Khutab 2012

Christian / Muslim Relationships

Claremont Main Road Mosque: 21/12/2012.

Masjidul Ummah: 28/12/2012

Masjidul Munier Constantia: 4/1/2013

All Praise is due to Allah, We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our own evils and our own bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is truly guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad, (saw), is His servant, and His messenger.

Almighty Allah exhorts us in the Holy Quran: "and invite to the path of your Lord, using wisdom and beautiful preaching. And interact with them in ways that are best" Surah An-Nahl, V125,

And – "O Mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and established you into many nations and tribes, (and the reason given by God Almighty is) that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Indeed the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). –

The Prophet (saw) stated: "Do not hate one another, and do not be jealous of one another and do not boycott one another, and be servants of Allah as brothers.

And he (saw) also stated:- Make things easy for people (from other faith traditions) and do not make it difficult -- Bring joy and glad tidings and do not scare them away (From this way of life).

Beloved Sisters and Brothers, In the verse I just quoted, the Holy Quran reminds us that we are all descended from common ancestors, we are all children of Adam and Eve, peace be on them. Yet there are still people who forget this, and who treat others with unbelievable hatred and contempt. In the past few years, some Christians have been burning Qurans and some Muslims have been bombing churches and committing acts of mindless terror. They claim they are defending their religion and serving God. But each group is equally misguided. They’re just massaging their own bruised egos. Senseless violence between followers of one great religion and another has nothing to do with real faith.

Wars between Crusaders and Caliphates tell us more about the political rivalry for wealth and power between two civilizations. It tells us nothing about the spiritual connection that has always existed, very strongly, between believing Christians and believing Muslims.In today’s Khutbah I want to focus on this topic. I would like to look at three remarkable Christians to illustrate the intimate connection between the followers of Jesus and Muhammad, may Allah’s peace and blessings be on both of them. We can learn some important lessons from their stories. They are Bahira, Waraqa and Najashi, the king, the Negus of Abyssinia.

Let’s begin with Bahira the Monk. As we know, Prophet Muhammad (saw) was an orphan. His father died before he was born, and his mother died just a few years later. So he was left in the care of his uncle Abu Talib. One day Abu Talib decided to take him along with a caravan to Syria. Along this route was a monastery. Bahira, a Christian monk lived there. As the caravan approached, Bahira noticed a small cloud was shading it from the sun, in an otherwise cloudless sky. When the caravan stopped by a tree, the cloud also stopped. Bahira invited the travelers to a meal, and after examining the boy Muhammad closely he recognized the mark of Prophethood on his back. He advised Abu Talib to take good care of him, because his own people would seek to harm him.

Our story goes fast-forward to a mountain cave near Makkah and Muhammad is now a man of 40. He often comes here to meditate, but tonight, one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, a strange thing happens. Suddenly, the Angel Gabriel appears, and hugs Muhammad in a tight embrace, almost squeezing the life out of him, commanding him to read. He protests: I cannot read! I’m illiterate! But again and again he is commanded: Read! Until the first verses of the Holy Quran come forth from his lips: In the name of Allah, the All- Merciful, the All-Compassionate. READ! Recite - In the name of thy Lord Who created, (1) Created man from a clot of blood. (2) Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous, (3) Who teaches by the pen, (4) Teaches man that which he knew not

This was the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) assignment as Almighty Allah’s last Prophet. Gripped by fear and dread, he rushed home to his wife, Khadijah, pleading, “Cover me, cover me!” He feared that he was losing his mind. But Khadijah reassured him, saying “You always maintain family ties, always feed the poor and you stand by the downtrodden. Allah would never humiliate you or forsake you.”

Gadija was rich and powerful and she took him to her cousin, Waraqa, a poor man in failing health who was a Christian. He was old and losing his sight, but he reassured Muhammad (saw) that this event was foretold in earlier scriptures. Waraqa said “If I lived long enough I would stand by you, even when your people turn against you,”. “Will my people turn against me?” asked Prophet Muhammad (saw). Waraqa replied: “Never has a prophet brought what you will bring without his people turning against him.” We are reminded here, that Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus all met with ingratitude and violent rebellion from their own people, the very people who needed to be saved from themselves. Doesn’t that sound familiar? People of faith are always resisted by their own people who prefer to worship the false idols of power, greed and vanity.

Here’s another example of a great Christian of the time, The king, the Negus of Abyssinia, who protected a small group of Muslims from persecution from their own tribe, the Quraish of Makkah.

As soon as Prophet Muhammad (saw) started preaching his message, he made enemies, lethal enemies. He called on people to worship the One God of Abraham and Moses and Jesus, not the many idols, 360 idols of wood and stone adorning the Kaaba. This was bad for business. Prophet Muhammad (saw) urged his people to stop burying their baby daughters alive, for the strong to stop oppressing the weak, for the tribes to stop genocidal warfare. He was calling for change, radical change, and his enemies, sensing a threat to their power and authority, started torturing and killing his followers.

