Central sermon (khutbah)
Family – a sacred responsibility that brings serenity
In gratitude to Allah, with blessings and peace upon His messenger Muhammad. Beloved brothers and sisters, family is a divine gift: “He bestows daughters upon whom He wills, and sons upon whom He wills, or combines them both, and He makes barren whom He wills…” (Ash-Shura, 49-50)
Family is not just a duty but a shared responsibility—yours and mine. The Almighty calls upon us, saying: “O believers, guard yourselves and your families against the Fire…” (At-Tahrim, 6) Safeguarding oneself and one’s family from the flames of Hell is the pinnacle of success.
Family is a treasure! The Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, inspires us with these words: “The noblest among you are those who are noble to their families, and I am the best to my family.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
Family is an avenue to Paradise: “Whoever has three daughters, treats them with patience, provides for them, and clothes them from his wealth, will find a barrier against the Fire on the Day of Judgment.” (Ibn Majah)
Family harmonizes the strength of a man with the gentleness of a woman, echoing the poet’s wisdom: “A man is not truly a man until his treatment of his wife is seen; is she respected or belittled.”
Family is an opportunity to elevate one’s standing in this world and the Hereafter. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrates a dream of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: “I dreamt that I entered Paradise and heard the Quran being recited within. I inquired, ‘Who is this?’ The reply came, ‘Haritha ibn Nu’man, receiving the reward for his acts of kindness.’ The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, added, ‘This is the reward for benevolence to mothers,’ and he, indeed, excelled in kindness to his mother.” (Ahmed, Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim, Al-Bayhaqi)
Therefore, safeguard your family through heartfelt prayers, and remember, parental supplications for their children are never disregarded. Nourish them through upbringing and education, as a well-raised and educated child becomes the most precious contribution to society. Shield your family with acts of kindness, for this is the pathway to Paradise. Strive to be the epitome of kindness to them, following in the footsteps of the best of men—our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who exemplified kindness to his family.
