Eid Sermon (Khutba)
The Eid Khutba begins with the following declaration of faith:
Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no Lord except Allah and all praise and thanks to Allah.
The word Eid is an Arabic word, which is derived from the root word which means ‘that which comes back, time after time, and rejoicing’. It’s particular usage in Islam therefore, for the two major holidays, is because these days are meant to be days of rejoicing.
Dear brothers and sisters, all faiths have festivals or religious holidays and this is ours. We have seen living in the west what it means to experience the festivals of other faiths. So what does ours mean and how does it compare?
Of course, we have many similarities in that we are advised to take the day off work and study like others but our festival, our Eid is to do with Glorifying Allah SWT, it is to do with prayers and it is to do with giving in charity, while visting family and friends.
Unfortunately, this message is misinterpreted by some. Just look at the police presence and barriers in Rusholme and you will get the point but we ought to take this opportunity to remind ourselves to what this day truly means.
The imam referenced the following hadith to help remind us:
‘O people! (Tell me) what is the day today?’ The people replied, ‘It is the forbidden (sacred) day.’ He asked again, ‘What town is this?’ They replied, ‘It is the forbidden (Sacred) town.’ He asked, ‘Which month is this?’ They replied, ‘It is the forbidden (Sacred) month.’ He said, ‘No doubt! Your blood, your properties, and your honor are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this (sacred) town (Mecca) of yours, in this month of yours.’ The Prophet (ﷺ) repeated his statement again and again. After that he raised his head and said, ‘O Allah! Haven’t conveyed (Your Message) to them’. Haven’t I conveyed Your Message to them?’ ” Ibn `Abbas added, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the following was his will (Prophet’s will) to his followers:–It is incumbent upon those who are present to convey this information to those who are absent Beware don’t renegade (as) disbelievers (turn into infidels) after me, Striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another.’ ”
This message is telling us how our blood, our properties and our honour are sacred to one another. It is warning us against cutting the throats of one another. So in this time and place, what message can we leave with this morning?
Dear brothers and sisters, this is a day of worship, action and supplication, it is a day of clearing hearts and being truthful, love and companionship, a day of charity on the poor and softness with others, the day when orphans tears are wiped away, a day of making up to family and friends especially parents, all for the sake of Allah, it is a day of looking for the needy, the ill, and to bring happiness to family, friends and neighbours, and to shake hands with others to remove any hatred between the brothers.
It’s a day of doing dua for those less fortunate that us. After all, that is what the Qurbani or sacrifice is about. But specifically, lets not forget to pray for those who are suffering right now. May Allah SWT ease the suffering of those in places like Syria, the Lavant, Burma, Yemen and may Allah SWT help those where people are suffering and dying through hunger and thirst.
And by doing all of these, we can show ourselves and one another, the true meaning of the Muslim festival of Eid. On behalf of Masjid Salahadeen, I wish you all a joyous Eid. As-salaamu’alaykum.
