Friday Khutbah of Masjid Otsuka

December, Friday 22. 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-Baqarah:

“Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful.”  (S.2  V.152)

The Messenger of Allah SAW said; Indeed, Allah has angels who roam the paths seeking those who making remembrance of Allah. When they find a group remembering Allah. They encircle and enfold them with their wings.

After breaking up the group, the angels reaching up to the lowest heaven, the Lord asks them, although He knows better, “What are My servants saying?”  They reply, “They glorify You, exalt You, praise You, and magnify You.”  The Load asks, “Have they seen Me?”  They say, “No, by Allah, they have not seen You.”  He asks, “And how would it be if they saw Me?”  They say, “If they saw You, they would be more devoted in worship, more ardent in glorification and praise, and more abundant in seeking Your forgiveness.”  He asks, “What are they asking Me?”  They say, “They are asking for Paradise.”  He asks, “Have they seen it?”  They say, “No, by Allah, O Lord, they have not seen it.”  He asks, “And how would it be if they saw it?”  They say, “If they saw it, they would be more eager for it, more desirous of it, and greater in their longing for it.”  He then says, “I bear witness that I have forgiven them.”  An angel says, “Among them is so-and-so, who is not one of them; he came only for some personal need.”  The Load says, “They are a gathering [of such rank], and no one in their gathering shall be miserable.” [Bukhari and Muslim]   Verily, the remembrance of Allah is the fortress of souls, the strength of hearts, the nourishment of spirits, and the means of forgiveness.

Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Ahzab:

“…And the men who remember Allah much and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”  (S.33  V.35)

Indeed, the remembrance of Allah is life for the souls and tranquility for the hearts.

Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah ar-Raad:

“…Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah, hearts are assured.”  (S.13  V.28)

The one who remembers Allah is guarded by the Most Merciful and placed under the protection against Satan. For such a believer, nothing will harm him until he departs from that place. Therefore, let us strive to increase in the remembrance of Allah and to adhere to the supplications, advising our children to do the same. Let them be constant in remembrance during the morning and evening, during their travels and at home, in their meals and drinks, and in all their affairs and conditions. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Jum’ah:

“…And remember Allah often that you may succeed.”  (S.62  V.10)

Let’s remember Allah in all states –standing, sitting, and lying down.

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! 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.