Summary of the Jumu’ah Khutbah delivered in Masjid Al Haram (18 April 2025 | 20 Shawwal 1446)

 Summary of the Jumu’ah Khutbah delivered by Sheikh Abdullah bin Awad Al Juhany in Masjid Al Haram (18 April 2025 | 20 Shawwal 1446)

The Reality of This World This world has turned away and departed swiftly; nothing remains of it except the hardships it brings to those who dwell in it. This world is a place of trial and test — the believer cries in it due to prosperity and hardship, wealth and poverty, health and sickness, desires and doubts — and in the end, every living being meets death. But Allah, the Most High, has promised those who are patient and content with a tremendous reward for enduring the trials and tribulations of this world. He says: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient — those who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Upon them are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155-157) You will soon depart from this fleeting world to the everlasting abode. So reflect — have you ever witnessed a day that passes without hearing of the death of fathers, sons, mothers, brothers, and neighbors? Death is inevitable — destined for both the young and old, the rich and poor. No king or ruler can stop it; no wealth or companions can prevent it; no curtain can shield from it. No one is immune. If anyone were to be spared, it would have been the purified Prophets and Messengers of Allah. But they, too, passed away — and our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away, despite being the noblest of creation. A wise person should think of what lies ahead after death — and reflect on where he will be laid to rest. How will his soul be welcomed? Will his grave be a garden from the gardens of Paradise in which he finds comfort, or a pit from the pits of Hell in which he is tormented? So, prepare yourselves with righteous deeds, truthful speech, good character, and readiness for the terrifying future. Strive for the path of the righteous, wake up from heedlessness, and hasten to please the Lord before it is too late. Prepare your homes in the Hereafter as you would prepare a permanent dwelling, and give this world the value of a traveler’s shelter — a means, not an end. Do not let this worldly life occupy your thoughts or take more of your concern than it deserves. Take caution and be mindful. Consider those who have passed on — from your children, relatives, and loved ones — and know that what they sent ahead for their Hereafter is what benefits them now. They are now under the mercy of the Most Merciful. So let your provision for the Hereafter be plentiful, and be patient with Allah’s decree. Honor yourselves with the dignity of Islam. Do not revert to the arrogance of ignorance. Do good deeds so that you may attain the reward of the righteous and the acceptance of the wise.