My brothers and sisters in Islam, we gather today under the blessings of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He has chosen us to be Muslims, and granted us the ability to worship Him as we should. May He allow us to live and die in His light, true believers until our last breath.
Our focus today is a powerful concept: The Hijrah of Our Time.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, faced great darkness in Makkah. He preached truth, calling people away from idolatry, and in return, received only persecution. Yet, Allah, in His wisdom, granted him permission for a Hijrah, a migration, to Madinah. This wasn’t a hasty escape – the Prophet planned, he built alliances, and he ensured the safety of those entrusted to him.
From this Hijrah, we learn valuable lessons.
First, the importance of planning. The Prophet didn’t simply flee blindly. He strategized, seeking a safe haven where Islam could flourish. Look at your own lives, brothers and sisters. Are there areas where you need a plan? Maybe it’s quitting a bad habit, pursuing further education, or strengthening your family bonds.
Second, the Prophet embodied unwavering honesty. Even as he left Makkah, he ensured every entrusted belonging was returned. Ask yourself, are there any loose ends in your life? Unresolved debts? Unkind words spoken? Let us strive for the Prophet’s integrity in all our dealings.
Finally, upon reaching Madinah, the Prophet’s first act was to build a mosque. He understood the importance of a foundation for faith. Now, look at your own community. Are there ways you can contribute to its spiritual well-being? Volunteer at your local mosque, support Islamic education, or simply be a beacon of kindness.
The world today is different. We may not physically migrate like the Prophet, for the world has become a global village, connected by technology.
But the call for Hijrah remains. The Hijrah of our time is an intellectual and spiritual journey. Let us migrate from ignorance to knowledge. Seek out Islamic teachings, deepen your understanding of the Quran and Sunnah.
Let us migrate from evil to good. Shun negativity, gossip, and falsehood. Embrace generosity, compassion, and truthfulness.
Remember, Islam itself came to us through migration. Let us carry this spirit into our daily lives. Those clinging to false idols, migrate to the worship of Allah! Those consumed by selfishness, migrate to generosity! Those wasting precious time, migrate to a life of purpose!
Brothers and sisters, the Hijrah of our time is a call to action. Let us migrate from laziness to hard work, from extremism to moderation, from disobedience to obedience of Allah. Let us migrate from violence to peace, from arrogance to humility, from hypocrisy to true belief!
May Allah guide us on this journey of self-improvement. May He grant us the strength to make the Hijrah of our time, and may He reward us with a life filled with His blessings, here and in the hereafter.
