In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Religious Authority, Ayatullah Al Ozma Sayyed M. H. Fadlullah delivered the two Friday prayer sermons at the Imamain Al-Hassanain Mosque on Jumada I 7, 1425 AH / June 25, 2004 A.D. Several prominent religious scholars, dignitaries and thousands of believers attended the Jumu’a prayer.
The First Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Islam Calls for Sublime Morality
Allah says in His Glorious Book: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." Surah Al-Qalam (68:04)
He also says: "There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful." Surah At-Tawbah (9:128)
Traditions have described the Messenger’s morality as that of the Quran. This is who the Messenger was. He was the Quran embodied… He used to carry the Quran in Him for he lived with Allah while he was thinking, worshipping and contemplating, even before he was sent. Then, he was assigned one of Allah's greatest angels that used to bestow on him a new moral virtue every day.
Thus, his character reflected the morality of his God. Your morality should inspire that of God. Be merciful for Allah is the Merciful… Be generous for Allah is the Generous…
The Messenger (p.) was given his medal having been chosen to convey the Message. Since such an honor would not have been awarded to him unless the people could see the Message incarnated in him.
They would have to see his eyes glittering with love, his tongue speaking wisdom and his actions aim at what benefits them… He is of sublime morality, meaning it is not the morals of other people. It represents supremacy in all aspects of relations with others.
His morality was that of a caller who needs to be moral in his words style and spirit to win the hearts and minds of others. Allah's mercy has seen to it that the Prophet (p.) was gentle to win their hearts.
He has summarized all Islam in one sentence when he said: I have been sent to perfect the morals of humanity…
Islam and Morality
In its doctrine, laws, methods, rituals and relations, Islam respects the perfect morality that knows no defect: The Messenger calls on Muslims to uphold these morals saying that had he been hard hearted they would not have even listened to what he had to say.
Allah talks to the people He sent Muhammad to: "Say [O Muhammad], 'I am only a man like you, to whom it has been revealed that your God is but One God." Surah Al-Kahf (18:110)
Yet, he had elevated this humanity into a level that it became a loving spirit; a heart that feels the pain of all people… "So, by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So, pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." Surah Al Imran (3:159)
A man that is concerned about the problems of all those around him and tries to help them by forgiving those who have been unjust to him, giving those who denied him, visiting those who boycotted him. Thus, sublime morality calls for purifying the hearts, from any kind of hatred envy or malice…
When someone is unjust to you or when they boycott you for one reason or another, it is natural that you would respond in kind. But this is not what Allah, The Most Exalted, wants you to do. He wants you to transcend all these commercial relations and react in a spiritual sublime manner. Your morals should stem from your belief in values, in good itself, in forgiveness, in Mercy… etc. You ought to be like the sun which shines on all: the good, the bad and the evil. Jesus Christ (p.) called for these morals, and so did our Imams (a.s.): "Be good with those who deserve it and those who do not, for if they are not worth it you are worthy of doing it."
When water springs out from the ground, it does not differentiate between fertile and infertile soil. Giving is an innate nature of the Land…
Supreme Morality links Allah and His worshipers
We read in one of the Messenger’s traditions that Allah, The Most Exalted, has made supreme morality a link between Allah and His worshipers. Is there anything greater than having a relationship with Allah through your morals?
Imam Ali (a.s.) adds in one of his speeches: "Suppose that there was neither reward nor punishment, would you abandon good morals? In his letter to Kumail bin Ziad, he advises him to order his people to acquire the best of moral conduct with others saying that Allah will reward everyone who fills a heart with joy by keeping tragedies away from him. The Messenger says: "All humans are God's family. The one He loves most among them is the one who benefits them most."
We have to fill the hearts that are sad or suffering with joy and happiness, but there are those among us who cause sadness and pain to the people as a result of the problems and strife they generate, although smiles, good words and even helping people by satisfying their needs cost nothing. One of the Imams says: "You are not going to satisfy the people's need with your money, but you could well do that by your smile."
The Prophet (p.) used to meet people with a smile to open up their hearts. He also says: "Two traits are never found in a Muslim: being a wiser and having bad manners." He also said that Muslims have to educate themselves on good manners for they are equivalent to praying and fasting. He also considered those whose morals resemble his to be those who are the ones with good manners, the most tolerant, the ones that care most for their relatives and the ones who are just even towards themselves.
Nations are distinguished with their morals
We ought to be moral in everything in our life. We ought to be honest, chaste, trustworthy, respectful of others and pious. We have to acquire everything that opens up the minds and hearts of others. And this applies to those who agree with us and to those who don't. Opening up on those of a different opinion will lead them to like you and to like what you like. The greatness of Islamic morals lies in the fact that the Messenger (p.) linked between believing and between this high level of morality: He says: "None of you would believe unless he loves for others what he loves for himself and hates for them what he hates, for himself."
