A call from the heart of the Islamic world to fear God and do good deeds
In a comprehensive sermon delivered from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Osama bin Abdullah Khayyat, addressed a message of faith to Muslims across the globe, emphasizing the importance of piety towards God Almighty as a way of life and urging adherence to the value of "excellence" and fulfilling the needs of others as the foundation for achieving true brotherhood in faith. He began his sermon by reminding the worshippers of the ultimate purpose of their existence, saying: "Fear the Day when you will be returned to God, and every soul will be recompensed for what it has earned. Beware of the causes of God's wrath, so that you may have a good outcome in this world and the Hereafter." He explained that following the path of the righteous predecessors, the prophets and the pious, is the best way to attain God's pleasure and reach the highest levels of closeness to Him.
Charity: A concept deeper than giving
Sheikh Khayyat explained that one of the most prominent characteristics of God's chosen servants is their keenness to apply the principle of excellence (ihsan) in all aspects of their lives. Excellence, as stated in the teachings of Islam, is not limited to acts of worship alone, but extends to all interactions with people. It means perfecting one's work, doing good to others without expecting anything in return, striving for their well-being, and relieving their distress. His Eminence emphasized that refraining from harming others is an integral part of excellence; the true believer is one from whose tongue and hand people are safe. He warned against all forms of harm, whether verbal or physical, and specifically mentioned the danger and slander of speech, which combines the sin of the tongue with the sin of the hand.
The significance of the Friday sermon from the Grand Mosque
The Friday sermon from the Grand Mosque in Mecca holds special significance that transcends its physical location. It is not merely a local sermon, but a weekly message addressed to the entire Muslim world. Throughout history, the pulpit of the Grand Mosque has been a beacon of guidance and direction, from which religious and social directives emanate, guiding millions of Muslims worldwide through live broadcasts and various media outlets. This sermon further reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and in disseminating the message of moderation, tolerance, and compassion that embodies the true Islamic faith.
The impact of the call for social solidarity on the nation
Focusing on fulfilling the needs of Muslims and alleviating their suffering carries profound social and humanitarian dimensions. Locally, such initiatives contribute to strengthening the social fabric and spreading a culture of solidarity and cooperation among community members. Regionally and internationally, they serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibility Muslims have towards their brothers and sisters suffering from crises, wars, and disasters around the world. Sheikh Khayyat cited the Prophetic Hadith: “A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not wrong him, nor does he abandon him. Whoever helps his brother in need, Allah will help him in his need. Whoever relieves a Muslim of a worldly hardship, Allah will relieve him of a hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection.” This Hadith lays the foundation for a compassionate and supportive society, characterized by love and altruism.
