The Ideal Role Model

The Ideal Role Model

Khutbah by Sheikh Sulaiman Moola

Opening

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Introduction

My esteemed guests on my right and my left, perhaps I should commence by first expressing my joy and my happiness to be present at this momentous occasion that Allah Ta'ala has once again afforded me this platform. And I would also like to put on record my hearty gratitude to Sheikh Hussain when I gave him my program and my itinerary, and I told him perhaps such a short stay would not justify my coming from so far. But it was indeed, it was out of his love and his passion and his muhabbah regarding me, for which definitely I am not deserving.

That I have come here, may Allah Ta'ala accept his relentless endeavors and take this Tarbiyah conference from strength to strength. And I also would like to express my gratitude to Sheikh Dawood. I must tell you, he is an absolute celebrity in South Africa, Alhamdulillah.

May Allah Ta'ala accept his efforts. And like he said it so beautifully, you know, so many couplets were coming through my mind as he was speaking with regards to the beauty of Allah and the diversity in the manifestation. The poet said it so beautifully:

"Oh Allah, perhaps our expressions might differ, but Allah, your beauty is one. Our expressions might differ, but Allah, your beauty is one."

And be it the prolific writings of the author or the oratory skills of the author or the melodious songs of those that are singing the praises of Allah, it all reflects like that humble Sahabi, that ordinary villager said it:

"When the droppings of a camel tell us a camel has passed and the footsteps of man tell us that a human has passed, then oh foolish man, what about the skies above you? What about the earth beneath you? What about the mountains around you? Doesn't this also reflect the majesty of some being? And that is Allah."

So definitely, you know, each man makes his contribution in every way and Allah will reward every man in proportion to his contribution.

Main Theme: The Life of Rasulullah ﷺ as the Perfect Role Model

I have been given a time allocation and I don't wish to exceed my time limits. The topic we have at hand is the life of Rasulullah ﷺ as a perfect role model.

The Tragedy of Modern Icons

We find, respected brothers and sisters, one of the tragedies of our times is that the most evil and immoral people have become icons and celebrities.

A person might have a certain skill in a sporting field, he becomes a sporting star. Youth flock towards him, embrace his life, honor him, revere him, imitate him, emulate him.

But then you find this very same sporting star's life, as far as his social life is concerned, it is in total shambles. This very person, when he comes to that point, that pinnacle of fame—like they say in English, when you cannot control fame, it becomes a flame and it burns the very same person.

Many a times when they come to that pinnacle of fame and they cannot control themselves, in that foot of ecstasy, either they get drugged, they rape women, molest children, and this from time to time, the media continuously features this.

And these are the people that have become icons and celebrities, who themselves are deprived and devoid of morals and values.

The Uniqueness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The only human whose life has been groomed to perfection, the only human whose life has been nurtured, molded to perfection, that it could reflect and manifest guidance for humanity in its entirety till the day of Qiyamah, is the life of Nabiye Kareem Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

We find the galaxy of prophets in its entirety were all molded by Allah. However, the difference between the two is: the respective prophets' lives were molded that it could reflect guidance for the people of the time.

Hence:

• The life of Moses (peace be upon him) was molded by Allah that the Israelites could relate to his life

• The life of Isa (peace be upon him) was molded and governed and shaped and groomed by Allah that the people and the disciples of Isa could relate to his life

• The life of Shoaib (peace be upon him) was molded that the people of Madinah could relate to his life

But the life of Nabiye Kareem Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was so uniquely fashioned by Allah. And time doesn't bear and permit with me, but if you understand the Quran, how Allah has groomed and fashioned and molded the life of Nabiye Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Hadith: Allah's Perfect Nurturing

As he himself said:

"My Allah nurtured me and my Allah perfected my nurturing."

And like the poet said: "Humanity in its entirety was compelled to acknowledge the beauty of Nabiye Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to such an extent that even his enemies had to say: 'As much as we hate him, there isn't a more honest man than Muhammad.'"

And then the poet goes on to say, which is the climax of the two couplets: "The beauty and the excellence of a man is what his enemy can admit and acknowledge, and not his friends."

And that critical part, which we unfortunately have not conquered today, as brother Dawood painted out before us, was conquered in the most unique way by Nabiye Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. That his very enemies who hated him the most, yet had the most trust in the life of Nabiye Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.

The Prophet ﷺ as a Universal Role Model

So we find his life was groomed, and it is for the very same reason that because his life had to reflect guidance to:

• The youth

• The sisters

• The aged

• Those living in abject poverty

• Those living an affluent life in their comfort and in their dominion

There were many things which by itself was permissible. But given the fact that he had to serve as a role model, Allah made it unlawful for him. There were many things which by its nature was correct, but being a role model that people will look towards you and relate to your life.

Example: The Battle of Uhud

Let me just touch on one, two aspects.

The battle of Uhud, where the Nabiye of Allah's beloved uncle, cousin, foster brother Hamza is assassinated. And brutally his body is mutilated. And we know the sentiments and the pain and the agony of Nabiye Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam knows no bounds.

And he is overpowered by emotions and he says:

"I swear by Allah, I will take revenge from 70 people."

At this critical moment, his emotions were justified in relation to the atrocities that were meted out against his brother. But Quran comes to rescue and Quran comes to put the correct compass before Nabiye Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam at this critical moment.

Quranic Guidance on Justice

And Allah reveals the verse:

Translation: "And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient."

O Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, your emotions are justified. But Islam advocates justice. Islam advocates justice.

