Spreading the Message of Islam
| Khatib : | Hussam Ayloush |
| Khutbah No: | 195 |
| Khutbah Date: | 04/28/06 |
After visiting many Muslim communities, I have realized that there is a gloomy culture in the Muslim community , as pessimism is a trend that is taking over. We are hammered with negative news on a daily basis, bombings and starvation, cartoons of our Prophet Muhammad (saw)…attacks against Islam on a daily basis. Muslims are being unfairly targeted at every level, social and political, and as we are being pushed into a corner, we Muslims have been pushed to feel very pessimistic. Recent polls done by CAIR and the Washington Post asked Americans how they perceive Islam. The results should worry us as 25% of Americans admit to holding prejudice views against Islam and 47% admit to holding negative views of Islam. However, 67% of the people questioned admitted to having little or no knowledge on Islam. We should look to the prophets and the Qur’an to understand how we as Muslims should respond to this. Allah(swt) tells us in Surat Al An’am [i]"Verily, oh Muhammad, many messengers were denied before you so do not feel the pain (at the rejection by his people) but with patience they were able to persevere and none can alter the words of Allah." [/i]This is part of the process of strengthening our community and purifying our faith. The Prophet(saw) reminds us, [i]"This religion will reach wherever day and night reaches.” [/i]Allah(swt) will not leave any place or person except where Islam will enter by choice. Allah(swt) promises with all attacks against Him and Islam, [i]"Those who oppose Allah and His messengers and declare animosity toward Allah will be among the lowest and most humiliated. Verily, Allah is all powerful, all mighty." [/i]The verse is ended with the clear declaration of His power, to declare animosity for those who attempt to mislead others. If we are patient and know Allah will take care of those who show us animosity in this life, as He says[i]"We are going to give victory to the believers and the messengers in this life and on the Day of Judgement." [/i]Victory is when people have the choice to choose Islam and our job is to deliver this message that was sent to Muhammad(saw) from Allah(swt). What people do with the message is decision of Allah(swt), as hidaya (guidance) comes from Allah(swt) only. Today, people only hear the lies about Islam, but Allah(swt) will take care of this religion with His mercy. He chose Islam for his people to show us the way to success in this life and the Hereafter. As Allah(swt) has chosen to deliver the message of Islam to us, will we spread the message or just sit and watch to see who prevails? Our job is to be proud Muslims at work, at school, on the streets, as our heritage goes back to Adam(ra) and every prophet after him. We cannot wait for victory, Allah(swt) wants us to deliver this message. Non-Muslims from churches, schools, and everywhere else approach us constantly to teach them about Islam. The hatred of Islam is superficial and not based on knowledge but rather ignorance. Islam is still the fastest growing religion in the US, Canada, Europe, and the rest of the world. Our mosques are not empty, but are packed with young people and are always expanding. Islam itself has a beautiful message of justice, tolerance, respect for people. We do not need to do any marketing of our religion, all we have to do is present it. We must educate those who have not been blessed with this religion as they are always asking where are the Muslims to present us with the message of Islam. Prophet Muhammad(saw) told the Muslims [i]“Deliever this message on my behalf even if it is only one verse.” [/i]The real change in America will come when each one of us takes it upon ourself to deliver the message of Islam. Every Muslim should be an ambassador to the Prophet(saw).. Islam is our reason for being, it cannot be a secondary issue, Allah is our priority, seeking His pleasure and heaven is our priority, everything else in life should work around that