Published on Feb 19 2010 

Hudhur gave a discourse on the Divine attribute of Al Hasib (The Reckoner) in his Friday Sermon today.  Explaining the meanings of the word Hasib, Hudhur said it connotes one who reckons and takes account or who is eminent, sufficient, one who responds with exact measure. Hudhur said all these qualities cannot be found in a human being to perfection, if they can be in a Perfect Being then that Being is God, therefore one of His attributes is Al Hasib.

Hudhur explained the subject by citing verse 87 of Surah Al Nisa; ‘And when you are greeted with a prayer, greet ye with a better prayer or at least return it. Surely, Allah takes account of all things.’ (4:87) and expounded the merit of initiating the greeting of Assalamoalaikum and responding to it in a better way. Hudhur said this basic Islamic commandment is not only a guarantee of fostering good relations within our own but it is also a peerless formula to extend good relations with the outsiders. Muslims are enjoined therein to promote feelings of mutual goodwill and are asked to respond to goodwill in an enhanced and better manner. This is their moral and societal obligation and if they do not follow it, they will be accountable for it. Hudhur said only the religion of Islam has this excellent and purposeful expression of greeting upon meeting each other. It signifies sending peace to the other and wishing them safeguard from all kind of difficulties. When made heart-felt, it promotes feelings of love, affection and brotherhood. It is enjoined to respond to it in a better way, therefore in return to Assalamoalaikum one may say Walaikumassalam warahmatullahe wabarakatahu, i.e. peace be on you too and may God’s mercy and blessings be with you.

Hudhur said the principle of this greeting is such that it promotes societal peace. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) strongly stressed upon the need to promote saying of Assalamoalaikum and his Companions would vie with each other in this matter.  A young Companion Qalda bin Hanbal was sent with some food to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). He entered the house without seeking permission or any greeting. The Prophet told him to go back outside, say Assalamoalaikum and seek permission to enter. Hudhur said entering someone’s home without permission is wrong and the best way to seek permission is to say out aloud Assalamoalaikum, so that the sequence of prayers may start the meeting.  The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) had allowed the Companions to sit in the marketplace out of necessity but had explained to them among the ‘etiquette of the road’ is to greet anyone who passes by. This is because a believer is a guarantor of another believer’s peace.  Hudhur remarked it is very unfortunate that Muslims today have forgotten God’s commandment and are killing each other.

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