Like someone said it so beautifully, if you could comprehend this in Arabic, the beauty is different. He goes on to say:

Justice is wonderful if every man have it, but it will be superb if the governors and the rulers have it.

Number two: Modesty, morality and bashfulness is wonderful if every man has it, but it would be unique if the sisters possess it.

Number three: It is superb if an old elderly aged hunched man abandons the life of sin and embraces a life of total compliance to the orders of Allah. But it would be unique if a youngster in the prime of his life, surrounded with temptations, understanding the hostile atmosphere, given the opportunities he has before him, he subdues those emotions and abandons the life of sin and embraces a life of total compliance to the order of Allah. That would be unique.

Well, Sakhawa and generosity is wonderful if the wealthy have it, but it is even better if the poor possess it.

Nevertheless, Allah advocates to Nabi )علیه السلام( that if you take revenge, then take revenge in proportion to what had happened to you. However, if you overlook and you forgive, then that is even better for you. But you, O Nabi of Allah, without choice, without choice, you have to forgive. Given the fact that you're a role model, given the fact that you're a role model.

The Conquest of Mecca: Humility in Victory

Brothers, I was speaking about fame. You look at these celebrities of the world today, as they come into the limelight and, you know, they assume certain positions and then they exploit those positions.

Look at the opportunity that Allah affords to His Nabi. When he enters into Mecca as the conqueror of Mecca, and I will relate to the youth in particular in the life of Nabi )علیه السلام(. When he enters into Mecca as the conqueror of Mecca, what a position Allah endows him with.

But he humbles himself so much that he doesn't even lift his gaze. He attributes it totally to Allah:

"All praise belongs to Allah who brought this day of victory by himself. All praise belongs to Allah who defeated all the armies by himself."

He then comes to the Kaaba, performs Salah, makes the ritual circumambulation, gathers the Sahaba, gathers the Meccans. He asks an open question:

"How do you think I will relate with you?"

We all know the incident is very long. He then makes a general pardon. He makes a general pardon to everyone.

And then he issues a decree that there are certain elements of evil, that wherever you see them, behead them.

Warning Against Lust and Anger

The Story of Abdullah ibn Khatal

There are certain elements of evil, wherever you see them, behead them. The likes of Abdullah ibn Khatal, you know, the incident of him is also very unique. He had accepted Islam and after accepting Islam, the Nabi of Allah had sent him in a particular place to go and collect some wealth, the taxes of the people.

And with him, he took a slave with him. He told the slave: "You prepare the food and I will come back."

When he went to collect the taxes, in the interim, the slave fell off to sleep. When he returned and he found that the slave was sleeping and the food was not prepared...

Like Sayyiduna Ali used to say: "Fear a noble man when he is hungry. Wallahi, he loses his nobility."

What did Sayyiduna Ali say? "Fear a noble man when he is hungry. Wallahi, he loses his nobility."

In a fit of anger, he killed this man.

I always say: Don't ever underestimate, don't ever underestimate the harms of anger and lust.

Today, our society is driven by lust. When a person is committing the act of incest, as the Nabi of Allah said (the riwayat is intermediate):

"Every fitnah and every sin that happened in the previous nations will stare at my Ummah to such an extent that if a man shared the bed with his mother in the previous nations—I feel shy to say it, but quote in the Hadith of Nabi )عليه السلام(——people will perpetrate the act of incest and they will share the beds with their own mothers."

When a person is driven by lust, as today the advertisement—as brother was mentioning—each man understands, when he exits from this wonderful atmosphere, how vulnerable he is in this new environment.

Every man understands, and hence we do not need to do those things which will extend our vulnerability, but rather we need to institute measures that will arm us against this evil fitnah.

The Destruction of the Nation of Salih )عليه السلام(

The destruction of the nation of Salih )عليه السلام(was it not because of the lust of one young man? Don't underestimate that lust when it hits you.

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah, in the latter part of his life, who narrates 5,374 Ahadith, daily he used to make the dua:

"O Allah, save me from zina."

Someone told him: "O Abu Hurairah, you sat in the noble company of Rasulullah. Yet daily you still feel the need of making dua to Allah that he must save you from zina."

What an answer he gave! He said: "How can I feel myself safe against zina as long as the devil is alive? As long as the devil is alive, I cannot consider myself immune."

The Story of the Nation of Salih )عليه السلام( Continued

But nonetheless, let me just touch on this while I have just briefly mentioned it. In the nation of Salih )علیه السلام( we know they came to him and they asked him that if you are the true prophet of Allah, then let Allah cause a pregnant she-camel to emerge from this mountain.

And he makes dua to Allah and the mountain splits, and the animal comes out. But of course this camel was the camel of Allah and it enjoyed the privilege of being termed as Naqatullah, the camel of Allah.

This camel used to consume water in a large volume. This camel used to consume water in a large volume and large quantity. So after a period of time they came to Salih )عليه السلام( and they said: "Perhaps if you could arrange that one day the camel will drink water and one day the other animals of our town and our locality will drink, by doing so at least we were able to regulate it."

He agreed and he said one day the camel will drink water and one day the other animals will drink. And he warned them:

Reference: Quran 7:73

Translation: "Do not touch her with harm."

Do not ever stretch an evil hand towards this camel because this camel has come on your request.

The Evil Woman and Quddar bin Salih

There was a woman who had many animals there and she was really, you know, being harassed and she felt threatened by the presence of this camel. But she was an immoral, unchaste woman.

