Friday Khutbah of Masjid Otsuka

December, Friday 01. 2023

All praises are due to Allah. I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah the uniquely One, who has no partners in His one-ness. And I testify that the Prophet Muhammad is the slave of Allah and His Messenger.

O Servants of Allah! Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Lail:

“He who gives and fears Allah” “and believes in the best [reward],” “We will ease him toward ease.”  (S.92  V.5–7)

The Prophet SAW encouraged extending bridges of giving to the needy, alleviating their suffering, easing their pain, and bringing joy into their lives and upon their hearts. The Prophet SAW said: “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people. The most beloved deeds to Allah are bringing happiness to a Muslim, removing his distress, settling his debt, or warding off his hunger.” [Tabarani]   Indeed, Allah has special servants whom He has distinguished with His generosity and made them keys to goodness for His other servants. He has bestowed His generosity upon them so that they may be generous in turn, and through them, goodness reaches others. The Prophet SAW said: “He who has an extra amount should lend it to him who has none, and he who has extra provision should give it to him who has none.” [Muslim]   Everyone should give from what Allah has bestowed upon them. If Allah has granted wealth, then believers are tasked to give from their wealth. Likewise, if Allah has honored someone with knowledge, then they should share from that knowledge. If Allah has blessed you with good health, then they should assist others with their efforts. For the people of generosity know that Allah will reward them for what they give of themselves, multiply their rewards, and honor them with admission into His paradise.

Allah the Most-High says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Hadid:

“Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and for them is a noble reward.”  (S.57  V.18)

Generosity is like a flourishing tree, with its branches providing comforting shade, sheltering humanity under the kindness of its leaves, lifting the burdens of suffering from humankind. It is a tree that plants goodness, draws in smiles and happiness, and eradicates sadness and despair. Therefore, let us strive to initiate acts of giving in all of their forms and manifestations. We should express gratitude to those who perform acts of kindness, acknowledge the generosity of those who give, and diligently supplicate for their well-being. Allah the Most-High says in the Qur’an in Surah at-Taubah:

“Take from their wealth a charity to cleanse them and purify them through it, and pray for them. Indeed, your prayer is a comfort for them.”  (S.9  V.103)

When asked about the best form of charity, the Prophet SAW him, replied: “Providing water.”  When the Prophet SAW was asked about the one of the best things to do in Islam, he SAW replied: “Feeding others.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

May the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon prophet Muhammad SAW, his family and all of his Companions. May A

llah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all those who will follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah! Bless us with Your love. Bless us the love of those You love.

O Allah! Accept our prayers and all our ibada.

O Allah! Guide us to the right path and make us of those on whom You bestows Your mercy.

O Allah! Accept all of our good deeds and forgive us for our sins.

O Allah! Grant safety and security to everyone here in Japan as well as all over the world. Aamin ya Rabbil Aalamin