Islam was now in mortal danger. So as a precaution, Prophet Muhammad (saw) sent a small group to Abyssinia/ Ethiopia. “There you will find a just and tolerant Christian ruler who will protect you,” he assured them. These were the world’s first Muslim Asylum seekers, given protection by a Christian king in Africa, 1,430 years ago! Today, Good Christians in some Countries around the world - are still following this noble tradition, taking care of asylum seekers who fear persecution in their own countries!

The Islamic Calendar, the Hegira, began when Prophet Muhammad evaded assassination in Makkah and migrated to Madinah. - Jews, Christians and Muslims welcomed him as their new leader. They eagerly awaited his first speech, his first sermon, (Khutbah). It was short, eloquent, and powerful.

Now - What about Muslim hospitality towards Christians today? - While he was the Governor and Ruler of Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (saw) received a delegation of Christians from Najran in Southern Arabia. When it was time to pray, they had no place to pray, so he invited them into his mosque and allowed them to pray in there. How many of us Muslims will do that today? How many mosques anywhere in the Muslim world, will offer their Christian neighbours that courtesy exemplified by our own Prophet (saw)?

At most Universities and Colleges around the world –Muslims are allowed to do their Friday Jum’ah prayers in halls on the campuses. Most of these institutions are Christian institutions. 1430 years after the Najrani Christians prayed in Prophet Muhammad’s mosque. When believers of any faith treat believers of another faith with kindness and respect, they are also showing a courtesy to Almighty Allah.Let us remember the Golden Rule, the Ethic of reciprocity- Nabi Isa, Jesus said- “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” - 600 years later, Prophet Muhammad (saw) expressed the same message in different words. He said: that we are not believers until we desire for others what we desire for ourselves.

In the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul there is a gold-framed Charter of Privileges to the Christians written in Arabic, and it is signed by Prophet Muhammad, with the seal of his ring imprinted in red wax.

The Charter reads: This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them.

There should be no compulsion on them in religious matters.

Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries.

No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses.

Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate.

No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight.

The Muslims are to fight for them.

If a female Christian is married to a Muslim it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray.

Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants.

No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).

This charter of privileges has been honoured and faithfully applied by many Muslim regimes throughout the centuries. Imagine that! Despite wars between Crusaders and Caliphates, Christians were safe in Muslim Countries, making bread and breaking bread with local Muslims. There is a powerful message for our troubled world today.

Those who ‘spoil God’s Covenant’ and disobey clear instructions from Prophet Muhammad will have to answer to Almighty Allah on the day of Hisaab. Let us therefore show respect and love for fellow believers among the ‘People of the earlier Scriptures.’ This is what Allah commands us to do, and for more than 14 centuries, Prophet Muhammad (saw) has reminded us of this Covenant. Soon Christmas will arrive. So when Christians, celebrate Christmas, which to many Christians still has a religious significance, (whether it is the correct birth date of Jesus (Nabi Eesa (as) or not- This question, has been with us for a long time. Some scholars determine that it is not permissible to wish Christians "Merry Christmas", while some others have different opinions. Based on the respect shown by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) to Christians We Muslims are allowed to wish them a "Merry and joyous Christmas" as a respect for them?

Brothers and sisters,: the objective of this Khutbah has been to illustrate that Islam is not only a religion of tolerance but also a way of life of acceptance – accepting the other. We need to know and respect other's religious beliefs and cultures. However, there seems to be resistance and objection to the interfaith process from orthodox religious factions. (Especially in our community) This unnecessary fear of the other is the reason for interfaith meetings, conferences, Symposiums and dialogue. -- 2:256 - There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clear from the wrong way.

Interfaith is not giving up one's faith or compromising one's beliefs --but it is a process of self-education about others through interactions and exchange of views. It is coming together on a common ground as fellow human beings. -- And I believe ---In a world full of hostility, we must instill love and achieve mutual trust and respect among the various faith traditions.

Another significant dimension of a Muslim’s mission (Risaalatul Insaan) is that of interfaith solidarity and bridge building. Muslims should embrace the enduring values of pluralism and co-existence and regard human diversity not as incidental and negative but rather as representing a God-willed, basic factor of human existence. This dimension of our mission seeks to celebrate human diversity through (ta’aruf) recognition and affirmation of each other through intimate knowledge, and not mere toleration.

Islamically knowing each other is not only a social need but also a divine injunction. (In the verse I have quoted in my introduction) -- . The Holy Quran states (49:13) "O Mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and female, and established you into many nations and tribes, (and the reason given by God Almighty is) that you may get to know each other (not that you may despise each other). Indeed the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah (God) is (he who is) the most righteous of you. Allah (God) has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things). — 6:107 -- If Allah had so willed, He could have made all (people) believe in the same way.

