Friday Sermons

In the personal development and spiritual nourishing of an individual, ibadah has a specific place. All good and beneficial actions that we do for the sake of Allah ﷻ are considered as ibadah and all contribute to the development of who we are. Because ibadah has an impact on one’s relationship with the Creator, it naturally also affects one’s relationship with society and humanity at large. This will continue until man finally departs from this world.

Repentance (tawba) is to turn, and to return. It is the process of transitioning from disobedience, to submission to Allah (swt). Accordingly, this verse informs us that every individual has a responsibility to repent from their sins. Without repentance, ultimate success cannot be perceived.

The end of a day, a month or a year is undoubtedly an important event. Because every day that goes by, every year that goes by, is like a page that is torn from one’s life. As we are approaching a new year within the generic calendar, we are letting go of yet another year of our life. Allah (SWT)'s given us the blessing of being something from nothing. The greatest proof of our existence is time, and within it is the blessing of life.

Undoubtedly, it is important that we have accurate information about Isa (AS) and other prophets and reinforce our faith. However, the main purpose of getting to know them is to take them as an example and follow their footsteps. Especially the narrations about Isa (AS) contain many lessons for us.

One of the most important concepts of our religion, Islam, is undoubtedly the concept of gratitude. Gratitude; is the respect shown to the one who gave this blessing by word, deed or heart. It is appreciating the value of goodness and showing this feeling to the one providing the blessing by remembering the blessing and praising its owner. In the face of the countless blessings given to us by Allah (swt), the Lord of the worlds, it is a necessity of reason and conscience to honour and respect Him.

Undoubtedly, one of the most fundamental characteristics of the religion of Islam is the value it attaches to reason, knowledge, learning, research, thinking and contemplation. Allah (swt) says, “So will they not understand?”, “Do they not see" and “Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an?”.

Unfortunately, while the family environment should be a safe place, many people experience domestic violence. Women and children are exposed to this distressing situation in the first place. Unfortunately, we observe that the number of domestic violence cases has increased even more with the curfews that emerged during the pandemic process.

Everything that Allah (swt) has given us in this world is a trust [Amanah]. Our lives, property, health and children are a trust for us. Muslims, on the other hand, are entrusted to each other. Our most important trust is our life and health. Therefore, in order to properly fulfill our servitude duty, we must nourish both our body and soul with the right tools and in the right way.

Allah (swt) has addressed all humanity through the Qur'an until the Day of Judgment. He conveys to us subjects such as faith, worship, law, ethics, the stories of the prophets and prayer in the best way possible.

Believing in destiny is a part of the conditions of faith. Destiny means that Allah (swt) knows the nature, time and place, attributes and characteristics of everything that has happened and will happen. Allah (swt) has ordained a perfect measure for everything, including man and his life.

Family is the most crucial element within the society and civilization as a whole. If one protects their family privacy it will ensure them peace and security. It is very important to take the responsibility to know and protect; family privacy values, loyalty and the love bonds within the family.

Allah (SWT) outlines the purpose of mankind’s presence on Earth in Surah Adh-Dhariyat with the verse “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me”.[1] The meaning of the word “Ibadah” is to show utmost respect towards the Creator and to fulfill the religious commands. Our practical deeds are what comes to mind when discussing Ibadah in our everyday language.