Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Islamic religion to which we belong commands us to comprehend the purpose of our creation and to control our lives according to the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah. It requires us to live in a manner that earns the pleasure of Allah at every stage of our lives, as long as we breathe and to shape each of our decisions with this awareness. Indeed, our identity as believers will only find its true meaning when our faith is combined with our actions.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

In today’s world, pleasure and hustle have become prominent, and materialism has become more noticeable instead of spirituality. The stress of life, along with increasing extravagance and flashiness, has led to a decrease in interpersonal relationships and an increase in selfishness within societies. The desire to build large houses and build large concrete structures has driven us towards material pursuits and rapidly distanced us from spirituality. At the same time, solidarity within communities has weakened, leading us to be lonely. Today, rather than a community of brothers who cover each other’s flaws, a society that seeks faults and competes with each other is at the forefront. Escaping from this chaos is undoubtedly possible through the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah.

Islam commands us to lead a correct and balanced life by establishing a balance between our material and spiritual needs. Thus, we can outdo the temporary desires offered by the modern world and attain real prosperity and peace. Therefore, living a balanced life that earns the pleasure of Allah under the guidance of Islam has become the greatest need of our time. 

Allah (swt) has promised, “Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creatures. Their reward with their Lord is Gardens of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein forever; Allah will be pleased with them, and they with Him. That is for whoever fears his Lord.” This signifies that with our stance, by the permission of Allah, we will be in eternal paradise.

Dear Jama’ah!

The Companions wives always used to advise the companions as they left the house, by saying, “Fear Allah; do not earn unlawfully! For we can endure hunger in this world, but we cannot endure the torment of Hell on the Day of Judgment.”

This is an attitude that should be followed to exhibit a Muslim stance in the modern world. If we desire to be in a state befitting a Muslim in the age of flashiness in which we live, we must reconsider our consumption habits. Instead of conforming to the frenzy of consumption, we should prioritise and consume thoughtfully. We should prefer modesty in our weddings, social events and daily lives, and avoid extravagance. Most importantly, we should seek refuge in Allah from showing off. Ultimately, we should strive to consume not more than what we need, but only what is necessary.

Even in times of poverty and hardship, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) reminded his companions to be grateful and prohibited ingratitude. He also warned believers not to exceed limits and cautioned them against extravagance. The Prophet (saw) said, “On the Day of Judgment, a person will not move from their place until they are asked about five things: how they spent their life, how they used their youth, how they earned and spent their wealth, and how they acted upon the knowledge they acquired.” 

Just as it is necessary for earnings to be lawful in Islam, there are also criteria of permissibility concerning where and how earnings are spent. This involves safeguarding the pleasure of Allah, abstaining from prohibited acts, not shying away from jihad, fulfilling our worship and obedience, and permeating Islamic ethics into every aspect of our lives. May Allah (swt) make us among those who live according to Islam and remain steadfast as we have been commanded.

Dear Brothers and Sisters! 

Let’s not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in Gaza, East Turkestan and other oppressed regions. May Allah (swt) be the helper and supporter of all our brothers and sisters who are subjected to oppression. Ameen!

¹ Surah Ibrahim, 14:23

² Abdülhamîd Keşk, Fî Rihâbi’t-Tefsîr, I, 26

³ Tirmizî, Sıfatü’l-kıyâme, 1

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