Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2017
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah.
I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and His messenger. I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and His messenger. Come to prayer Come to prayer Come to success Come to success Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest
There is none worthy of worship except Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except God and He is one, and has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger
After this I seek refuge with Allah, from Satan, the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment.
Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path; The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray.
Some people think that faith and religion limits ones freedoms and places restrictions on them. However God Almighty explains in Holy Quran: [Arabic] “He has laid no hardship upon you in the matters of religion”. “He has laid no hardship upon you in the matters of religion”
In actuality the Sharia [Islamic principles] ar designed to relieve man of burdens, not only this in fact it is to safeguard man from all types of trials and dangers. Thus from this saying of God Almighty’s it is evident that the religion of Islam,
Which has been revealed for you does not contain single command which would cause you difficulty, rather, every command, be they a minor or major directive, is a source of mercy and blessings. The thought processes of man may well be flawed, but the word of God is infallible.
Being the creation of God should we fail to act upon these commandments then only we will suffer. If we fail to see reason and use our intellect, then Satan, who has vowed to cause harm to man from the outset of creation,
Will throw man into the pit of doom. Thus if one wishes to save themselves from his onslaught then one must obey the commandments of God Almighty. Certain issues may seem small, however, in due course these apparent small issues carry with it extremely dire consequences.
Consequently a believer should never consider any directive to be small or insignificant. In this day and age we are a witness to the fact that the majority of the world has moved away from religion. Consequently the standards of good and bad have also altered.
For example, in today’s world we see that, in the name of fashion and freedom, nudity amongst men and women is becoming ever prevalent. The indicator of being civilised is that one should indulge in unwarranted promiscuity. Modesty and decency does not seem to exist anymore.
This naturally has an effect – on our young children, both boys and girls, and to an extent is having an effect. When certain girls reach adolescence some write to me asking, “Why is it obligatory to observe purdah [the veil] in Islam?
“Why can we not wear fitted jeans or blouses and leave the house without the veil or a coat? “Why can we not wear the same clothes as worn by the women of Europe, “who do so in the name of freedom?” The first thing which should always be remembered is that
If we wish to stay firm on our faith then we must obey the commandments. We must profess that, ‘We are Muslims who abide by their faith’, therefore the restrictions must be observed. It is incumbent to follow the directives and commandments of God and His Messenger (saw).
The Holy Prophet (saw) has stated that “Modesty is part of faith”. Therefore dressing modestly and purdah is vital in order to protect our faith. If developed countries are abandoning modesty in the name of freedom and progression,
Then they are doing so because they have moved away from religion. Thus, an Ahmadi girl who has accepted the Promised Messiah (as) has also affirmed that she will give precedence to faith over all worldly pursuits. An Ahmadi youth or an Ahmadi man or woman who has
Professed their belief in the Promised Messiah (as) has made a covenant that they will give precedence to their faith over all worldly desires, and this can only occur when they act in accordance with the teachings of the faith. We are very fortunate to have accepted the Promised Messiah (as),
Who has made all this evident for us. Accordingly, whilst speaking on this vulgarity and immorality, on one occasion the Promised Messiah (as) stated: “Many people urge the adoption of permissiveness like that prevalent in Europe, “but this would be most unwise.
“Such unbridled freedom of sexes is the root of all immorality. “Look at the moral situation in countries that have adopted this freedom. “If freedom of sexes has helped increase their chastity and virtue, “we will readily confess that we were mistaken.
“But it is crystal clear that when men and women are young, “and have the licence to mix freely, their relationship will be most dangerous. “It is but human to exchange glances and be overwhelmed by lustful desires. “As there is intemperance and vice, despite the observance of the veil,
“it may be imagined what the situation will be like in case of unrestricted freedom. “Observe the behaviour of men, and how their behaviour is like an unbridled horse! “They have neither fear of God nor faith in the hereafter. “Their only form of worship is mundane worldly pleasures.
“It is necessary therefore, that before granting such freedom as is being advocated, “the moral condition of men should be improved and rectified. “After men have developed enough self-temperance to restrain their passions
“to the extent they are not subjugated by it, you may consider whether the veil is necessary or not “To insist upon unrestricted freedom in the present circumstances “would be like putting sheep at the mercy of lions.
