Assalaamu ‘Alaykum WRWB, Dear brothers/sisters in Islam, Eid Mubarak Some sisters requested me to share Eid Khutba that was delivered on the day of Eid. For the benefit of all, I am highlighting the major points of the Eid sermon; they are as follows: (1) Today, we have been celebrating the biggest religious holiday of Islam, known as “Eid-ul-Fitr” (the feast of breaking the fast) that marks the end of Ramadan. (2) The word “Eid” is an Arabic word that is derived from the verb ‘Aada’, meaning “to return”. Since this holiday returns every year; it is called “Eid”. (3) The word “Al-Fitr” means breaking the fast. From the same root, the word “Iftar” is being used for the time of breaking the fast. The word “Al-Fitr” has an important message for all believing people to follow. (4) This message is to follow the commands of Allah SWT in all the matters of life. When we receive His command to STOP, we must stop right there. But when He says GO, we must do it. Eid-ul-Fitr is the best example of this pattern of obedience. During the daytime in the month of Ramadan, eating was prohibited and fasting was mandatory. Whereas, on the day of Eid, fasting becomes prohibited and eating becomes the most desirable act. (5) This year, our Eid is tempered with the crisis of Muslims in different parts of the world. The biggest crisis is in Syria, where thousands of men, women and children have been killed mercilessly. Hundreds of thousands are locked up in prisons without any crime. Millions of Syrian families have been displaced from their homes and forced to stay in camps without food, medicine, and other necessities of life. (6) Another country where Muslims had to spend Ramadan without observing prayers in public was Burma. It is very shocking to all of us that neither Adhan nor any type of prayer in the Masjid was allowed during the entire month of Ramadan. Friday prayer, Taraweeh Prayer, AND Funeral prayers were not allowed to be performed in congregation. To further disappointment, there was ban on Eid Prayer also. (7) On this day of Eid, we show our Islamic solidarity and support to the Muslims of Syria, Burma and all other countries where our brothers and sisters have been going through a lot of suffering and hardship. First we humbly and sincerely pray to our Lord, Allah SWT to alleviate the pain and suffering of all these Muslims. Then, we make an appeal to all the world leaders and United Nations to use their powers in finding a swift and permanent solution for all the problems that these oppressed Muslims face around the globe. (8) Here at home in America, Muslims have been facing many external and internal challenges. Amidst the growing negativity about Islam and Muslims, the biggest challenge of the hour is to prove that Islam can bring a positive change in the society. Alhamdulillah, Islam has so much to offer when it comes to making positive differences in the lives of the people. However, Muslims need to come forward and prove it with practicality. This is not the time to hide our identity, but to stand up with courage and start working up locally and nationally. (9) The biggest internal challenge is family break ups and separation. Despite the fact that Domestic Violence (DV) is foreign to Islam, there are a lot of Muslim families in every community who are the victim of this evil. Ironically, some Muslim spouses are separating after living for so many years together. This is a kind of problem that we must solve at community level. All related people who are either relatives or family friends must play the role of arbitrators and involve themselves for an amicable solution. Merely saying “it’s not my problem” is the Western approach. Our Islamic approach according to the authentic narration of the Prophet SAW is: “The Religion is nothing but sincere advice to all those who need it”. (10 Revert Muslims are very dear and loving to us. They become our brothers and sisters form the moment they embrace Islam and come back to the Right Path. It is very exciting that we show our warm welcome to them at the time they take “Shahadah”, but unfortunately we do not interact with them afterwards as we do among our own groups. This is neither Islamic, nor morally justified. We must invite them in our gatherings with open hearts and minds. Their Islam is more rewarding in the sight of Allah SWT than those who are born in Muslim families. (11)The last point that I will make today is about Muslim refugees who have been brought to this land from a number of Muslim countries. However, they go through a lot of miserable situations over here. This is our collective responsibility to take care of them and help them to establish on their own. Otherwise, they may end up converting to other faiths and traditions where they will find more compassion, mercy, and all kinds of other support. On this blessed day of Eid, I urge the entire congregation to think seriously about these challenges, and realize that now is the time when we must start playing our role and make a positive change in the society that we belong to. Imam Dr. Zafar Anjum, Islamic Center of Frisco
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 20:52:29 +0000
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