السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s the blessed day of Friday and the 10th of April 2020. Let’s touch upon ‘Self-Rectification or Entertainment‘ today.
A few days ago it was Shab Barāt. Unfortunately we couldn’t go to our local Masjids. However, as I ponder over the last 45 plus Shab Barāts of my life, what do I remember?
Suddenly, completely out of the blue, when I turn up for Maghrib, the Masjid is packed. Overflowing! Full to the rafters. What happened? How come today, out of all days? Oh yes, it’s Shab Barāt, night of Forgiveness, a big night. Actually, a massive night.
We all pray Maghrib together. There is an electric atmosphere. The qiraat starts, then the nazam (nasheed), and then comes the Bayān. The Masjid is buzzing, with no place to stand. Then comes ꜤIshā, followed by The DuꜤā Thousands of pounds are donated after ꜤIshā for charitable causes.
Slowly, slowly, the night moves on and dawn breaks. Again, the Masjid is full, for Fajr. As we go through the 15th day and Maghrib is done, my heart bleeds in ꜤIshā. Where has everyone gone? What’s happened? It might not be Shab Barāt tonight, but ꜤIshā is still Farḍ and JamāꜤat is still Sunnah Muakkadah.
The same zeal is observed 15 days later. Ramaḍān comes, and Ramaḍān goes. Hence, my chosen subject today, ‘Self Rectification or Entertainment’.
What was the purpose of all the Bayāns we have heard till today? Is Islām about one night? One month? One Friday? Come on brothers (and sisters, of course), who are we fooling? Our Creator?
Islām is our beautiful religion from the cradle to the grave. From the moment we enter the world until we depart. Let’s become full time practising Muslims, not part time, not temporary, not ad hoc.
A final word for my colleagues who are a Khatīb or Speaker. You all do a wonderful job مَا شَآءَ الله, but please, don’t try and turn your Bayān or programme into an entertainment show. I have learnt from you that worldly talk and loud voices should be avoided in the Masjids. So how come Khatībs and Speakers crack jokes where 500, or 1,000, or even more people laugh out loud in the House of The Almighty?
Yes, I agree with a sweet tone, polite words, and wisdom. But jokes? Making people laugh? Entertainment? No, my respected colleagues.
Forgive me for any hurt I may have caused. Let’s self reflect and remain true Muslims 24/7/365, from the cradle to the grave.
Almighty Allāh ease the circumstances upon the Muslims and humanity worldwide.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
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والسلام Hanif Dudhwala