We as South Africans must sent a message the rest of the world that we do not like to import centuries-old hatred into our fertile soil. It is not necessary for the different nationalities and different religious and cultural groups, -- which comprise the rainbow nation of South Africa, to completely melt down and lose their ethnic and religious identity. Thus, the concept of "melting pot" must change to a "salad bowl," in which all the ingredients are encouraged to preserve and display their distinct individual tastes and flavours. –

Through the interfaith process, we can mature somewhat via programs like interfaith dialogue, and through lectures affecting different issues in our community. -- In this way, we can bring together people from different faiths and ethnic backgrounds and hopefully help them to know each other better, in an attempt to please our common Creator and enjoy religious harmony, a hallmark of South African life. We must also recognize that Islam is a religion of Peace – And PEACE in the Arabic language – SALAAM and the same root in HEBREW – SHALOM - comes from a tripartite radical– SALIMA which means to be whole –The nature of peace is wholeness– It’s an integrity- that people must be allowed to live their lives holistically and in Peace.

To conclude our Khutbah – I would like to remind all of us - There is only One God - Almighty Allah. - And Almighty Allah does not give conflicting information to different nations and prophets. We are all children of Prophet Adam (Peace Be Upon Him). One should not condemn a nation or a religion on the basis of the actions of a few misguided people. No soul shall be held responsible and accountable for the sins of others - An American citizen is no more and no less important than a non-American Citizen. Our affairs should be conducted with justice, compassion, dignity, respect and mutual tolerance for all humanity, black or white, great or small, Muslim or non-Muslim.

Beloved Brothers and sisters, Join me in Duah – O Allah, Lord of the Universe, You have created us and made us into different tribes and nations so that we may know each other, - Help us to respect and love one another and - not despise each other.

Lord of all humankind and of all religions and cultures, protect us from the violence and hate we are witnessing in our country and the rest of the world, - Grant us the grace to have a greater understanding and empathy for the suffering of innocent victims no matter their, ethnicity, colour or religion. To You we lament of our weakness and our shame

O Most Merciful of those who show Mercy, comfort the hearts of the oppressed and suffering people wherever they find themselves and help them to liberate themselves and improve their lives with honour, dignity and compassion.

O One who is All-Powerful and Irresistible in Might, guide the leaders of the world to use their power to serve the good of all and to fashion a more just and caring world. We implore You to guide us all to the ways of peace with justice. O Allah Thou art Peace and Peace emanate from Thee, allow us, our Sustainer to live and to subsist in peace. For Thou art indeed the Most Compassionate, the Mercy-Giver.

Allahumma Amin.

Reflections On Hajj

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Khutbah Focus - Reflections On Hajj.

Almighty Allah legislates in the Holy Quran: - And complete the Hajj and Umrah for sake of Allah…And fear Allah…” (2:196) “And take (enough) provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah (TAQWAH)” (2:197) -- Our Prophet (saws), declared: "A person who performs the Hajj without indulging in obscenity and wickedness returns to his home sinless, as on the day when his mother gave birth to him." -- The Hajj is the life-experience of a pilgrim. The first important act of the Hajj is to answer both individually and collectively, Allah's call: (Here I am 0 Allah, here I am. There is none who is your associate. All praise and blessings belong to you. You are the Sovereign. There is none associated with You.)

The second and highly symbolic act of the pilgrim is his or her complete isolation from all worldly concerns as he or she enters into the state of Ihram. The sacrifice of the security and comfort of one's home and family for the sake of Islam is symbolized in the hijrah, the migration of the Prophet and his Makkan companions to Medina. The Hajj is an ever-recurring hijrah to Allah (SWT) in answer to His call.

The third: - Beyond all this symbolism, there is yet another significance of the Hajj. The days of the pilgrimage witness the largest gatherings of human beings from all around the world. No religious rite has done more to unite the Muslims than the pilgrimage. Here, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims meet and are able to exchange ideas and experiences. The days of Hajj represent a way of reaffirming one's commitment and sense of belonging, an opportunity to renew one's faith amidst the largest gathering of Muslims. Participation in the Hajj thus becomes a way of sharing in the founding experiences of the Ummah- It is a supreme act of worship.

The Fourth: -The central event of the pilgrimage is the "standing" (Wuqoof) on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah - anywhere in the area surrounding the Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy), a small rocky eminence in the valley of Arafat itself. This Mount is significant for Muslims because Prophet Muhammad (saw) gave his farewell address from here. The rite of standing before Allah (SWT) takes place beginning at high noon. The hours until sunset are dedicated to prayerful repentance during which the mass of pilgrims seek and receive from Allah His merciful forgiveness. This is the central rite of the pilgrimage. Its omission nullifies the validity of Hajj. It is also a sin if one doesn't think, having been in Arafat on the 9th, that he or she was not forgiven.