“What ails our people that they do not reflect upon the consequences of such things? “Let them at least take counsel with their consciences whether “the condition of men have improved to the extent that women may roam among them unveiled?” The issues that we are facing in our society toda
Bears testimony to every single word of the Promised Messiah (as). Thus every Ahmadi girl and boy, man and woman by raising their own standards of modesty, should protect themselves in society. One should not suffer from any inferiority complex and question
Why the veil is a necessary commandment or why we are not permitted to wear fitted jeans or blouses. It is the responsibility of the parents, especially the mothers, to explain to the children from an early age about the Islamic customs and traditions
And to explain about the moral ills of society. Only then will our offspring remain steadfast on faith and protected from the poison of the so called developed societies. Living in countries such as these, parents must make a concerted effort to keep their children attached to their faith
And for them to protect their chastity. For this they will have to set an example which they can follow. In a similar manner a girl recently wrote to me in which she stated that, “I have completed all my education and
“I am waiting to hear back in connection with a job at a bank. “I wanted to ask if I am not permitted to wear my headscarf and “there are restrictions in place whereby I will not be able to wear the hijab or a coat,
“am I permitted to work at such a place? “When I leave my workplace, I will wear the Hijab.” She also wrote saying that, “I heard that Huzoor once stated that “girls can seek employment without wearing a hijab or headscarf at their workplace.”
This girl at least had the decency to write alongside this, “If you forbid me to work then I will refrain from doing so.” This matter is not only to do with one girl but many have raised such concerns. That is why I am addressing this.
Doctors are compelled by their work situation and it is not possible for them to work wearing the customary hijab or headscarf, for example in the operating theatre. Even so in that situation their clothes are such that they wear a cap on the head and a mask over their face.
Their clothes are fairly loose; aside from this even doctors can work wearing a headscarf. We had doctors working in Rabwah [such as] Doctor Fehmida; we always saw her working in a state of purdah [the veil]. Dr Nusrat Jahan was very firm in her observance of purdah.
She spent some time studying here and in order to enhance her knowledge and align it with the latest research methods, she would return to London every year, but she always observed purdah. In fact she was more stringent in observing purdah than even the prescribed limits.
Neither did anyone criticise her in respect to her work, nor did it cause any hindrance in her professional life. She also performed major operations. Therefore, if one has the correct intention then one can always find a way to act on the teachings of the faith.
Similarly I advised those girls who are in the field of research, if they are capable enough to enter the field of research and for their laboratory work they have a set dress code,
Then they can follow the dress code and in that instance they do not have to wear the hijab. Even in those environments they have to wear some sort of a head covering. Nevertheless, as soon as they step outside then
The level of purdah should be in accordance with the Islamic injunction. Working in a bank is not a profession in which one is serving humanity. Therefore, one cannot be granted permission to remove the headscarf for those with routine jobs,
Especially in a profession whereby the girl is dressed in her plain clothes wearing make-up. There is no special dress code for such a job. Thus, one should always remember that modesty requires one to dress with decency and
Given the current circumstances, dressing modestly is in actual fact one form of purdah. If one becomes relaxed in their observance of purdah, then eventually they will find an excuse to become relaxed in the way they dress.
Gradually, they will become absorbed by the society, which is already engulfed in immorality. The world already wishes to distance those people who practice religion, especially Muslims, from practicing their faith. In Switzerland a girl filed a law suit in which she stated that
She felt embarrassed swimming with boys and her school compels her for mixed swimming; for this she should be given permission to swim with girls only. The human rights organisations who are the flag bearers of upholding the rights of people stated that although she wishes to swim separately,
However it is a personal issue and not one where the verdict can be delivered in her favour. When it comes to the question of the teachings of Islam and the modesty of women, even the human rights organisations present their justifications.
Therefore Ahmadis need to be even more cautious than before. If in certain countries it is compulsory for children to attend swimming classes then girls should attend and wear full swim suits, which is known as a Burkini. They should wear this for swimming so
That even young children are aware of the fact that they must also dress modestly. The parents should also instruct the children tha boys and girls should have separate swimming classes and they should make an effort in this regard.