To do this we also have to prepare the environment of our society so that it would be inductive and favorable to educate ourselves and our children on the moral element that elevates man to the highest level. In this respect, we have to sensor the mass media and especially television channels which broadcast dissolute programs that actually despise women by presenting them as sex objects and not as human beings, especially in commercials. They even reached the extent of airing what could be described as pornographic movies, which even kids could watch. Advertisement billboards in the streets have also started to portray pictures of almost naked women.
This represents a great danger which destabilizes the sexual balance of the society. Therefore, all municipalities especially those run by believers, have to put an end to this, or they will be held responsible for such an act. We are not appealing only to the municipalities of the Southern suburbs. This issue does not concern Muslims only. It is a general issue that involves both Muslims and Christians. We want to live in a balanced society that is ethical in every aspect of life, for such dissolution devastates the society and no one is free to do that.
The Second Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Zionist Plot: Destroying the Intifada
Palestine is still under the heavy security hands imposed by the American–Israeli strategy that aims at destroying the Intifada which they claim to be terrorist and therefore should be fought before any talk about a political solution of the conflict.
What they actually are seeking is to deprive the Palestinians of any power card they could make use of, so that they would accept all what Sharon imposes on them which was blessed by the US too. They have to accept the new facts on the ground such as the settlements in the West Bank which prevent any talk about the withdrawal to the 1967 boards. They also refused the right of refugees to return, as well as their right of self-determination…
Now a new game is being played with all this talk about a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, with the Palestinians having nothing to do with it, and with restricting the entire affair to the security sphere as was evident from Sharon's prohibition of his ministers to talk politics and to comment on the Egyptian security initiative that could be interpreted as a political one.
As for the American led Quartet Committee it played another act in its tragedy of occasional meeting, just to follow up Sharon's plan, without putting any political pressure on Sharon to engage in any political negotiations or make any move towards a political solution. Faced by this state of affairs, we would like to reaffirm our confidence that the Palestinian people are well aware of the ongoing game both regional and internationally.
We are also sure that the Palestinians will uphold their national unity and thwart any attempt to incite civil war. They will also remain vigilant and carefully plan for their future of liberation.
Beware of the Occupiers’ Moves
Iraq has become a place where the Israeli intelligence has a free hand to destabilize Iraq ’s national unity. It has tried to create ethic and religious divides and this is what has been extensively reported by the American media -a fact that is well known by many observers in Iraq (especially in the North) despite Israeli denials. Such a development demands that all patriotic Iraqis and all those concerned both inside and outside Iraq should be more vigilant and more aware of the political and security developments. This is because the Zionist enemy has been planning, and still is, to control the Iraqi economy, politics and security situation to promote their own strategic interests in the region. This includes keeping watch over Iran and Turkey and cooperating with the American plan to control the whole region.
The security situation in Iraq is also deteriorating with all these bloody massacres that target civilians and internal security forces while only a few of the occupying soldiers are killed, thus raising doubts over the authenticity of these acts of resistance.
I urge Iraqi people at this stage to be aware of the activities of the occupiers, especially their playing with words and presenting what is really a continuation the occupation in a different guise as sovereignty. I urge the Iraqis to try to establish a real sovereignty and independence in a way that is free from any American deceit. They must also uphold their national unity and rise above all provocations of a sectarian nature or incitements to internal strife. Every citizen should be aware of those who are committing these massacres in the name of fanaticism backwardness and blind hatred. Iraq is a trust in your hands, and you must return it to its rightful owners.
I also condemn the abduction and decapitation that has been practiced by the fanatics and backward people in several countries against people whose only crime is holding the passport of certain countries or even using them as a means of political pressure or financial extortion. Such practices are unacceptable to any religion or any human principles. Moreover, the enemy is exploiting these massacres to distort our image.
A Call for a national convention in Lebanon
As Lebanon moves from one crisis to another, including workers' demands for a better minimum wage, the critical economic conditions that have put more than 50% of the Lebanese under the poverty line and pushed most Lebanese, especially the highly qualified, to leave in addition to this useless debate about who will become the next president with no discussion whatsoever about his policies or ability to create national unity. I would like to say to everyone, especially the politicians, that since you are able to meet in banquets and social occasions, why can’t you meet at a national convention assembling all Lebanese political groups as well as economic experts to come up with a solution that will lead us out of this dark economic tunnel and towards reaching a national reconciliation that sees the country bigger than the sects and individuals- one that responds to the many great challenges in the region and the world as a whole. Let us arise from the mud of the present and construct a brighter future.
