UAE Friday sermon: be guided on a path to righteousness

Worshippers told to embrace the teachings of Islam

God wants Muslims to be guided on a path of righteousness and good manners. It is for this reason that he sent them Prophet Mohammed, the sermon will tell worshippers on Friday.

In the Quran, God says to the Prophet: “We have not revealed to you the Book, except for you to make clear to them [Muslims] that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe.” (An-Nahl: 64).

Elsewhere the Quran says “We sent the Quran down as verses of clear evidence and because Allah guides whom He intends.” (Al-Hajj: 16).

To live a righteous life, a Muslim must be knowledgeable about Islam and its teachings.

It is through learning that Muslims understand what their Lord requires of them and what their duties are towards their fellow humans. Fulfilling these expectations is a pathway to Heaven.

The sermon will tell worshippers that God wants religion to be a source of comfort and not hardship.

“Allah intends for your ease and does not intend for your hardship.” (Al-Baqara: 185).

He wants the laws of Islam to b simple and for Muslims not to feel burdened by their religion, never giving them more than they can handle.

Of the values God wants Muslims to embrace is justice. He wants Muslims to be fair in their judgments and act justly towards others.

The Prophet said God forbade injustice saying: “I have made injustice unlawful for myself and I have made it unlawful among you, so do not oppress one another."

Turning to God for repentance when a Muslim has done wrong is another important attribute. The sermon will tell worshippers that God to forgive those who have erred.

Being merciful and forgiving, God wants Muslims to show tolerance towards one another. "When Allah wants good (to befall) the members of a household, He will guide them to the way of gentleness (in dealing with each other)," Prophet Mohammed said.

Those who have a sincere will to do something good and strive to achieve it will be awarded in multiples.

"Whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer — it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah]," (Al-Israa: 19), the Quran says.

The sermon will end by guiding Muslims to pray to God to grant them success and to achieve all that He intends for them.