Islam is a religion that builds an individual with certain characteristics. The principles and values that Islam puts forward build and shape our feelings, thoughts and behaviors on the one hand and contribute to the maturation of our personality on the other hand. The character that Islam aims to build in a Muslim provides answers to all questions such as the meaning and purpose of life, the essence and course of existence, the source and authenticity of knowledge, and what is good, evil, and aesthetic.
Dear Believers!
The most important asset that shapes the character of a Muslim is iman (faith) that makes the world and the Hereafter meaningful. Iman is the greatest treasure that protects an individual from drifting away in the journey of servitude to Allah (swt), and leads to eternal happiness.
After iman, what ensures the robustness of a Muslim character is the worships that bring a Muslim closer to the Lord (swt), and the good morals as the tangible outcome of worships. These two values that feed one's spirituality are distinguishing qualities of a Muslim whose mind and heart are connected to Allah (swt). For this reason, what is expected of a Muslim is to turn to worships and good morals that are the indicators of iman. This is because worship is the reason of the creation of human and the essence of servitude to Allah (swt). Good morals, in fact, are the complete set of noble behaviors that build one's thinking and grants one a sound character.
Dear Believers!
It is stated in the Holy Qur'an as follows, "There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often."[1]
Then, what falls upon us is to not drift away from the example of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), not even for a moment. We should have a posture based on tawhid, leavened with worships, and matured with morals, just like him. We should gird ourselves with the grace and honor of Islam and have a strong character that does not change according to time or place. We should always pursue benevolence and race in charitable works. We should never incline toward injustice, oppression, and violence. We should treat every living being with mercy and compassion, first and foremost our parents, spouse, and children. We should strive, as in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), to be "A Muslim from whose hand and tongue everybody is safe."[2]
I would like to conclude this Friday's khutbah with the following verse of Allah the Almighty (swt), "Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'"[3]
________________________________
[1] Ahzab, 33/21.
[2] Ibn Hanbal, VI, 22.
[3] Fussilat, 41/30.
General Directorate of Religious Services