The entities which are hostile to Islam are making a concerted effort to destroy religious values and customs from within the Muslims. They wish to exterminate religion in the name of freedom of expression and freedom of conscience, in such a manner, that no blame can fall upon them.
They express in a way to say that they are eradicating religion and should be considered as well-wishers. Like Satan they try to lure others with superficial temptations. We should remember however, that in this era the task of propagation Islam has been assigned t the Community of the Promised Messiah (as).
To fulfil this will require a mammoth effort on our part and we will have to endure suffering. We will not achieve this by fighting others, but rather by using wisdom to make people understand. If today we concede to any of their wishes relating to our Islamic teachings,
Then gradually over time they will make more demands and go on placing further restrictions on our teachings. Further, we should lay stress on prayers for Allah Almighty to help us and give us the courage to enable us to challenge satanic ploys.
If we are firm on the truth (and indeed we are) then our success and victory is destined one day. The teachings of Islam will certainly win over the world. At one place the Promised Messiah (as) says:
“A truthful person possesses courage and bravery however a false person is cowardly. “One is always fearful whose life is filled with filthy, “impure and sinful activities and such a person is unable to challenge others. “It is impossible for him to express his truthfulness with fearlessness or
“demonstrate his goodness in the way a truthful person does. “Just observe in the world how people who enjoy prosperity are undoubtedly seen with jealously “by some, all who are well-off will always be looked at with jealousy by someone or another. “The same applies in religious matters.
“Satan is the enemy of reformation. “Thus man should keep himself upright in all matters and “should always have an honest relationship with God Almighty. “If you please God Almighty you will not fear nor be concerned by anyone. “Avoid doing such things which will invite punishment upon yourself.
“However, none of this can be attained except by the help from the Unseen and God given ability “ Man cannot achieve anything at all through mere efforts, unless God’s grace is also present.
“ ‘ for man has been created weak’ Man is feeble riddled with flaws and is surrounded by problems. “And so we should pray to Allah Almighty that He enables us to be pious, grants us His support
“from the unseen and bestows us with the beneficence of His blessings and bounties.” We will win over the world with prayers and hence we need to have a strong relationship with Allah. We should always bear in mind that other religious were never meant to be for all times.
They appeared in a specific era and their teachings of reformation fulfilled the requirements of that particular time period, and after that was the end of those religions. Hence we see there has been so many additions, exclusions and modifications in their scriptures.
However, Islam is for all times and the teachings of the Quran are meant until the Day of Judgement We should act upon its teaching with steadfastnes without any sense of an inferiority complex. We should tell others that what they profess is contrary to the Will of God Almighty and
Will ultimately lead them to ruin. The religion of Islam does not inappropriately restrict and bound people with its teachings. Rather, it also teaches gentleness where required. For example as I have mentioned, sometimes patients have to be seen by male doctors and
Purdah is not strict in such a case. The primary objective here is so save one’s life or to remove their pain and suffering. Thus, when a person is facing a life or death situation, he is permitted to eat pork or carrion
However only for the sake of saving his life. Similarly alcohol is used in medications. Nevertheless, the path satanic forces wish to take us down is to slowly but gradually remove the boundaries placed by religion and to eradicate religion altogether.
It is we, Ahmadi , who have to undertake a Jihad (to strive) against this. The only way this will be possible is if we give more importance to the teachings of Islam over everything else and we prostrate before Allah Almighty
So that we can attain success through Divine support. In the age of the Promised Messiah there is no longer any Jihad of the Sword , but rather now is a Jihad of the Self (a struggle towards personal reformation).
Here I am addressing all Ahmadi Muslims in particular those who live in developed countries, but also all other Ahmadis living in the world. They should strive to reach the pinnacle standards of loyalty, service and sacrifice towards every form of progress of their country.
Evil forces will be automatically silenced if we act in this way as they will see that these are Muslims who are acting towards improving their country towards its real standards, rather than doing something to harm their country.
