of the threat. On such account, Allah, the Most Merciful, says:

ϭ΃ Ύϧϳγϧ ϥ· ϻ ΎϧΑέ ΕΑγΗϛ΍ Ύϣ ΎϬϳϠϋϭ ΕΑγϛ Ύϣ ΎϬϟ ΎϬόγϭ ϻ· Ύγϔϧ ௌ ϑϠϛϳ ϻ " Ύϧϟ ΔϗΎρ ϻ Ύϣ ΎϧϠϣΣΗ ϻϭ ΎϧΑέ ΎϧϠΑϗ ϥϣ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ϪΗϠϣΣ Ύϣϛ ΍έλ· ΎϧϳϠϋ ϝϣΣΗ ϻϭ ΎϧΑέ Ύϧ΄ρΧ΃ (˻́˿:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϳέϓΎϛϟ΍ ϡϭϘϟ΍ ϰϠϋ ΎϧέλϧΎϓ Ύϧϻϭϣ Εϧ΃ ΎϧϣΣέ΍ϭ ΎϧϟέϔϏ΍ϭ Ύϧϋ ϑϋ΍ϭ ϪΑ “On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray thee): Our Lord, condemn us not if we forget or fail into error; Our Lord lay not on us a burden like which Thou didst lay on those before us.” (2:286) Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, Islam, in all of its institutions and regulations, addresses itself to reason and keeps in harmony with man’s natural character (fitra). It never fails to demonstrate its great compassion for its people, nor does it ever seek to impose undue burden and intolerable restrictions upon its follower as I have mentioned circumstances earlier. Thus, Islam is not a mere religion as interpreted by other people. Islam is not merely designed for specific rituals. Rather, Islam is a social system, a culture and a civilization. It has its own values, ideals and goals which it regards as the culmination of human perfection in all aspects of life. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to you. Answer our prayers! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached to other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the Hereafter from all the tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on us, on our leaders and on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters in Islam, Islam, in all of its institutions and regulations, it addresses itself to reason and keeps in harmony with man’s natural character (fitra). It never ϝϭϗ΃ toˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭitsΕΎϳϵ΍ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌundue ϙέΎΑ fails demonstrate great ϥϣ compassion for its ϲϧόϔϧϭ people, ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ nor doesϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ it ever seek to impose burden restrictions uponϥϣ its follower I have mentioned earlier. Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ and ϭϫ intolerable Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍asέ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌcircumstances έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ

.ϡϳΣέϟ΍

Thus, Islam is not a mere religion as interpreted by other people. Islam is not merely designed for specific rituals. Rather, Islam is a social system, a culture and a civilization. It has its own May Allah direct usgoals to thewhich blessings of theas Glorious Qur’an soofthat we shall benefitininall theaspects words values, ideals and it regards the culmination human perfection of life. the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to you. Answer our prayers! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached to other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the Hereafter from all the tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on us, on our leaders and on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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Preservation and Protection of the Environment ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah, be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

΍έϳΛϛ ϻΎΟέ ΎϣϬϧϣ ΙΑϭ ΎϬΟϭί ΎϬϧϣ ϕϠΧϭ ΓΩΣ΍ϭ αϔϧ ϥϣ ϡϛϘϠΧ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϛΑέ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺:˯Ύγϧϟ΍)"ΎΑϳϗέ ϡϛϳϠϋ ϥΎϛ ௌ ϥ· ϡΎΣέϷ΍ϭ ϪΑ ϥϭϟ˯ΎγΗ ϱΫϟ΍ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ ˯Ύγϧϭ “O mankind! fear your guardian Lord, who created you from a single person, created, out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; -Fear Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs (the mothers that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.” (4:1) Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 171

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O Muslims! Fear Allah the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His Mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Islam is a very practical world view. From its principles and injunctions, it seeks to give pragmatic shapes to its concepts and values. Indeed, the notion of Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and Khalifa (vicegerency) have been translated into practical injunctions in the Shari’ ah (Islamic Law). Such Shari’ ah institutions as Haram zones, inviolate areas within which development is prohibited to protect natural resources and ni’ ma reserves are established solely for the conservation of wildlife, marine resources and forest from the core of environmental legislation of Islam. O Servants of Allah, you should understand that Allah has bestowed us things of ni’ ma in this world, innumerable and immense; He guides us to His religion so that we can succeed in this world, as well as gain reward by doing good deeds in preparation for the Eternal Life Hereafter. Such is the main purpose of life and its objective. Allah stated in the Holy Qur'an:

ϊϔϧϳ ΎϣΑ έΣΑϟ΍ ϲϓ ϱέΟΗ ϲΗϟ΍ ϙϠϔϟ΍ϭ έΎϬϧϟ΍ϭ ϝϳϠϟ΍ ϑϼΗΧ΍ϭ νέϷ΍ϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϕϠΧ ϲϓ ϥ· " ΔΑ΍Ω ϝϛ ϥϣbrothers ΎϬϳϓ ΙΑϭ νέϷ΍ ϪΑ isΎϳΣ΄ϓ ˯Ύϣpractical ϥϣ ˯Ύϣγϟ΍ ௌFrom ϝίϧ΃itsΎϣϭ αΎϧϟ΍ Respected and ΎϬΗϭϣ sisters ΩόΑ in Islam! Islam a very world ϥϣ view. principles and(˺˿˽ injunctions, it seeks to give pragmatic shapes to its concepts and values. Indeed, the notion :ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϭϠϘόϳ ϡϭϘϟ ΕΎϳϵ νέϷ΍ϭ ˯Ύϣγϟ΍ ϥϳΑ έΧγϣϟ΍ ΏΎΣγϟ΍ϭ ΡΎϳέϟ΍ ϑϳέλΗϭ

of Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and Khalifa (vicegerency) have been translated into practical injunctions in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law). “Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) Such Shari’ah institutions as Haram zones, inviolate areas within which development is which Allâh sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and prohibited to protect natural resources and ni’ma reserves are established solely for the the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of conservation of wildlife, marine resources and forest from the core of environmental legislation winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayât (proofs, of Islam. evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding.” (2:164) O Servants of Allah, you should understand that Allah Has bestowed us things of ni’ma in this These verses tell us how important are inusthis world as the world, innumerable and immense; Hewe Guides to His religion so Khalifa that we(vicegerent) can succeedofinAllah this created by Him. Such is the main purpose and objective of life. Nonetheless, we Life are to worship world, as well as gain reward by doing good deeds in preparation for the Eternal Hereafter. Him and none else. This ibada (worship) is most important to us. We must Such alone is the main purpose of life andway, its objective. understand that ibada is not only expressed or done with salah (daily prayers), or fasting on Ramadhan, or the to Holy perform hajj once in a lifetime. Ibada in its real sense is obedience to the Allah stated in Qur’an: Commandments and Divine Teachings of Allah in the Holy Book (Qu’ran) as well as obedience to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad , and be thankful to the Creator for whatever good and happiness we attain or achieve in this world in preparation for the Eternal Life in the Hereafter.

My brothers and sisters in Islam! As Muslims, we must know the things that Allah commands us and not ignore them. Do these things in the best manner that you can. You should help preserve and protect the things He bestowed upon us on Earth that one is unable to count in lifetime. In such creations are “Sign self-evident unto the wise”. These verses tell us how important we are in this world as the Khalifa (vicegerent) of Allah created by Him. Such is the main purpose and objective of life. Nonetheless, we are to worship 172 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines Him alone and none else. This way, ibada (worship) is most important to us. We must 176done with salah (daily prayers), or fasting on understand that ibada is not only expressed or Ramadhan, or to perform hajj once in a lifetime. Ibada in its real sense is obedience to the Commandments and Divine Teachings of Allah in the Holy Book (Qu’ran) as well as obedience to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad

This verse informs us that we should not only protect ourselves and preserve our lives and property, but Allah enjoins us to protect and preserve His creations, the land, the seas and the things, t“ he life that He gives therewith.” The Prophet also wants us to love, protect and preserve our environment. In recent news, foreign fishing vessels have reportedly encroached on the seas of the provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, catching protected marine species that are only endemic to this part of our oceans. To rally the people to protect their environment, the mufti declared a need to preserve endangered sea turtle species in the Sulu Sea. But what can an edict or opinion of religious leaders do to help regulate the exploitation of our natural resources? Worse, these are outsiders who have no regard for our rights. They do this without the permission of our people. First, there should be a written regulation issued by the governing authorities for everybody’s compliance. Without regulation there could no basis for social behavior and laws to be followed. It is noteworthy to mention that a few men among us braved to intercept a vessel from Navotas town that was encroaching in our waters. The owner of the vessel called the authorities in Zamboanga City and declared that his boat was being attacked and its crew held hostage in TawiTawi. What an irony to hear that the protection of our natural resources is considered a thievery. It is also alarming to find out that some enterprising individuals ferry our women to anchored fishing vessels to entertain their crew with what appears to be acts of prostitution. On love and protection of the environment without the slightest intent of greed on and abuse of the creations, the Prophet of Islam said: “Love whatever on the Earth and He who is above will love you.” In the Hadith I mentioned, the Holy Prophet said that love and care are not confined to personal relations among human beings, but are extended to other creations like the flora and fauna on land and water. In this regard, man should not cause destruction in any form upon the Earth because Allah the Almighty said:

ϥϣ Ώϳέϗ ௌ ΕϣΣέ ϥ· Ύόϣρϭ ΎϓϭΧ ϩϭϋΩ΍ϭ ΎϬΣϼλ· ΩόΑ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΍ϭΩγϔΗ ϻϭ" (̋˿ ) "provinces ϥϳϧγΣϣϟ΍ In recent news, foreign fishing vessels have reportedly encroached on the:ϑ΍έϋϷ΍ seas of the

of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, catching protected marine species that are only endemic to this part of our oceans.To rally the people to protect their environment, the mufti declared a need to ́̋:ϑ΍έϋϷ΍sea ) "ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣ ϡΗϧϛ ϥ·in ϡϛϟ έϳΧ Sea. ϡϛϟΫ ΎϬΣϼλ· ΩόΑ νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΍ϭΩγϔΗ ϻϭ ..." preserve(endangered turtle species the Sulu But cando anmischief edict or on opinion of religious do set to help regulate exploitation of fear our “Andwhat do not the earth, after itleaders has been in order, andthe invoke Him with natural resources? Worse, these are outsiders who have no regard for our rights, doing this and hope; Surely, Allâh's Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers.” (7:56; 7:85) without the permission of our people. First, there should be a written regulation issued by the governing authorities for everybody’s compliance. Without regulation, there could no basis for social behavior and laws to be followed. Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 173

It is noteworthy to mention that a few men among us braved to intercept a vessel from Navotas town that was encroaching in our waters. The owner of the vessel called the authorities in 177being sea-jacked and its crew held hostage in Zamboanga City and declared that his boat was Tawi-Tawi. What an irony to hear that the protection of our natural resources is considered a thievery.