There was a man by the name of Quddar bin Salih, a young boy. Again I was saying, don't ever underestimate how evil that lust can be. A person is blinded.

This person came to this evil immoral woman and he says: "I intend committing the act of zina with you."

She said: "There's only one way that I will hand myself over to you is that if you kill that animal by virtue of which my animals can enjoy freedom, then I will present myself to you and you can enjoy me."

Salih )عليه السلام( warned them: Do not, do not interfere with this animal.

But as I mentioned, this man was blinded by lust. The Quran says:

Reference: Quran 91:12

Translation: "When the most wretched of them was sent forth."

When the most wretched and the most wicked amongst them, overpowered by lust, stood up and advanced towards that camel.

Again Salih )عليه السلام( warned him that: "Beware. That is the camel of Allah." But to no avail.

The Mentality of Arrogance

Ask a young boy. You warn him, you remind him. Arrogantly the mentality, the mentality is that freedom is my choice. And that is the significant difference between a youngster from an academic atmosphere and a young boy from an Islamic upbringing.

The very difference, the very core difference between the two is that a young boy with Islamic outlook is constantly reminded that: "Constantly, you know, communicate with your seniors, with your elders. And wherever you progress in life, oh my young boy, remember your parents and the seniors always remain senior to you."

But on the contrary, another boy in a different atmosphere is made to believe that freedom is my right. It's my democratic right. I will announce it, I will voice it, I will express it.

Man felt that you know, fidelity which Islam stresses was infringing on his freedom and he was at liberty to enjoy the woman of his choice for the duration that he enjoys. It is because of this very thing in the name of the pandemic of AIDS that has claimed the lives of thousands of people.

Until now man doesn't want to understand that this is the direct result. Again it's the tragedy of our society that it embraces, it embraces an adulterer and an adulteress yet it stigmatizes a polygamist. This is again

the tragedy.

The Punishment

But nonetheless coming back to the focal point. He advances to that camel and he kills that camel in the crave of that woman. As soon as he kills that camel, the decree of Allah comes:

Reference: Quran 11:65

Translation: "Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied."

Three days are left. And after three days there will not remain any person here.

He thought he will kill the camel, appease the woman of his choice and that's the end of it. After killing that camel, Allah then tells them on the tongue of Saleh that tell them to enjoy.

The Plan to Kill Salih )عليه السلام(

Again look at the mentality of that boy. And perhaps that is what the Quran says with regards to the greatest mistake that Pharaoh made. And today also many people have the same perception. That when Pharaoh was told Musa will be born and you will lose your kingdom at the hands of Musa. What did Pharaoh do? Kill all the children.

The scholars explain:

Reference: Quran 28:8

Translation: "And the family of Pharaoh picked him up [out of the river] so that he would become to them an enemy and a [source of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Haman and their soldiers were deliberate sinners."

That Pharaoh picked up Moses, knowing not he's nurturing his own enemy. But the Quran says indeed he was in a manifest error.

Scholars write: The greatest error of the Pharaoh was that he thought he could cancel, abrogate and alter the plan of Allah.

This was the greatest mistake he made. That by doing this we will stop the growth of Islam. Knowing not that you are rising and creating more sentiments of Islam.

So when Sayyiduna Nuh told his young boy:

"Oh my boy, don't apply your logic. I can foresee the torment of Allah coming. Leave your attitude. Listen oh young boy and simmer down."

So again what does he say?

Reference: Quran 11:43

Translation: "He said, 'I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water.'"

"Oh my father, leave it to me. I got it under control. I know what I'm doing. I know what I'm doing. The matter is under control. I will take shelter on the zenith of the mountain and I swear no flood can destroy me."

Again the father in a polite tone said:

Reference: Quran 11:43

"Oh my son, leave your attitude. For a moment shift your intellect and focus on what the Nabi of Allah is saying."

But to no avail the father and son having the dialogue. When the Quran says:

Reference: Quran 54:12

When water came down from the top and gushed from the bottom, destroyed that nation as well as the son of . (عليه السلام) Nuh

When Saleh )عليه السلام( told this boy that now there are three days left and you will be destroyed again, look at what is the mentality. What is the mentality? They decided: Let us kill Saleh himself.

Look at what one lust, what can lust do to a man. He's provoked by lust to satisfy his need. The woman tells him: "Kill the animal and I present myself." He takes the nasty wretched step and he kills the animal.

The consequences of that is the entire nation is to be engulfed in the divine torment of Allah. He then plans among himself and they plot and they say: "Well, if we're gonna be destroyed, let's not, why not kill Saleh himself?"

Provoked by lust.

Digression: The Deceptive Nature of the World

You know I was in San Francisco and we were going downtown and the brother was with me. He actually took me to see one masjid. Ya subhan, when I seen this I couldn't believe it. As brother Dawood was saying, you know evil places, strip clubs and actually the advertisement that ran: "I dare you to take a bite from the forbidden fruit. I dare you to take a bite from the forbidden fruit."

So tempting. And what did the Nabi of Allah said?

"The devil has no authority of beguiling and misleading. He only has access to decorating and beautifying and nothing more."

Subhanallah, how beautiful are the words of Nabi of Allah.

My ustad often used to say: The nature of this world is like an elderly woman who has put makeup. But as the night settled and her makeup disappeared and the wrinkles and the crinkles became evident, that is the time, the deceptive nature of this world, the deceptive nature of this world became apparent.

