The need for the sustained effort to strengthen faith is the subject of this week’s sermon.
Worshippers will be reminded of the event of Al Isra Wa Al Miraj, which highlights God’s generosity and His power to lend nobility to angels, prophets and messengers, including Prophet Mohammed.
On the night of Al Isra Wa Al Miraj, the Angel Jibril, told the Buraq – the heavenly creature that carried the Prophet between Makkah and Jerusalem – that “no one more noble than him has ever mounted you”.
While Prophet Mohammed is said to have been the most noble soul created by God, the sermon will say that Allah has honoured every human being with nobility – particularly the faithful.
Holy Quran says, “And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea, and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference.” [17:70]
One of the ways to earn God’s favour is by being punctual about prayer.
Whoever makes his Wudu [ablution] in their house and perfects their Wudu, then comes to the Masjid, is akin to being a visitor unto Allah. And the right of the visitor is that they be honoured by the One visited, the Prophet said.
God will also raise the status of those who study and become educated, the sermon will say.
Worshippers are also reminded to respect their parents, be dutiful to them and show kindness. Quran calls upon Muslims not to react angrily when parents ask them do something.
And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] “uff”, and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. [17:23]
Worshippers will also be told to honour the elderly, recognise their sacrifice and learn from their experiences and wisdom.
