In his Friday Sermon today Hudhur began by explaining an aspect, that he said was part of last Friday’s sermon, but to which he could not draw attention last week. Hudhur said, as explained, the significance of rizq (provision) is not limited to material provision and wealth, rather all spiritual capacities and faculties also come in this category.  The most supremely excellent form of rizq was granted to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), who in turn passed it on to his Companions. One form of such rizq is the Holy Qur’an, then there is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and his sayings. The Companions attained beneficence from all these. In addition, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be on him) made a prophecy about the latter-days. He foretold that once again, there will be dearth of spiritual rizq which is when an ‘appointed one’ of God will come and will distribute the treasures of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) to people. Hudhur said, indeed the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) did distribute these treasures. On one hand are the unfortunate people who refuse to accept them and on the other are the Truth-seekers who are satiating themselves with the treasures. The spiritual treasures of knowledge and insight left by the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) inspire one to love God and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and prove Islam’s truth over all other world religions. Our task is to gather these treasures for ourselves.

 

Hudhur said those who know Urdu should try their absolute best to read the original writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace). He said he has drawn attention to this before and the Jama’at and the auxiliary organisations should make special effort regarding this. Those who do not know Urdu should try and read whatever is available in translations, especially in English. May God enable us to take this spiritual treasure to others in different languages of the world.

 

Next Hudhur elucidated the Divine attribute of Al Hasib (The Reckoner) through a few verses of the Holy Qur’an. Citing verse 285 of Surah Al Baqarah, the translation of which reads: ‘To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth; and whether you disclose what is in your minds or keep it hidden, Allah will call you to account for it; then will He forgive whomsoever He pleases and punish whomsoever He pleases; and Allah has the power to do all that He wills.’ (2:285) Hudhur said the faith of true believers is perfect when they keep an eye on their nafs (self) at all times and mould it according to the teachings of Islam. God knows the state of hearts. So, if professing something verbally, serving the Jama’at etc. is merely for show, then it is all inconsequential. The word Yuhasib(call you to account) in the aforementioned verse signifies that God will recompense us according to our practices, the states of our heart and our intentions. This is the reason why one should always have the purification of one’s heart at the forefront of one’s mind.

 

‘Read thy book. Sufficient is thy own soul this day as reckoner against thee.’ (17: 14-15) Explaining these verses Hudhur said mankind does not remember much of its bad deeds or does not give much significance to them. God states that there is a book of record for every human being in which every little detail of what they do is being written down. Hudhur said this is why in this life we should do our own accountability on a daily basis.

 

As man is created weak and can be punished due to his bad practices, thus, for the attainment of God’s pleasure and to be protected from Hell, the all-encompassing mercy of God has taught us prayers so that they may lead us to good.  The Holy Qur’an states: ‘And of them there are some who say: ‘Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.’ ‘For these there shall be a goodly share because of what they have earned. And Allah is swift at reckoning.’  (2:202) & (2:203). Hudhur explained that a true believer looks out for all good from God and tries to come in the refuge of God from all that takes him away from God and leads to chastisement. Verse 2:202 is a comprehensive prayer which is suitable for people of every social standing and spiritual capacity in order to attain spiritual development. Hudhur said it is the good done in this world that becomes a source for man being granted good in the Hereafter.