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Religious Authority, Ayatullah Al Ozma Sayyed M. H. Fadlullah delivered the two Friday prayer sermons at the Imamain Al-Hassanain Mosque on Jumada I 7, 1425 AH / June 25, 2004 A.D. Several prominent religious scholars, dignitaries and thousands of believers attended the Jumu’a prayer.
The First Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Islam Calls for Sublime Morality
Allah says in His Glorious Book: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character." Surah Al-Qalam (68:04)
He also says: "There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful." Surah At-Tawbah (9:128)
Traditions have described the Messenger’s morality as that of the Quran. This is who the Messenger was. He was the Quran embodied… He used to carry the Quran in Him for he lived with Allah while he was thinking, worshipping and contemplating, even before he was sent. Then, he was assigned one of Allah's greatest angels that used to bestow on him a new moral virtue every day.
Thus, his character reflected the morality of his God. Your morality should inspire that of God. Be merciful for Allah is the Merciful… Be generous for Allah is the Generous…
The Messenger (p.) was given his medal having been chosen to convey the Message. Since such an honor would not have been awarded to him unless the people could see the Message incarnated in him.
They would have to see his eyes glittering with love, his tongue speaking wisdom and his actions aim at what benefits them… He is of sublime morality, meaning it is not the morals of other people. It represents supremacy in all aspects of relations with others.
His morality was that of a caller who needs to be moral in his words style and spirit to win the hearts and minds of others. Allah's mercy has seen to it that the Prophet (p.) was gentle to win their hearts.
He has summarized all Islam in one sentence when he said: I have been sent to perfect the morals of humanity…
Islam and Morality
In its doctrine, laws, methods, rituals and relations, Islam respects the perfect morality that knows no defect: The Messenger calls on Muslims to uphold these morals saying that had he been hard hearted they would not have even listened to what he had to say.
Allah talks to the people He sent Muhammad to: "Say [O Muhammad], 'I am only a man like you, to whom it has been revealed that your God is but One God." Surah Al-Kahf (18:110)
Yet, he had elevated this humanity into a level that it became a loving spirit; a heart that feels the pain of all people… "So, by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So, pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." Surah Al Imran (3:159)
A man that is concerned about the problems of all those around him and tries to help them by forgiving those who have been unjust to him, giving those who denied him, visiting those who boycotted him. Thus, sublime morality calls for purifying the hearts, from any kind of hatred envy or malice…
When someone is unjust to you or when they boycott you for one reason or another, it is natural that you would respond in kind. But this is not what Allah, The Most Exalted, wants you to do. He wants you to transcend all these commercial relations and react in a spiritual sublime manner. Your morals should stem from your belief in values, in good itself, in forgiveness, in Mercy… etc. You ought to be like the sun which shines on all: the good, the bad and the evil. Jesus Christ (p.) called for these morals, and so did our Imams (a.s.): "Be good with those who deserve it and those who do not, for if they are not worth it you are worthy of doing it."
When water springs out from the ground, it does not differentiate between fertile and infertile soil. Giving is an innate nature of the Land…
Supreme Morality links Allah and His worshipers
We read in one of the Messenger’s traditions that Allah, The Most Exalted, has made supreme morality a link between Allah and His worshipers. Is there anything greater than having a relationship with Allah through your morals?
Imam Ali (a.s.) adds in one of his speeches: "Suppose that there was neither reward nor punishment, would you abandon good morals? In his letter to Kumail bin Ziad, he advises him to order his people to acquire the best of moral conduct with others saying that Allah will reward everyone who fills a heart with joy by keeping tragedies away from him. The Messenger says: "All humans are God's family. The one He loves most among them is the one who benefits them most."
We have to fill the hearts that are sad or suffering with joy and happiness, but there are those among us who cause sadness and pain to the people as a result of the problems and strife they generate, although smiles, good words and even helping people by satisfying their needs cost nothing. One of the Imams says: "You are not going to satisfy the people's need with your money, but you could well do that by your smile."
The Prophet (p.) used to meet people with a smile to open up their hearts. He also says: "Two traits are never found in a Muslim: being a wiser and having bad manners." He also said that Muslims have to educate themselves on good manners for they are equivalent to praying and fasting. He also considered those whose morals resemble his to be those who are the ones with good manners, the most tolerant, the ones that care most for their relatives and the ones who are just even towards themselves.
Nations are distinguished with their morals
We ought to be moral in everything in our life. We ought to be honest, chaste, trustworthy, respectful of others and pious. We have to acquire everything that opens up the minds and hearts of others. And this applies to those who agree with us and to those who don't. Opening up on those of a different opinion will lead them to like you and to like what you like. The greatness of Islamic morals lies in the fact that the Messenger (p.) linked between believing and between this high level of morality: He says: "None of you would believe unless he loves for others what he loves for himself and hates for them what he hates, for himself."