Like someone said it so beautifully:

"To anyone and you in particular, oh my young boy, is good health. There's nobody that can be favored with a greater ni'mat than good health. And how beautiful is wealth, it enhances the beauty of a young boy. A young boy in the prime of his life, driving a beautiful car, wearing eloquent clothes, moving in exclusive style, it only enhances his beauty. But as beautiful as the world is, it is temporary. How beautiful this world isn't, but what is beauty? It's coupled with deception."

The Plot Against Salih )عليه السلام( and Its Failure

So they plot the assassination of Salih )عليه السلام(

Reference: Quran 27:50

Translation: "And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not."

Reference: Quran 27:49

And as they come close to the house of Salih, Allah destroyed them.

Reference: Quran 7:78

Allah says: In the morning it was nothing but the ruins of their dwellings.

The Prophet with Children

I haven't even started with my topic and look at the time that has left. Our topic is the life of Nabi )عليه السلام( as a role model. Any human could relate to the life of Nabi )عليه السلام(. Be it a young boy, be it a child.

Anas's Experience

Anas says:

Muawiyah ibn Hakam al-Sulami

A Sahabi by the name of Muawiyah ibn Hakam Sulami, a revert person, accepts Islam, comes to the masjid. He says:

"I'm standing in the masjid, it was after the prohibition of speech in Salah came down. I was unaware of the injunctions. I was standing in Salah, someone sneezed. I said: (يَرْحَمُكَ اللهُ - yarḥamukallāh) (May Allah have mercy on you). People started staring at me. So in Salah, I said : (مَا شَأْنُكُمْ تَنظُرُونَ إِلَيَّ - mā shā'nukum tanẓurūna ilayya) (Why are you looking at me? I'm doing good.)"

Subhanallah. So they hid their hands and they indicated silence. After Salah was over:

"By Allah, he did not disgrace me, nor embarrass me, nor victimize me, nor ridicule me. I swear by Allah, may my parents be sacrificed. Neither the sky nor the earth has seen a greater tutor than Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam."

Very gently, very politely he said that now Allah has made speech forbidden in Salah.

Zahir: The Village Boy

There was a person by the name of Zahir. He was a young boy. He lived on the outskirts of Medina. He was a very casual, you know, a happy-go-lucky type of a person. But the Nabi of Allah would drop his standard to one and all.

Nabi Alayhi Salaam would often say:

"Zahir is my contact in the village and I'm his contact in the city. When he comes here, he puts up by me. When I go there, I put up by him."

He used to bring things from the village and sell it in the city. One day he came and he was selling something. The Prophet of Allah, but look at his humor, look at his humor. Subhanallah.

He was busy selling something. The Prophet of Allah came from behind, Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, took his blessed hands and then put it on the eyes of the Sahabi and blocked his vision. And he said:

"Take a guess who's it?"

That Nabi who came so close to Allah in Ma'raj that even Jibreel could not journey beyond that point. Yet with his companions and his social interaction, he was such a unique role model that he takes out time and displays humor with an ordinary companion of his.

And then he says: "Listen, I'm selling this man, anybody wants to buy him, he's for sale."

So the Nabi of Allah, then the Sahabi says, he realizes the softness of the palm of Nabi Alayhi Salatu Wasalam.

How gently it was. What did Aisha Radiallahuna say?

"One is my son, that is my Nabi, and one is the sun that brightens the world, that brightens half the world, the other half is in darkness. But my Nabi radiates light 24 hours."

He said: "Oh Nabi of Allah, if you're going to sell me, I'm very cheap, you won't make much money."

Nabi Alayhi Salam said:

"Oh my Sahabi, perhaps you are cheap and valueless in the eyes of people, but I swear by Allah, in whose control is my life, in the eyes of Allah, you are so valuable that there is no person that can put a price on your value in the eyes of Allah."

The Youth in Battle

In the battle of Uhud, elaborate preparations are made for the people to go out in the battle. Two youngsters come and they know that they are of tender age, 13, 14. At that time, our youth are not even aware of those things that are compulsory. And the Sahaba, the youth, were so talented at that time, they were making a contribution in the battle.

One was named Rafi ibn Khadij, one was Samurah ibn Jundub. The Nabi of Allah spots them and he says:

"You're too young, you got to go back."

They respect the view of Nabi Alayhi Salam and they return.

The Skilled Archer

The father of one of those young boys comes back to the Nabi of Allah. And this is what I want to appeal to the congregation here. He says:

"Ya Rasulullah, You have declined from my son participating in the battle. I honor your word and your verdict, but I just want to say one thing. My son is a very talented archer. He is a very skilled archer. Perhaps his skills could help the Ummah today."

And that is what we ask in the Muslims: To pursue the degree that Allah has given them. And make use of the talent, the ability, the opportunities. Capitalize on what Allah has provided in your respective fields and spheres. Capitalize on those opportunities and use it.

I had a talk show at a particular radio station in San Francisco. We went into the particular radio station. The young boy there, subhanallah, may Allah give him strength and take him to great heights.

When I went back home in South Africa, alhamdulillah, we have many radio stations, so I have the opportunity often to speak. But it's in a total conducive atmosphere where it is run by Muslims. This was definitely not a conducive atmosphere. The people before were the DJs at the particular radio station. There were all other images.