The plain of Arafat is a city of tents, no houses; people from all over the world, irrespective of color or race or language are clad in the all equalizing ihram beseeching Almighty Allah, shedding tears, sobbing and murmuring for forgiveness for past sins and seeking His blessings. During the time of Wuqoof, time seem to stand still. Life with all its allurements, frustrations, hopes, fears and achievements are left behind as the mammoth crowd of several million stands before Almighty Allah. It is also the time to reflect on the "Farewell Sermon" given by our Prophet (saws) the same day and place centuries ago - this reflection may help us comprehend the relationship between his farewell sermon and the essence of Hajj. The guidance contained in the words of the Prophet is a legacy that continues to exist for us. For the pilgrim, what follows this moment is a new life. Our Prophet (saws), declared: "A person who performs the Hajj without indulging in obscenity and wickedness returns to his home sinless, as on the day when his mother gave birth to him." (Born Again), This means that Hajj gives the pilgrim a new and pure life. The entire journey of Hajj is a complete Ibadah and one must do everything to keep it up. Hajj is indeed a reformation and transformation of the person in the path of Allah and he or she should strive to make it permanent.

LESSONS OF HAJ: - Among the numerous lessons that were imparted by Rasulullah (saw) are those jewels of advice which he bestowed upon the Ummah in the khutbah tul Widah that he delivered.

THE LAST SERMON OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (peace be upon him) -- This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. (632 CE) in the 'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Makkah. It was the occasion of the annual rites of Hajj (the pilgrimage). It is also known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. -- "O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and Take These Words to Those Who Could Not Be Present Here Today. “O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. -- “Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) be waived. “Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al-Harithiah.

“O Men! the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Sha’ban.

“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

“O People! It is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. - “O People! Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakah (obligatory charity). Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. “Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

“O People! No Prophet or Apostle Will Come after Me and No New Faith Will Be Born. Reason well, therefore, O People! And understand the words, which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QUR’AN and my SUNNAH (i.e., sayings, deeds, and approvals) and if you follow these you will never go astray. “All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. -- “Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people." As part of this sermon, the Prophet recited them a Revelation from Allah which he had just received and which completed the Quran, for it was the last passage to be revealed: This day the disbelievers despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you your religion and fulfilled My favor unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion (Surah 5, Ayah 3). - The sermon was repeated sentence-by-sentence by Safwan's brother Rabiah (RA), who had a powerful voice, at the request of the Prophet and he faithfully proclaimed to over ten thousand gathered on the occasion. Toward the end of his sermon, the Prophet asked, “O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?" A powerful murmur of assent “O Allah, yes!", arose from thousands of pilgrims and the vibrant words rolled like thunder throughout the valley. The Prophet raised his forefinger and said: “Be my witness O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people."

INSIGNIFICANT" ACTIONS -- During one of the sermons on the occasion of Hajjatul Wida’ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) addressed the Sahaaba (radhi-Allahu anhum) thus: "Verily Shaytaan has lost hope with regards to being worshipped in your land but, aside from that, he is content that he be obeyed in those actions which you deem to be minor and insignificant. Beware O people! Verily I have left with you that which if you hold on firmly to it you will never go astray — the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)" (Haakim). -- A great lesson is to be learnt here. There are various aspects that many people consider to be trivial. Often a person does something contrary to the Sunnah while considering it to be insignificant. One may even have heard people say: "But it is only Sunnah!" This may pertain to the manner of eating and drinking, or to one’s clothing and appearance, or to matters of social conduct. Often these aspects are regarded as being insignificant. As a result the Sunnah in these aspects is abandoned. However, something else is bound to take the place of the Sunnah. In most cases it will be the manner of the Jews and Christians. Thus Shaytaan has succeeded in making one obey him in these matters. Therefore Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has warned the Ummah not to regard any act as trivial or insignificant. Hence he is reported to have said: "Do not regard any good action as trivial, even if it be smiling at your Muslim brother" (Muslim).

CONCERN FOR HEREAFTER -- At Musjidul Khaif in Mina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) addressed the gathering of Hujjaj and said to them: " He whose concern is the Hereafter, Almighty Allah will take care of his matters and organise his affairs. Almighty Allah will make him see wealthy conditions and the world will come to him in a condition that it is lowly and disgraced. The one who makes the world his concern, Almighty Allah will scatter his affairs (due to which he will have to run to and fro), poverty will loom before his eyes and, after all the running around, only that amount of the world will come to him which has been decreed for him" (Tabrani). On this occasion let us reflect as to what extent has the concerns of this world consumed us? What amount of time has this worldly concern left us with to remember Almighty Allah and to prepare for the Hereafter? In fact it often happens that the little time when we do remember Him outwardly, such as in Salah, etc., we are mentally engaged in the world. This lesson on the occasion of Hajj exhorts us to shift our focus to the Aakhirah and Almighty Allah will ease the worldly matters for us.