To do this we also have to prepare the environment of our society so that it would be inductive and favorable to educate ourselves and our children on the moral element that elevates man to the highest level. In this respect, we have to sensor the mass media and especially television channels which broadcast dissolute programs that actually despise women by presenting them as sex objects and not as human beings, especially in commercials. They even reached the extent of airing what could be described as pornographic movies, which even kids could watch. Advertisement billboards in the streets have also started to portray pictures of almost naked women.
This represents a great danger which destabilizes the sexual balance of the society. Therefore, all municipalities especially those run by believers, have to put an end to this, or they will be held responsible for such an act. We are not appealing only to the municipalities of the Southern suburbs. This issue does not concern Muslims only. It is a general issue that involves both Muslims and Christians. We want to live in a balanced society that is ethical in every aspect of life, for such dissolution devastates the society and no one is free to do that.
The Second Sermon
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The Zionist Plot: Destroying the Intifada
Palestine is still under the heavy security hands imposed by the American–Israeli strategy that aims at destroying the Intifada which they claim to be terrorist and therefore should be fought before any talk about a political solution of the conflict.
What they actually are seeking is to deprive the Palestinians of any power card they could make use of, so that they would accept all what Sharon imposes on them which was blessed by the US too. They have to accept the new facts on the ground such as the settlements in the West Bank which prevent any talk about the withdrawal to the 1967 boards. They also refused the right of refugees to return, as well as their right of self-determination…
Now a new game is being played with all this talk about a unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, with the Palestinians having nothing to do with it, and with restricting the entire affair to the security sphere as was evident from Sharon's prohibition of his ministers to talk politics and to comment on the Egyptian security initiative that could be interpreted as a political one.
As for the American led Quartet Committee it played another act in its tragedy of occasional meeting, just to follow up Sharon's plan, without putting any political pressure on Sharon to engage in any political negotiations or make any move towards a political solution. Faced by this state of affairs, we would like to reaffirm our confidence that the Palestinian people are well aware of the ongoing game both regional and internationally.
We are also sure that the Palestinians will uphold their national unity and thwart any attempt to incite civil war. They will also remain vigilant and carefully plan for their future of liberation.
Beware of the Occupiers’ Moves
Iraq has become a place where the Israeli intelligence has a free hand to destabilize Iraq ’s national unity. It has tried to create ethic and religious divides and this is what has been extensively reported by the American media -a fact that is well known by many observers in Iraq (especially in the North) despite Israeli denials. Such a development demands that all patriotic Iraqis and all those concerned both inside and outside Iraq should be more vigilant and more aware of the political and security developments. This is because the Zionist enemy has been planning, and still is, to control the Iraqi economy, politics and security situation to promote their own strategic interests in the region. This includes keeping watch over Iran and Turkey and cooperating with the American plan to control the whole region.
The security situation in Iraq is also deteriorating with all these bloody massacres that target civilians and internal security forces while only a few of the occupying soldiers are killed, thus raising doubts over the authenticity of these acts of resistance.
I urge Iraqi people at this stage to be aware of the activities of the occupiers, especially their playing with words and presenting what is really a continuation the occupation in a different guise as sovereignty. I urge the Iraqis to try to establish a real sovereignty and independence in a way that is free from any American deceit. They must also uphold their national unity and rise above all provocations of a sectarian nature or incitements to internal strife. Every citizen should be aware of those who are committing these massacres in the name of fanaticism backwardness and blind hatred. Iraq is a trust in your hands, and you must return it to its rightful owners.
I also condemn the abduction and decapitation that has been practiced by the fanatics and backward people in several countries against people whose only crime is holding the passport of certain countries or even using them as a means of political pressure or financial extortion. Such practices are unacceptable to any religion or any human principles. Moreover, the enemy is exploiting these massacres to distort our image.
A Call for a national convention in Lebanon
As Lebanon moves from one crisis to another, including workers' demands for a better minimum wage, the critical economic conditions that have put more than 50% of the Lebanese under the poverty line and pushed most Lebanese, especially the highly qualified, to leave in addition to this useless debate about who will become the next president with no discussion whatsoever about his policies or ability to create national unity. I would like to say to everyone, especially the politicians, that since you are able to meet in banquets and social occasions, why can’t you meet at a national convention assembling all Lebanese political groups as well as economic experts to come up with a solution that will lead us out of this dark economic tunnel and towards reaching a national reconciliation that sees the country bigger than the sects and individuals- one that responds to the many great challenges in the region and the world as a whole. Let us arise from the mud of the present and construct a brighter future.