Friday 25^th June 2021

Jumu’ah Khutbah – Shaykh Zakaullah Saleem

Allah SWT has highlighted the importance and significance of this Ummah in the Quran, whilst making them realise their status with Allah SWT- as well as to know and to realise their responsibilities and their obligations as part of this. Allah SWT says in Surah Aal Im’ran: “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.” Here it is made apparent that every Muslim has the responsibility of 1) enjoining good and 2) forbidding evil. The former is often easier, and many of us are eager to do so and try our best to fulfill this obligation. The difficulty lies within forbidding evil. When we see evil doings within our own families, communities, Ummah, and on a greater level; it is difficult to stand up and condemn this evil.

It is recorded in a Hadith (Sahih Muslim 49) that The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest level of faith.”

One particular evil which is present but unfortunately hasn’t been highlighted by the media, is the oppression of our Chinese Muslim brothers and sisters which has been ongoing for decades. As Muslims, we have a responsibility to raise our voices against this evil.

1) Uyghur Muslims are unjustly labelled extremists by the Chinese authorities, without any reason or evidence.

2) They are forced into concentration camps where they are brainwashed and indoctrinated into abandoning Islam in favour of atheism.

3) Mosques are being demolished.

4) Copies of Quran are being burned.

5) Women are being forced to take off their hijab and niqab.

If the lack of action on behalf of Muslim rulers regarding all this causes you to become upset- step back and ask yourself, what are you doing as an individual Muslim? For instance, social media is a very powerful instrument that we have in our hands. We can utilise this to fulfil our responsibility and obligation to Allah SWT.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “By the one in whose hand is my soul, you must enjoin good and forbid evil, or else Allah will soon send punishment upon you. Then, you will call upon Allah and it will not be answered for you.” (Sunan al- Tirmidhi 2169) Every single one of us has a responsibility towards the Ummah to speak against evil. Therefore, today Khutbahs across UK mosques are raising awareness nationally for the plight of our oppressed Uyghur brothers and sisters. The 1^st July will also see a national campaign called ‘Stand for Uyghurs’ and we should strive to take part in this by raising awareness. Never underestimate your words and your power in doing whatever you are able to do. As long as you play your part, the results can be left with Allah SWT.  Sometimes the devil can mislead us into thinking that by issuing a statement or raising our voice “I won’t make a difference.” Overall, we should try our best to speak out, to donate to charities to help them, and above all, never forget our oppressed brothers and sisters in our duahs. We pray that Allah SWT may alleviate their suffering and make it easier for them.