FORSAKING INTEREST --- It was also on the occasion of Hajjatul Wida’ that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) cancelled the interest transactions of times of jahiliyyah (ignorance). The interest which was owed to Ibn Abbas (radhi-Allahu anhu) was the first to be cancelled. Hajj then reminds one to totally abstain from all interest. It should bring to mind that Allah has declared war in the Quran against those who refuse to forsake interest. It should also remind one of the Hadith wherein Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said: "Allah Almighty has cursed the one who takes interest, the one who gives it, those who record the transaction and those who witness it" (Mishkaat).

NO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION -- In another khutba at Mina Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) proclaimed this profound message: "O people! Verily your Rabb (Allah) is One and verily your father is one (Adam alaihis salaam). Remember! There is no virtue of an Arab upon a Non-Arab and vice versa, nor is there any virtue of a White above a Black or for a Black person over a White except in Taqwah (piety). Verily the noblest among you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most pious" (Baihaqi). -- Racial and colour barriers were totally destroyed by Islam. Superiority is not determined on such aspects. The criteria for superiority is the fear of Allah and obedience to Him (Taqwah). Whoever fulfils these criteria the best, whether it be a man or woman, Arab or non-Arab, Black or White, will be the most superior. However, it is most unfortunate that the legacy of apartheid lingers to some extent in many Muslims. Often the non-discriminatory policy of Islam is violated in various ways. There is an urgent need to cleanse ourselves from this malady. This message of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) must also be deeply ingrained into our families and children.

CONVEYING DEEN -- After having bestowed the Sahaaba (radhi-Allahu Anhum) with the precious jewels of advice, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) proclaimed the profound words: "Those who are present, convey it to those who are absent" (Ahmad). The Sahaaba (radhi-Allahu Anhum) fulfilled this task par excellence. In order to convey the message of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) they reached China as well as the jungles of Africa. They undertook the hazardous journeys and the accompanying difficulties most willingly in order to pass Deen on to the generations to come. With their untiring efforts, and the efforts of those who followed in their footsteps, Deen has come down to us in its pristine purity. In order to preserve Deen within our own lives and that of our families, as well as to further spread the Deen, we too will have to adopt the way of the Sahaaba (radhi-Allahu Anhum) and follow in their footsteps.

HUQUQUL IBAAD -- Attention was also drawn towards the importance of fulfilling huququl ibaad (the rights of fellow humans). Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) declared on this occasion: "Verily your lives, wealth and honour are sacred upon one another like the sanctity of this day, place and month (this is a reference to the day of Arafah, the place of the Haram and the month of Dhul Hijjah)" (Sahih Bukhari). Thus to cause any harm to the life, wealth or honour of any person is to violate this sanctity which was declared on the auspicious day of Arafah. The aspects of huququl ibaad have been greatly stressed in various Ahaadith. Failing to fulfil one’s duties in this regard could result in one’s good deeds being given away, in the Hereafter, to those whose rights were violated in this world. Hence, one must safeguard one’s good deeds by fulfilling the rights of others. Thus one should focus one’s attention during the days of Hajj to these extremely important lessons and resolve to practice upon the injunctions therein. If anyone does so, he is extremely close to the message of Hajj, though he may be far away from the Hujjaaj

Dua!! We pray for the safety and good health of all Hujjaaj, - May Almighty Allah take good care of them on their journey to Makkah, Medina and all the Holy Places. - May Almighty Allah accept their Hajj, and when they have completed their duties, may Allah return them safely to their homes and families, Insha-Allah.

M.N. Salie

National Heritage Day

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KHUTBAH: NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY- 7/9/2012 - C.M.R.M.

Imam Noor Salie.

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Surah 49/v13 "O mankind! We have created you from a single pair of male and female, And made you into nations and tribes that you may know each other. The Most Honoured of you is he who is the most Righteous of you" surely Allah is all knowing and aware.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) stated: – Whosoever obeys me (Muhammad (saw) - is obedient to Allah - And whosoever disobeys me - is disobedient to Almighty Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) also stated: "Do not hate one another - Do not be jealous of one another – but be brothers to one another and servants of Allah

The 24th.September will be National heritage day – it was declared a public holiday in order to affirm and celebrate the diverse cultural, racial, religious and linguistic groups which constitute the population of this country. It is a reminder that the past is our inheritance and that we cannot and should not underestimate its historical socializing influence. It reminds us that the society, of which we are a part, is a melting pot of different multi-cultural and ethnic groups and this is the reality of South Africa.

The noble month of Ramadhan has come and gone. Most of us have encountered many months of Ramadhan in our lives but unfortunately, it is a reality that our lives most often have not been touched or affected by this month of fasting, even though every ceremonial aspect of Islam has special purpose and significance. Indeed, there is no aspect of Islam that is without a purpose or significance. It is either the lack of understanding or negligence to understand that renders our Ibaadah into mere outward rituals.