We have to convince the governments that if we implement the teachings of Islam upon ourselves and impose restraints of our own will, it is not the task of governments or courts to interfere and decide on such matters. This will lead to restlessness amongst people living here and
Will distance the migrant community. Incidentally in countries they often deem ‘migrants’ those who are second or third generation immigrants. Certainly if anyone of them is causing harm to the country, showing disloyalty or spreading falsehood and hatred,
Then the government has the right to seize and punish them. However they do not have the right to stop someone from practising their religion and saying that acting on that teaching equates to not integrating into the country.
We, Ahmadis, need to always remember that we live in very perilous times. Satan is unleashing ferocious assaults from all directions. If Muslim, especially Ahmadi Muslim men, women and youth, fail to establish our religious values, then there is no guarantee of our survival.
We would fall under the chastisement of Allah Almighty even more so than others because despite being taught the truth by the Promised Messiah (as), we failed to act upon it. Thus, if we wish to save ourselves from complete ruin,
We need to live by every Islamic teaching with complete confidence. We should never think that the advancement in the developed countries is what will guarantee our progress and through it alone lies our survival. These developed countries have reached the peak of their advancement.
Their morally degrading actions are leading them into decline. We have started to observe signs of this emerge. They are inviting God’s punishment and calling out for their devastation. And so out of sympathy for mankind, it is we who have to show them the right way and
Strive to save them, rather than us assimilating in their ways and habits. If they fail to reform, which seems an extremely difficult task considering their arrogance and aversion to religion, then in future the reigns of progress in the world will be held by those nations
Who establish moral and religious values. Thus, as I have said before that we – especially the youth – need to deeply reflect on the teachings of God Almighty. Instead of being influenced by the world and trying to emulate it,
We need to make the world follow and imitate us. I started off discoursing on Purdah and general attire and in this regard I would like to add, with regret and sadness, that some people say that, “is Purdah the only thing needed for Ahmadiyya to progress?”
Or others say that Islam’s teachings are outdated and we need to forsake them to contest the world, God forbid. It should be clear to people who say these things that if they go on imitating worldly people and living life in their way,
Then they will simply succumb to the world rather than standing up to it. Prayers will gradually be done as a superficial exercise. Other acts of piety or practices in religion will be limited to the outer shell of its performance. Eventually even those practices will also be lost.
Hence, no commandment of God Almighty should ever be considered as ordinary. This is an extremely grave matter. The progress of Islam rests on all instructions given by Allah Almighty and His Messenger (saw). The enforcement of Purdah is not applicable to only women and
Nor are the restrictions in Islam for women alone. Rather this commandment is for both men and women. It is men who are addressed first by Allah regarding the method of Purdah and modesty. God Almighty says:
“Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. “That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do.” Allah Almighty says to believing men first to “lower the gaze and to restrain their eyes.”
Why is this so? It is because “that is purer for them.” If one is not pure then they cannot reach God Almighty. Thus before women have been enjoined to observe Purdah , men have been admonished to refrain from
Indulging in those things that which will incite their passions. One loses their purity when they stare at women, mix with them freely, watch lewd movies and chat to non-relatives on Facebook or through any other means.
For this reason the Promised Messiah (as)has clearly admonished us in this matter on occasions The Promised Messiah said: “It is the Word of God that has very clearly defined and specified where “the boundaries lie in our words and deeds and every situation.
“It has taught us the way of discipline, good etiquettes and pure enlightenment. “It is this [Word of God] that has admonished us to safeguard our eyes, ears, “tongue and all body parts: Arabic. “In other words, believers should guard their eyes, ears and private parts from those unrelated
“And they should restrain from everything not fit to be looked upon, heard or acted upon. “This will be the means of their inner purity. “That is to say, their hearts will be protected from all forms of passions of the self because
“it is these body parts that often cause chaos amongst one’s carnal passions and “the faculties bring into effect despicable actions. “Observe how the Holy Quran has admonished us to avoid those unrelated “in such clear terms telling the trustworthy to keep under control and
“check their eyes, ears and private parts and thus saves them from instances of impurity.” Expounding on Ghadd-e-Basar , the Promised Messiah (as) states: “To restrain oneself from looking at what is unlawful by having the eyes only half wide open,
“while at the same time seeing things which are permissible, in Arabic Ghadd-e-Basar means.” In other words, seeing with half lidded eyes on that which has been prohibited and to abstain from looking at it, while openly looking at everything else in Arabic is called ‘Ghadd-e-Basar’.
