Knowing the biography of Prophet Muhammad PBUH is an essential of religion:
Dear noble brothers, in a few days we will commemorate the Prophet's birthday anniversary.
First of all, there is a significant debate regarding the commemoration of the Prophet's birthday anniversary. However, one accepted fact among all parties is what Allah says:
﴾ And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad PBUH) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this (chapter of the Quran) has come to you the truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers. ﴿
Accordingly, if the heart of the Master of mankind and the dearest to al-Haqq (i.e. Allah) became firm and strengthened upon hearing the story of another Prophet, then it is even more fitting that our hearts should be strengthened by listening to the biography of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.
In another Ayah, Allah Almighty says:
﴾ Or is it that they did not recognize their Messenger (Muhammad PBUH), so they deny him? ﴿
Recognizing the Prophet PBUH entails acknowledging his Noble qualities, virtues, perfect character, words, actions, and approvals; all of which constitute an essential part of religion. In a third Ayah, Allah says:
﴾ Say (to them O Muhammad PBUH): I exhort you on one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah's sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet): there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad PBUH), he is only a warner to you in face of a severe torment." ﴿
The three Ayaat confirm that knowing the Prophet PBUH is part of religion, because the concept of Tawheed in Islam consists of two components: believing in Allah as the Only Deity worthy of worship, and believing that the Prophet PBUH is His Messenger. Thus, knowing the Prophet's traits, character, sayings, qualities, actions, and approvals is part of religion. That being said, what stopped us from gathering in the Masjid to speak about the Prophet PBUH?
The three Ayaat are Quranic evidence that this activity falls within the scope of calling people to believe in Allah Alone as the only deity worthy of worship, conveying the Word of Allah, guiding people to al-Haqq. However, if someone claims that celebrating the Prophet's birthday anniversary is an act of worship, we respond by saying: Acts of worship are prescribed only by Allah, and no one has the authority to add to them or take away from them anything.
Once again, celebrating the Prophet's birthday anniversary is a Da'wah-related activity and an opportunity to reach out to Muslims, reminding them of Islam's teachings, guidance, and the Sirah (biography) of the Prophet PBUH.
The controversy among Islamic groups stems from labeling this activity as an act of worship, which is incorrect. It is a good innovation, and the difference between the two is clear.
Man's exaltedness is linked to his adherence to the Prophet's Sunnah PBUH:
Dear brothers, there is another important point regarding the celebration of the Prophet's birthday anniversary that I will explain through the following example:
Imagine a father who is a great investigator and has an uneducated son. If this son spends his life praising his father and his skills, would the son's level of education improve? In the same vein, we will not reap the benefits of reading the Sirah of the Prophet PBUH if we do not apply it in our lives.
Suppose a great scholar, who authored 100 books and holds four doctorate degrees, left his office, while the uneducated janitor sat in his chair, would the janitor become as educated as the scholar just by doing so? No, he would not. He will become educated only by studying and following the same path the scholar took; starting with elementary school, secondary school, and high school, and then graduating from university, and obtaining a Master's Degree, and finally getting a PhD. Only after completing this journey, will he become as educated as the scholar. Therefore, sitting in his chair while this scholar is away will not change anything.
You should be aware of these facts before we speak about the character of the Prophet PBUH. Allah says:
﴾ And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad PBUH) are amongst them, nor will He punish them while they seek (Allah's) Forgiveness. ﴿
The meaning of this Ayah was very clear when the Prophet PBUH was alive, but what does it indicate now since he is not alive? Scholars said, "It is rather impossible for the Ummah of the Prophet PBUH to be punished after his death as long as they adhere to his Sunnah."
﴾ And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad PBUH) are amongst them. ﴿
The Companions of the Prophet PBUH will not be punished since he PBUH was among them, and after his death, they will not be punished as long as they adhere to his Noble Sunnah. This is a fruitful lesson we learn in this lecture.
If you, as a young man, adhere to the detailed Sunnah of the Prophet in your home, marriage, choice of wife, income, raising your children, spending, and social relations, then as an individual, you are on the safe side. Likewise, as an Ummah, if we adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH, we will be safe. Accordingly, the only thing that will bring us closer to Allah, strengthen us, and guide us is to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet PBUH:
﴾ And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad PBUH) are amongst them. ﴿
Dear brothers, once again, it is indeed good to praise the Prophet PBUH, but it is far more beneficial to follow his footsteps, to apply his Sunnah, to take him as a role model, to embrace his way, and to strive to be like his companions. That is exactly what leads us to true exaltedness.