The brother sensed that I wasn't all that comfortable. It was a bit strange for me, rather nothing more. So he said:

"Sheikh, let me tell you, I was one of the DJs here myself. And I was also messed up here in my own life. And then I lost a friend very tragically and it gave me a shock in my life. And then I was about to abandon this program because I realized this is just not right for me as a Muslim. But someone came and told me, he said, why don't you turn the same thing and use it as a practical platform for propagating Islam. So alhamdulillah, I'm afforded an hour slot on a weekly basis and I host people like you and other guests that come."

When he told me the history of his program and how he made use of that opportunity, like that Sahabi Umair ibn Wahab, who after accepting Islam, he said:

"Ya Rasulallah, give me permission. I want to go back to Mecca. Wallahi laa ada'u makanan jalastu feehi bil kufri illa ajlis feehi bil iman. And I want to go and walk on every piece of land where I walked as a kafir propagating and promoting disbelief. I want to go and walk on that very same land as a Muslim promoting the oneness of Allah."

We call upon the youth of this gathering. While many youth sit in the lap of strange women with bottles of wine in those campus environment. We ask the youth of North America, in this hostile atmosphere.

I spoke about the beard recently back home in South Africa. And I addressed a congregation of youth. I said:

Wallahi, it is not the time to resist criticism, it is the time to embrace criticism. It is the time to embrace criticism for the pleasure of Allah and enjoy the same ranks that the Sahaba had.

I promise, as they say, it's a different world. Now the reward for reflecting the image of Nabi (عليه السلام) is also different.

My sister, veil yourself in this hostile environment. I make the statement, fear in Allah, Jannat is yours. In the light of Quran and Hadith, I'm not blurting any statements. Given the hostile atmosphere where you will be singled out, and you will be victimized, and you will be embarrassed. Oh my sister, don't unveil yourself. I promise you will regret the consequences. Preserve your beauty exclusively for your partner, if you want to enjoy the ranks of Jannah. It's time we embrace the criticism.

And that was the spirit of that Sahabi.

The Wrestling Match

Nonetheless, these two Sahaba, the Sahabi comes and he says:

"Ya Rasulullah, my son is a skilled archer. Would you permit him to go?"

Nabi (عليه السلام) says: "Okay, you can go."

The other young boy hears about this. He comes back to Nabi (عليه السلام) and says:

"Ya Rasulullah, Oh Nabi of Allah, Oh Nabi of Allah, initially you said we both are young. I'm 12, he's 13. You declined because of our tender age. Then you permitted Rafiq, because of his skills, and you did not allow me to participate. But let me tell you, if we wrestle, I promise you I'll drop him."

This is in the authentic books of Hadith. Subhanallah, what a unique Nabi. Like the poet says:

"Oh my Allah, save me from all calamities and tragedies. For indeed you are the lord and the guardian of humanity. And make the land of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) an abode for me. And provide me with sustenance there. And ultimately make me fortunate enough to sleep in the neighborhood of Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم)."

Say Ameen, brothers.

The Nabi of Allah says:

"Okay, you come. You say you can drop him? Call the Sahaba and you wrestle here."

One is two young boys that are fighting in a boxing ring. Two people, and we know the money, you're talking dollars per second. You know, and generally the fight is devoted to this president and it's devoted to this country, and it's devoted to this people.

Two Sahaba literally fighting, one 12, one 13, expressing their talent to be accepted for Allah. Allah is observing this.

The Sahaba congregate and converge. The Nabi of Allah is sitting there with a broad smile. And true to his word, he drops his opponents. And the Nabi of Allah says:

"Subhanallah, you are correct. Both of you can go."

So this was the interaction that the Nabi of Allah had with the youth.

The Two Boys Who Killed Abu Jahl

Those two young boys in the battle of Badr who killed the ring leader, Abu Jahl, but they were young children. And this is what I want to say that the Nabi of Allah, he was so unique that anyone and everyone could access him.

When Abu Bakr became the Khalifa and he was walking, so one young girl said:

الْآنَ لَا تُحْلَبُ لَنَا مَنَايَحُ دَارِنَا

"Abu Bakr is now the leader. Gone are the days where he will milk our cows."

What did this young girl say? Subhanallah. What words? Gone are the days where Abu Bakr will milk our cows. Now you're talking of a person, you know, of position, inaugurated, endowed, favored, honorable.

He turned back and he called that little young girl. He said:

"What did you say, my daughter? Whisper it again in my ears. I swear by Allah, I hope the position he has afforded me doesn't alter my relation with the general Muslim masses."

That is the Islam we are awaiting. And we need to relate to the life of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) to find that perfect role model.

So those two young children come. Abdurrahman Ibn A'uf says:

كُنْتُ وَاقِفًا يَوْمَ بَدْرٍ وَغُلَامَانِ مِنَ الْأَنْصَارِ

"These two young boys were standing on my side, very talented. And then they asked me about Abu Jahl given the nasty comments he made about Nabi (علیه السلام). And these two young boys darted towards him, one slaying the legs of the horse and one slaying his legs."

But these were children. And they needed acknowledgement. They needed acknowledgement.

The Need for Acknowledgment

We are so busy that we come home. We're tired, we're frustrated. That child has a beautiful smile on his face. I swear by Allah, if we only value the smile of that child, it has the potential to put an end to the fatigue of the day. But have we even given thought to that precious gift of nature? The child, innocent child.

Islam is that beautiful faith that advocates kindness even to the children of kuffar. And that is the beauty we need to reflect.

The Story of Khubayb (رضي الله عنه)

That Sahabi Khubayb (رضي الله عنه), when he was taken to the kuffar and he was about to be executed. One day prior to his execution, one of the children came and sat down in his lap. One of the kafir children.

