Ayman El-Najjar

Delivered at Ajyal Musallah, Vancouver Canada
Dhul Hijjah 10, 1432 corresponding to November 6, 2011

EidulAdha Sermon

By: Sh. Ayman El-Najjar

الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله ، الله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد

إن الحمد لله نحمده ونستعينه ونستغفره، ونعوذ بالله من شرور أنفسنا ومن سيئات أعمالنا، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له وأشهد أن محمداً عبده ورسوله.{يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ} {يَاأَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَاءً وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ الَّذِي تَسَاءَلُونَ بِهِ وَالأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا} {يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلا سَدِيدًا يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَالَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَنْ يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا} أما بعد، فإن أصدق الحديث كتاب الله، وخير الهدي هدي محمد - صلى الله عليه وسلم -، وشر الأمور محدثاتها، وكل محدثةٍ بدعةٍ، وكل بدعةٍ ضلالةٍ، وكل ضلالةٍ في النار، أما بعد.

All praise is due to Allah, Whose help and forgiveness we seek. We seek refuge in Allah from whatever evil our hearts conceal and from the consequences of our evil deeds. Whoever Allah grants guidance will never be led astray. Whoever He allows to go astray will never find guidance. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship except Allah, Who has no partners, and that Mohammad is His slave and Messenger.

All praise is due to Allah Almighty for the great bounties and favors He bestowed upon us.All praise is due to Allah almighty for the bounty of the religion of Islam. All praise is due to Allah Almighty for the bounties of health and wealth.

This is our festival, O people of Islam! During our Festival of EidulAdha, we celebrate our servitude to Allah the Lord of the Universe; we celebrate obedience and submission to the Lord of the Worlds, we celebrate our victory over the Shaitan, during this festival we celebrate our sacrifices for the Sake of Allah.

This Eid of ours reminds us of the story of Allah’s Messenger Ibrahim Alaihi Assalam. It teaches us devotion and absolute submission to Allah and true sincerity to Him Azza Wajjal. It holds great lessons for everyone; the search for the truth, the desire to adopt it, the struggle to defend it, the dawah using wisdom and politeness, the migration for the sake of Allah.

Ibrahim Alaihi AsSallam was born in among idol worshippers but Allah enlightened his heart and mind and gave him wisdom “ولقد آتينا إبراهيم رشده وكنا به عالمينAnd indeed We bestowed afore time on Ibraheem his (portion of) guidance, and We were well-acquainted with him (as to his belief in the Oneness of Allah, etc.).” [Soorah al-Ambiya (21): 51] He debated with his father and the people of his town on various occasions to show them the falsehood of the idols they were worshiping.

This story teaches us a lesson of steadfastness despite the fact that one might be surrounded by falsehood; yet you can remain steadfast and even act boldly to make dawah using wisdom. This lesson is important to us as we are living in a place and at a time during which for one of us to uphold strong ties with the religion of Islam might be considered a struggle and an odd thing! For us, we know that indeed Islam is the religion of Allah that will grant us salvation from the hellfire and enter us into paradise. So, we should be proud of this great favor of Allah; that He granted us guidance and led us to the right path of Al-Islam. Think of this great bounty that billions of people are missing out on!

Being on the right path heading to Allah and seeking His pleasure would cause harm and hardship in one’s life. We will be tested! Ibrahim Alaihi AsSallam gave us a wonderful example for the believing person who is holding firmly on his belief and maintaining faith in Allah’s help and reward. He was put on trial and tested because of his beliefs! The idolaters decided to kill him in an unprecedented manner by igniting a huge fire, then from a remote place they threw him into it. Ibrahim Alaihi Assalam said “حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل Allah is Sufficient for me; and He is the best disposer of affairs” .. They said: “Burn him and help your aliha (gods), if you will be doing.” We (Allah) said: “O Fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibraheem.” And they wanted to harm him but We made them the worst losers.” [Soorah al-Ambiya (21): 59-70]

A lesson about steadfastness by having faith in Allah, relying on Him, and remaining patient despite the severity of the hardship and the agony of the trial

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

Another scene from the story teaches us that our love, devotion, and obedience to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala should be greater than anything else! Our devotion to Allah should be occupying our hearts. Ibrahim Alaihi Assalam waited a long time hoping for a son till he reached 80 years old when Allahu Azza Wajjal granted him a son; Ismael Alaihi Assalam. Sarah got jealous. Allah commanded Prophet Ibraheem (alaihi as-salaam) to leave his second wife, Hajrah and their newly born son, Isma'eel, alone in a barren valley that was not inhabited by anyone! So, Ibraheem (alaihi as-salaam) asked his wife, Hajrah to prepare for a long journey. They (alaihim as-salaam) walked through cultivated land, deserts and mountains, until they reached the desert of the Arabian peninsula and came to a valley having no fruit, no trees, no food and no water; the valley had no signs of life.

Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) narrated: “...Ibraheem (alaihi as-salaam) brought her (Hajrah) and her son, Isma'eel while she was suckling him, to a place near the Kaa'ba under a tree on the spot of Zam-Zam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Makkah, nor was there any water. So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Isma'eel's mother followed him saying: “O Ibraheem! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything?” She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him: “Has Allah ordered you to do so?” He said: “Yes.” She said: “Then He will not neglect us.” and she returned (to her child) while Ibraheem proceeded on his way.

Could we imagine this! Absolute submission to Allah’s Will! Complete faith in Allah’s Support! Wallahi! If we are with Allah, Allah will be with us! Allah will take care of us and won’t neglect us provided that we have true faith in him and surrender to His Will Subhanahu Wata’al. O people! This festival of ours reminds us to submit to Allah’s Will and take Ibrahim and Hajreh as examples to follow. Indeed, our festival is a celebration of the obedience and devotion to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La illaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

Brothers & sisters in Islam, our servitude to Allah continues till we meet Him Azza Wajjal. We continue to worship Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala with love and devotion and complete submission to His Will. And we shall be tested over and over! During our festival today, we set out after our prayer to slaughter our sacrifices! It is not the meat we intend, it is the piety we seek! The piety we learn from the story of Ibrahim Alaihi Assalam. Allahu Azza Wajjal as told to us in the Qura’an:

)رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ * فَبَشَّرْنَاهُ بِغُلامٍ حَلِيمٍ * فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَى فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَى قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ * فَلَمَّا أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ * وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَنْ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ * قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا إِنَّا كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ * إِنَّ هَذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلاء الْمُبِينُ * وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ * وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الآخِرِينَ * سَلامٌ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ * كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ * إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ * وَبَشَّرْنَاهُ بِإِسْحَاقَ نَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ)

“And when he (Isma'eel) was old enough to walk with him (Ibraheem (alaihi as-salaam), he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream (a Prophet's dream is a revelation from Allah and His Command) that I am slaughtering you (i.e. offering you in sacrifice to Allah), so what do you think?” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are Commanded, Insha'Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of as-Saabireen (the patient ones). Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); and We called out to him: “O Ibraheem! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)! Verily, Thus, do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salaam (peace) be upon Ibraheem. Thus indeed We reward the Muhsineen.” [Soorah as-Saffat (37): 102-105]

Allahu Akbar! Allah is the Greatest! This story is a true manifestation of the believing in Allah’s Greatness! When His Greatness is lived up by our hearts, we will be willing to sacrifice everything even the most beloved ones for the sake of Allah! The sacrifice was a trial for both Ibraheem (alaihi as-salaam) and Isma'eel (alaihi as-salaam) and they both readily agreed to submit their will to Allah. This submission to the Will of Allah is the essence of our servitude to Him! This submission is the essence of our Islam. Today’s Muslims lack this spirit and strength to sacrifice in the Way of Allah and submit to His Will. The love of this life and its worldly benefits has are occupying our hearts! And this is why we are oppressed and underestimated by the Kuffar. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam told us about this status of ours; that our hearts will be weak as we desire this duniya more than anything else and therefore all other nations will underestimate us. It is our responsibility, you and I, today to wake up! To generate the courage and determination to put forwards one's own self in the Path of Allah and to sacrifice our wealth and possessions for the sake of Allah. If we do so, let us all rest assured that Allah will be with us and will support us to attain our victory and our honor. Because Allah does not renounce His true worshipers.” And this is what sacrifice teaches us because “It is not their flesh or blood which reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Allah.” [Soorah al-Hajj (22): 37]

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La illaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

O Muslims! Our Honor and Our true strength would be attained when we submit to Allah Azza Wajjal and become good Muslims. The essence of being a Muslim is to attain Submission to Allah’s Will by being obedient to Him; by observing His Commands throughout one’s life in every detail of it. Be proud of who you are! Let the people of all nations know that you pride yourself on being a Muslim! The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak one. Show the disbelievers your strength in every way possible; as a student be a good student; study; ask questions; open your mind and senses to learn and grow. As an employee, enhance your competencies and always improve your skills. As a scientist, as a trader, as a teacher, as an athlete! Whatever your role; be strong and competent and always have the good intention to show the world that Muslims are strong and contributing to the well being of humanity. Let the world know that our honor and our strength stem because of us submitting to Allah’s Will in obedience and love.