Therefore, as Muslims, we have to abide by the teachings of the Shari’ah. Do not create disturbances and destruction of any form to yourselves and your neighbors, as well as to other creations on Earth and in the seas. The Holy Prophet

said:

“Do not create harm so you will not be harmed”. In his pre-deployment orientation to the Muslim army of his time, he would forbid them to harm the people that were non-party to the conflict, t“ he elderly, the children and women (among them), as well as the synagogues and places of worship (of other religions) and do not cut the trees.” We have to be aware of the fact that Islam prescribes the protection and preservation of Mother Nature and whatever is entrusted to us by the Almighty. Islam also reminds us not to be wasteful on anything beneficial for humankind. We should not destroy whatever is on Earth and in seas which are all created for the benefit of humankind. Allah said in the Qur'an:

ϥϳρΎϳηϟ΍ ϥ΍ϭΧ· ΍ϭϧΎϛ ϥϳέΫΑϣϟ΍ ϥ· ˬ ΍έϳΫΑΗ έΫΑΗ ϻϭ ϝϳΑγϟ΍ ϥΑ΍ϭ ϥϳϛγϣϟ΍ϭ ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ΍Ϋ Ε΁ϭ " The Holy Prophet said: (˻̀-˻˿:˯΍έγϹ΍) " ΍έϭϔϛ ϪΑέϟ ϥΎρϳηϟ΍ ϥΎϛϭ “Do not create harm so you notand be harmed”. “And give to the kindred hiswill due to the Miskîn (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the In his pre-deployment orientation to the Satan) Muslimisarmy his time, to hehis would forbid them to harm Shayatîn (devils) and the Shaitân (Devil everof ungrateful Lord.” (17:26-27) the people that were non-party to the conflict, “the elderly, the children and women (among them), as wellmanner, as the synagogues places of welfare worship of (ofthe other religions) and not cut and the In the same anything we and need for the people should bedo properly trees.” carefully managed as mandated by Islam. This includes the slaughtering of animals, hunting of

birds and catching of fish. Any action without justification and valid reason should be avoided We have to be aware of the fact that Islam the protection and preservation of Mother and discouraged. Wrong interpretation andprescribes amendments of any teachings of Islam has to be Nature and whatever is entrusted to us by the Almighty. Islam also reminds us not to be ceased. Muslims should without any reservation worship Allah alone and obey His Eternal wasteful on anything beneficial forofhumankind. We should not Guidance and follow the tradition Prophet Muhammad . destroy whatever is on Earth and in seas which are all created for the benefit of humankind. In the end, I encourage you to obey Allah and to follow the Prophet . May Allah grant us Allah saidand in the Qur’an: in this world and in the Hereafter. May Allah the Almighty guide us to success happiness the right path and forgive us from the sins that we have committed.

O Allah! Grant us more knowledge of Islam and make us firm on its path until the day we meet You as Muslims who did not deviate or change Your religion. O Allah, the Lord of all that exists! O Allah! Show us the truth as such, and grant us the quality of following and embracing it. Show falsehood to us as such, and grant us the quality of avoiding it. In theˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ same manner, anything for the ϲϧόϔϧϭ welfare ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ of the people be properly and ϝϭϗ΃ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣweϪϳϓneed ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍should ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ carefully managed as mandated by Islam. This includes the slaughtering of animals, hunting of Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍andϭϫcatching Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫaction ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭandϡϛϟϭ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϲϟϭϗ birds of fish. Any without justification validϲϟreason shouldϭbe΍Ϋϫ avoided and discouraged. Wrong interpretation and amendments of any teachings of Islam has to be .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ ceased. Muslims should without any reservation worship Allah alone and obey His Eternal Guidance and follow the tradition of Prophet Muhammad

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In the end, I encourage you to obey Allah and to follow the Prophet May Allah grant us success and happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. May Allah the Almighty guide us to 178 the right path and forgive us from the sins that we have committed.

May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an and benefit us in whatever is in the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Islam Prohibits Usury ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy that the requirement and duty on the slave is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and Prophet Muhammad . Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! In the ruling of Shari’ah on matters related to usury, it is forbidden (Haram) in all of its kind. Among the obvious reasons behind the forbiddance of Riba is addition to the general wisdom that is present in all of the Islamic legislated responsibilities. These are to test the faith of the servant of Allah in both action and abandoning action in the following situations: 1. To safeguard the wealth of Muslims from being devoured through false sources; 2. To guide Muslims to invest their wealth in the appropriate ways of earning that are noble and free from any fraud or cheating. This kind of investment will also keep Muslims away from everything that causes trouble and hatred between them. 3. To close the ways that lead Muslims to enmity with their brothers and troubling them, hating them, and disliking them. 4. To keep Muslims away from whatever leads them to their destructionð¾avoiding devouring Riba and becoming the transgressor and oppressor whose final end will be of evil consequence. 5. To create opportunities of righteousness for Muslims so that they may prepare for their Hereafter. Therefore, Muslims give loans to their Muslim brothers without expecting any return on the loan and even give the loaner respite when paying back his debt. Muslims wait for their brothers to be in easier circumstances and so ease things for them and has mercy on them, in doing so, seeking the pleasure of Allah. This helps spread love between the Muslims and creates the spirit of brotherhood and sincerity among them. Allah the Almighty said:

Ύϣϧ· ΍ϭϟΎϗ ϡϬϧ΄Α ϙϟΫ αϣϟ΍ ϥϣ ϥΎρϳηϟ΍ ϪρΑΧΗϳ ϱΫϟ΍ ϡϭϘϳ Ύϣϛ ϻ· ϥϭϣϭϘϳ ϻ ΎΑέϟ΍ ϥϭϠϛ΄ϳ ϥϳΫϟ΍ " ϩέϣ΃ϭ ϑϠγ Ύϣ ϪϠϓ ϰϬΗϧΎϓ ϪΑέ ϥϣ Δυϋϭϣ ϩ˯ΎΟ ϥϣϓ ΎΑέϟ΍ ϡέΣϭ ϊϳΑϟ΍ ௌ ϝΣ΃ϭ ΎΑέϟ΍ ϝΛϣ ϊϳΑϟ΍ ϻ ௌϭ ΕΎϗΩλϟ΍ ϲΑέϳϭ ΎΑέϟ΍ ௌ ϕΣϣϳ ˬ ϥϭΩϟΎΧ ΎϬϳϓ ϡϫ έΎϧϟ΍ ΏΎΣλ΃ ϙ΋ϟϭ΄ϓ ΩΎϋ ϥϣϭ ௌ ϰϟ· ϡϫέΟ΃ ϡϬϟ ΓΎϛίϟ΍ ΍ϭΗ΁ϭ Γϼλϟ΍ ΍ϭϣΎϗ΃ϭ ΕΎΣϟΎλϟ΍ ΍ϭϠϣϋϭ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϥ· ˬ ϡϳΛ΍ έΎϔϛ ϝϛ ΏΣϳ ϥ· ΎΑέϟ΍ ϥϣ ϲϘΑ Ύϣ ΍ϭέΫϭ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ ˬ ϥϭϧίΣϳ ϡϫ ϻϭ ϡϬϳϠϋ ϑϭΧ ϻϭ ϡϬΑέ Ωϧϋ ϻ ϡϛϟ΍ϭϣ΃ αϭ΅έ ϡϛϠϓ ϡΗΑΗ ϥ·ϭ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ௌ ϥϣ ΏέΣΑ ΍ϭϧΫ΄ϓ ΍ϭϠόϔΗ ϡϟ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϥϳϧϣ΅ϣ ϡΗϧϛ ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· ϡϛϟ έϳΧ ΍ϭϗΩλΗ ϥ΃ϭ Γέγϳϣ ϰϟ· Γέυϧϓ Γέγϋ ϭΫ ϥΎϛ ϥ·ϭ ˬ ϥϭϣϠυΗ ϻϭ ϥϭϣϠυΗ " ϥϭϣϠόΗ (˻́˹-˻̀̋ :ΓέϘΑϟ΍ ) “Those who eat Ribâ (usury) will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitân (Satan) leading him to insanity. That is because they say: ‘Trading is only like Ribâ (usury)," whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribâ (usury). So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Ribâ (usury) shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns [to Ribâ (usury)], such are the dwellers of the Fireð¾they will abide therein. Allah will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners. Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As- Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, they will have their reward withAtheir them shall beMuslim no fear nor shall Selected Khutba: Guide Lord. to SocialOn Development for the Communities in thethey Philippines | 177

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who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and perform As- Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribâ (usury) (from now onward), if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums) and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums). If the debtor is down in hard times (has no money), grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity then it is better for you if you did but know.” (2:275-280) The Holy Prophet

said:

“The one who sits with usurers and promotes usury will be cursed by Allah.” Muslim Tirmidhi added, “And the witness and the one who wrote (to usury).” These verses tell us that usury is really to be despised and forbidden in our faith; that the Muslim must engage in lawful ways earning for their daily needs. They must be aware that “ buy-and-sell” is much unlike usury. Buying and selling the halal foods and non-food items is recommended to the Muslim. Let us purify our soul and heart and make our worship (ibada) accepted by Allah. Every time people engage in usury, their heart and Ibadah are effectively diverted by their nafs (want). Worships are not about to be accepted by Allah because it is said that “ Allah is Pure.” Therefore, worships are not accepted unless made pure. It is described in these verses that such people in the Day of Judgment are like Satan for they cannot stand straight, as the drunks are. And until they repent, Allah shall punish them until their death, and to the Hellfire where they are bound. Communities have experienced a tremendous fall in local trade and economy due to usury, particularly, businesses that are not in anyway part of the usurious lending network. Because such a network eats up your profits; or defeats the wisdom of conventional economy with its huge drag of the pie of gains. This happens as a cycle of how things are going until you become its prey and eventually subscribe to it. “ Greed” is the key word that without which there can never be usury to succeed in our midst. The practice of usury usually makes the need for money more difficult for us. There is a strong tendency that usurious lenders’ network in cahoots with financial experts of some legitimate institutions are able to control the money circulation. That is why Islam considers usury as haram (forbidden) even in its smallest form. A single centavo, for as long as it is derived from usury, is forbidden. My brothers and sisters in Islam, we must purify ourselves and seek refuge from all those things forbidden to us, because we are a mere servant of Allah. We come to this world to make good deeds and to eat of what is lawfully allowed. Usury also adversely affects the economy. The poor people often fall prey to unlawful profiteers in tough times. Chances are that community livelihoods fall tremendously wherever usury thrives or is prevalent. The Prophet Muhammad

also said:

The one who sat with usurers and promote usury will be cursed by Allah “Muslim Tirmidhi added “And the witness and the one who wrote (to usury)”. 178 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

These verses tell us that usury is really to be despised and forbidden in our faith; that the Muslim must engage in lawful ways earning for their daily needs. They must be aware that “buy-and-sell” is much unlike usury. Buying and selling the halal 182 foods and non-food items is recommended to the Muslim. Let us purify our soul and heart and make our worship (ibada) accepted by Allah.

