Central Khutbah: “Inspiration – A Companion on the Path to Success”

Inspiration is what drives us, what gives us the strength to become better people and better believers, and what connects us to our Lord. It is present in every aspect of a Muslim’s life.

Inspiration Drawn from the Quran

The Quran is the word of Allah, an inexhaustible source of wisdom and guidance. Every verse of the Quran carries a message that can inspire the believer to reflect on their actions, repent, and return to the right path. The Quran teaches love for Allah, for one’s loved ones, justice, patience, and mercy. By reading the Quran, believers feel the presence of Allah and find the motivation to strive for goodness, both within themselves and in society.

Inspiration Drawn from the Sunnah

The life of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, represents a model that inspires one to reach the best version of themselves. The modesty, gentleness, determination, and courage of the Prophet in spreading the word of Allah offer an example of how to live according to Islamic values. His Sunnah, or practice, guides believers in everyday situations and shows how to remain steadfast in faith and morality.

Inspiration through Prayer and Dhikr

Prayer is a direct conversation with Allah, a moment when desires, hopes, and fears are laid before Him. It connects the believer to their Lord and provides inner strength to face life’s challenges. Dhikr, or the remembrance of Allah, purifies the heart and reminds one of Allah’s constant presence, inspiring one to become a better person.

Inspiration through Intuition and Divine Inspiration

Inspiration often comes through intuitive thoughts or sudden insights, as highlighted in this passage:
“Inspiration, an inner skill that draws a solution, lights the way. The pen is a rifle that hunts this opportune prey, a new idea and a thought that reveals something to us and strikes without delay.” (See: Al-Awda, S., On the Paths of Selfishness)
Allah inspires in moments of need, and serenity and prayer often open the doors to this inspiration:
“Serenity is a state of mind conducive to inspiration, it is the whisper of angels.” (See: Al-Awda, S., On the Paths of Selfishness)

The Strength of a Pure Heart

The integrity of a person, whose heart is pure and who fears Allah, leads to deeper inspiration and insight:
“A pure and upright heart is like a polished mirror where real images are reflected.” (See: Al-Awda, S., On the Paths of Selfishness)
When the heart is purified and the mind focused on Allah, inspiration comes and illuminates the path to truth and justice. In this spiritual state, a person performs sincere actions that impact the lives of many generations.

The Strength of Solitude and Silence

In moments of solitude and deep introspection, the believer can feel the closeness of Allah:
“In moments of solitude and sincere prayer, one finds oneself in the presence of Allah, and this awareness becomes an inspiration to become more devoted in prayer.” (See: Al-Awda, S., On the Paths of Selfishness)
These moments allow one to receive divine inspiration and provide a clearer vision of life.

Inspiration through Love and Emotions

Love is often a source of inspiration, and the role of women in this process is particularly emphasized:
“A woman with a big heart and vivid emotions receives inspiration and has more intuition than a man, being more capable of reading the unknown and discovering the hidden.” (See: Al-Awda, S., On the Paths of Selfishness)
This emotional capacity leads to a deeper understanding of life and the discovery of hidden truths.

Inspiration is all around us. It is found in the word of Allah, in the life of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in prayers and dhikr, and in the community that surrounds every Muslim. Being grateful for these sources of inspiration leads to becoming a better believer, a better person, and to orienting one’s life towards the satisfaction of Allah, the Most High.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on August 23, 2024, at the “Centre Culturel Islamique Nordstad” in Diekirch)