Praising the Prophet PBUH without following his Sunnah is pointless and this is a fact. A man who performs Umrah may visit the city of the Prophet PBUH, Al-Madīnah, and after pushing through the crowds, he may pray two Rak'aht in the very place where the Prophet PBUH once prayed. Let me tell such a man these words: Do that, but beware; this is not enough, and as a standalone act, it is pointless. Do not settle for anything less than truly following the Prophet's Sunnah. The proof is in the following Ayah:
﴾ Say (O Muhammad PBUH to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." ﴿
As though Allah Almighty has linked earning His love with following His Prophet's Sunnah:
﴾ And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad PBUH) are amongst them. ﴿
The one who does not consider Allah in his life is foolish:
In the light of the previous Ayah, many of the current events in the Islamic world can be better understood. When the Islamic Ummah deviates from the Right Path, it falls into suffering, and that suffering knows no end.
Sadly, this Ummah has neglected the Sunnah of the Prophet; the one whom Allah sent as a mercy to the worlds.
You do not think of Allah's Punishment when you, as a shop owner, treat a helpless orphan worker in your store badly. You exploit him, insult him in front of his mother if she comes to defend him, strike him despite his innocence, and punish him twice as harshly if he demands what is rightfully his.
To clarify further, consider the example of an ordinary citizen who forged an official document and thereby obtained a large sum of money. This person will be foolish if he never considers the possibility of being caught by the authorities after his fraud is uncovered, which would lead to his downfall. In the same vein, you should consider Allah when you treat those who are weaker than you.
If you have a wife whose family is poor and cannot take her in if you divorced her, and therefore she is vulnerable, you will be punished by Allah if you deliberately humiliate her and seize her money. Let alone, such a bad treatment manifests your ignorance of religion.
Consider this rule, whether you are a husband or the most powerful man on earth: "He who does not consider Allah in his daily life will be punished from a place he never doubted." No amount of intelligence or power can help you upon being reckoned by Allah, Exalted and Sublime be He. Only steadfastness will avail you before Him.
I hope you think of Allah when you speak, when you turn away from someone, when you raise your voice, when you physically interact with others, and when you sever ties with someone.
Keep thinking of Allah and His reckoning, and bear in mind that Allah is Great, so in a single moment, He is Capable of stripping you of your position, power, strength, and every winning card you think you hold. You hear about this happening every now and then, don't you? It is reported in the tradition that Prophet Dawud PBUH said:
(My Lord has commanded me nine things: to fear Him in private and in public, to speak words of justice in anger and in contentment, to be moderate in poverty and in wealth, to maintain ties with those who cut me off, to give to those who withhold from me, to pardon those who wrong me, that my silence be reflection, my speech remembrance, and my gaze contemplation.)
Even if you possessed every means of power, if you failed to please Allah Almighty that power could be taken from you in a day, or even in minutes, and you would be left to face the consequences of your actions.
Where are the winning cards you once held? They are all gone. Allah says when He describes His Exalted Character:
﴾ They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills. Verily, your Lord is the doer of what He wills. ﴿
Allah does whatever He wills; unlike man. Man speaks words, and if what he says aligns with reality, we listen to him. If it is not, we disrespect him, no matter how eloquent or persuasive he might be.
Allah, Exalted and Sublime be He, is the doer of what He wills, and at any moment, He can pull the carpet from under your feet, even if you hold all the winning cards and possess every means of power.
Dear brothers, servants have never learned anything better than Tawheed (believing in Allah Alone as God and Lord and attributing to Him Alone all the attributes of Lordship and divinity). Hence, you should always remember that neither your intelligence, power, dominance, nor allies' support will ever protect you from Allah. It is only your steadfastness and fear of Him that will be of any benefit. He who does not consider Allah in his daily life is the most foolish, ignorant, and misguided person in the world.
When you submit a forged document to an official clerk, remember he is human like you. You might be smarter than him, but consider that there may be another clerk who is smarter than you and who can uncover your scam, and then you will have brought destruction upon yourself.
Likewise, if you do not consider Allah, Exalted and Sublime be He, in all your matters, you are acting foolishly. So, never forget, the ignorant carries out actions while forgetting that Allah exists.
You can hear the news as you like and watch it live along with all sorts of political analysis, but never forget for a second that Allah exists and is capable of turning all the equations upside down:
(( When the prophet PBUH used to say upon standing up from Ruku: Praise be to Allah, (A praise that) fills the heavens and the earth and what lies between them, and whatever else You please. (You Allah) are most worthy of praise and majesty, and what the slave has said - we are all Your slaves. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld. And the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You. ))
[ Muslim, by the authority of Abi Sa'eed Al-Khidri ]
Intelligence and brightness are not enough without steadfastness. The following is one of the Du'a (supplications) of the Prophet PBUH:
(( And the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You ))
Importance of following the Prophet's Sunnah:
Dear brothers, it is important to speak about the Prophet's Sunnah, because upon neglecting it, we faced the worst consequences of our misdeeds.
