Shawwal (2)

The second sermon

Praise be to Allah the Granter of favors and the Pusher of evils who promised those who show gratitude with more blessings. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.

O servants of Allah, fear Allah as He should be feared and keep to righteous deeds because the most desirable deeds to Allah is the continuous even if they are few. Moreover, the one who travels and urges his mount to run fast by kicking or beating it shall neither go far nor preserve his mount as was authentically reported from the Most Truthful (peace be upon him).

Allah (Glory be to Him) commanded His Prophet and the believers to keep to righteous deeds when He said: "So stand (ask Allâh to make) you (Muhammad peace be upon him) firm and straight (on the religion of Islâmic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (to Allâh) with you." [Surat Hud: 112]. A man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something of Islam which I will not ask anyone else about it. He (peace be upon him) said: Say: I believe in Allah and then be steadfast (to righteous deeds)." [Reported by Muslim].

O good doers, invoke Allah to accept from you and ponder over Allah's Saying: "And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning)." [Surat Al Mu'minun: 60]. `A'ishah, the Mother of believers, said: "O Messenger of Allah, Are they who drink wine, steal, and commit adultery? He said: No, O daughter of As-Siddiq! But they are who offer Salah, fast, give charity, and fear lest this is not accepted from them." [Reported by At-Tirmidhy].

O servants of Allah, preserve the duties of Islam, observe patience on performing them, and increase your righteous actions with voluntary actions because Allah (Glory be to Him) said: "Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him)] and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Gracious (Allâh) will bestow love for them (in the hearts of the believers)." [Surat Maryam: 96].

Do not stop your righteous deeds after Ramadan because Allah (Glory be to Him) said: "O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him) and render not vain your deeds." [Surat Muhammad: 33].

Exert efforts in supplication all year long, invoke Allah for your nation with glory and for victory over the enemy, be obedient to your parents, maintain the ties of kinship, feed the poor, and keep a good relationship with relatives and neighbors.

Keep to the recitation of the Qur'an, obligatory Salah, and recommended charities. "Verily, those who recite the Book of Allâh (this Qur'ân), and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, they hope for a (sure) trade-gain that will never perish. * That He may pay them their wages in full, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace. Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense)." [Surat Fatir: 29 - 30].

Finally, send peace and blessings upon the honorable Prophet (peace be upon him).