Friday sermon: Prophets taught us how to love homeland

Do your best to ensure secuity and development in your homeland, says this week's sermon

Do your best to keep your homeland secure and work towards its development, worshippers will be told on Friday. 

“In the Quran, Allah the Almighty listed the ethics of the Prophets for us to draw lessons from them,” says the sermon.

“One such lesson is their love of their homeland and their supplication to Allah the Almighty to keep it secure.”

For instance, Prophet Ibrahim was quoted in the Quran praying for the city of Makkah to be secure after he moved there.

“This happened when Allah ordered him to settle his family at a time when it was an uncultivated valley,” explains the sermon.

"Yet, Ibrahim adhered to the order and took his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail to the barren land.

“Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near your sacred house that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline towards them,” said Prophet Ibrahim, as quoted in the Quran.

He prayed to God to bless his homeland, Makkah, with expanded provisions and prosperity. 

"Provide for them provisions to help them worship you. Allah gave Ibrahim what he has asked for and provided for the people of Makkah all kinds of fruits from different countries," says the sermon.

When Prophet Ibrahim saw the blessings and prosperity the city started to enjoy, he was keen on its safety.

“My Lord, make this city a place of security,” he said. 

"The Quran has recorded this supplication for people to draw lessons from the Prophets on love for the homeland and wishing all the good and security for it," continues the sermon.

"Yet, wishing is not enough; one should strive to make the wishes come true."

Prophet Ibrahim not only prayed for Makkah, but also worked for its prosperity.

“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah — blessed and a guidance for the worlds. In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe,” says the Quran.

"As a result, Makkah became an oasis of tranquillity … the people of Makkah gained respect and trust. Whoever travelled with them used to feel secure because they were from the residents of the house of Allah," concludes the sermon.