Friday Khutbah of Masjid Otsuka

September16, 2022

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 Baqarah and Surah Tauba:

“…And have Taqwa of Allah. And Allah teaches you. And Allah is Knowing of all things.”  (S. 2  V.282)

“And say, ‘Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so, will] His Messenger and the believers. …’”   (S.9  V.105)

In this noble verse there is an encouragement for people to strive to perform good deeds in order to attain their aims and ambitions they hope for, and that is through seeking beneficial knowledge. For this is what helps contribute to the maturation of their intellect, the refinement of skills, and helps prepare them for a prosperous and successful future. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Taa-Haa: 

“…Say, ‘My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.’”  (S.20  V.114)

Similarly, the Prophet SAW said: “The seeking of knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” [Ibn Majah]  For this reason, indeed, the seeking of knowledge is a continuous journey that never really stops. So, knowledge is the best of what a person can occupy his time with and invest his life in. It is that which a person expends himself for and strives and struggles towards. This is the honor of knowledge, it raises one in esteem within their society and the entirety of humanity. So, let us follow beneficial knowledge with good deeds, for one of the Sahaba said: Seek knowledge and teach it, so whatsoever you know, teach it. Abu Hurairah reported: the Messenger of Allah SAW said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim]

O Servants of Allah! Indeed, for parents there is a huge role in the encouraging of their children towards knowledge. This helps them attain their aims through seeking knowledge and learning. We find the scholars avid in seeking and attaining unto knowledge and their parents supporting them and bearing all forms of hardship and expenses in assisting them. In this manner we see the example of scholars who through support of their parents went onto become from the most knowledgeable of their time. In similar manner we see the role of teachers in teaching children, so we should honor their efforts and their status is to be recognized. Hence let parents and teachers be avid in preserving and educating children and let them follow them and assist their upbringing and growth in the best possible way. This is what our beautiful religion encourages us to do.

May the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon prophet Muhammad SAW, his family and all of his Companions. May Allah 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! 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! Accept us for Your service and for the service of Islam and Muslims

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