“It does not behove a pious person, who desires to keep his heart pure, “that he should lift his eyes in an unbridled manner like a beast. “It is necessary for such a person to cultivate the habit of lowering one’s gaze in his life.
“This is a blessed habit through which a person’s natural impulses are transferred “into a high moral condition without adversely affecting his social needs. “This is the quality which, in Islam, is called Ihsan or chastity.” On another occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) states:
“Tell the believing men to restrain their gaze so that “they cannot clearly visualise the facial features of women and “nor have an unrestricted view of those outside the prohibited degree and “also those sources which rouse the lustful impulses.
“They should be stringent in not allowing their eyes to openly stare, “whether it is with a lustful desire or otherwise because this will eventually cause one to stumble “In other words, one cannot attain a state of utmost purity “and ultimately will be subjected to a trial.
“The heart cannot become pure until the eyes are not purified and “neither can one attain the station of utmost purity which a seeker of truth should tread upon. “This verse also instructs to protect every passage of the body through which evil can enter.
“The word passage which is mentioned in this verse includes the implements “for fulfilling carnal passions [private parts], ears, nose and face, etc. “Observe the grandeur and nobility of this teaching that “it does not inappropriately place stress on any one extremity,
“rather it adopts a path of moderation with great wisdom. “One who reads this verse will immediately realise that “the injunction to refrain from the habit of openly staring is so that “one can never be faced with a trial and neither party, men and women alike, should stumble.”
Thus, this is the Islamic teaching in regards to men. It is the men who have been imposed with all kinds of restrictions first and then women have been told that despite these precautions, they must also observe the Purdah. Particularly in those countries where promiscuity is widespread,
How can we say that the Purdah [veil] is not needed? Unrestricted freedom of sexes and forming relationships is causing many of the perversions in society and we have to strive in safeguarding ourselves from this.
It is also evident from this that if women are not permitted to swim with men, then men are also not allowed to swim with women. Therefore, the restrictions do not only apply to women but also to men. By instructing men to lower their gaze when women are in view,
Establishes the honour of women. Thus, every injunction of Islam is full of wisdom and deters even the possibility of an evil act from occurring. Last year, in Germany’s Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention], I addressed the ladies and spoke of the differences between men and women
In respect to their duties and responsibilities. I also spoke about the due rights of women and later a German lady, who was in attendance and heard the whole speech, said: “Previously, I was of the view that Islam usurps the rights of women, “however after listening to your words,
“I have come to realise that Islam in fact goes in great detail “in order to establish the rights of women and also their honour and dignity.” Therefore, no Muslim girl, woman or man should fall prey to any kind of inferiority complex.
It is only the teachings of Islam which can establish peace in the world and draw mankind closer to Allah Almighty. The world will soon realise that they have no other option but to ponder over the practices and the teachings of Islam.
After instructing the men to honour the women by lowering their gaze, Allah Almighty then gave detailed instructions to women and that they too must lower their gaze and also how and from whom they must cover themselves. If they adhere to these instructions, then they shall prosper.
In the end, Allah Almighty states that Purdah [veil] and modesty is a sign of success and by doing so they will be able to improve their life in this world and in the hereafter. Thus, Allah Almighty states: [Arabic]
“And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts “and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, “and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms,
“and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands, or to their fathers, “or the fathers of their husbands or their sons or the sons of their husbands or their brothers, “or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or their women,
“or what their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no sexual appetite, “or young children who have no knowledge of the hidden parts of women. “And they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known.
“And turn ye to Allah all together, O believers, that you may succeed.” [24:32] It is only by lowering the gaze and observing the Purdah [veil] that the honour and chastity of women shall be safeguarded – both men and women have to restrain their gaze.
The standards in developed countries. for safeguarding the honour and chastity of women have changed. If those, whose interaction in normal circumstances is within the prohibited boundaries engage in an extramarital relationship with mutual consent of their respective partner, then it is not considered adultery.