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La illaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

2^nd Khutbah

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La illaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

Brothers and Sisters in Islam, Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “All of you are responsible (like) shepherds are responsible for their flocks, and all of you will be asked about their flock (i.e. are responsible for them). The Imam (leader) is the shepherd of his subjects and he is responsible. A man is the shepherd for the people of his home and he is responsible (will be asked about them). A woman is the shepherd of the home of her husband and she is responsible. Each of you is (like) a shepherd and each is responsible for his flock.” Agreed upon

To our community leaders; fear Allah in all your decisions; consult your people; seek their advice and opinions, seek advice from the scholars, and remember that this position you are holding is a responsibility. Allah will ask you about what you have done with it

To the parents; fear Allah in your children! Raise them to love Allah and His Messenger. Raising children really is an ongoing responsibility that one cannot put aside or neglect. Realizing this should drive us to making a greater effort. Remember Allaah has ordered parents to raise their children well and placed this huge responsibility on their shoulders for He says (what means): “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allaah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” [66:6] make time to listen to them, and answer their concerns and questions; help them to have good friends who will remind them of Salat time for example. During the Eid, let them enjoy it and celebrate it in ways that will allow them to them taste its sweetness. Take it off! Don’t work during the Eid day! Escort them to circles of knowledge wherein they will learn the book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam. O parents! Your roles, your deeds, your words will shape the personalities of your children. If you’re absent, then others will do your job! The school, the friends, etc! Then blame no one but yourselves!

Dear Sister; Fear Allah Subhanahu Wata’al. Be a good Muslimah! Know your duties towards your husband. Take care of his needs and lure him by your caring and kindness and love. Shaitan will cause a great deal of evil and corruption in the society by damaging the relationship among the spouses! Guard your home from Shaitan’s plotting by being patient and giving and attending to your husband. Beautify yourself for him so he will be pleased with you. Speak with him the sweetest of words! When he needs you in the bed, attend to his need even if you don’t share the desire. My sister in Islam, it is you, you have the secret keys to the happiness of the home!

Dear Brother, Fear Allah in your wife. Take good care of her. Spend on her and remember that whatever you give her Allah will be treated for you as a charity. Remember that the prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam said “the best among you are those who are best with their wives and I am the best of you all.” Be patient! Restrain yourself from any act that would harm the relationship or cause disturbance in the house. Your behaviors will drive a great deal of harmony into your home! So, be wise and take care of your family! Help one another to offer the five daily prayers on time. Go together to circles of knowledge to learn your deen and to correct your deeds.

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La illaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

On this day, Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam slaughtered two lambs as a sacrifice. He said as narrated by Salamah ibn Al-Akwa’ in Sahih Al-Bukhari (Eat some, give some to others, store some” Giving some to others includes both giving gifts to the rich and giving charity to the poor. Brothers and sisters in Islam, celebrate these days… these are our eid. The prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam said “The days of al-Tashreeq (the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah) are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.” Enjoy your time with your families, your relatives, and your fellow Muslims. May Allah accept our sacrifices and our remembrance and all our worship.

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La illaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd

Many people talk about Halloween nowadays. I visited three toastmasters clubs last week; two of them spoke about it as a the main theme for the meeting. When I commented that according to the guidelines of Toastmasters Internationals the meeting should not speak about a religious topic like this, many replied that Halloween is just about fun and has nothing to do with religion! A 10-year student at an Islamic school was inquiring that at her school they are working on artwork related to Halloween so how come it is haram? Some people commented that it is just about fun and kids being wandering around collecting candy! Why making things difficult! It is harmless fun for kids!

My question: Is it harmless fun!

I invite everyone to research the topic. In a snapshot, Halloween is a pagan festival that began some 2000 years ago and it has to do with devils and the God of Death! Its rituals and symbols are about pleasing the devilish souls! So, undoubtedly it is a religious festival that cannot be looked at as a harmless fun!! It is so obvious! Therefore, the wise person will want stay away from it and keep the children informed about it explaining to them why they need to abstain from participating in such occasion.

We need to be proud of our identity that we need to guard. Maintaining our identity as Muslims by following our religion would be a priority of high importance to us especially in this era. Please contemplate over this story; When the prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam came to Madinah, he found the people accustomed to celebrate specific days during which they relax and play. The prophet peace be upon him didn't look at the matter lightly and he didn't consider it a matter of mere relaxing and playing. He enlightened the people that every nation has its own festival, and Allah has given us two days (Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha) to be our festivals. Also, he told us that when a person act in a way resembling others, he will become one of them! So, it is about our identity and about our religion!

So, do you think after this that participating in such festival is harmless to our identity as Muslims? harmless to our relationship with our Lord Subhanahu Wataa'ala?

Ayman El-Najjar

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Tomorrow Friday's Sermon

"I am Only A Child"

Monday, November 7, 2011

CIED

Khotbat Eid-ul-adha Nov 6, 2011 at Vancouver

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Friday's Sermon at Richmond Masjid - Nov 2, 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Eid-ul-Adha 2011at Ajyal Musallah at Vancouver BC

Is it Harmless Fun?

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