In his Friday sermon delivered from the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, affirmed that the righteousness and purity of the heart is the true source of bliss in this world and the hereafter, stressing that a person’s happiness and comfort stem from his sound heart connected to God Almighty.
General context and importance of the pulpit of the Grand Mosque
The Friday sermon from the Grand Mosque in Mecca is a prominent Islamic event followed by millions of Muslims worldwide. This pulpit is not merely a local platform, but a beacon of guidance and direction for the entire Muslim community, given the immense spiritual significance of Mecca and the Grand Mosque. The sermons delivered from this mosque hold particular importance, addressing matters of faith and conduct relevant to every Muslim, and offering a contemporary Islamic perspective on life's challenges, drawn from the Holy Quran and the Prophetic traditions (Sunnah).
Righteousness of the heart: the essence of servitude and bliss
Dr. Bin Humaid explained that souls are purified and refined through kind words and good character, and that the heart is the source of the greatest bliss in this life—a bliss that surpasses all others if attained. He further explained that the true Muslim combines in his worship the fulfillment of pure servitude to God with the pursuit of His bounty and provision, citing the righteous who are not distracted from the remembrance of God by trade or commerce. Through these principles, the believer discerns his path toward the desired perfection and achieves inner peace and tranquility, which is the ultimate goal of every human being.
The concept of asceticism in Islam
In a related context, His Eminence addressed the concept of asceticism, clarifying that it does not mean withdrawal from life, but rather a state of the heart that prevents worldly desires from controlling it. He summarized the levels of asceticism in six aspects: asceticism towards oneself, towards others, towards appearances, towards wealth, towards leadership, and towards everything other than God. The true ascetic is one who, when blessed by God, is grateful for His favor, and when afflicted with hardship, endures it patiently, for he possesses unwavering faith in God and absolute trust in His decrees, and thus neither complains nor despairs.
Expected impact of the sermon
This spiritual message comes at a time when materialism and temptations are on the rise, potentially distracting people from their ultimate purpose. The emphasis on "reviving the heart" and cultivating it with certainty and contentment, as the speaker mentioned, is a universal call for Muslims to re-evaluate their priorities and focus on the spiritual essence of Islam. These words are expected to have a positive impact on listeners, both locally in Saudi Arabia and regionally and internationally, as they reinforce the values of contentment, satisfaction, and patience, and encourage believers to rely solely on God. For whoever relies on God, He suffices them; whoever asks of Him, He enriches them; and contentment is an inexhaustible treasure.
