Friday Khutbah of Masjid Otsuka

March, Friday 24. 2023

In the name of Allah Most Gracious and Most Merciful

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 at-Taubah:

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.”  (S.9  V.119)

We remember in Ramadan this blessed month the lives of the righteous prior generations, first and foremost being the companions of the Prophet SAW. They are those who Allah has praised and raised their ranks, stating His being pleased with them. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah at-Taubah:

“And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct – Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.”  (S.9  V.100)

Indeed Uthman RA was an example in self-sacrifice and generosity. Serving as an exemplar in kindness and virtue, always hastening to the good, towards righteousness. Illustrative of this, once the Prophet SAW encouraged his companions to give charity, and it was Uthman RA who was first to hasten to the call, coming with a thousand dinars (each dinar was approximately equal to 4.25 grams of gold) in his garment in order to give it as charity. He did this only in seeking the pleasure of his Lord, and to come to the aid of his religion and nation. And he used to constantly give money to whoever was in need, bringing joy to the hearts of the poor and destitute. Likewise he also spent a great deal on the masjids, for it was his significant contribution of money that contributed to the expansion of the Prophet’s Masjid.

O servants of Allah! And then Uthman RA had a special relationship with the Qur’an. He took it directly from hearing from the Prophet SAW and is reported to have been one of those who memorized the Qur’an during the Prophet’s life. He would regularly recite it, reflect upon it and teach it. He would recite during the day and pray with it during the night. Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah az-Zumar:

“Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer – like one who does not]? …”  (S. 39  V.9)

When the above verse was revealed, Umar RA said that it described Uthman RA. Uthman RA also has a significant position in the annals of history for Allah preserved the religion through him. And united the Muslims through him. Indeed the Qur’an of Allah is summarized form of the word of Allah. It was first revealed in the month of Ramadan. A month of forgiveness and mercy, a month of freedom from the fires of perdition. The example of Uthman RA should encourage us as he did, to adhere to the Qur’an. To read it, to spread its teachings amongst people. What a beautiful example to emulate. To invest our time in this month, the way this great Sahabi invested his life. So let us occupy ourselves with the Qur’an, making it our main concern. Not only in reciting it, but in deep contemplation on its meanings. The Messenger of Allah SAW is reported to have said: “The fasting [in Ramadan] and the Qur’an both intercede for the sincere servant on the Day of Judgment. The fasting of one says: ‘O my Lord! I deprived him of food and lustful desires through the day [for Your sake], so accept my intercession for him. And the Qur’an will say: “I deprived him of sleep in the night, so accept my intercession for him. So they will both be granted intercession for him.”　[Ahmad]

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

O Allah! Guide us to the right path and accept all our worships

O Allah! Accept us for Your service and for the service of Islam and Muslims.

O Allah! Accept all of us Dawah worker in Japan

O Allah! Grant safety and security in Japan and all over the world. Aamin ya Rabbil Aalamin