One of our purposes of fasting during the month of Ramadan as the Quran clearly states: “la‘alakum tatakun” -- that perhaps you acquire Taqwah or God consciousness. One can only come closer to one’s Creator through His creation. It is not merely good enough to participate in all the compulsory (Fara’ids) acts meaning your Salaah (prayer), Zakaah (alms), Siyaam (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage) and then expect to come closer to Allah. In fact all our acts of Ibaadah are tools and should have deep ramifications and should assist us to become better human beings, - to become more caring, kind and loving towards each other. In other words our Ibaadah should not become an end in itself – but a means to an end.

The legacy of Apartheid seem to overwhelm other positive developments that could possibly galvanize our new history. There seems to be little doubt that apartheid and its spin-offs is ingrained in our psyche- to such an extent that we are forced to deal with the unbearable part of our heritage on almost a daily basis. As a Muslim community we are not immune to being trapped into racial bigotry. In fact racial discrimination may be found at all levels of social interaction and therefore we need some serious introspection. We need to ask ourselves - what are we doing in order to bridge this racial divide? -We must also admit that the response to this question is not an easy one, but there must be a starting point, -meaning we need to take the first step. My suggestion is that we engage our fellow brothers and sisters from the diverse cultural, racial, religious and linguistic groups -- so that we can at least be able to identify some of our differences and at the same time nurture and strengthen our commonalities.

In this way we can at least start to address this lingering problem. Also inherent in this interpretation is the fact that we admit to our shortcomings with reference to other ethnic groups, meaning that we realize that South Africans are not a homogeneous community and identifying our differences with the intention of understanding and accepting them is congruent with the Islamic belief system.

In the Islamic perspective these differences are acceptable, as long as they are not a source of mistrust, discord or conflict. Our differences should rather be a blessing giving expression to the innovative spirit of our Creator. For Allah (swt) declares in Surah Hujuraat, Chapter 49 Ayah/verse 13 the verse which I quoted in my Introduction-- O mankind! We have created you from a single pair of male and female, And made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other. The Most Honored of you is he who is the most Righteous and Deeply conscious of you" surely Allah is All Knowing, All Aware.-- This verse from the Quran justify that Islam endorses cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. These attributes of cultural, linguistic and even religious diversity play an important part in shaping the human condition. To appreciate the different cultures, religions and languages, we have to interact with other groups in order to understand the diversity of our societies and ultimately create an environment of harmony, peace and tranquillity.

We also find that On the really big issues, Almighty Allah addresses us in the Holy Quran - not as Muslims or Believers, but as Mankind, or the children of Adam. - (BANU AADAM) and therefore we are essentially one tribe – One people – There should be no reason for hostility – Almighty actually tells us that the differences in our colours and tongues are signs of God (Wa Min Ayaatina) and reasons to marvel / and reasons to get to know / respect/love one another – (LI –Ta- AARafu) Based on this Ayah, all humans enjoy equal rights in the sight of God. But, as always, the criterion and basis is practicing Taqwah (absolute piety, righteousness), and avoiding committing evilness or sins. Piety is the very criterion to distinguish the degree and scale of the person’s closeness to Allah. People from different countries, with different backgrounds, may all differ in colour, features, language, or social status, but none of these features can be used to lower or modify anyone’s rights with the Almighty (according to Islam.) Islam does not approve thinking or discriminating against others based on nationality, colour, language, and place of birth, etc. over which no one has any control. On the contrary, Almighty Allah has put a criteria for proving a person to be best and honourable in His sight, which is within the reach of everyone, is: "Taqwah" (piety and righteousness). A person living in the East or West, in a small town or big city, having black or white colour, speaking any language, rich or poor, has been given equal capability by Allah (SWT) to attain and increase his piety.

We should be thankful to our creator who declared this just standard for the whole humanity in this verse of the Quran as well as by the tongue of His last messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In his historical sermon of Hajj he declared that no Arab is superior over the non-Arab, no non-Arab is superior over the Arab, no red man (including white) has superiority over the black, and no black man has superiority over the red man (including white) except in piety and righteousness. Therefore, thinking someone superior over others based on any other criteria is rejected and condemned in Islam. Almighty Allah has also created all human beings with honour and dignity,-Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and He has elevated the status of Humans above much of His creation. - Almighty Allah says in the Quran: (Quran 17:70) WALA QAUD KARAMNA BANI ADAM -- “And We have ennobled and gave honour and dignity to the children of Adam (KARAMAAT) - Human dignity is an important theme of Islam; it runs throughout all its teachings. Dignity does not mean arrogance, self-conceit, haughtiness or false pride. Dignity according to Islam is: Izzah (honor), Karamaat (nobility), Qeemah (value), Shraf (distinction) Fadilah (virtue). Dignity is in moral excellence.- Dignity is in giving rather than taking - Dignity is in justice not in injustice - Dignity is in love, not in hate - Dignity is in Iman (faith), not in Kufr and faithlessness. –

