ISLAM AND SOCIAL SECURITY 2

Praise be to Allah Who decrees and executes all affairs, He disposes of affairs according to His knowledge. He preordained the beginning and the end of all matters. My praise unto Him knows no end. I testify there is no god but Allah alone, He has no associate, He manifests signs of His Oneness firmly. And I testify that Muhammad (pbuh) is the servant of Allah send to all mankind. May Allah bestow peace and blessings on him (pbuh), his families, his companions whom Allah had granted piety to their souls. Thereafter, Dear Muslims be conscious of Allah in secret and public. God’s consciousness- piety stands as the required provision in difficult situations, and abundant supply worthwhile on the day of Judgement. Allah says: {يوم لا تَجزي نفسٌ عن نفس شيئًا ولا يقبَل منها عدل، ولا تنفعها شفاعة ولا هم ينصَرون} (البقرة 48). “ And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another soul at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.” (2: 48) What do we mean by Security? As emphasized last week, security refers to peace and absence of fear as stated in the following verse: {وإن أحد من الْمشركين استجارك فأجره حتى يسمع كلام الله ثم أبلغه مأمنه ذلك بأنَّهم قوم لا يعلمون}(التوبة 6) “And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.” (9:6) Technically, security is said to be present when there is no breach of the law; whether such breach is an offence punishable by law or a serious activity which calls for preventive and security measures to prevent its occurrence. Security as well is safety, tranquility and lack of fear for human life or other means that support human existence, including the security of the individual and community. Modern means of security becoming means of terror: The world today are deprived of security, despite the stunning means of security dictated by scientific advancement, despite the daily impressive inventions and innovations, and despite the sophisticated level of planning and strategy developed to fight crime using scientific and psychological principles. Despite all these, the whole world is still deprived of security and safety. Millions live in fear, panic and anxiety, and even awaiting death in every moment of their lives due to what they witness with their own eyes of the extermination of the human race and cheapness of human blood! It has turned these same means of security which includes chemical and nuclear head, planes, rockets, bombs, guns, etc.. These are security methods invented by men of this world to protect themselves and ensure stability. However, these security measures have turned to source of terror, fear and disorder. Intellectuals, writers and politicians everywhere cried out for disarmament but despite that, millions of people today live in a state of fear and confusion. Thus in the eyes of these vulnerable and helpless people the world is full of darkness despite the abundant lights around them, they also view the world as a narrowed and straitened world despite its expanse, having been expelled from their homes and properties unjustly! Thus is the world deprived of peace and security. Its importance: Security restores life, it guaranties hopes, facilitates livelihood and trades, cattle flourish, nation multiplies and progresses, knowledge and education flourish, religion and justice progress, the righteous people dominate the bad ones, funds go into beneficial projects to individuals and society. Also the blood is preserved, properties secured, people can sleep peacefully, every one flourish animals inclusive. In a peaceful and security assured society, worship is facilitated, for security is a gift from God, Allah says: {فليعبدوا رب هذا البيت الذي أطعمهم من جوع وآمنهم من خوف}( قريش 4) Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear. (106: 4) The Prophet (pbuh) said: (Whoever wakes up safe in his abode, sound and healthy, assured of the day’s provision, that is as if he has earned the world and all its content.). Security is a great provision from Allah without which existence will be unpleasant, a grant also for the inmates of paradise. Allah says: {ادْخُلُوهَا بِسَلامٍ آمِنِينَ} (الحجر:46) {"Enter it in peace, safe [and secure]." } (15: 46) The concern of Islam in security. Islam is greatly concerned with security, the Holy Qur’an orders for assuring security in all its aspects; religion, life, property, dignity, genealogy, the essential five necessities of life which Islam and all religions have come to protect. Allah says of Prophet Ibrahim (AS): {وإذْ قال إبراهيم ربِّي اجعل هذا بلداً آمناً وارزق أهله من الثمرات من آمن منهم بالله واليوم الآخر قال ومن كفر فأمتعه قليلاً ثُم أضطره إلى عذاب النار وبئس الْمصير}(البقرة 126), “And [mention] when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this a secure city and provide its people with fruits - whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day." [Allah] said. "And whoever disbelieves - I will grant him enjoyment for a little; then I will force him to the punishment of the Fire, and wretched is the destination." (2: 126) Allah accepted this prayer, security and tranquility were spread in Makkah, such that even when a man meets the killer of his father on the road he will not harm while same was non-existing in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula except fear and panic, as stated in the Qur’an thus: {أولم يروا أنا جعلنا لهم حرماً آمناً ويتخطف الناس من حولِهم أفبالباطل يؤمنون وبنعمة الله يكفرون}(العنكبوت 67) “Have they not seen that We made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being taken away all around them? Then in falsehood do they believe, and in the favor of Allah they disbelieve?” (29: 67) Islam forbids terrifying people in the society. The prophet (pbuh) said: “It is not right for a Muslim to frighten a Muslim” he also said: “None of you must take the property of his brother; either as a joke or with seriousness” Islam also preserve this right even for non-Muslims: Zaid bn Sa’nah (a jewish priest) came to the Prophet (pbuh) to ask for his debt, though the agreed term for payment has not reached, he approached the Prophet (pbuh) rough handled him, and spoke rudely to him. Umar (RA) frightened him and threatened to kill him. But the Prophet only smiled and said to Umar: “O Umar! We (I and him) do not deserve such, we only need that you advice me to pay his debt with kindness and to advice him to request his debt with kindness, eventhough the term is not ripe yet. He then instructed Umar to pay him and he added 20 Sa’a measure of dates as atonement for the threat Umar issued, and that was the reason for his acceptance of Islam.” Allah says: {ولا تستوي الحسنة ولا السيئة ادفع بالتي هي أحسن فإذا الذي بينك وبينه عداوة كأنه ولي حميم}(فصلت34) “And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend. “ (41:34) {لا ينهاكم الله عن الذين لَم يقاتلوكم في الدين ولَم يُخرجوكم من دياركم أن تبروهم وتقسطوا إليهم إن الله يُحب الْمقسطين} (الممتحنة 8) Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. (60:8) Aisha was asked of the character of the prophet (pbuh) and she said his character is the Qur’an, you could read if you wish: Elements of Security: - Reformation of ‘Aqeedah (Islamic faith or ideology) - Political Stability and implementing God’s law - Economic Stability - Sound and Efficient Security System - A Media Outfit that abide by God’s consciuosness May Allah bless us all with the Qur’an and profit us all with the messages therein, having said this, I seek forgive from Allah for me and you and all Muslims, do seek His forgiveness He is Oft-forgiving. THE SECOND SERMON Praise be to Allah alone. May peace and blessings be upon he that no other prophet succeeds, and his families and companions. Thereafter, O Servants of Allah, fear Allah and keep away from atrocious words and misleading temptations; seek Allah’s help with your actions and words in times of trials, you shall surely reach the peak of tranquility. Be aware that whoever hold firmly to this straight religion, and work by the Holy Book of Allah, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) has surely profit and become successful to abide in the paradise in the company of the prophets, the truthful, the matyrs and the righteous ones. Allah says: { وَمَن يُطِعِ اللّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُوْلَئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاء وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَئِكَ رَفِيقاً , ذَلِكَ الْفَضْلُ مِنَ اللّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ عَلِيماً } (سورة النساء 69- 70) Advice for the intending Pilgrims: - Acquiring knowledge of Islamic Judgement on Hajj - Choosing good companions for the journey - Having good friends and companions. Oh Allah descend peace; flowing with continuous tranquility and security upon Nigeria and all other Muslim nations. O Allah accept the worship of the pilgrims of hajj and Umrah, and grant us all Your pleasure, And the last of our call will be, "Praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds!"