Friday Khutbah of Masjid Otsuka

MAY , Friday 17. 2024

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 a slave of Allah and His Messenger.

Dear Believers! It is Taqwa that is the defining attribute of goodly souls, and underpins its noble qualities, beautiful speech, and righteous deeds. It is the way to attain unto true felicity and true happiness in this life and the next and the ultimate success when meeting our Lord. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Hasyr:

“O you who have believed, have taqwa of Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and have taqwa of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”  (S.59  V.18)

The concept of the goodness of souls is mentioned throughout the Qur’an. as it is the essence of such goodness that beautifies everything it touches and elevates it. It is the goodness in our souls that is accepted by Allah and which enables us to be raised to the highest levels in spiritual ranks. The Messenger of Allah SAW said: “Indeed, Allah is Good and only accepts that which is good.” [Muslim]     This means good deeds from pure and good souls, which entails that we should strive to free our souls/hearts from malice or envy, seeking the happiness of others just as much as we seek our own. The Prophet SAW said : “The best of people are those who are trustworthy and have good manners.” [Ibn Majah]     Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah an-Noor:

“…Meet people with a smile and greet them with the noblest greeting, for it is a:  Blessed and goodly greeting from Allah.”  (S.24  V.61)

And demonstrate kindness with the best of speech. And we should seek the good in our sustenance, and earn it with excellence in our deeds. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Baqararh:

“O mankind! Eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good.…”  (S.2  V.168)

And spend from it in goodness [in the way of Allah]. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah al-Baqarah:

“…Spend] from the good things which you have earned. …”  (S.2  V.267)

We should strive to be pure in our souls, without causing harm or injustice to anyone.

Dear Believers! Allah has promised the people of good souls a great reward and prepared for them a noble abode.

Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah an-Nahl:

“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life. …”  (S.16  V.97)

Indeed, the reward for those who make their days good in their lives is that Allah has promised the good ones an eternity of goodness. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah at-Tawbah:

“…Gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and good homes in Gardens of Eternity. But the greatest bliss is the approval of Allah. That is the great attainment.”  (S.9  V.72)

O Allah! Make us among those who do good deeds in this world, eager for the goodness of our souls, preserving the purity of our hearts, benefiting others.,

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, all our ibada and all of our good deeds and forgive us for our sins.

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

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.