Friday Khutba: The Pillars of Faith
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We thank Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and from our bad deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide, and whomever He misguides, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, his family, and his companions.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, today I want to talk about the six pillars of faith that form the foundation of our belief as Muslims. These pillars are essential for our understanding of Islam and our relationship with Allah (SWT). They are: faith in Allah, faith in His angels, faith in His books, faith in His messengers, faith in the Day of Judgment, and faith in divine decree (Qadar).
Faith in Allah (SWT)
The first pillar of our faith is our belief in Allah, the Almighty. Allah is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and everything that exists within them. He is the All-Powerful, the All-Knowing, and the Most Merciful. In Surah Al-Ikhlas, Allah describes Himself as:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.’” (Quran 112:1-4)
This verse encapsulates the essence of our belief in Allah. It is crucial for us to strengthen our relationship with Him through prayer, remembrance, and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives. When we truly believe in Allah, we find peace and tranquility in our hearts, knowing that He is in control of all affairs.
Faith in Angels
The second pillar is our belief in the angels of Allah. Angels are created beings who serve various functions, including delivering messages from Allah, recording our deeds, and protecting us. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says:
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’” (Quran 2:285)
Understanding the role of angels helps us appreciate the unseen world and the support we have from Allah. It reminds us that we are never alone and that there are forces working in our favor, guiding and protecting us.
Faith in the Books of Allah
The third pillar is our belief in the books revealed by Allah. These include the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran, which is the final and complete revelation. The Quran is a guide for humanity, providing wisdom, laws, and guidance for all aspects of life. Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [therein].” (Quran 57:25)
As Muslims, it is our duty to read, understand, and implement the teachings of the Quran in our lives. It is a source of guidance that leads us to righteousness and helps us navigate the challenges of life.
Faith in the Messengers
The fourth pillar is our belief in the messengers of Allah. Allah has sent prophets to guide humanity throughout history, from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH). Each messenger brought a message suited to their people, but all conveyed the same fundamental truth: the oneness of Allah. Allah says:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.’” (Quran 16:36)
Believing in the messengers strengthens our faith and helps us understand the continuity of Allah’s message. It also encourages us to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is the best of creation and a model for us to emulate.
Faith in the Day of Judgment
The fifth pillar is our belief in the Day of Judgment. This is a day when all of humanity will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. Allah says in the Quran:
“The Day the Horn is blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead, except for whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once, they will be standing, looking on.” (Quran 39:68)
Believing in the Day of Judgment instills a sense of responsibility in us. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to live righteously, seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings and striving for good deeds.
Faith in Divine Decree (Qadar)
The sixth and final pillar is our belief in divine decree, or Qadar. This means that everything that happens is by the will and knowledge of Allah. It encompasses both good and bad, and it is a test for us. Allah says:
“Indeed, all things We created with predestination.” (Quran 54:49)
Understanding Qadar helps us accept the trials and tribulations we face in life. It teaches us patience and reliance on Allah, knowing that He has a plan for us, even if we do not understand it at the moment.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, the six pillars of faith are the foundation of our belief as Muslims. They guide our actions, shape our character, and strengthen our relationship with Allah. As we reflect on these pillars, let us strive to deepen our understanding and practice of them in our daily lives.
Let us make du'a to Allah, asking for His guidance and forgiveness. May He help us strengthen our faith and implement these teachings in our lives. May He unite our hearts and make us a source of goodness in our communities.
Remember, the strength of our faith is reflected in our actions. Let us support one another in our journey towards righteousness and strive to be better Muslims every day. Ameen.