“That those who are engaged in usury are accursed of Allah. The one who take (eat), promote as well as the witness and the writers of usurious contracts are equally liable in a society ruled by Islam.” Allah encourages all Muslims to engage only in lawful means and acts. Muslim must stay away from usury in their daily life as a means of earning. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ Allah encourages all Muslims to engage only in lawful means and acts. .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ Muslim must stayus away from usury in their life as Qur’an a means earning. May Allah direct to the blessings of thedaily Glorious soofthat we shall benefit in the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the O Allah! Help and surrender to You. Answer our O Allah! MakeMerciful. us feel the forgiveness of us ourrepent sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is prayers. Oft-forgiving, the Most coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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Islam a Complete Way of Life ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of witness that Muhammad Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O servant of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights for they are but phases of time that you pass through to the life of the hereafter until you reach your final destination. Every passing day draws you closer to the hereafter and away from this life. He who takes advantage of the opportunities of these days and nights avails by doing what gets him closer to his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes that occur on their passage. Blessed is he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing the alterations of life and what they entail of wisdom and secrets. Let us practice Taq’wa (piety and righteousness) in the affairs of our daily life, and let us revere Allah and obey His Divine Commandment. Let us be sensible of our choices in this life and the likely consequences of such choices in the Hereafter. May Allah provide us all with the spirit of righteousness by way of true obedience of His Divine Commandment as our way through salvation! Allah says: O servant of Allah, fear Allah and contemplate these days and nights, for they are but phases of ( that: ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ ) through "ϥϭϣϠγϣto ϡΗϧ΃ϭ ϻ· ofϥΗϭϣΗ ϻϭ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ " time you pass the life the hereafter until ௌ you΍ϭϘΗ΍ reach your finalΎϬϳ΄ϳ destination. Every passing day draws you closer to the hereafter and away from this life. He who takes advantage ofbelieve! the opportunities anddegree nightsdue avails byand doing gets closer to “Oh you who Take heedofofthese Allah days with the Him, do what not die but him as Muslims.” his Lord and he will be successful. Blessed is he who learns from their lessons and the changes (3:102) that occur on their passage. Blessed is he who realizes the effects of Allah’s might in causing the alterations of lifehow andtowhat they entail of wisdom We must ask then, understand Islam? Who isand thesecrets. Muslim? To What and Whom does the Muslim adhere? What must s/he do? How does someone become a Muslim? Let us practice Taq’wa (piety and righteousness) in the affairs of our daily life, and let us revere obey Divine Commandment. Let concerns, us be sensible ofTaq’wa our choices in and this the life and Allah and informs usHis in this specific Ayat about two one is (piety) otherthe is likely consequences of such choicesthemselves in the Hereafter. MayofAllah all withtaq’wa the spirit of Islam. Allah wants people to submit in the way Islamprovide and to us practice to the righteousness by way trueare obedience of HisIf Divine Commandment as our wayand through fullest extent. Islam andofpiety not separable. a person wishes to practice taq’wa be a Salvation! person, s/he must perform all the Divine Commandments in the Revelation of Allah, righteous and by so doing, s/he becomes a Muslim in the truest sense of the word “Muslim.” Allah Says: The Arabic word “Islam” (derived from the word salam, meaning peace) connotes “giving in, or submission.” In the religious context, Islam means “willful and complete submission to the Will of Allah.” Allah as we all know is the Arabic and Semitic name for the Omnipotent Deity or God, the Creator, the Almighty; a name used by Muslims and Christians Arabs.

Islam is not a new religion, for it is the same truth that God has revealed through all His prophets to their specific mission on Earth. Allah instructs us: We must ask then, how to understand Islam? Who is the Muslim? To What and Whom does the Muslim adhere? What must he or she do? How does someone become Muslim? Allah informs us in this specific Ayat about two concerns, one is Taq’wa (piety) and the other is Selected Guide to Social Development for of the Islam Muslim Communities in the Philippines Islam. Allah Wants people to Khutba: submitAthemselves in the way and to practice taq’wa| 181 to the fullest extent. Islam and piety are not separable. If a person wishes to practice taq’wa and be a righteous person, he/she must perform all the Divine Commandments in the 185 Revelation of Allah, and by so doing, s/he becomes a Muslim in the truest sense of the word “Muslim”.

Ύϣϭ ρΎΑγϷ΍ϭ ΏϭϘόϳϭ ϕΎΣγ·ϭ ϝϳϋΎϣγ·ϭ ϡϳϫ΍έΑ· ϰϟ· ϝίϧ΃ Ύϣϭ Ύϧϳϟ· ϝίϧ΃ Ύϣϭ ͿΎΑ Ύϧϣ΁ ΍ϭϟϭϗ" "ϥϭϣϠѧγϣ Ϫѧϟ ϥѧΣϧϭ ϡϬϧѧϣ ΩѧΣ΃ ϥϳѧΑ ϕέѧϔϧ ϻ ϡѧϬΑέ ϥѧϣ ϥϭѧϳΑϧϟ΍ ϲѧΗϭ΃ Ύѧϣϭ ϰѧγϳϋϭ ϰγϭϣ ϲΗϭ΃ ( : ΓέϘΑϟ΍) “Say [O People]: “We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed, and in that revealed to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya'qoob (Jacob) and the Tribes, and in that which was given to Musa (Moses) and Isah (Jesus), and in that revealed to the Prophets from their Lord; We make no distinction between any of them and to Allah we do submit (as Muslims)” (2:136) But this is hardly known to neighborhood of Christians and Muslims in many parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. There has rarely been mutual understanding among followers of religions on the basis of common beliefs but by their differences in most instances. Little have we realized that exploring the differences instead of the common beliefs has stirred social discord and conflict. The companions of the Prophet drew the interest of the Negus of Abyssinia to the First Verse (Iqra, which means Read, Declare or Proclaim) and the Suratul Mariam (The Chapter on the Virgin Mary) narrating the birth of Christ during that occasion of their first dialogue with a Christian leader. Abu Jah’l, who was sent by Abu Sufian to drive a wedge between the Muslims, intervened to argue (at the king’s palace) against the forging of friendship by both (through exploring on common beliefs)ð ¾ failed in his mission. Jah’l, which means “ignorant,” was specifically against upholding of women’s rights. The Prophet’s companions (may Allah be pleased with them) reminded him that he was also born of a woman, like any mortal. My brothers and sisters, Islam is the fastest growing religion, according to the Readers’ Digest Almanac and Year Book of 1983 in which was statistically charted adherents of the worlds’ great religions from 1934 (source: World Almanac and Book of Facts, 1935) to 1984, or a period of half a century. The Readers’ Digest’s 50-year chart had numerically established that “Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.” The overall increase of followers of all the sects and denominations of Christianity combined was a “staggering 138 percent,” as against the “incredible increase” in number of Islam followers by 235 percent during the same period. The increase in population of Islam’s followers was specifically noted in the America and Britain. And it is said that in Great Britain there are more Muslims than Methodists. This is no surprise to those who understand. Allah also mentions in the Qur’an, the answer given to Prophet Yaqoob when he asked his sons while dying:

But this is hardly known to neighborhood of Christians and Muslims in many parts of the ϥΣϧϭ ΍ΩΣ΍ϭ ΎϬϟ· ϕΎΣγ·ϭ ϝϳϋΎϣγ·ϭ ϡϳϫ΍έΑ·There has rarelyϙϬϟ· ΩΑόϧmutual ΍ϭϟΎϗ ϱΩόΑ ϥϣ ϥϭΩΑόΗ Ύϣ " Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. been understanding among followers of religions on the basis of common beliefs but by their differences in most instances. ( : ΓέϘΑϟ΍ ) "ϥϭϣϠγϣ Ϫϟ Little have we realized that exploring much on differences rather than on common beliefs have stirred social discord and conflict. The| Selected companions the to Prophet drew the interest of the Negus of Abyssinia 182 Khutba: of A Guide Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

to the First Verse (Iqra, which means Read, Declare or Proclaim) and the Suratul Mariam (The Chapter on the Virgin Mary) narrating the birth of Christ during that occasion of their first dialogue with 186 a Christian leader.

“What will you worship after me?” they answered: We will serve [worship] your God and the God of your fathers, Ibrahim, Ismail, and Ishaq, (that is) one Lord only, and to Him we do submit [as Muslims]” (2:133) We must mention that Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life as a system. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness. There are today 1.5 billion Muslims ranging from races, nationalities, and cultures to nations that are occupying vast regions of the major and minor continents. They can be anywhere across the globe; they are united by their common faith that is sturdy, enriching, and very rewarding—Islam. As Muslims we all believe in ne, Unique and Incomparably Omnipotent God, and in the Angels created by Him, as well as in the Prophets who received God’s Revelations, which they brought forth to humankind. In addition, as Muslims we believe in the Day of Judgment and the individuals’ accountability for their own deeds during their earthly lives. Yes, Muslims believe in the chain of Prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others. But God’s final Message to humanity was revealed to Muhammad. The Message he brought reaffirmed of the Eternal Message and a summation of all that God had revealed prior to the Qur’an. Besides Islam has variety of teachings that involve our actions, whether individually or concerning collective social affairs. Allah says in the Qur’an: We must mention a religion and aϕέηϣϟ΍ complete of life as΍ϭϟϭΗ a system. έΧϵ΍ ϡϭϳϟ΍ϭ ͿΎΑ that ϥϣ΁Islam ϥϣ isέΑϟ΍bothϥϛϟϭ Ώέϐϣϟ΍ϭ ϝΑϗwayϡϛ˰ϫϭΟϭ ϥ΃ έΑϟ΍Muslims αϳϟ" follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness. There are today 1.5 billion Muslims, ranging ϰΑέϘϟ΍ ϯϭΫ ϪΑΣ ϰϠϋ ϝΎϣϟ΍ ϰΗ΍˯ϭ ϥ˰ϳΑϧϟ΍ϭ ΏΎΗϛϟ΍ϭ Δϛ΋϶ϣϟ΍ϭ from races, nationalities, and cultures to nations, occupying vast regions of the major and minor ΍ϭΩϫΎϋ ΍Ϋ· They ϡϫΩϬόΑ continents. canϥϭϓϭϣϟ΍ϭ be anywhere across the globe, are united by their common faith, a Γ΍ϭϛίϟ΍ ϰΗ΍˯ϭ Γ΍ϭϠλϟ΍theyϡΎϗ΃ϭ faith that is sturdy, enriching, and very rewarding—Islam.

" ϥϭϘΗϣϟ΍ ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ϭ ΍ϭϗΩλ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ α΄Αϟ΍ ϥϳΣϭ ˯΁έοϟ΍ϭ ˯΂γ΄Αϟ΍ ϰϓ ϥϳέΑΎλϟ΍ϭ ΓέϘΑϟ΍ ) As Muslims we all believe in One, Unique and Incomparably Omnipotent God, and in( the :Angels

created by Him, as well as in the Prophets who received God’s Revelations, which they brought “It is not righteousness you turn your faces to in thethe east or of west [in prayers], forth to humankind. In that addition, as Muslims wesimply believe Day Judgment and but the righteousness is that one for believes in Allah, Lasttheir Day,earthly the Angels, individuals’ accountability their own deedsthe during lives. the Book, the Prophets. And to give of his wealth to the kinfolk, the orphans, the wayfarer, those who ask, and to emancipate the captives, andchain the ones who keep up prayers, pay the zakat, fulfillMoses, the promises Yes, Muslims believe in the of Prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus [when promises are made], and who to are patient in distress andtoaffliction. Such .are the People and others. But God’s final Message humanity was revealed Muhammad The Message of Truth; [verily] they are [muttaqeen].” he brought reaffirmed of the therighteous Eternal Message and (2:177) a summation of all that God had revealed prior to the Qur’an. Islam as the complete religion guides our lives, as individuals, as a family, or as groups. It also guides us in our social affairs. If we want to be true Muslims we must not only learn the great Besides, Islam has variety of teachings that involve our actions, whether individually or concerning teachings of Islam but also perform them well. By this we can attain good life and realize collective social affairs. salvation in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah says in the Qur’an: I ask Allah to help us in applying these guidelines for ourselves and community and forgive our sins and efface our bad deeds and take not our souls but in the company of the righteous.

