Central Khutbah: “Forgive, for only the truly good know how to forgive”

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, the One without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, his noble family, and his companions.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Islam teaches us to build a community founded on love, understanding, and mutual forgiveness. Forgiving our Muslim brother is not only an act of nobility but also an obligation that leads to Allah’s pleasure and strengthens our human relationships.

The Value of Apologizing and Seeking Forgiveness

Ibn Hibban said:
“If there were no other benefit to apologizing and seeking forgiveness from one’s Muslim brother than removing arrogance and self-satisfaction from the one who apologizes, it would still be incumbent upon every rational person to seek forgiveness and apologize for every mistake.”
(Rawdatul-‘Uqala, p. 186)

These words remind us that asking for forgiveness from our Muslim brother is not just an act of humility but also a means of purifying our hearts from defects such as arrogance and self-conceit. By doing so, we purify our hearts and strengthen the bonds within our community.

Sincerity Toward Your Muslim Brother

Imam Al-Shafi’i said:
“He who is sincere toward his brother and friend accepts his excuses, corrects his flaws, and forgives his mistakes.”
(An-Nawawi, Tadhhibul-Asma’, I/55)

Sincerity in friendship is reflected in the willingness to accept our brothers’ excuses, help them rectify their mistakes, and forgive them when they err. Such an approach builds mutual trust and love.

Forgiveness as a Path to Allah’s Pleasure

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:
“Forgive your Muslim brother, for you gain nothing from Allah punishing him because of you.”

This saying reminds us that instead of desiring punishment for our brothers because of their wrongs against us, we should strive for forgiveness and reconciliation. By doing so, we achieve Allah’s pleasure and mercy.

When the Heart Weeps

The heart weeps when you stand helpless in the face of tyranny and injustice by others against you, and you have no choice but to remain silent.
The heart weeps when the one who betrays you is someone you have never betrayed, and who disrespects your feelings.
The heart weeps when tears dry up after so much crying.
The heart weeps when you realize you are alone, even though surrounded by many people.
The heart weeps when you lose a loved one whom you will never meet again in this world.

But despite the heart’s tears, life goes on.

Obedience to Allah as Protection from Satan

Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya said:
“Obedience to Allah, the Most Glorious, illuminates the heart, strengthens it, stabilizes it in truth, and purifies it until it becomes like a mirror, radiant with brilliance and clarity. Such a heart is filled with the light and nur of faith, and when Satan approaches it, he is struck by a spark of that light, just as devils attempting to approach the heavens are struck by falling stars.”
(Al-Jawab Al-Kafi)

Obedience to Allah brings light to our hearts, making them resistant to Satan’s plots and temptations. A pure heart filled with faith becomes an invincible fortress against evil.

Allah’s Wisdom in Withholding Worldly Blessings

Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyya also said:
“Allah, the Most Glorious, never withholds worldly blessings from His sincere servant without granting him something better and more beneficial in return. However, due to man’s ignorance of his own interests and his lack of understanding of Allah’s generosity, wisdom, and kindness, he fails to differentiate between what has been withheld and what is stored and reserved for him. Instead, he chases after immediate worldly gains, even if they are trivial.”
(Al-Fawaid, p. 57)

These words remind us that Allah’s wisdom surpasses our understanding. What is withheld from us in this world may be replaced with something far more valuable in the Hereafter. Therefore, we should trust Allah’s decisions and be content with His decree.

The Virtues of Our Parents and Past Generations

Our parents may not have been able to read or write, but they mastered the art of wise speech.
They may not have studied natural laws, but they taught us the art of living.
They may not have read books on human relationships, but they taught us good manners and respect.
They may not have delved deeply into theology, but they taught us the true meaning of faith (iman).
They may not have studied strategic planning, but they taught us foresight.

They taught us to respect principles, values, and one’s word.

We ask Allah to have mercy on our mothers and fathers and our righteous ancestors and to unite us with them in the gardens of Paradise.

Dear brothers and sisters, forgiveness and mutual understanding are the foundation of a strong and healthy community. We ask Allah to make us among those who forgive and build bridges of love and trust between people. Ameen.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on December 6, 2024, at the “Association Islamique de WIltz”)