Islam is all about human dignity and honour and gives a very universal and comprehensive concept of dignity. It tells us that we must recognize our own worth and value, we must not loose this worth and value. It is a very precious gift of Allah.. It tells us that we can increase our worth and value and we can loose it too. It teaches us the ways to increase our honor. It also tells us that we must promote dignity and honor among all people in the world. Every human being – whether Muslim-Jew -Christian-Hindu –Buddhist - black or white have honour and dignity – Therefore like we (As Muslims) want to be honoured and shown dignity – we have to recognize the dignity and honour in others. As a token of this honour and to elevate man’s status, Almighty Allah commanded the angels to prostrate out of humility before Prophet Adam,(AS) the father of humanity. Allah informs us in the Quran: --“When We commanded the angels, ‘Prostrate yourselves to Adam,’ they prostrated themselves, but not Satan; he refused –and was haughty –filled with pride- he was of those who rejected faith.” (Quran 2:34) this was the birth racism / the birth of racism, arrogance, egotism and bigotism. We are constantly reminded in the Holy Quran that Prophet Muhammad sws did not come as a mercy only to Muslims, but as a mercy to mankind, and a mercy to all the worlds. “ “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], but as a Mercy unto all the worlds.” We are also reminded in Surah Al-‘Imraan 3:v110:

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You are indeed the best nation produced [as an example] for the good of mankind. You (should) enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah

Note that the Qur'an does not speak about the good of Muslims or even the good of believers.-- It speaks widely and inclusively about the good of mankind. Therefore our main preoccupation must be to serve all humanity as Allah decrees. If we ignore this and narrow our concerns only towards Muslims, then we disobey the clear orders from Allah. Remember that every Christian, every Jew, every Hindu and Buddhist, even every atheist and agnostic, is also a creature of Allah. (BANI ADAM) It behooves us to treat them with kindness, honour, dignity and respect - out of love for Allah.

This honour and dignity must be acknowledged – It is a divine gift- we have to recognise that – otherwise we will look at others with contempt – that they are less than us. -- just as many Western people are guilty of this – many Muslims are guilty of this. –We must recognize that people have the right to be different - When we talk about human rights we forget “that we all have the right to be different.” – Further more, in Surah Yunus, Chapter 10 Ayah/verse 99, Allah (swt), the sublime declares:

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“And If your Lord had so desired, All the people on the earth Would surely have come to believe, All of them; do you then think, (O Muhammad (saw) - that you could compel people to believe?- This verse indicates that our choices to differ are so vast, that we even have a choice to determine how or what we want to believe. Nowhere in the Quran are individuals compelled to believe. In another ayah Allah (swt) declares in Surah Rum, chapter 30, verse 22:

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“And among the wonders - And the signs of Allah is the creation - Of the heavens and the earth, - And the diversity in your languages - And pigmentation/colour of your skins; for in this, behold, there are - messages and signs for those who have knowledge and can reflect.

The incident between a companion and Sayidinaa Bilal illustrates to us that even in the time of our beloved Prophet (saw) when in a moment of anger Bilal was referred to as the son of a black mother. Upon hearing this, the Prophet of Allah (swt) reprimanded the Sahaabah (companion) severely. The individual felt so bad that when he again saw Sayidinaa Bilal (ra) he prostrated at Bilal’s feet and told him that he will only raise his head if Bilal will put his foot on his head and forgive him. Reflecting on this Hadith (tradition) we can see that derogatory remarks or the degradation of people because of the colour of the skin is totally rejected in Islam. The reality is that this practice is still prevalent in our society. We were brought up to believe that people with darker skin pigmentation, are people that are violent, dangerous, uneducated and generally uncivilized. This is part of the legacy that we inherited from the Apartheid era.

However, Muslims in particular, while not immune to such forms of indoctrination, should not subscribe to such behavioural patterns, for, in his last sermon (Khutbah tul Wid’a) our beloved Prophet Mohammed (saw) said: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a no-Arab, Or, of a white person over a black person, Except through piety or good conduct. While leaders of most religions instructed their followers to use coercive means to make others adopt their faith - which led to the murder of thousands - one notices that Islam instructs its adherents never to compel anyone to give up his faith and embrace Islam:

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"Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth thus stands out clear from error" (2 : 256).

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"Had it been thy Lord's Will, all who are in the earth would have believed; wilt You then (O Mohammad!) Compel mankind, against their will, to believe!" (X: 99).