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I ask Allah to help us in applying these guidelines for ourselves and community and forgive our sins and efface our bad deeds and take not our187 souls but in the company of the righteous.

O Allah! We invoke You while waiting to perform an act of worship that You have ordained on us as a favor from You. We invoke You by asserting that You are Allah, there is no illah (God) deserving worship but You, the One, the Sustainer, He Who neither begets, nor was He begotten and there is none like Him. O You Who created the heavens and the earth, Owner of power and grace, the Ever-Living Who never dies, Who sustains all that exists. We invoke You to make Iman dear to us, beautify it and make it firm in our hearts. We invoke You to make disbelief, sin and rebellion hated by us and to take us away from this evil path.

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Islam is a Balanced Life Now and in the Hereafter ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Know that the world where we live in is a place where we do two things, earning for a living and practicing good deeds by which to fulfill God’s purpose of creating humanity. Our world today has to undergo a process of soul searching for the genuine truth to lead for the real well-being of mankind in this world and in the Hereafter. A sustainable society in our context is not just a national vision but a global vision for the future of the Muslim Ummah. Islam has a genuine right to provide this guideline. Muslim scholars have illustrated a clear Islamic perspective of a sustainable society, based on the principles that Allah, the sole Creator of all things, is the owner of everything and that human community in an entity integrated in the human sphere. Similarly, human individual is ordained to be responsible for himself, collectivity and environment and the revealed standard of values, commandments and basic criteria will have to regulate govern and guide human behavior. These beliefs and guidelines if translated into moral and positive rules and regulations and directives for the benefits of man can serve as a basis on which the foundations of our social, political and economic system are built. Unless this happens our effort to save humanity and our aspiration for a good human life and successful in the Hereafter will be all in vain. Islam encourages its followers to be successful in this world and more successful in the hereafter. Allah said:

ϻϭ ϙϳϟ· ௌ ϥγΣ΃ Ύϣϛ ϥγΣ΃ϭ ΎϳϧΩϟ΍ ϥϣ ϙΑϳλϧ αϧΗ ϻϭ ΓέΧϵ΍ έ΍Ωϟ΍ ௌ ϙΎΗ΁ Ύϣϳϓ ώΗΑ΍ϭ " (̀̀:ιλϘϟ΍) " ϥϳΩγϔϣϟ΍ ΏΣϳ ϻ ௌ ϥ· νέϷ΍ ϲϓ ΩΎγϔϟ΍ ώΑΗ “But seek of that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you (in preparation for) the home of the Our world today has to undergo a process of soul searching for the genuine truth to lead for the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has real well-being of mankind in this world and in the Hereafter. A sustainable society in our context been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidûn (those is not just a national vision, instead, it is global vision for the future of the Muslim Ummah. who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers and corruptors).” (28:77) Islam has a genuine right to provide this guideline. Muslim scholars has illustrated a clear We are not supposed to fulfill ritual worships alone; we are to set aside time for our lawful Islamic perspective of a sustainable society, based on the principles that Allah, the sole Creator activities in our secular affairs, including earning for our subsistence in this world and do extend of all things, is the owner of everything and that human community in an entity integrated in the the fruits of such goodness to others. human sphere. Similarly, human individual is ordained to be responsible for himself, collectivity and environment and the revealed standard of values, commandments and basic criteria will To complement the verses in the al-Qur’an that I mentioned is the story of Salman a Sahabi have to regulate govern and guide human behavior. (companion) who visited the house Abu Darda, another companion of the Prophet . When the former arrived at the house, he saw the wife of Abu Darda wearing faded clothes. Salman asked her what These beliefs andShe guidelines if his translated into Darda, moral was andfocusing positivehimself rules too and regulations happened to them. replied that brother, Abu much on ritual anddirectives for the benefits of man can serve as a basis on which the foundations of our worship alone in preparation of the Hereafter that he seemed to have ignored things of worldly affairs. social, political and economic system prepared are built. something Unless thistohappens, our effortThe to save Abu Dardha arrived and immediately offer for Salman. latterhumanity told him and our aspiration for a good human life and successful in the Hereafter will be all in have vain. eaten Islam to eat, Abu Darda replied: I am fasting. Salman responded: I will not eat until you encourages its followers to be successful in this world and more successful in the hereafter. with me. So, they both ate. When night came, Abu Dardha wanted to offer a voluntary night prayer or quiyamul layl. He was prevented by Salman. Instead, he told him to sleep. In another occasion, he Allah was tosaid: stand again to a prayer and was stopped by Salman. During the third night, Salman told him to offer a prayer, and they both prayed. Salman told Abu Darda that while he had his obligations to God, he also had obligations to himself and his family. Give all that is due to each responsibility. We| Selected are notKhutba: supposed fulfillDevelopment ritual worships alone; we are toPhilippines set aside 186 A Guideto to Social for the Muslim Communities in the

time for our lawful activities in our secular affairs, including earning for our subsistence in this world and do extend the fruits of such goodness to others. 190 To complement the verses in the al-Qur’an that I mentioned is the story of Salman a Sahabi

offer a prayer, and they both prayed. Salman told Abu Darda that while he had his obligations to God, he also had obligations to himself and his family. Give all that is due to each responsibility.

When Abu Dardha went to the Prophet Muhammad and mentioned to him what had transpired between them. The Prophet said, Salman has told the truth. Relatively, we all know that some residents in our region have benefited from some land distribution program made out of three giant coconut and rubber plantations like in Basilan. But it is a common knowledge also among us that it has become a more general character in some of us these days to be opting for immediate cash conversion of our land resources that would have been a continuing source of livelihood, and one that would have provided us means to give our children good education. Yes, it is most unfortunate to admit that many of those who had acquired land from the workers’ share of farmland subdivisions of huge plantations have sold their land share for small amount, or in exchange of some pieces of firearms or ammunition. O Lord! Guide us lest we be misguided by the evils in dealing with women especially the wives, and grant us lawful ways through earning for our families appropriate sustenance in order for them to fulfill their rights over us. When Abu Dardha went to the Prophet Muhammad

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ .ϡϳΣέϟ΍

May Allah us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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The Love for the Prophet

ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad . In Islam, it is a requirement for every believing and responsible Muslims, men and women to love the Prophet . None will earn true faith unless one loves the Messenger of Allah more than any other among mankind, including one’s family, offspring and all other men and women. The Holy Prophet

said:

“None among you shall attain faith until I become dearer to him than his own self, his offspring, his parents and all other people.” Moreover, true love requires following adherences and this is why Allah the Exalted said:

ΓέΎΟΗϭ ΎϫϭϣΗϓέΗϗ΍ ϝ΍ϭϣ΃ϭ ϡϛΗέϳηϋϭ ϡϛΟ΍ϭί΃ϭ ϡϛϧ΍ϭΧ·ϭ ϡϛ΅ΎϧΑ΃ϭ ϡϛ΅ΎΑ΁ ϥΎϛ ϥ· ϝϗ "

In Islam, it is a requirement for every believing and responsible Muslims, men and women ϰΗΣlove ΍ϭλΑέΗϓ ϪϠϳΑγ ϲϓ. ΩΎϬΟϭ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϡϛϳϟ·unless ΏΣ΃ one ΎϬϧϭοέΗ ΎϫΩΎγϛ ofϥϭηΧΗ to the Prophet None will earn ௌ trueϥϣ faith loves ϥϛΎγϣϭ the Messenger Allah more than any other among mankind,(˻˽ including one’s family, offspring and all other men and :ΔΑϭΗϟ΍) " ϥϳϘγΎϔϟ΍ ϡϭϘϟ΍ ϱΩϬϳ ϻ ௌϭ ϩέϣ΄Α ௌ ϲΗ΄ϳ women.

“Say:Holy If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you The Prophet said: have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you shall than Allah and striving fighting cause, “None among attain and faithHis untilmessenger, I become dearer to him hard than and his own self, in hisHis offspring, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment).” (9:24) his parents and all other people.” And again: true love requires following adherences and this is why Allah the Exalted Moreover, said:

And again:

" ϡϳΣέ έϭϔϏ ௌϭ ϡϛΑϭϧΫ ϡϛϟέϔϐϳϭ ௌ ϡϛΑΑΣϳ ϲϧϭόΑΗΎϓ ௌ ϥϭΑΣΗ ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· ϝϗ " (˼˺:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁)

“Say (O Muhammad [peace be upon him]): If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” (3:31) Allah foretold humankind that His Final Divine Book was to be revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad and he would be sent as God s Messenger of the Divine laws He prescribed. Allah, the Most High, says: Allah foretold humankind that His Final Divine Book was to be revealed to the Holy Prophet ϲΣϳ ϭϫ ϻ· Ϫϟ·and ϻ νέϷ΍ϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ ϙϠϣ Ϫϟ ϱΫϟ΍ ΎόϳϣΟ ϡϛϳϟ· ௌ ϝϭγέ ϲϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ ϝϗ " Muhammad he would be sent as God’s Messenger of the Divine laws He prescribed.

" ϥϭΩΗϬΗ ϡϛϠόϟ ϩϭόΑΗ΍ϭ

Allah, the Most High, says:

ͿΎΑ ϥϣ΅ϳ ϱΫϟ΍ ϲϣϷ΍ ϲΑϧϟ΍ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ͿΎΑ ΍ϭϧϣ΂ϓ Εϳϣϳϭ (˺̋́:ϑ΍έϋϷ΍)

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“Say (O Muhammad ): O mankind! Verily, I am sent unto you all as the Messenger of Allah - to Whom belongs the dominion of the Heavens and the Earth. Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He); It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad ) the Prophet who could neither read nor write (but one) who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Qur'ân); the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) as Revelations. Glory to Him! When He decrees a thing He only says to it "Be!" and it is. Such was the case of 'Isa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary),] and (His people were told) follow him so that you may be guided." (7:158) Verily, the believers willingly accept the Divine Laws which the Prophet Muhammad brought and love the Messenger of Allah as His Messenger to them all.

had

Allah, the Most Merciful, really loves his faithful servants because they truly believe and obey the injunctions and commandments He sent down through the Prophet Muhammad . Allah, the Most Gracious, only loves believers who love the Prophet Muhammad by believing in him and following his Sunnah. Allah, the Exalted says:

" ϡϳΣέ έϭϔϏ ௌϭ ϡϛΑϭϧΫ ϡϛϟ έϔϐϳϭ ௌ ϡϛΑΑΣϳ ϲϧϭόΑΗΎϓ ௌ ϥϭΑΣΗ ϡΗϧϛ ϥ· ϝϗ " “Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow (the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), so shall Allah love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." (3:31) On the authority of Jabir ibn Abdullah, the Prophet Muhammad

have related:

“One of the Angels said… then whoever obey Muhammad truly obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Mohammad truly disobeys Allah. It was Muhammad who made distinction among the believers and disbelievers.” (Compiled by Al-Bukhari) To love the Prophet after Allah more than anybody else is a clear manifestation of one’s complete faith. On the authority of Anas (May Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad was reported to have said: “By Allah in whose hand my soul is, one of you does not completely believe until I am loved by him more than his parents, his offspring and all people." (Compiled by Al-Bukhari) Umar ibn-Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “Verily you, O Messenger of Allah , are more beloved to me than anything else except me. Then the Prophet replied: “No, by Allah in whose hand my soul is until I am more beloved to you than yourself. Then Umar answered to him, ‘And now you are more loved by me than myself.’ The Prophet replied, 'Now Umar, you have respected your faith.' Sincerity and inexplicable feeling of submission to faith is a sign of great love for Allah and His Prophet .

