Friday Khutbah of Masjid Otsuka

September09, 2022

All praises are due to Allah. I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah the uniquely One, who has no partners in His one-ness. And I testify that the Prophet Muhammad is the slave of Allah and His Messenger.

O Servants of Allah! There are no doubt children are a great favour and precious bounty that Allah the Almighty has endowed upon us. Allah The Most Exalted says in the Qur’an in Surah Ash-Shoora:

“…Allah gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males.”  (S.42  V.49)

Indeed, children are joy for the heart, a source of happiness and adornment in the worldly life. Allah the Almighty has illustrated this in His holy Book.Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al-Kahf:

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. …”  (S.18  V.46)

Childhood is the most important period in a person’s life, extending from the time of birth until the age of adolescence. It is the building brick for creating and developing the person’s characteristics, mental abilities and all essential skills. It is for this reason the Prophet SAW has attributed much care to children, setting in his approach to children an example for people to emulate. So, let us advise each other on the Prophet’s attitude towards and behaviour with respect to children. The prophet Muhammad SAW loved children and treated them in kindness and leniency, ensuring to make them feel his care for and affection towards them in words and deeds. As part of his sympathetic approach towards children, the Prophet SAW would dedicate part of his time to them, respect their inclination to play as part of their body growth as well as to satisfy their active nature. Playing would really make children spirited and energetic. The Messenger of Allah has really set a model for for parents, teachers and educators to emulate. They should take guidance of his example in being merciful and kind to children, avoid scolding them or being harsh to them and help them to occupy their leisure times with good and beneficial activities. They should also engulf them with love and grant them trust and security. Encouraging such attitudes towards children, the Prophet SAW did praise some women for their tenderness and warm-heartedness with their children.

O Servants of Allah! Abdullah Ibn Abbas RA aid that when he was very young he memorised some Suras of the holy Qur’an from the Messenger of Allah SAW. He also said, “Whoever learnt the Qur’an before reaching puberty would have been given judgement while yet a boy.”   Reported by Ibn Abbas RA the Prophet SAW said to him, “O young man! I shall teach you some words (of advice): Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you.”   And then The Prophet SAW has urged parents to teach their children how to perform prayer “When they become seven year old.” 　The reason is that when they start performing prayer at such a small age they would grow attached to it and it will become part and parcel of their daily practice, thus, they will maintain it all their lifelong. It is, therefore, such a beautiful thing to offer our youngsters those precious advices and teach them such noble values in order to fortify their minds against misconceptions and make acts of kindness an integral part of their characters. And please know that invoking Allah the Almighty for our children is of tremendous positive impact on guiding them to the straight path and righteousness. It is also conducive to help them to excel in their endeavours. No wonder then that it was part of the guidance of the Prophet SAW to supplicate for children.

May the peace and the blessings of Allah be upon prophet Muhammad SAW, his family and all of his Companions. May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all those who will follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah! Accept our prayers and all our ibada.  

O Allah! Guide us to the right path and make us of those on whom You bestows Your mercy.

O Allah! Accept all of our good deeds and forgive us for our sins.

O Allah! Accept us for Your service and for the service of Islam and Muslims

O Allah! Please Bless us for our Dawah work here in Japan.

O Allah! Give rizq in abundance to all of the Muslims in Japan.

O Allah! Grant safety and security to everyone here in Japan as well as all over the world. Aamin ya Rabbil Aalamin