In the name of Allah

The All Compassionate, the All-Merciful

12^th Dhil-Hajja 1447 (29^th May2026)

Islamic Universal Association

20 Penzance Place, Holland Park

London, W11 4 PG

www.arafeh.co.uk

 

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 136

 

Further to my discussion of last week, I would like to point out that the Holy Quran, focuses on the final destination (heaven and hell) by grouping people into two broader categories based on their ultimate outcome:

 

• The Groups Driven to Hell: These are the disbelievers who are led in groups (Zumar) to the gates of Hell.
• The Groups Led to Paradise: They are the pious who fear their Lord and are led in groups (Zumar) to the gates of Paradise, where they are greeted with peace.

 

Some relevant Ayahs:

 

Ayahs 8 and 9 of Surah Al-A’raaf: “The measuring of deeds will then be fair; so, whoever’s weight of good deeds is heavy shall be the successful one.

The souls of those whose measure is light will suffer for being unjust towards Our signs.”

 

Ayahs 20-24 of Surah Al-Qiyamah: “Nay! You love but the fleeting life,

And neglect the life hereafter,

On that day, some faces shall be radiant,

To their Lord attentive,

And other faces shall be despondent.”

 

Ayahs 34-42 of Surah Abasa: “That Day man shall flee from his own brother,

From his mother and his father,

And from his wife and offspring,

Every man on that Day shall be heedless of all others.

Some faces on that Day shall be radiant,

Joyously laughing,

And other faces on that Day shall look like dust,

Darkness shall cover them,

These are they who were the disbelievers, the wicked.”

 

Ayahs 10 -15 of Surah Al-Infitar: “While watchers are posted over you,

Recorders, Honorable,

They comprehend whatever you do,

Verily the righteous shall be amidst blissful bounties,

And verily the wicked shall be in the flaming fire,

They shall be committed to it on the Day of Judgement.”

The mentioned Ayahs are some relevant that explain the situation of two groups in the day of resurrection. To be continued

 

Second Sermon

Eid Al-Adha

The day of Eid Al-Adha is known as ‘Eid Al-Kabar’ (Major Feast), or ‘the Feast of Sacrifice’ The word Eid means a recurring festival and Eid Al-Adha is a completely different Eid, coinciding with the rituals of Hajj. It falls on the 10th of Dhil-Hajja, and it is observed in remembrance of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismael, as an act of submission to Allah (s.w.t), but at the last-minute Allah (s.w.t.) intervened and replaced Ismael with a lamb. Almost every single ritual of Hajj, such as the stoning of Satan, the tawaf and saie between Safa and Marwa, and the sacrificial lamb originated from Abraham as well as from Hajar and their son, Ismael, who settled in a desolate place, near the Kaaba and faced severe trials and tribulations. This stands as an example for Muslims around the world to lead a good life by way of obeying Allah (s.w.t.) and putting personal differences aside and trusting in His Will. It is also a time when we celebrate Allah (s.w.t.)’s mercy.

 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that constitute the most demanding but rewarding form of worship performed in the sacred city of Mecca. Muslims are obligated to perform Hajj once in a lifetime if they are physically and financially capable of performing it. The primary objective of Hajj is to strengthen one’s devotion to Allah (s.w.t.) and learn the lesson of humility and equality, and that is the reason why pilgrims wear Ihram and discard their usual attire, irrespective of ranks, status, race, caste or creed, and stand before Allah (s.w.t.) to worship Him and seek His blessings. Moreover, the act of qurbani consists of slaughtering an animal (sheep, lamb, goat, cow etc.), as a sacrifice to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice for Allah (s.w.t.). A successful completion of Hajj obliterates all sins and one’s slate is wiped clean, like that of a new born baby. There are many Ayahs in the Holy Quran relating to it; I quote below Ayahs 27-30 of Surah Al-Hajj:

“And proclaim the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the people. They will then come to you from every remote place, on foot and on lean camels.

That they may witness advantages for them, and mention the name of God during the appointed days over what He has provided them of livestock quadruped, and eat them and feed the poor.

Then let them complete the prescribed duties, and fulfil their vows, and let them circumambulate the Ancient House. 

Let the pilgrimage be so, and whoever honors the inviolability of God, it is best for him with his Lord. The livestock is made lawful to you, save that which has been recited unto you. Then shun the abomination of the idols, and shun vain talks.”

 

In accordance with the aforesaid Ayahs:

• Hajj has much benefit for Muslims in this world and in the hereafter.
• The pilgrims are required to remember Allah (s.w.t) especially on certain days (10th 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhil-Hajja), which are called the Days of Tashriq, because Allah (s.w.t) blesses them specifically on those days.
• They are provided with the meat of lamb (Qurbani) to eat and enjoy and to feed the poor.
• Circumambulation of the Kaaba and other prescribed deeds has to be performed.