A child doesn't understand color, race. These are the borders that we introduce the children to. What does a child know? A child is not prejudiced. A child doesn't know anything. It is the parents that shape the mind of that child.

Nonetheless, this child comes and sits in the lap of this Muslim knowing not that this man had killed my uncle in the battle, and tomorrow he's going to be executed.

And this Sahabi has a blade in his hand. Do you know why it comes in Bukhari? And the child is sitting in the lap. And the mother comes out. The child comes out. The mother is unaware, oblivious.

This Sahabi senses the phobia and the nervousness on the mother of this child. So he looks at that woman and he says:

"Oh sister, I know tomorrow I will be executed. Do you think I will stoop so low to take out my anger on this defenseless child? That is not the teachings of Islam. I love this child and I embrace this child knowing very well tomorrow this child's father will be killing me."

It is a high time. I swear by Allah. Let me tell you brothers, the anti-Islamic sentiments that are being echoed. This does not have its roots from the inception of the media. This has its roots from the very

beginning of Islam. I substantiate it in the light of Quran.

Quranic Evidence

"And when it is said to them, 'What has your Lord sent down?' They say, 'Legends of the former peoples.' That they may bear their own burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection and some of the burdens of those whom they misguide without knowledge. Unquestionably, evil is that which they bear."

Those who lived around Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم) who were convinced on the character of Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Yet when they journeyed beyond the borders of Arabia and they interacted with other people and at times they were asked with regards to the character of Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم), they would say: "Nay, it is nothing but ancient tales. It's nothing," knowing very well the beauty of Islam.

Hence this has its roots from the very beginning of time. But the world will have no choice if we belie the media by virtue of our character.

The Execution of Khubayb (رضي الله عنه)

Look at the Sahabi. And then food for thought for the youngsters that have gathered in this congregation.

The next day when he is taken and he is about to be executed he says (Arabic text - if I commentate on this couplet it's an hour):

"They have gathered the young and the old. It's an occasion of joy and I have presented my case to Allah. I complained to Allah of my feebleness and I put my strength in Allah."

They then turned him away. He performed two rakat namaz. And at that time he said (Arabic text):

"I was so engrossed in namaz that I was about to prolong but I feared that you will interpret me prolonging my namaz as the fear from death. Hence I cut my namaz short to let you know I'm not afraid. Otherwise I was so engrossed in my namaz."

The Story of the Two Boys Who Killed Abu Jahl

So brothers, these two young Sahaba come back (Arabic text). Look at how the Nabi of Allah embraces these young children.

"Oh Nabi of Allah, I killed this man. I killed."

The Nabi of Allah said: "Okay. "Young children. The Nabi of Allah relates to them according to their age. The Nabi of Allah said (Arabic text):

"Did you perhaps wipe your swords?"

"No."

"Go bring your swords and come."

They come back with the swords. Those swords are stained with blood. The Nabi of Allah said (Arabic text):

"Both of you have equally killed this enemy and brought joy to the heart of your Nabi."

I swear by Allah, just as the blood, the sword of that Sahabi was stained with the blood of the enemy of Allah and it brought joy to the Nabi of Allah. If today you and I can put that sword on those music cassettes and CDs and things that take us away from Allah and stain it with the blood and the filth of those evil people, Allah will give us the same reward that He gave to those two Sahaba in this time.

Hadith on Holding onto the Deen

And the hadith of Nabi of Allah said (Arabic text):

"Those that will grip onto the deen and relate to the life of Nabi of Allah in the latter part of this ummah will enjoy the rewards and the privileges of those that came in the initial stages."

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Social Circle and Friends

Brothers, I wanted to speak on two aspects. I haven't yet started with either of the two. But I'm just going to touch on one of them very briefly. My time is running out.

One is with regards to our social circle of friends. Let's look at the life of Nabi of Allah in that regard. Who are we interacting with?

Hadith on Following Your Friends

The Prophet of Allah said:

(Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 4833)

A person will not follow the teachings of his father, nor did he say a person will follow the teachings of his parents, nor did a person say, nor did the Prophet of Allah say a person will follow the teachings of his tutor. Comprehensive speech indeed.

The Nabi of Allah said: A man will take to the teachings of his friends. So all my Sahaba, be very selective when you decide who you befriend. All my Sahaba, be very selective when you decide who you befriend.

Your social circle with whom your daily interaction is.

The Story of the Feast

There was a person in Mecca, as brother Dawood spoke about hospitality amongst the Arabs, by the name of a very well-known renowned kafir. One day he returns from journey and as was traditional and customary amongst the Arabs, he has a feast and he invites people. He entertains many people and he calls them and naturally the noblest of the noble was Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم). So he invites Nabi also for meals.

Nabi comes, high profile personnel congregate at his house. They are about to consume the meal. The Nabi of Allah says:

"I have a very deep desire and passion that if you would accept Islam it would really make me happy."

So the host fell offended that my guest has come here and I cannot honor his request. So he says:

"No problem, oh Muhammad, I will accept what you say."

And he recites the kalima: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ

The Trust of the Kuffar

In fact, the kuffar had so much trust. Under the commentary of this ayah in Jalalayn, it is written where Allah speaks of a kafir and Allah speaks about nine evils of him. Abdullah ibn Abbas says:

"I do not know any kafir whom the Qur'an has described in such a way."

The Qur'an speaks about him (Arabic text). He says, you know, the Qur'an speaks about all his wrongs. And in the end the Qur'an says he is an illegitimate child.

