In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Religious Authority, Grand Ayatullah H.E. Sayyed M. H. Fadlullah delivered the two Friday prayer sermons at the Imamain Al-Hassanain Mosque on Thul-Qi'da 15, 1421 AH - February 9, 2001 AD. Several prominent religious scholars, dignitaries, officials, and thousands of believers attended the Jumu’a prayer.(Edited version of the Sermons)
The First Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Never Despair of Allah's Mercy
The Danger of Despair
Allah says in His Holy Book about Joseph: "O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother and do not despair of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people." (Surah Yusuf 12:87)
When the angels were telling Abraham that he was going to have a son: "He said, 'Do you give me good tidings although old age has come upon me? Then of what [wonder] do you inform?' They said, 'We have given you good tidings in truth, so do not be of the despairing.' He said, 'And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except the astray?'" (Surah Al-Hijr 15:54-56)
"And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us and then We withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing and ungrateful. But if We give him a taste of favor after hardship has touched him, he will surely say, 'Bad times have left me.' Indeed, he is exultant and boastful. Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward." (Surah Hud 11: 09-11)
Many verses in the Quran encourage Muslims to understand the world and learn about Allah, whose abilities are infinite. This allows them to live in a system where nothing is stable except the major workings of the cosmos. In man’s life, things change. Civilizations rise and fall. Allah humiliates whom He wishes and elevates whom He wishes.
Thus, when we face situations in this life, we should not feel overjoyed or too desperate. Nothing is permanent. Allah might let people enjoy power for a time, but there is no immortal force. History shows the strong become weak and the weak become strong. Everything happens only by Allah’s will and the laws He has set.
Many have followed the world’s political development. They saw states that controlled the world become lower-rank powers. Other states have now occupied the center stage. Britain was the master of the seas but has become marginal. America was a colony; look at it now. Muslims once held strategic positions but are now dispersed.
We, as Muslims, should not become helpless. We must analyze the problem, as we might be the cause. "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:11)
"Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]." (Surah Ar-Rum 30:41)
If our weakness is from our actions, we must change our circumstances. If it is from others' strength, we should study their weaknesses to overcome them.
In personal life, you might fall or compromise your religion for your interests. But Allah tells you never to resort to such acts. Keep your faith in Allah, who is capable of everything. To have no faith that Allah will relieve you is to believe He is incapable. This is a form of disbelief. Your faith should strengthen you.
"For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." (Surah Ash-Sharh 94: 06)
To the pious who refuse to compromise, "Why do you trap yourself in the circle of despair?" Allah says: "And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." (Surah At-Talaq 65:02-03)
Therefore, always be optimistic. Study your potentials and develop them fully. Live in hope and prepare the means to attain victory.
Allah has given us all the means to achieve our needs. Some do not employ them and live in an illusion. This is what we must do to avoid falling. Some commit suicide when everything is gloomy. Others do so politically and socially because they lack faith in Allah’s ability.
Faith in Allah should always be deep in your hearts, even when sinful. Many are led by Satan to commit sins or give up hope. For them Allah says: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" (Surah Az-Zumar 39:53)
"And He is the one who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do." (Surah Ash-Shura 42:25)
"And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:186)
When you face extreme hardship, look to Allah. Open your hearts so He fills them with hope. Never say it is over, for Allah is always there to help. Endure because Allah gave you this power. If we are always with Allah and have faith in Him, no one can intimidate us. Allah told us about the Prophet’s companions who grew stronger when told a great army was against them. "Those to whom people said, 'Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.' But it increased them in faith, and they said, 'Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.'... It is only the Devil who suggests to you the fear of his supporters. So do not fear them, but fear Me, if you are believers." (Surah Ali 'Imran 03:173-175)
Do not ever despair. Do not lose your faith in Allah. Be sure that success will be your fate if you strive for it.