|

Add value to your community!

ByShaykh Haytham Tamim

In Surat At-Tawbah, Allah described the episode when the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) were in the cave while they were migrating from Makkah to Madinah. Close to being assassinated, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) felt scared, but Allah sent consolation, saying:

“إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ اللَّهُ إِذْ أَخْرَجَهُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ثَانِيَ اثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُمَا فِي الْغَارِ إِذْ يَقُولُ لِصَاحِبِهِ لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا فَأَنزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلَيْهِ وَأَيَّدَهُ بِجُنُودٍ لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَجَعَلَ كَلِمَةَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا السُّفْلَىٰ وَكَلِمَةُ اللَّهِ هِيَ الْعُلْيَا وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ”

“If you do not help him (the Prophet ﷺ), Allah has already helped him when those who disbelieved had driven him out as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us.’ And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with soldiers you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah—that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Surat At-Tawbah 9:40)

This incident is beyond comprehension. When Allah is with you, you can feel that He is supporting you. Allah being with us is a deep concept that transcends our understanding. It reflects the ultimate assurance and protection.

As everyone know’s the very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was “Iqra”, meaning recite/read:

Read in name of your Lord, who created you. (Surat al-‘Alaq 96:1):

“اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ”

This single word ‘read’ underscores the importance of gaining knowledge from day one, rather than following superstitions or inheriting baseless traditions or adhering to cultural practices that are oppressive or pointless. Our religion is based on divine knowledge — knowledge that is beneficial, useful. It is knowledge that brings growth, enlightenment and justice.

The Prophet ﷺ built leaders during the 13 years in Makkah, after the first revelation, developing leaders among the Companions, who would later carry the knowledge and invite others to Islam. They would teach people monotheism (tawheed) and the importance of knowledge.

The second revelation was Surat al-Qalam, Allah says to the Prophet ﷺ,

“وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ”

And indeed, you are of a great moral character. (68:4)

This shows the importance of having good character. In many respects, the Arabs had commendable characteristics before the revelation, but Allah sent the Prophet ﷺ to perfect human character. That is why he ﷺ said:

إِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ صَالِحَ الأَخْلاقِ‏

I have been sent to perfect righteous character. (Bukhari)

This means we need to strengthen our moral and ethical conduct. Perfecting human character is part of building leadership. What is the value of a leader without moral integrity? Today we see leaders who are devoid of morality and driven by self-interest. We see leaders who do not have the basic decency or sense of humanity to call for a ceasefire.

By contrast, the Prophet ﷺ built the first group of leaders in Islam who would embody rectitude, wisdom, and justice. These leaders were not only knowledgeable in religious matters but also demonstrated exemplary character and integrity. They were tasked with spreading the message of Islam and upholding its values, serving as role models for future generations. Through their leadership, they set a standard for ethical conduct and governance that continues to inspire and guide Muslims around the world.

The third surah to be revealed was Surat al-Muzzammil, which addresses our relationship with Allah. Allah said to the Prophet ﷺ that he should spend part of the night in prayer:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ. قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا”

O you who wraps himself [in clothing], arise [to pray] the night except for a little. (Surat al-Muzzammil 73:1-2)

This emphasises the importance of nightly prayers and connection with Allah, which recharges one’s spiritual battery. It is a vertical dimension – it is a demonstration of our devotion and sincerity.

Surat al-Muddathir was the fourth revelation, which is our horizontal dimension connecting us to our fellow human beings, and it talks about spreading the message in the community. It is about taking the divine message, applying it to yourself and then spreading it. As Allah stated:

“يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ. قُمْ فَأَنذِرْ”

O you who covers himself [with a garment], arise and warn (Surat al-Muddathir 74:1-2)

The fifth revelation is Surat al-Fatihah, which is a surah of optimism, beginning with “Alhamdulillah”

“الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ”

All praise is due to Allah (1:2)

It teaches us to see the good around us rather than focusing on the negatives. It is about recognising Allah’s favours and blessings, rather than seeing the empty half of the glass.

Like the migrant community, which was nurtured by the Prophet ﷺ and the revelation, who settled in Madinah, bringing knowledge to them and exemplifying good character, we are also migrants. The question we need to ask ourselves is what value are we adding to our community?

We need to seek knowledge and then offer alternatives to our community that will help bring goodness, harmony and cohesion. For instance, we have strong family and social values, as well as Islamic finance, which can provide ethical and sustainable financial solutions. By promoting these values and systems, we can contribute positively to our communities, fostering an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and support.

We need to learn from the Prophet ﷺ by setting a good example and being a positive role model, which cannot happen without being connected to divine revelation.

May Allah make us of those who are beneficial and add value to our communities. Ameen

Based on the Khutbah of Shaykh Haytham Tamim 12th July 2024

Latest Blogs