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On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet of Allah

was reported to have said:

“There are attributes of one who possesses them (in which) one will experience deep (inner ecstasy) in faith: That Allah and His Messenger are much dearer to him than any other else. That he loves a Muslim man for the sake of Allah and that he hates to return to disbelief as he did not want thrown into hellfire.” (Compiled by Al-Bukhari) Hence, it is necessary for every Muslim who has true Iman to love Allah and love whomever and whenever He loves, such as His angels, messengers, prophets (peace be upon them), truthful believers, martyrs and all believers in general. Furthermore, it is a fact that one tastes the delight of faith when he loves a person for Allah’ssake only. For this reason, it has been reported (from the Prophet [peace be upon him]) that from the signs of the sweetness of Iman is to love someone only for Allah. Also whoever loves for Allah, hates for Allah, gives for Allah, and withholds for Allah. Then verily he has completed his faith. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers. On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet of Allah

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The Hell ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ ˴ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! Believers in the Oneness of Allah! Verily, the Prophet of Islam declares that Hell was the dwelling place of the unbelievers and those opposed to the teachings of Allah. The Hell is certainly a terrifying place to live in. This is one of the reasons that we should avoid doing things that can lead us to Hell for a permanent abode—Allah forbid. 192 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

The Prophet said:

196

“The Hellfire was kindled in the beginning for one thousand years until it became red. After which, it was kindled again for another thousand years until it became white. Then it was

teachings of Allah. The Hell is certainly a terrifying place to live in. This is one of the reasons that we should avoid doing things that can lead us to Hell for a permanent abode—Allah forbid. The Prophet

said:

“The Hellfire was kindled in the beginning for one thousand years until it became red. After which, it was kindled again for another thousand years until it became white. Then it was kindled again for another thousand years until it became black like the darkness of the night.” (Reported by Tirmizi and Ibn Majah) Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! The description of Hell is alarming. Its torment and punishment are described in horrifying details and should persuade us to strive our utmost to avoid being among those who will suffer there in the Hereafter. My dear brothers and sisters, may this forewarning remind us the importance to us of doing good deeds in the world and avoid and prohibit among us that which is wrong. Let us join hands in preventing evil deeds in our communities. Disbelief can be in our midst too for those who beholden in evils of heinous crimes of senseless killings, robbery, and of causing intimidation among peaceful dwellings of peoples and other creatures of Allah. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! It is not a joke to say that it is alright to be in Hell. We seek refuge from the torment of Hell. But I am really worrisome with our own brothers and sisters who do not care and think of what will happen in the Hereafter. What will happen to those responsible people who are in authority and has all the wealth but do not think of the Hereafter. That fire in Hell was never to be beneficial to this world until it was poured with water for two times and this is clear in the sayings of the Prophet of Islam Muhammad : “If only the fire in Hell was not poured with water for two times then it (fire) will never be beneficial for man in this world.” Dear brothers and sisters in Islam and all believers, know that Hell has seven doors and those are prepared for the unbelievers and transgressors of the limits of Islam. These doors are called Jahannam, Laza, Al-Hutama, As-Sai’r, As-Saqar, Al-Jahim and Al-Hawiya. Allah said in the Qur’an: the teachings of Allah. The Hell is certainly a terrifying place to live in. This is one of the reasons that we-˽˼ should avoid doing things that can to Hell for aΎϬϟ permanent forbid. (˽˽ :έΟΣϟ΍ )"ϡϭγϘϣ ˯ίΟ ϡϬϧϣ ΏΎΑlead ϝϛϟusΏ΍ϭΑ΃ ΔόΑγ ˬ ϥϳόϣΟ΃abode—Allah ϡϫΩϋϭϣϟ ϡϧϬΟ ϥ·ϭ" The Prophet "And surely, Hell is the promised place for them all, it (Hell) has seven gates, for each of those gates is a class (of sinners) assigned." (15:43-44) Again, Allah said in the Qur’an:

ΎΑ΍έη ϻϭ ΍ΩέΑ ΎϬϳϓ ϥϭϗϭΫϳ ϻ ˬ ΎΑΎϘΣ΃ ΎϬϳϓ ϥϳΛΑϻ ˬ ΎΑΎ΋ϣ ϥϳϏΎρϠϟ ˬ ΍ΩΎλέϣ ΕϧΎϛ ϡϧϬΟ ϥ·" ϝϛϭ ˬ ΎΑ΍Ϋϛ ΎϧΗΎϳ΂Α ΍ϭΑΫϛϭ ˬ ΎΑΎγΣ ϥϭΟέϳ ϻ ΍ϭϧΎϛ ϡϬϧ· ˬ ΎϗΎϓϭ ˯΍ίΟ ˬ ΎϗΎγϏϭ ΎϣϳϣΣ ϻ· ˬ (˼˹-˻˺:΄Αϧϟ΍) "ΎΑ΍Ϋϋ ϻ· ϡϛΩϳίϧ ϥϠϓ ΍ϭϗϭΫϓ ˬ ΎΑΎΗϛ ϩΎϧϳλΣ΃ Ίϳη Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 193

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“Truly, Hell is a place of ambush, a dwelling place for the tâghûn (those who transgress boundaries or limits set by Allah like polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, hypocrites, sinners, criminals), they shall abide therein for ages, nothing cool shall they experience therein, nor any drink except boiling water, and dirty wound discharges. An exact recompense (according to their evil crimes).for verily, they used not to look for a reckoning. But they belied Our ayât (signs, proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, revelations, and that which Our Prophet brought) completely. And all things We have recorded in a Book, so taste you (the results of your evil actions); No increase shall We give you, except in torment.” (78:21-30) And Allah the Almighty once again said: “Truly, Hell is a place of ambush, a dwelling place for the tâghûn (those who transgress (˺˼-˺˻:ϝϣίϣϟ΍) "Ύϣϳϟ΃ ΎΑ΍Ϋϋϭ ΔλϏ ΍Ϋ ΎϣΎόρϭ ˬ ΎϣϳΣΟϭ ϻΎϛϧ΃ ΎϧϳΩϟ ϥ·" boundaries or limits set by Allah like polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, hypocrites, sinners, criminals), they shall abide therein for ages, nothing cool shall they experience any (to drink., An and exact “Verily, withtherein, Us are nor fetters bindexcept them),boiling and awater, ragingand fire.dirty Andwound a fooddischarges. that chokes, a recompense (according to their evil crimes).for verily, they used not to look for a reckoning. But painful torment”. (73:12-13) they belied Our ayât (signs, proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, revelations, and that which Our Prophet brought) completely. all things We have in a Book, so taste you (the Dear Muslims who are believers And to Allah! We should andrecorded always avoid the wrath of Allah and results of Know your evil actions); Noand increase We give in torment”. the Hell. dear brothers sistersshall in Islam thatyou, the except fire in Hell will burn(78:21-30) our skin. Every time our skin is burnt, Allah will replace it with another new skin, so that the unbelievers will And the Almightyofonce said: tasteAllah the punishment Allahagain and the Hellfire in Jahannam.

Allah said in the Qur’an:

΍ϭϗϭΫϳϟ ΎϫέϳϏ ΍ΩϭϠΟ ϡϫΎϧϟΩΑ ϡϫΩϭϠΟ ΕΟοϧ ΎϣϠϛ ΍έΎϧ ϡϬϳϠλϧ ϑϭγ ΎϧΗΎϳ΂Α ΍ϭέϔϛ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϥ·"

Dear Muslims who are believers to Allah! We should and always avoid the wrath of Allah and (̋˿ :˯Ύγϧϟ΍ ) "ΎϣϳϛΣ ϥΎϛourௌskin. ϥ· Ώ΍Ϋόϟ΍ the Hell. Know dear brothers and sisters in Islam that the fire in Hell΍ίϳίϋ will burn Every time our skin is burnt, Allah will replace it with another new skin, so that the unbelievers will taste the punishment of Allah and the Hellfire in Jahannam. “Surely! Those who disbelieved in Our ayât (signs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations,) We shall burn them in Fire. As often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for Allah thethey Qur’an: other said skinsinthat may taste the punishment. Truly, Allah is Ever Most Powerful, All-wise”. (4:56)

Dear brothers and sisters and dear believers, we have to remind ourselves always of the inevitable that is death, so that we can also be mindful of the Hereafter. Because as we are reminded of the Hereafter, we also remember Paradise, the dwelling place of the believers. Similarly, we can also remember the Hellfire, the dwelling place of those who opposed the teachings of Allah. In the Qur’an, Allah said: Dear brothers and sisters and dear believers, we have to remind ourselves always of the inevitable that is death, so that we can also be mindful of the Hereafter. Because as we are (˻˽:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϳέϓΎϛϠϟ ΕΩϋ΃ ΓέΎΟΣϟ΍ϭ αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϫΩϭϗϭ ϲΗϟ΍ έΎϧϟ΍ ΍ϭϘΗΎϓ ..." reminded of the Hereafter, we also remember Paradise, the dwelling place of the believers. Similarly, we can also remember the Hellfire, the dwelling place of those who opposed the teachings Allah. “Then fearofthe Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” (2:24)

Servants of Allah! should have strong faith in Allah and believe in His Oneness. We have to In the Qur’an, AllahWe said: avoid doing things that will cause us go to Hell. We should constantly abide by the teachings of Islam and always follow the commandments of Allah. We should always avoid doing things that can incur for us the Wrath of Allah; we should always remember the torment and sufferings in the Hell so that our faith in Allah will ever increase. 194 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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Servants of Allah! We should have strong faith in Allah and believe in His Oneness. We have to

can incur for us the Wrath of Allah; we should always remember the torment and sufferings in the Hell so that our faith in Allah will ever increase. We ask the blessing of Allah and His mercy and will ever guide us through by the straight path. May Allah shower upon us His blessings and grant us His forgiveness. Muslims we should always worship Allah with utmost sincerity and we ask Him to bless us with life full of good things in this world and in the world Hereafter. I ask Almighty Allah to help us to be obedient to Him and to save us from the Hellfire through His mercy and blessings. May Allah admit us to His paradise by His grace and mercy, for He is the All-hearing, the One Who answers the prayers and His slaves and He is close to them at all times.

ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ Ϫϳϓ ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ϝϛ Mercy ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ path. ϲϟϭϗ We ask ϭϫ the Blessing of AllahΏϧΫ and His and will ever guide us ϲϟ through by the straight May Allah shower upon us His Blessings and Grant us His Forgiveness. .ϡϳΣέϟ΍ Muslims we should always worship Allah with utmost sincerity and we ask Him to bless us with May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words life full of good things in this world and in the world Hereafter. of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful. I ask Almighty Allah to help us to be obedient to Him and to save us from the Hellfire through His mercy and blessings. May Allah admit us to His paradise by His grace and mercy, for He is the All-Hearing, the One Who answers the prayers and His slaves and He is Close to them at all times.