When the Prophet PBUH overheard a baby crying for his mother during Salah, he shortened it out of mercy. Although he used to recite long Surahs in the Fajr Salah, the baby's crying led him to shorten it.
In another incident, he PBUH saw a camel carrying very heavy load, so he addressed its owner as mentioned in the following Hadith:
(( 'Abd Allah bin Jafar said: "The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) seated me behind him (on his ride) one day, and told me secretly a thing asking me not to tell it to anyone. The place for easing dearer to the Apostle of Allah (PBUH) was a mound or host of palm trees by which he could conceal himself. He entered the garden of a man from the Ansar (Helpers). All of a sudden when a camel saw the Prophet (PBUH) it wept tenderly producing yearning sound and it eyes flowed. The Prophet (PBUH) came to it and wiped the temple of its head. So, it kept silence. He then said: "Who is the master of this camel? Whose camel is this? A young man from the Ansar came and said "This is mine, Apostle of Allah (PBUH)." He said "Do not you fear Allah about this beast which Allah has given in your possession. It has complained to me that you keep it hungry and load it heavily which fatigues it." ))
[ Abu Dawood and Ahmad, by the authority of 'Abd Allah bin Jafar ]
Our Master Umar said, "If a mule were to stumble on the bank of the Euphrates, I will fear that Allah would ask me about leaving the way unpaved for it."
Necessity of sensing Allah's Watchfulness and its impact on a Muslim's life:
Dear noble brothers, by Allah, The Only Deity worthy of worship, when you believe beyond doubt that Allah will hold you accountable for your deeds, and that He knows everything you do and will punish you for your wrongdoings, you will act differently in life:
﴾ It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge. ﴿
[ At-Talaaq, 12
]
Let us together ask the following question: Why has Allah chosen two of His Most Beautiful Names "Al-Qadeer" (The One with complete power) and "Al-Aleem" (The All-Knowing)? Because if you truly believe that Allah knows everything you do, and that His Power can reach you, you will not be able to disobey Him.
The proof is in this example: As a law-abiding citizen in this noble country, when you drive your car and reach an intersection with a red traffic light, why do you stop instead of continuing to drive? You stop, because there is a police officer who represents the law. That officer can report your violation, and you will be punished by the authorities. This is why you stop at the red light.
You abide by the law, because of the presence of a police officer, so what about the Creator of the heavens and the earth, whose Knowledge and Power surely reach you?
﴾ It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge. ﴿
Allah knows, holds people accountable for their actions, and punishes accordingly. Some people in this world are foolish and ignorant enough to act without considering Allah's Justice. Allah exists:
﴾ Verily, those who give Baia (pledge) to you (O Muhammad PBUH) they are giving Baia (pledge) to Allah. The Hand of Allah is over their hands. Then whosoever breaks his pledge, breaks only to his own harm, and whosoever fulfills what he has covenanted with Allah, He will bestow on him a great reward. ﴿
﴾ You killed them not, but Allah killed them. And you (Muhammad PBUH) threw not when you did throw but Allah threw, that He might test the believers by a fair trial from Him. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. ﴿
If your intelligence, success in life and faith guide you to fear Allah, then you are a true believer.
Once Abdullah bin Umar saw a shepherd, and he asked him, "Could you please sell me an ewe and keep its price for yourself?" The shepherd answered, "I cannot. it is not mine." Ibn Umar replied, "Tell its owner it died, or the wolf has eaten it." He said, "I swear to Allah, I am in dire need of its price, and if I tell its owner that it has died or eaten by the wolf, he will believe me, because he knows how honest I am with him, but can I escape Allah's Punishment then?"
When you consider Allah as this shepherd did, and you believe in Him deeply, making use of the thirty years of studying religious knowledge, then you are a true believer.
When you use a cancerous substance to make a food product appear whiter in order to earn more money, know that all your acts of worship are worthless in the Sight of Allah.
On what reference I depend to say these facts? I depend on what 'Aishah said once about someone who wronged himself. She said, "Tell this person that he nullified his Jihad (fighting against Allah's enemies) with the Prophet PBUH."
When you harm people in their food and drink, and when you cheat to earn a fortune, then you do not know Allah.
If you hang a Quran in your car, display Ayat al-Kursi in a prominent place in your home, or carry a small Quran in your pocket, none of these outward religious symbols will benefit you unless they are accompanied by steadfastness.
Do not waste your time; without true steadfastness on the Path of Allah, no external religious appearance will bring you benefit.
(And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad PBUH) are amongst them)
If we apply the Prophet's Sunnah in our lives, we will save ourselves from Allah's Torment.