However, it is considered adulterous behaviour if one engages in an extramarital relationship without the consent of their partner. When such promiscuous behaviour exists then a believer needs to pray and strive with even greater rigour to come in the protection of Allah Almighty.
Those that criticize the teachings of Islam claim that by telling women to cover themselves with a veil has usurped their rights, and young girls with impressionable minds are influenced by these comments. In Islam, the veil does not mean imprisonment and
Nor to confine a woman within the four walls of her dwelling. Rather, it is there to maintain modesty. The Promised Messiah (as) states: “Today the veil is under attack, but the critics do not know that “the Islamic veil does not mean imprisonment;
“rather it is a barrier which seeks to restrict the free mixing of men and women. “The veil will protect them from stumbling. “A fair-minded person will appreciate that the free mixing of men and women and “their going about together would expose them to the risk of succumbing
“to the flare of their emotions. “It has been observed that some people see “no harm in a man and woman being alone together behind closed doors. “This is considered civilized behaviour. “To avoid such untoward situations from arising,
“the Law-Giver of Islam has forbidden all such acts as might prove to be a temptation for anyone “In a situation of this kind where a man and a woman, “Satan becomes the third member of this party.
“Imagine the harm that is being done in Europe in consequence of such reckless freedom. “In certain parts of Europe a life of shameless promiscuity is “being led which is the end product of such thinking. “If you want to save a trust, you have to stand guard over it.
“But if you are not watchful, then remember that “despite the people being ostensibly nice, the trust will undoubtedly be violated. “The Islamic teaching is so pure, by keeping men and women apart, “it safeguards against unlawful indulgence.
“Free mixing leads to the kind of destruction of family life and “frequent suicides that have become common in Europe. “That some women, who otherwise belong to noble families adopt the ways of prostitutes, “is the direct result of the prevailing freedom.”
The Promised Messiah (as) also elaborated on the manner in which we should observe the Purdah. He states: “Say to the believing women that Allah Almighty states that they too should restrain their gaze “from looking at men outside the prohibited degree and also protect their ears from them
“i.e. they should refrain from listening to their licentious voices and guard their private parts. “They should also not reveal their embellishments to men outside the prohibited degree and “they should draw their head-coverings in such a way that “it should wrap around their chest and then over their head
“i.e. the ears, head and sides of the forehead should be covered. “They should also not strike their feet like those who perform dancer. “These are the measures which if adhered to will ensure one does not stumble.”
Here, I would also like to point out that some women raise the question that whilst wearing make-up if they were to cover their face, they will spoil their make-up, therefore how can they observe the Purdah? Firstly, they should not be wearing make-up as
This is the minimum standard which the Promised Messiah (as) has prescribed that the face and lips can be showing if there is no make-up and the rest of the face is covered. However, if one wishes to wear make-up, then they must cover up.
Such women should think that do they want to cover their beauty by adhering to the teachings of Allah, or do they want to reveal their beauty and make-up to the world? The people before whom one can reveal their beauty has been mentioned in detail which
Includes close relatives, sisters, brothers, husband, father, mother, children. These are the people before whom one does not need to observe the Purdah . If one wants to wear make-up then it can be done in front of them and not for anyone else.
This has been mentioned in detail in the Holy Quran and has mentioned all those relations [before whom Purdah is not needed]. And, even then, the beauty is that which is apparent thereof such as the face, one’s height, physical structure, etc.
It does not mean that they should wear fitted jeans and blouse in front of them at home which reveals their body parts. This Purdah should be observed even before those who are within the prohibited degree. Similarly, I would also like to say to the missionaries and
Their wives that they too should take great care in their clothing and restraining their looks because the rest of the Jama’at looks at their examples. The wife of a missionary is also a missionary and therefore should be exemplary in every respect.
May Allah Almighty enable our men and women to establish the highest standards of modesty and may we all adhere to the Islamic injunctions in every respect. All praise is due to Allah. We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection;
We confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds. Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him;
And whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path. And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and Messenger. O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you.
Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other and to do good to others as one does to one’s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves and evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority.
He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you; call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.