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The Virtues of Reading the Qur’an ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ˵ ˴ ϣ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! We have to fear Allah and we have bear in mind the importance of the Book (the Qur’an) to the lives of Muslims. In the Qur’an, Allah said: 196 | Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines

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In the Qur’an, Allah said:

ϥϟ ΓέΎΟΗ ϥϭΟέϳ Δϳϧϼϋϭ ΍έγ ϡϫΎϧϗίέ Ύϣϣ ΍ϭϘϔϧ΃ϭ Γϼλϟ΍ ΍ϭϣΎϗ΃ϭ ௌ ΏΎΗϛ ϥϭϠΗϳ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ϥ·" ( ˼˹ -˻̂ :έρΎϓ) "έϭϛη έϭϔϏ Ϫϧ· ϪϠοϓ ϥϣ ϡϫΩϳίϳϭ ϡϫέϭΟ΃ ϡϬϳϓϭϳϟ ˬ έϭΑΗ “Verily, those who recite the Book of Allah (this Qur'ân), and perform assalât (Iqâmatas Salât), and spend (in charity) of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a (sure) trade gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their wages in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. Verily! He is Oft-forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense with).” (35:29-30) Those who study, learn and teach the Qur’an were the people who were praised by Prophet Muhammad . The Prophet

said:

"The best amongst you are those who study, learn and teach the Qur’an.” (Compiled by Bukhari) The question that may arise is that how beneficial for the Muslim is studying, learning and teaching the Qur’an? What benefit will also be due to other Muslims who had failed to obtain the benefit of the reading of the Qur’an? The answer to these questions can be found from this saying of Prophet Muhammad . “Those who read the Qur’an perfectly will be included amongst the honorable Angels. And for those who read the Qur’an with difficulties will be having two rewards: Reward in reading the Qur’an and reward in his difficulties in reading the Qur’an." Again, he

said:

“The people who gathered inside the mosque, who are reciting the Qur’an, teaching the Qur’an between and amongst them, blessings will descend unto them, Mercy will be showered unto them, the Angels will encircle them and Allah will mention them to the Angels who are with Him.” Respected brothers and sisters in Islam who fear Allah! These proofs are basically from the sources of the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and from the sayings of Prophet Muhammad . These teachings from the Qur’an and from the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad are inviting people to read and understand the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and apply each lesson learnt from the Qur’an to the lives of the Muslims and to avoid those prohibited in the Qur’an. In doing what is enjoined on us in the Qur’an and to prohibit what is forbidden to us will lead to a good life and spare us form the Wrath of Allah. Respected brothers in Islam! Teach the Qur’an to your children and nurture your children with understanding of the teachings of the Qur’an. This practice will lead your children to love the Qur’an to lead the kind of attitude based on the teachings of Qur’an. This will also cleanse their hearts and they will become the protector, defender and guardian of the Qur’an. It is very sad to note that even the Opening Verse, Suratul Fatiha is hardly read and understood by many Muslims of today. What really is happening to the faith? What will happen to their future and their spiritual life?

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Those who study, learn and teach the Qur’an were the people who were praised by Prophet 201 Muhammad . The Prophet said:

Dear Muslims who are believers of Allah! In today’s generation, people had disregarded learning and reading the Qur’an. People are busy in their worldly activities. People have forgotten to read the Qur’an or have had least of time spent on it, if any. We find so many learned and professionals in our times, who hardly understand the Qur’an. What can happen to their prayers if they can hardly utter the correct pronunciation of the verses of the Qur’an? Some of us do visit the doctor for our ailing health (that can cause death) even more frequently than we spend time reading the Qur’an in rather preparing for the inevitable that is death. But mind you, brothers and sisters that the Qur’an isn’t only beneficial to you in your spiritual life; mind you that the Holy Book is as important to you, just as often as you see your doctor whose advices you would often take hook-line-and-sinker, probably without the least of reservation to entertain a second or third opinion that might come your way. In the Qur’an, Allah the Almighty said:

ΔϘϠϋ Δϔρϧϟ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧ ϡΛ ˬ ϥϳϛϣ έ΍έϗ ϲϓ Δϔρϧ ϩΎϧϠόΟ ϡΛ ˬ ϥϳρ ϥϣ Δϟϼγ ϥϣ ϥΎγϧϹ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧ ΩϘϟϭ" (˺˽-˺˻:ϥϭϧϣ΅ϣϟ΍) " ... Δϐοϣ ΔϘϠόϟ΍ ΎϧϘϠΧϓ

Some of us do visit the doctor for our ailing health (that can cause death) even more frequently than we spend time reading the Qur’an in rather preparing for the inevitable that is death. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! We know that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Indeed, reading the Qur’an, especially in But mind you, brothers and sisters that the Qur’an isn’t only beneficial to you in your spiritual the Month of Ramadhan entails a lot of blessings and reward. life; mind you that the Holy Book is as important to you, just as often as you see your doctor whose advices you would often take hook-line-and-sinker, probably without the least of Allah said: reservation to entertain a second or third opinion that might come your way.

ϡϛϧϣ ϥϣϓAllah ϥΎϗέϔϟ΍ϭ ϯΩϬϟ΍ ϥϣ In theΩϬη Qur’an, the Almighty said:ΕΎϧϳΑϭ

αΎϧϠϟ ϯΩϫ ϥ΁έϘϟ΍ Ϫϳϓ ϝίϧ΃ ϱΫϟ΍ ϥΎοϣέ έϬη" Ωϳέϳ ϻϭ έγϳϟ΍ ϡϛΑ ௌ Ωϳέϳ έΧ΁ ϡΎϳ΃ ϥϣ ΓΩόϓ έϔγ ϰϠϋ ϭ΃ ϥΎϛ ϥϣϭ ϪϣλϳϠϓ έϬηϟ΍ Allah said:(˺́̋:ΓέϘΑϟ΍) "ϥϭέϛηΗ ϡϛϠόϟϭ ϡϛ΍Ωϫ Ύϣ ϰϠϋ ௌ ΍ϭέΑϛΗϟϭ ΓΩόϟ΍ ΍ϭϠϣϛΗϟϭ έγόϟ΍ ϡϛΑ “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'ân, a guidance for humankind and clear Proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first Night of) the Month (of Ramadân (i.e. is present at his home). He must observe saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe saum (fasts) must be made up] other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must praise Allah (Takhbir); On seeing the Crescent of the Moon of Ramadân and Shawwâl] for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him.” (2:185) Secondly, in the Month of Ramadan, Allah shall double the blessings and rewards of the Muslim’s deed. In this regard, the true followers of Islam are enjoined to read the Qur’an (during the month of Ramadhan), so shall they find some of them complete the reading in three days’ time. Muslims! We pray to Allah to Bless us and make us understand the Qur’an and Bless us for doing good deeds inspired by the Mercy and love of Allah to us. We also ask Allah to protect us from doing any deeds that may incur for us His Wrath.

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Secondly, in the Month of Ramadan, Allah shall double the blessings and rewards of the Muslim’s deed. In this regard, the true followers202 of Islam are enjoined to read the Qur’an (during the month of Ramadhan), so shall they find some of them complete the reading in three days’ time.

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No Tribalism in Islam ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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Man is distinct in terms of intellect; and ethnicity. Ethnicity constitutes nations of humankind. The existence of humankind has had inherent biological, geographical, historical and political factors associated with it. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah said:

ௌ Ωϧϋ ϡϛϣέϛ΃ ϥ· ΍ϭϓέΎόΗϟ ϝ΋ΎΑϗϭ ΎΑϭόη ϡϛΎϧϠόΟϭ ϰΛϧ΃ϭ έϛΫ ϥϣ ϡϛΎϧϘϠΧ Ύϧ· αΎϧϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ" (˺˼:Ε΍έΟΣϟ΍) "έϳΑΧ ϡϳϠϋ ௌ ϥ· ϡϛΎϘΗ΃

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah said:

“O mankind! We have created you (out of congenital fluid) from a pair of male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is he (believer) who has at-taqwa [of the Mutaqqin (the pious)]. Verily, Allah is All-knowing, All-aware. ( 49:13) Allah constitutes humanity into tribes and nations to help them know one another. The circumstances of our physical features, our languages and customs, our culture as well as our demographic distribution on earth (including our abode in houses, streets, villages, cities and provinces) aid us with mutual self-identification. This verse tells us that the purpose of tribal (ethnic) variation is that of knowing one another for mutual help and cooperation. In the modern world, there are threats to human rights, both in terms of physical and spiritual realities. Peace is equally in peril in our midst. Everyone in every nation under any political system should be free to exercise his/her rights, although subject to limits set by Divine Laws and the Tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. The threat to humanity is being stirred by some mischief also attributed to human beings. Certainly, instances of misjudgment, discrimination against one tribe by another constituted some of the root causes of misunderstanding if not the conflict in which many people have suffered for decades. Not a few of us would prefer to be distinguished by their tribes either as Yakan, Tausug, Maguindanaon, Sama, Maranao or Iranun as being distinct of each other in many ways rather than embrace their commonality as Muslims or Islam believers. Humanity is the creation of One God out of a single pair of male and female—Adam and Eve. He created them equally as His servants, charged with fulfilling the purpose of creation as God’s Khalifa (steward) of His Creation. Nobody has the exemption to His Command and Will; neither is any privileged nor chosen. Nobody should unjustly carry the burden of another or be made responsible for the misdeed of others. Responsibility on the Day of Judgment shall be made absolutely individual. In Suratul Yaseen, Allah promises humankind that: Allah constitutes humanity into tribes and nations to help them know one another. The circumstances of:our features, ourϻculture (̋˽ αϳ)physical " ϥϭϠϣόΗ ϡΗϧϛ Ύϣour ϻ· languages ϥϭίΟΗ ϻϭand Ύ΋ϳηcustoms, αϔϧ ϡϠυΗ ϡϭϳϟΎϓ as " well as our demographic distribution on earth (including our abode in houses, streets, villages, cities and provinces) aid us with mutual self-identification. This verse tells us that the purpose of tribal (ethnic) variation is that of knowing one another for mutual help and cooperation. “No soul shall suffer from least injustice (in the Day of Judgment).” (36:54) In the modern world, there are threats to human rights, both in terms of physical and spiritual realities. Peace is equally in peril in our midst. Everyone in every nation under any political system should be free to exercise his/her rights, although subject to limits set by Divine Laws Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 201 and the Tradition of theSelected Prophet Muhammad