The Prophet's Sunnah is a comprehensive guide for every human being:
Dear brothers, the king of Oman said upon meeting the Prophet PBUH, "By Allah, what guided me to believe in this illiterate Prophet is that he would never command goodness except that he was the first to act upon it, and he would never forbid anything except that he was the first to abandon it". Allah Almighty says:
﴾ And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. Then Allah misleads whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. ﴿
The Prophet's Sunnah is the guidance regarding what is Halal and Haram, what is good and evil, what should be done and what should be avoided, and what is permissible and forbidden. In fact, the detailed Sunnah of the Prophet consists of hundreds of thousands of rulings, ranging from the relationship between a man and his wife to matters of international affairs.
Dear noble brothers, what should we say about the Prophet PBUH? He is the Master of mankind, the beloved of Al-Haqq (i.e. Allah) and the Master of Adam's offspring. Allah has sworn by the Prophet's life twice, He says:
﴾ Verily, by your life (O Muhammad PBUH), in their wild intoxication, they were wandering blindly. ﴿
Once again, dear brothers, it is good to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet PBUH by decorating streets, putting up signs, and giving away sweets, but it is even better to follow his Sunnah by practising Islam in our homes.
We can benefit from this memorial event (i.e., celebrating the Prophet's birthday anniversary) by following his Sunnah, which is the righteous way and the straight path.
I say this asking Forgiveness from Allah for me and you, as the true success is in gaining Allah's Forgiveness, so I ask Forgiveness from Him.
The 2nd khutbah (Sermon):
Praise be to Allah. I bear witness that Allah is the Protecter of the righteous, and I bear witness that our Master Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. O Allah send you blessings and Peace on our Master Muhammad and his good folks and companions.
﴾ He who knows Allah will never disobey Him: ﴿
Dear noble brothers, the following is an important Hadith:
(( Abu Hurairah reported Allah's Messenger (PBUH) as saying: Do you know who is poor? They (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) said: A poor man amongst us is one who has neither dirham with him nor wealth. He (the Holy Prophet) said: The poor of my Umma would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers and fasts and Zakat but (he would find himself bankrupt on that day as he would have exhausted his funds of virtues) since he hurled abuses upon others, brought calumny against others and unlawfully consumed the wealth of others and shed the blood of others and beat others, and his virtues would be credited to the account of one (who suffered at his hand). And if his good deeds fall short to clear the account, then his sins would be entered in (his account) and he would be thrown in the Hell-Fire. ))
[ Muslim, by the authority of Abi Hurairah ]
(( 'Abdullah Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A woman punished her cat by imprisoning it until it died of hunger and because of it, she entered the Fire. ))
[ Bukhari and Muslim, 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar
]
What about harming more than just a cat?
Dear brothers, when you truly know Allah, you will hesitate a billion times before disobeying Him. You are subject to His Punishment if you disobey, and in His hands are your position, value, power, dominance, food, and sustenance.
Your heart beats are in Allah's Hand, and if your heart stops, that will put an end to your dominance, position, power and prestige. Everything you own is prone to loss if a blood clot, as tiny as a pinhead, clogs one of your brain's arteries, potentially causing paralysis, blindness, deafness, or muteness. You are in the Hand of Allah.
I wonder about a person who says, "I am the one who is capable of doing such and such things" Well, who are you? You are nothing, and if you are a prominent person, then it is due to Allah's Favor upon you. You become something important, because of Allah's Favor, Sustenance, Protection and Support. Thus, whoever claims that he is powerful, he does as he wills, and he is stronger than those around him, believing that no one can harm or benefit him, has forgotten Allah. As a result, Allah will shake the earth beneath him, because He is The Most Powerful.
Supplication:
We beseech you Allah to show us the way of rightness, together with those to whom You have showed it; and give us good health, together with those whom You have healed; and be our Protector, together with those for whom You have become their Protector; and bless us in what You have bestowed on us and save us from the afflictions that You have decreed, for You rule with justice and You are never judged. He whom You protect shall never be humiliated and he whom You make enemy shall never be exalted. Blessed and dignified are You, and we thank You for what You have decreed.
O Allah, give us and do not deprive us; honor us and do not humiliate us; prefer us and do not prefer others over us; satisfy us and be pleased with us.
O Allah, make us do well in the Deen, which is our dignity, make us do well in our worldly life, in which we dwell and grant us safety on the Day of Judgment for it is our Final Destination. O Allah, please supply our life with all good things and make our death a rest from every evil, O Lord of the Worlds.
O Allah, suffice me with what You have made lawful, and keep me away from what You have made unlawful; suffice me with Your obedience, and keep me away from Your disobedience; and suffice me with Your bounty, so I have no need of anyone besides You.
O Allah, do not make us secure from Your plan, do not strip us of Your concealment, and do not let us forget Your remembrance, O Lord of the Worlds. O Allah, take our hands towards You, and guide us to You through You.
O Allah, grant success to the leaders of the Muslims, in the East and in the West, to that which You love and approve, O Lord of the Worlds, as You are the only One Who is capable over His decreed.