In other words, it was neither in Prophet's own ability, nor was it expected of the Message he was sent to reveal, to compel people to embrace Islam. It was by this principle that the Muslims abided in their relations with Non-Muslims. Whenever they conquered a certain country, they granted its people the freedom to stick to their faith. And in Surah-Hud, Chapter 11 Ayah/verse 118, Allah the sublime declares:

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“And had your Lord so willed He could surely have made All human beings into one Single community: But (he willed otherwise, and so) They continue to hold divergent views and will not cease to argue and dispute.

These teachings were reflected in the first generation of Muslims. It included Sayidinaa Abu-Bakr (ra) of the noble tribe of Quraish, - Salmaan Farsi from Persia and Sayidinaa Bilal from Africa. To further enhance this point, the Prophet (saw) contracted multiple marriages joining individuals from different racial, ethnic and even religious backgrounds in order to promote and affirm diversity and differences among humankind. The Prophet himself exhibited through his own practice how this diversity may lead to harmony. His wives Khadija and “Aishah were from the noble Arab tribe of Quraish, Safiyah was a Jewess and Mariyah was a Coptic Christian- who embraced Islam.

The challenge facing us is how we pass this rich Islamic heritage on to our future generations. Let us embrace our democracy as the starting point for a new consciousness and appreciation of the role of the different cultures in the reconstruction of our civil society in our country. Let us make a commitment to foster understanding, tolerance and harmony between diverse cultures, diverse views, opinions and interpretations. We as South Africans must send a message the rest of the world that we do not like to import centuries-old hatred into our fertile soil. It is not necessary for the different nationalities and different religious and cultural groups, -- which comprise the rainbow nation of South Africa, to completely melt down and lose their ethnic and religious identity. Thus, the concept of "melting pot" I believe must perhaps change to a "salad bowl," in which all the ingredients are encouraged to preserve and display their distinct individual tastes and flavours.

We need to work together with others - for world peace. The last 100 years, has been one of the bloodiest in world history. In less than 100 years, we have seen two world wars, the second one killed at least 30 million people. – The Korean War, Vietnam War, the use of Atom & Nuclear bombs. -The Israeli war on Palestinians, India/Pakistan wars. Gulf wars, concentration camps, and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, 20 million refugees worldwide including 2 million in Bosnia alone and several million in Palestine.

We must agree on a human bond. -- Injustice brings out hostile response therefore injustice must stop. - In a religious context Islam means attainment of peace, inward and outward, through voluntary submission to the will of God. . Islam is then a way of life - of peace, mercy, justice, forgiveness, tolerance, inclusiveness and human dignity for all. - We must also recognize that peace in the Arabic language – Salaam- and the same root in Hebrew – Shalom- comes from a tripartite radical – SALIMA which means to be whole –The nature of peace is wholeness – It’s an integrity that people must be allowed to live their lives holistically. Islam is also Salaam (peace) and Tasleem (submission to the Divine). In Islam - Peace is the standard, it is the principle, and each person of faith has the moral obligation to maintain peace - without compromising on truth and justice. Islam invites to the Subulas-salaam (pathway of peace); peace of mind, peace of conscience, peace in the family and society, peace with one's Creator and His creation. And in working together for peace - we are in conformity with the Quran where Allah (swt) declares in - (Surah 16:90),

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Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

In conclusion --Family issues, greed in the marketplace, falling educational standards, prejudice in the workplace, inter-religious and intercultural conflicts: and many other issues cry out for the attention of all people of faith. By responding to such needs, we can build mutual understanding and partnerships among our diverse religious communities in our Country. We can become better Muslims, better Christians, better Jews, better Hindus, better Buddhists, and better believers by any name. We can help to re-awaken the essential goodness that resides within every human being. We can fulfill the trust that we bear. “For,” as Allah Almighty instruct us in the Holy Quran:

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...every community faces a direction of its own, of which Allah (Almighty God) is the focal point. Vie, therefore, with one another (as in a race) towards all that is good. Wherever you may be, and Almighty Allah will bring you together; for He Allah (Almighty God) has power over all things (Quran 2:148).

The Islamic awakening, unlike the media's stereotyping, is not to be feared by those who do not subscribe to Islam since Islam calls for courteous and sincere relationship with Non Muslims -- especially the "people of the book", the Christians and the Jews. - It is a deep-rooted belief in Islam that the better understanding and practice of Islam can only lead to world peace, prosperity, justice, and freedom for all.

We pray to the Almighty to guide and protect us - instil in us the capacity to overcome our shortcomings. To open our hearts and minds and to create communities who has the capability and will to learn and progress because of our historical heritage. - We pray that each individual would embrace this opportunity to working towards transforming our South African nation of religions and cultures into a unified nation.

O Allah! Grant us that supreme love which will prevent us from disobeying You, Grant us Your Divine love, which may compel us to obey your commands, Bless us with that love which may please You and be acceptable to you.

O Allah! Save us from the temptations of the Shaytaan and our nafs, We are but weak and frail, O Allah! Guide us and Help us! -- Ameen

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