Masyiral Muslimin Rahimakumullah,
Let us increase our taqwa to Allah s.w.t. Reflect on the conditions of ourselves. Think of where we stand in Allah’s sight. If we are doing good, do more. On the contrary, if we are doing wrong things and committing sins, then stop. Let us ensure through our acts and deeds that with each day, we get closer to Allah s.w.t. With each second, we stand firmer on the footsteps of the Prophet s.a.w.

Remember, dear brothers, that it is part of our responsibility (amanah) to do good and spread ihsan (kindness). As Muslims who are capable of spreading kindness, we should do so more and more, regardless of time, place and situation.

Allah s.w.t. says in surah al-Nisaa’ verse 58,

Which means:
“Surely Allah commands you to make over trusts to their owners and that when you judge between people you judge with justice; surely Allah admonishes you with what is excellent; surely Allah is Seeing, Hearing.”

Imam Ibn Kathir explains this verse, “The responsibility warranted here is the fulfillment of duties to Allah s.w.t. such as the five daily prayers, fasting and others. This is followed by the rights of other human beings which must be justly fulfilled.”

Each of us will be further inspired to spread ihsan if we understand well that Islam teaches us to respect and treat human beings with dignity. This dignity of humankind is mentioned clearly in Surah al-Israa’ verse 70:

Which means:
“We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation.”

Look at how Allah has honoured humankind. He blesses them with countless blessings. Allah grants them with His bounties. The Holy Prophet s.a.w. had manifested this respect for humanity in his life. The Prophet s.a.w. did not discriminate against anyone in offering them a helping hand or respect, not for their wealth or poverty, nor for their background.

Indeed, the honourable personality of the Prophet s.a.w. who treated everyone with respect, whether a friend or a foe, has brought honour and excellence to Islam and caused it to spread across the world.

There are many examples from the Prophet s.a.w. Once, the Prophet s.a.w. stood up in respect for a funeral of a Jew which passed before him. When asked by the companions, the Prophet s.a.w. replied “Is he not a human being?” Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari and Muslim.

This is the honourable personality and moral conduct of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Let us internalise this example and appreciate the value of humanity, as how the Prophet s.a.w. has shown us.

Some of us may choose to whom they wish to be good. Part of the reason is because pre-judge others from what we see. If we consider someone bad, we may not want to help him/her.

However, we should remind ourselves that only Allah s.w.t. knows the true value of our iman. He guides whom He wishes. Even, we as Muslims, we cannot say with certainty what will be our destiny. Let us reflect on what Allah s.w.t. says in surah Al-Nahl verse 125:

Which means:
“Surely your God best knows those who go astray from His path, and He knows best those who follow the right way.”

Only Allah knows the state of our iman, and that of the person next to us, or those who walk before us. But our duty, which applies to all, is to give others their right, not to pre-judge them. Thus, let us truly understand the teachings of the Prophet s.a.w., especially with regards to appreciating the values of humanity and ihsan (kindness).

Dear blessed congregation,
As an example of ihsan and kindness to all, is how we react to communities who are affected by natural disasters. Lately, we hear of many disasters that have afflicted several communities around the world. Alhamdulillah, our Singaporean Muslim community have always offered help with their contributions.

Such deeds should continue, and infact, be strengthened further. These are acts of kindness that transcend colour, religion and continent. With our sincerity, we will become an examplary and inspirational community to others. With ihsan, we will get closer to Allah s.w.t. With ihsan, we will be loved more by Allah s.w.t.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Baqarah verse 195:

Which means:
“But do good; for Allah loves those who do good.”

Allah s.w.t. also says in Surah Al-A’raaf verse 56:

Which means:
“for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good.”