He comes to his mother and he says, he tells his mother (Arabic text):

"Oh my mother, Muhammad Sasim's Qur'an has highlighted nine of my weaknesses. I can identify with the first eight and I acknowledge what his Qur'an says. But the ninth one is divulging your infidelity. His Qur'an says I am illegitimate. The Qur'an of Muhammad says that I am an illegitimate child. Naturally my conception took place at a time I was unaware. Speak up oh my mother because the Qur'an of Muhammad will never lie."

So she comes forward and she confesses and she says yes (Arabic text):

"Your father could not have children and hence your father had, you know, not your actual father of course, your foster father who you considered to be your father could not have children and he had a lot of wealth and I feared who will inherit his legacy. So I gave access to another person and that particular person is your biological father."

So this was the trust they had on the words of Nabi Sallallahu Sallam.

The Peer Pressure to Denounce Islam

Nabi Sallallahu Sallam recites the Kalima and he starts eating the meal. After the meal was over as courtesy Nabi Sallallahu Sallam thanks him and then the Nabi of Allah leaves.

"I believe you have accepted Islam."

Now look at the peer pressure. His friend tells him: "I believe you have accepted Islam."

He says: "No, no, no, no, that's nonsense. It's totally absurd. There's no reality to what you say. I had apparently invited the man. He insisted that I articulate the Kalima as courtesy to my guest. I responded to his request but I had just lip service. I had said it verbally. I am not convinced on what he has said."

The friend says: "No. I am not convinced. I have heard that you have accepted Islam. And I will not accept you in my social friends anymore. Until and unless you don't openly go and deny this faith in front of him and to convince me you hate him you must go before him and spit on his face."

Today how many youth are they out of peer pressure that have been introduced to such vices which were unheard in their lives. They have perpetrated such acts that is beyond their own understanding never mind anyone else.

This nasty, evil, wretched man comes to impress his friend that yes, I am standing with you and I want to be part of your friends. To convince you that I haven't accepted Islam, he comes and I don't know how he can spit on that face upon which the Quran takes Qasms. And he spits on the Mubarak and the blessed face of Nabiya Kareem (صلى الله عليه وسلم) denounces his Islam and then once again is embraced by his friends.

The Quranic Description of Regret

The Quran in the most eloquent way paints the picture of regret of this Kafir on the day of Qiyamah in relation to his social friends.

The Quran says on the day of Qiyamah when some people from this Ummah—Allah save one and all—will have to go to Jahannam and serve a penalty as a purification. Then the disbelievers will taunt them and tell them: "Your faith hasn't availed you, you are believers but you are also suffering the same consequences."

This statement of taunting them will anger Allah. And Allah will say: "Immediately remove them. Can they equate the believers with evil people?"

They will be taken out. And at that time the Kafir will realize:

At that time the Kafir will see the value of the mere articulation of the Kalima. That this man lived a life of evil yet the verbal utterance of the Kalima has rescued him.

Nonetheless cutting a long story short, they will then go to Jannah. The Quran says when this Uqbah ibn Abi Mu'id will come before Allah on the day of Qiyamah and he will see his friend and he will see the consequences of the disbelief because of his relation with this friend...

I wish you could comprehend the eloquence of the Quran. On that day as a fit of regret, the Quran says, I quote the exact words: This Kafir will come and he will bite his hands.

Then he will point to this friend Ubay and he will say:

"Oh Allah, I wish I had never met this human in my life. He had introduced me to so many evils."

"I had never womanized in my life. I had never gambled. I never consumed wine. I never knew what a drug was. Till I met with this evil man. Oh Allah, how do I express my regrets? There's only one way, Oh Allah."

"Oh Allah, this friend of mine who introduced me to these vices, I have one request. I understand I have to suffer the consequences of his friendship. But the only way I can appease myself is by asking you one thing. Whatever torment you suggest for me, give him double, Oh Allah."

Translation: "Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous."

The Quran says all friendship will be converted into enmity but the friendship on the name of Allah.

Can you imagine the pinnacle of regret that this kafir will go through?

The Story of Waleed ibn Mughira

There was a person by the name of Waleed ibn Mughira. He heard the azaab of akhira. He decided to accept Islam. His friend told him:

"I believe you became a Muslim."

He says: "Yes."

"Why?"

"No, I'm afraid of the torment."

He says: "No, no, don't worry about that. You pay me monthly and I'll divert the punishment from you. Monthly you give me so much money. And I will satisfy, I will pay you."

Compelled by that peer pressure, blinded by that.

أَفَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي تَوَلَّىٰ وَأَعْطَىٰ قَلِيلًا وَأَكْدَىٰ أَعِندَهُ عِلْمُ الْغَيْبِ فَهُوَ يَرَىٰ

Conclusion

So brothers, I have said much and I want to conclude with my beginning message. The celebrities of the world today, the icons, the role models of the world today, study their life, their social life is in total shambles. The only human whose life has been groomed to perfection on every possible level, his interaction with his honorable consorts, his interaction with his young Sahaba as I briefly touched upon it, was the life of Nabi Kareem صلى الله عليه وسلم

The Best Friend

Let me then leave you with this hadith. When that Sahabi came and he asked:

"Oh Nabi of Allah, you tell us which is our best friend. You tell us which is our best friend. But who do we socialize? Which are our noble companions?"

Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

Four things form the good fortune of a man:

1. That he has a pious wife. Analyze that virtue and that fortune from a material perspective and it would be if he has a beautiful wife. Of course, beauty is there in its place, nobody says no. But only beauty with no— you know like one brother told me this, he said, Sheikh, what do you think? I think it's better to get married to a woman that is beautiful and not pious than get married to a woman that is pious and not beautiful. I asked him why, he says, look here, if the woman is pious but she's not beautiful, you can't make her beautiful. But if she's beautiful and she's not pious, you can always make her pious. I said, Ya Subhan, is that the way? Today with the cosmetic industry, I assume you can do it with anyone.

Nonetheless, four things form the good fortune of a man and he is fortunate in the eyes of Allah. And what did the Nabi of Allah said?

A time will come: "It would be said, what an intellectual young boy, what a brilliant boy, what a competent youngster, but his heart would be devoid of faith and morals. He would be put on the highest pedestal, world will salute him, everyone will honor him, yet he will be devoid of total things."

And on the contrary, let us see on the tongue of Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم). What is then beauty? Who is fortunate?

When Sahaba came and said: "Nabi of Allah, what is the best gift I can give my mother, my sister, my daughter?"

Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم) says: "It concerns the woman, why don't you go and ask Fatima, she'll know better, she's the queen of the woman of Jannah."

They come to Fatima and they ask her that question in two words, she says:

"Such modesty comes into that girl that she doesn't cast a lustful gaze on any strange man and provide her with such a conducive atmosphere and environment that no strange man cast a lustful gaze upon her."

Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

"Oh my Sahaba, do not cast a lustful gaze on any strange woman and Allah will divinely save your mother and your daughter from the lustful gazes of strange men."

On the contrary, in many social circles, many women feel that tantamount to respect, but nevertheless:

1. That his wife is pious

2. He has noble companions, his friends with whom he socializes

I always say, if not anything else, just take this into factor, that the Nabi of Allah said: "If you have 40 pious people at your grave, then Inshallah, they come and perform your Janazah, your Jannat and your Maghfirah will be made."

And remember: It is with whom you socialize that will come to your grave. A youngster, whoever is his social clique and his friends, they are the ones that will come and see you off at your funeral and they will be the last to pay their respects.

So interact with those pious youngsters, those pious youngsters that they can be the last to make dua for you.

3. That his companions are pious. And he has noble, upright, pious, obedient, obliging, respectful children.

4. And that Allah makes divine arrangements for his sustenance to be in close proximity to his house. He doesn't have to travel very far. Allah makes divine arrangements that his sustenance and his livelihood is very close.

Three Qualities of the Best Friend

I conclude with that Hadith again of the Nabi of Allah, when the Sahaba asked him, who are our best friends? He said:

The one that can provide you with three, he is the best friend. Befriend him. Befriend him.

And remember, there are many people who befriend you with ulterior motives. Like in English they say, I love people who openly hate me, but I hate people who pretend to love me.

The Nabi of Allah said, a time will come:

"A time will come prior to Qiyamah, where people will express friendship and brotherhood, but will be enemies from within. There will be enemies from within."

You know, it's a topic of its own. The Nabi of Allah said, three qualities, that is your best friend:

مَنْ ذَكَرَكُمْ رُؤْيَتُهُ اللَّهَ وَزَادَ فِي عِلْمِكُمْ مِنْ نُطْقِهِ وَذَكَرَكُمْ بِالْآخِرَةِ عَمَلُهُ

1. That person, his appearance reminds you of Allah. When you look at this boy, his social interaction, his friends, his dealings, his attitude, his behavior, you look at the manner in which he conducts himself, you realize that naturally there is an Allah watching this person, and not those أَفَرَأَيْتَ مَنِ اتَّخَذَ إِلَهَهُ هَوَاهُ - Who have made their whims and their fancies, their deities and their isms, and they worship them in the manner that Allah ought to be worshipped.

So that person, whose appearance reminds you of Allah.

2. وَزَادَ فِي عِلْمِكُمْ مِنْ نُطْقِهِ - When he speaks, your knowledge about Allah increases. There are many people who will tell you on sports, politics, this, that. How many friends are there who can motivate you spiritually, and make you conscious of your creator, make you understand to stand as an upright Muslim in society?

3. وَذَكَّرَكُمْ بِالْآخِرَةِ عَمَلُهُ - And when you look at his dealings, and the manner in which he conducts himself, then it is a sufficient reflection of accountability. He is so meticulous in his dealings, that definitely it constantly reminds you that there is something like accountability. That is why this man is so conscious that he has disciplined himself, he has lowered his gait, his modest interaction, his honesty, that young boy, his honesty in his dealings, reviving the like of Sayyiduna Yusuf (عليه السلام)

When attracted to Zina, he said:

Reference: Quran 12:23

And then the minister's wife said, she took a piece of cloth and she threw it upon some item. So Yusuf asked her (عليه السلام):

"What is that?"

She says: "No, I feel ashamed to perpetrate the act of Zina in the presence of that idol."

So Yusuf said: "Well, my Allah is such that I cannot conceal Him, and I cannot cover Him."

Reference: Quran 6:103

Closing Dua

I say this as my closing comments, and I make dua to the Almighty Allah that He accept our get-together here, motivate and inspire one and all in this get-together, that we become better Muslims, and we reflect the beauty of Islam, and at no stage do we become hurdles and obstacles to reflect the true Islam, and we reflect it in its original and its pristine form in the manner that Allah and His Nabi have revealed it and preserved it.

End of Khutbah