This is adapted from my notes from a short talk I did at a graduation party, I apologize if they are kinda rough.
“In the case of those who say, “Our Lord is Allah”, and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time): “Fear ye not!” (they suggest), “Nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss), the which ye were promised!
“We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for!-
“A hospitable gift from one Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!”
“Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, “I am of those who bow in Islam”? ” (Surah Fussilat, Ayahs 30-33)
In this world if we examine the most successful people by whatever standard, whether they are millionaires or CEOs; Professional Athletes or president’s, you will find in them one common trait, One thing that they share. And that is that these people are goal-oriented. They have a set goal, and they strive hard to achieve that goal and do not let anybody stand in the way. They set up their life around them so that everything they do is bringing them closer to that goal. We can take the example of a that goal we are all familiar… if there is someone who wants to be a doctor then they set up the next 6-7 years of their life in such a way that at the end they will be a doctor. They get into a good college, work hard to maintain a good gpa, study hard for the MCATS, apply for medical schools… and so on. And InshaAllah at the end if they stay focused, and if they have ‘Istiqama Steadfastness they will be a doctor.
Similarly, in these Ayahs. Allah reminds us of our ULTIMATE goal. And that is the akhira. We as Muslims, should be “akhira-oriented” because it is indeed our ultimate goal and our final destination. And what is so beautiful about these ayahs is that Allah reminds us in such a wonderful way… by giving us the example of someone receiving the glad tidings of Jannah from the angels. When their tenure in this world has finished. And just imagine if you were that person Allah speaks of… how amazing would it be to hear the angels say to you, that they were your friends in this life and will be your friends in the hereafter. InshaAllah…
And in the last ayah Allah tells us of what we need to do to reach this goal, to be among those who are granted Paradise, because brothers and sisters unlike so many things in this world… Allah’s promise is real and is eternal. Allah gives us the first step, and that is to say that Allah is our Lord, that we believe in Allah and His Prophet and His Message. The next is that we stand firm and fulfill our duties to Allah, and that we spread His word. And then finally that we act righteously in accordance to Islam and act with the realization that not only are our own interests at stake but our family’s and our friends as well… and Allah says that they say “that Indeed we are of the Muslims” and let us never forget this InshaAllah that no matter what hat we may wear today no matter what face, what uniform we are asked to put on… We are always Muslims first and foremost…
I would like to remind myself and remind you all that success comes in many different ways but let as all keep in mind our ultimate goal.
Posted in Khutbahs
