Excerpts from the Arafah Sermon at Masjid Namirah-9 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH

“Excerpts from the Arafah Sermon at Masjid Namirah – 9 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH”

Topic: Islam and Faith (Iman)

Piety is the key to both worldly and eternal good

Allah the Almighty said:

“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers, in a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.”

And He, Exalted is He, also said:

“Whoever obeys Allah and fears Him – He will remove from him his misdeeds and make great his reward.”

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Clinging to the religion of Allah brings peace to hearts and lives

Islam is the religion that Allah approved for His creation. It is the religion completed and perfected today, as Allah says:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”

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Islam is built upon three ranks

The Prophet ﷺ explained them as:

1. Islam – its pillars include: testifying there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, paying zakat, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj (pilgrimage) for those able to do so.

2. Iman (Faith) – its highest branch is saying “La ilaha illallah”, and its lowest is removing harm from the path.

3. Ihsan (Excellence) – is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and even if you do not see Him, He sees you.

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Faith has levels and many branches

It includes speech of the tongue, belief of the heart, and actions of the limbs. It increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience.

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Faith includes righteousness to family, truthfulness, and noble character

Among its signs:

• Honoring parents

• Keeping promises

• Speaking truth

• Fulfilling trusts

• Guarding modesty

• Restraining anger

• Avoiding backbiting

• Being kind to neighbors and orphans

• Speaking good or remaining silent

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The most complete of believers in faith is the best of them in character.”

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True faith leads to patience, gratitude, repentance, and reliance on Allah

Allah says:

“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast – the angels will descend upon them [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise.’”

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The six pillars of faith are:

1. Belief in Allah

2. His angels

3. His books

4. His messengers

5. The Last Day

6. Divine decree – the good and bad of it

Through faith, one achieves salvation, success in both this world and the Hereafter.

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Islam is a complete way of life

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Islam is to testify there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, give zakat, fast in Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage if able.”

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Gratitude to the leadership of Saudi Arabia

Praise is due to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his Crown Prince for their care and efforts in serving the pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques. They have provided excellent services and facilities to enable safe and peaceful Hajj rituals.

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Following rules and showing cooperation is key to a successful Hajj

Pilgrims are urged to adhere to regulations, maintain discipline, and embody a spirit of cooperation. This ensures smooth movement and ease in performing rituals without hardship or disruption.

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Final reminder

Every pilgrim should sincerely repent to Allah and remember that He is All-Knowing of what is in the hearts.

Allah said:

“Say: What would my Lord care for you if not for your supplication?