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Islam encourages an order of peace where no ethnic group or nation shall engage in conflict with another. And although humanity is made up of nations and tribes none should transgress upon another. Neither should another trample upon one’s rights. The upholders of the system (among them religious leaders) are tasked with establishing societal orders, according to the system set-forth by Islam. Such a system is put in place for good governance/ administration so that no injustice, violence and mischief shall prevail in our midst. Another aspect of the war against Islam, is that there are elements living among Muslims and enjoying the peace and tranquility that the Muslim society offers them. Yet, because they follow various misguided sects and groups, they try their best to resurrect the methods of their groups that cause division and shake the foundation of the society that offered them safe refuge. Tribalism tries to discredit the correct faith and annul the true belief in Allah and in the Messenger of Mercy and guidance, Muhammad. Consequently, it is incumbent on all Muslims, especially the scholars and those in authority among them, to protect the fabric of the Muslim society and its faith, which is the resources that provides it with victory and dominance by Allah’s help. Fear Allah O Muslim, O Muslim leaders, O defenders of Islam! All human beings are equal as stated by the Holy Prophet in his last sermon when he performed his last pilgrimage in Mount Arafat. Addressing his followers and the rest of humanity of all races, tribes and nations. The Prophet Muhammad said: “All of humankind originated from Adam and Eve. An Arab is no superior over the non-Arab; neither the non-Arab superior over the Arab. Whites are no better than Blacks; and neither are Black higher in stature than Whites. The only distinction among them is their (Taqwa) fear in Allah.” O Lord of the Universe, allow us to follow the ideal life of our beloved Prophet and also prevent us from violating the rights of our fellow human beings and remain watchful of us during our unguarded moments for us not to be misguided by the evils. We ask Allah to give triumph to His religion and raise high His word and the flag of the Islamic faith and make it mighty, victorious, and apparent over the whole world. We invoke Allah to protect our faith and the entire Muslim nations as well as its creed from the evils of tribalism that plots the Muslim society. Another aspect of theΕΎϳϵ΍ war against is that ϲϧόϔϧϭ there are elements livingϲϓ among and ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭ ϥϣ ϪϳϓIslam, ΎϣΑ ϡϛΎϳ·ϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϡϛϟϭ Muslims ϲϟ ௌ ϙέΎΑ enjoying the peace and tranquility that the Muslim society offers them. Yet, because they follow Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ϝϛ they ϥϣ try ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ έϔϐΗγ΃of ϭtheir ΍Ϋϫgroups ϲϟϭϗ various misguided sects and ΏϧΫ groups, their best to resurrect the ௌ methods that cause division and shake the foundation of the society that offered them safe refuge..ϡϳΣέϟ΍ Tribalism tries to discredit the correct faith and annul the true belief in Allah and in the May Allah direct us toand theguidance, blessingsMuhammad of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words Messenger of Mercy of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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Islam Rejects Superstitious Beliefs and Practices ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ) .ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Know, may Allah grant you His mercy, that the greatest requirement and duty on the followers of Islam is to acquire knowledge of his Lord, religion and the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is the only true, complete, perfect religion of Allah, revealed for the benefit of humankind in order to attain true salvation and everlasting happiness. Its laws and guidance in all aspects of life come from Allah, the just law-giver. Allah, the Exalted says: Islam is the only true, complete, perfect religion of Allah, revealed for the benefit of humankind (˺̂:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁) " ... ϡϼγϹ΍ ௌ Ωϧϋ ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϥ· " in order to attain true salvation and everlasting happiness. Its laws and guidance in all aspects of life come from Allah, the just law-giver. “Truly the religion in the Sight of Allah is Islam.” (3:19) Allah, the Exalted says: This verse reminds us that the name and laws of Islam religion are Revelations from Allah alone. Its laws are the complete code of life which regulates the inner and outward conduct of human affairs, such as belief, worship, secular dealings and deeds.

The basic foundation of Islam is the faith that is solely based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Tradition) of the Prophet If the Muslim follows his religion, the good deeds constitute a worship that is accepted by Allah. In vain is he whose belief is founded on superstitions, false tales or imaginative philosophy. About this, Allah the Almighty, says: The basic foundation of Islam is the faith that is solely based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah " ϥϳέγΎΧϟ΍ ϥϣ ΓέΧϵ΍ ϲϓ ϭϫϭ Ϫϧϣ ϝΑϘϳ ϥϠϓ ΎϧϳΩ ϡϼγϹ΍ έϳϏ ώΗΑϳ ϥϣϭ " (Tradition) of the Prophet If the Muslim follows his religion, the good deeds constitute a (́̋on:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ ) false worship that is accepted by Allah. In vain is he whose belief is founded superstitions, tales or imaginative philosophy.

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the hereafter About Allah, thelosers”. Almighty, says: he will this, be one of the (3:85) Islam is a perfect, complete religion whose Divine Laws Allah has revealed through the Qur’an. Its general principles are all-embracing and have inclusive application on all affairs of human life whether spiritual, moral, social, economic, political, intellectual or educational. Its basic concepts, beliefs and principles are unchangeable and have remained unaffected throughout the ages and variety of situations, ages, places and peoples. Thus, the laws of Allah and the Traditions of the Prophet, which are the true and only source of the foundations of beliefs in Islam, are not the subject of revision, amendment, addition and diminution. Rather, interpretations are made according to the social context with which the Revelations were made by Allah and the general consensus (Ijma’) of Muslim jurists. Islam is not an ancestral culture, tradition or practice but it is a straight and pure Revelation of Allah, Who created humankind, the Heavens and the Earth and all that is between them. Allah, the Almighty says: 204 | Selected Khutba: Acomplete Guide to Social Development for the MuslimLaws Communities the Philippines Islam is a perfect, religion whose Divine Allahin has revealed through the Qur’an. Its general principles are all-embracing and have inclusive application on all affairs of human life whether spiritual, moral, social, economic, 208 political, intellectual or educational. Its basic concepts, beliefs and principles are unchangeable and have remained unaffected throughout the ages and variety of situations, ages, places and peoples.

ϡϳϘϟ΍ ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϙϟΫ ௌ ϕϠΧϟ ϝϳΩΑΗ ϻ ΎϬϳϠϋ αΎϧϟ΍ έρϓ ϲΗϟ΍ ௌ Εέρϓ ΎϔϳϧΣ ϥϳΩϠϟ ϙϬΟϭ ϡϗ΄ϓ " (˼˹:ϡϭέϟ΍) " ϥϭϣϠόϳ ϻ αΎϧϟ΍ έΛϛ΃ ϥϛϟϭ “So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure monotheism (Hanifah), Allah’s Fitrah (Monotheism), with which He has Created humankind. No change (shall) there be in the religion of Allah. That (indeed), is the true religion, but most of men know not.” (30:30) Allah the Almighty says: “So set Muhammad) Ύϧ·ϭ Δϣ΃you ϰϠϋ(OΎϧ˯ΎΑ΁ ΎϧΩΟϭ Ύϧ· ΎϫϭϓέΗϣ ϝΎϗ ϻ· έϳΫϧ ϥϣ Δϳέϗ ϲϓ ϙϠΑϗ ϥϣ ΎϧϠγέ΃ Ύϣ ϙϟΫϛϭ " ϪΑ ϡΗϠγέ΃ ΎϣΑ Ύϧ· ΍ϭϟΎϗ ϡϛ˯ΎΑ΁ ϪϳϠϋ ϡΗΩΟϭ Ύϣϣ ϯΩϫ΄Α ϡϛΗ΋Ο ϭϟϭ΃ ϝΎϗ ˬ ϥϭΩΗϘϣ ϡϫέΎΛ΁ ϰϠϋ (˻̋-˻˼:ϑέΧίϟ΍) " ϥϳΑΫϛϣϟ΍ ΔΑϗΎϋ ϥΎϛ ϑϳϛ έυϧΎϓ ϡϬϧϣ ΎϧϣϘΗϧΎϓ ˬ ϥϭέϓΎϛ

“Similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps. (The warner) said: Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers (were) following? They said: Verily, We disbelieve in that which you have been sent. So We took upon them a vengeance, then see what was the end of those who denied Our Sign (Islâmic Monotheism).” (43:23-25) The noble verses clarify that ancestral or modern religions or interpretations not founded on the commandments of Allah and teachings of the Prophets are certainly rejected with the consequences of divine punishment in the world and in the Hereafter. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! As Muslims, we are required to rely on Allah Alone. We are required to abandon and shun every action, statement and creed that is not allowed for us to indulge in. We are required to raise our children to be righteous and to steer them away from all types of superstitions and whims. We are required to rear them to rely on Allah Alone and to nurture the pure nature that Allah created in them. This way, they will trust in Allah Alone for each and everything, invoke Him alone in times of affliction and hardship and stay away from liars and sorcerers. If we apply this good method, we will dispel all types of evil creeds and statements and erase them from our society, while preserving our good nature from misguidance and superstitious beliefs. Surely, Qur’an was not revealed for the purpose of being hung around the neck, but as a healer for the ills of the hearts. The Qur’an was revealed so that any act of superstition will be shunned. Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! Let us join hands in imploring Allah, the Almighty, the Most Merciful, for His guidance. There is no success to attain, nor goal to achieve except for those who are guided by the Almighty. We seek His wisdom in granting us to do deeds that would be beneficial to ourselves, to our families and to our communities, especially our religion, Islam. We also ask the Almighty to protect us from evils and grant us good life in this world and in the Hereafter. O Allah! Help us repent and surrender to You. Answer our prayers. O Allah! Make us feel the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness. Save our hearts from being attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our Selected Khutba: A Guide to Social Development for the Muslim Communities in the Philippines | 205 prayers.

209 Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! As Muslims, we are required to rely on Allah Alone. We are required to abandon and shun every action, statement and creed that is not allowed for us

attached other than You. Join us to those whom You love and who love You. Protect us in this life and the hereafter from all tribulations and temptations. Make us pious inwardly and outwardly and make us amongst the righteous ones. O Allah! Have mercy on all Muslims. O Allah! Answer our prayers.

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Youth of Today, Man of Tomorrow ΕΎ΋ϳγ ϥϣϭ Ύϧγϔϧ΃ έϭέη ϥϣ ͿΎΑ Ϋϭόϧϭ ˬ Ϫϳϟ· ΏϭΗϧϭ ϩέϔϐΗγϧϭ ˬ ϪϧϳόΗγϧϭ ˬ ϩΩϣΣϧ Ϳ ΩϣΣϟ΍ ϻ ϩΩΣϭ ௌ ϻ· Ϫϟ· ϻ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϱΩΎϫ ϼϓ ϝϠοϳ ϥϣϭ ˬ Ϫϟ ϝοϣ ϼϓ ௌ ϩΩϬϳ ϥϣ ˬΎϧϟΎϣϋ΃ ϥϣϭ ϥϳόϣΟ΃ ϪΑΣλϭ Ϫϟ΁ ϰϠϋϭ ϪϳϠϋ ௌ ϰϠλ Ϫϟϭγέϭ ϩΩΑϋ ΍ΩϣΣϣ ϥ΃ ΩϬη΃ϭ ˬϪϟ ϙϳέη .ϥϳΩϟ΍ ϡϭϳ ϰϟ· ϥΎγΣΈΑ ϡϬόΑΗ :ΩόΑ Ύϣ΃ .ϥϳέΧϵ΍ϭ ϥϳϟϭϷ΍ ϲϓ ϪΗϳλϭ ϲϫ ௌ ϯϭϘΗ ϥΈϓ ˬ ϪΗΎϘΗ ϕΣ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ˬ ௌ ΩΎΑϋ :ϰϟΎόΗϭ ϪϧΎΣΑγ ௌ ϝΎϗ ΩϘϓ (˺˹˻:ϥ΍έϣϋ ϝ΁ Γέϭγ). ϥϭ ˴ ϣ˵ ˶Ϡ ˸γ͊ϣ ϡ˸ Η˵ ϧ˸ ˴΃ϭ˴ ͉ϻ˶· ͉ϥΗ˵ ϭ˵ϣΗ˴ ˴ϻϭ˴ Ϫ˶ Η˶ ΎϘ˴ Η˵ ϕ͉ Σ˴ ͿԼ ˴ Ϋ͉ϟԼ ΎϬ˴ ϳ͊ ˴ ΄ϳԻ ˴ ͉ ΍˸ ϭ˵ϘΗ͉ Լ ΍˸ ϭϧ˵ ϣ˴ ΁ ϥϳ˶ All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and to Him we seek refuge from our own misdeeds and evil dictation. Anyone who is guided by Allah, he is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity but Alláh, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant, and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions and everyone who follows in their footsteps until the day of resurrection. Servants of Allah fear Allah as He should be feared. Indeed Taqwa (to fear Allah) is Alláh’s advice to the first and last man on earth. He said in the Holy Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.” (3:102) Allah said in the Holy Qur'an:

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O Muslims! Fear Allah the Exalted and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. O slaves of Allah! Know that the religion is for Allah Alone and He decides whatever He wills and guides who He wills. Allah sent Muhammad and made him the greatest Imam and leader and He does not accept Iman from anyone until and unless they refer every matter of the religion to the Prophet’s judgment and decision. Respected brothers and sisters in Islam! We have to put in our mind, time and again that our children, the youth of today are born with innate abilities for good and even for evil. We, Muslim parents had to invest for guiding these children to righteousness and to provide them with the approved manners which will enable them to be the future leaders of the Muslim Ummah and to be useful personalities for themselves and for the Muslim Ummah in general. The youth of today is the man of tomorrow. They hold upon their hand the future of the community and country. They will take the place of today’s leader. They will be entrusted with such responsibilities as those inherent to leaders and good citizenry. Hence, the youth of today must not take the future lightly; they ought to work hard, never lose hope and look forward to future social responsibilities. Brothers and sisters and fellow parents of today’s youth, Islam obliges upon us to emulate them righteousness and that the elders provide the youngsters constant guidance, lest numerous environmental factors bent their thought, heart, and deeds with untoward influence. Here in our region, we see children and youth clearly differ in more ways, principally in open options for those born in able parenthood and the narrow, inevitable choice for those belonging to poor families. O you the youth and children of today! Bear in mind that hard work, strong will and determination have overcome poverty for those who have vigorously sought the truth being their path to success. Stories abound like endless stream about men and women of humble beginning who triumphantly defeated poverty as hindrance to attaining their goal in life, owing to strong faith, will and resolve. During his early years as head of first the Muslim State, the Prophet Muhammad introduced the concept of exchange visiting-cum-foster parenting among the rich and poor families of Makkah and Madinah. The program stirred much success as measured by the individual testimony of participating youths which generated enhanced social concerns by the well off parents toward the lesser fortunate kids and their families. But here in our province, how that can be done when most of our young men keep associating deadly weapons to almost everything in their very existence? How can stranger parents among rich families put their trust in youths exposed more to the world of violence than to community fellowship? In this day and age of robbery, espionage, and kidnapping for ransom in Basilan, would you think we can do such a good example set by the Prophet Muhammad and has later been adopted in the West? Allah said in the Qur’an: O Muslims! Fear Allah, the Exalted, and obey Him and you will earn success and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. O slaves of Allah! Know that the religion is for Allah Alone and He decides whatever He wills and guides who He wills. Allah sent Muhammad

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Ϋ· ϡϬΑϭϠϗ ϰϠϋ ΎϧρΑέϭ ˬ ϯΩϫ ϡϫΎϧΩίϭ ϡϬΑέΑ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ΔϳΗϓ ϡϬϧ· ϕΣϟΎΑ ϡϫ΄Αϧ ϙϳϠϋ ιϘϧ ϥΣϧ " " Ύρρη ΍Ϋ· ΎϧϠϗ ΩϘϟ ΎϬϟ· ϪϧϭΩ ϥϣ ΍ϭϋΩϧ ϥϟ νέϷ΍ϭ Ε΍ϭϣγϟ΍ Ώέ ΎϧΑέ ΍ϭϟΎϘϓ ΍ϭϣΎϗ (˺˽-˺˼:ϑϬϛϟ΍ ) “We narrate unto you (O Muhammad) their story with truth; truly they were young men who believed in their Lord (Allah), and We increased them in guidance.” And We have made their hearts firm and strong (with the light of faith in Allah and bestowed upon them patience to bear the separation of their kith and kin and dwellings) when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (God) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief.” (18:13-14) Again:

" ϥϭϠϣόΗ ΎϣΑ έϳΑΧ ௌ ϥ· ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ϭ Ωϐϟ ΕϣΩϗ Ύϣ αϔϧ έυϧΗϟϭ ௌ ΍ϭϘΗ΍ ΍ϭϧϣ΁ ϥϳΫϟ΍ ΎϬϳ΄ϳ " (˺́:έηΣϟ΍ )

Again:

O you who believe! Fear Allâh and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the tomorrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (59:18) The most important part of one’s life is youth. It is the age where maturity starts emerging to personal development and thus, life begins. It is the age when things seem filled with hopes and enormous promises. The future shapes up with dreams and plans that begin in this early life’s stage. If the beginning is wrong, beware of what could be a sad ending. So be watchful. Parents, especially, have to keep rightful rearing and guardianship over their children in their sense of independence lest some undue environmental factors could influence them. Serious problems of laziness and addiction can befall them with feelings of frustration by which they are vulnerable to evil thoughts. As Muslims, least do we have to worry. The words of God in the Holy Qur’an never fall short of guidance in addressing social ills. Such Divine guidance has been sustained by the Tradition of the Prophet Mohammad and the preaching of the ulama (scholars). We can mold our children in the way of Islam for as long as we follow the model personality and teachings of the Holy Prophet who spent his lifetime spreading Islam. As Allah said:

ϡϫ ϙ΋ϟϭ΃ϭ έϛϧϣϟ΍ ϥϋ ϥϭϬϧϳϭ ϑϭέόϣϟΎΑ ϥϭέϣ΄ϳϭ έϳΧϟ΍ ϰϟ· ϥϭϋΩϳ Δϣ΃ ϡϛϧϣ ϥϛΗϟϭ " (˺˹˽maturity :ϥ΍έϣϋ starts ϝ΁) " emerging ϥϭΣϠϔϣϟ΍ The most important part of one’s life is youth. It is the age where

to personal development and thus, life begins. It is the age when things seem filled with hopes and The future of shapes with dreams and isplans beginenjoining in this early “Let enormous there arisepromises. out of you a group peopleupinviting to all that goodthat (Islam), Allife’s stage. If the beginning is wrong, beware of what could be a sad ending. So be Ma'rûf (Worship of Allah, and all that Islam prescribes) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism watchful. Parents, especially, have to keep rightful rearing and guardianship over their and disbelief and all that Islam forbids). And it is they who are successful. “(3:104) children in their sense of independence lest some undue environmental factors could influence them. Serious problems of addiction canand befall them with feelings of As parents, we are also duty-bound to laziness teach ourand children values education in raising them frustration by which they are vulnerable to evil thoughts. through good upbringing in response to the call of the Holy Prophet in which he said: As Muslims, least do we have to worry. The words of God in the Holy Qur’an never fall short of guidance in addressingSelected social ills. Such Divine guidance has sustained byinthe Tradition of Khutba: A Guide to Social Development forbeen the Muslim Communities the Philippines | 209 the Prophetwe Mohammad and the of the ulama We incan moldthem our As parents, are also duty-bound to preaching teach our children values (scholars). and education raising children in the way of Islam for as long as we follow the model personality and teachings of the through good upbringing in response to the call213 of the Holy Prophet in which he said: Holy Prophet who spent his lifetime spreading Islam.

“Teach your children and your family good education and then (impose) discipline (on) them. “ Upholding the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith in the development of the youth enables them to attain the noble attributes that good men and women have developed in human character and traits. Our righteous predecessors, one of the many narrators of the Hadith, advocated character development from good to better individuals among the youth of his time. Caliph Harun Al-Rashid turned over his beloved son to a teacher and instructed the latter to teach him to read the Qur-an; learn the Hadith of laws, etc.; to know the parts of speech and how to start with it; to write poetry and to do away with too much laughter. The father believes that such was the training ground for the child to become a good leader. In our case, we should emulate the same good values and education to the youth to spare them from being “Westoxicated,” in which laws, ideologies, lifestyles, etc. often do not blend with the teachings of Islam. O Allah! We invoke You while waiting to perform an act of worship that You have ordained on us as a favor from You. We invoke You by asserting that You are Allah, there is no ilah (God) deserving worship but You, the One, the Sustainer, He Who neither begets, nor was He begotten and there is none like Him. O You Who created the heavens and the earth, Owner of power and grace, the Ever-Living Who never dies, Who sustains all that exists. We invoke You to make Iman dear to us, beautify it and make it firm in our hearts. We invoke You to make disbelief, sin and rebellion hated by us and to take us away from this evil path. Upholding the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith in the development of the youth enables them to attain the noble thatϪϳϓ good women have developed human ϝϭϗ΃ ˬϡϳϛΣϟ΍ έϛΫϟ΍ϭattributes ΕΎϳϵ΍ ϥϣ ΎϣΑ men ϡϛΎϳ·ϭandϲϧόϔϧϭ ˬϡϳυόϟ΍ ϥ΍˯έϘϟ΍ ϲϓin ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ character ௌ ϙέΎΑ and traits. Our righteous predecessors, one of the many narrators of the Hadith, advocated Ώ΍ϭΗϟ΍ ϭϫ Ϫϧ· ˬϩϭέϔϐΗγΎϓ ΏϧΫ ϝϛ ϥϣ ϥϳϣϠγϣϟ΍ έ΋Ύγϟϭ ϡϛϟϭ ϲϟ ௌ έϔϐΗγ΃ ϭ ΍Ϋϫ ϲϟϭϗ character development from good to better individuals among the youth of his time.

.ϡϳΣέϟ΍

Caliph Harun Al-Rashid turned over his beloved son to a teacher and instructed the latter to teach him to read the Qur'an; learn the Hadith of laws, etc.; to know the parts of speech and May Allah direct us to the blessings of the Glorious Qur’an so that we shall benefit in the words how to start with it; to write poetry and to do away with too much laughter. The father believes of the Ayat and wise Dhikr. I say this and ask Allah the Great and the Most Honored for the that such was the training ground for the child to become a good leader. forgiveness of our sins. Invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful. In our case, we should emulate the same good values and education to the youth to spare them from being “westoxicated,” in which laws, ideologies, lifestyles, etc. often do not blend with the teachings of Islam.

O Allah! We invoke You while waiting to perform an act of worship that You have ordained on us as a favor from You. We invoke You by asserting that You are Allah, there is no ilah (God) deserving worship but You, the One, the Sustainer, He Who neither begets, nor was He begotten and there is none like Him. O You Who created the heavens and the earth, Owner of power and grace, the Ever-Living Who never dies, Who sustains all that exists. We invoke You to make Iman dear to us, beautify it and make it firm in our hearts. We invoke You to make disbelief, sin and rebellion hated by us and to take us away from this evil path.

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