1. 26 Rajab 1436H / 15 May 2015 “NAKHBAH PALESTINE: TOGETHER IN LIBERATING AL-MASJID AL-AQSA” FRIDAY SERMON

2. الحمد لله نحمده ونستعينه ونستغفره، ونعوذ بالله من شرور أنفسنا ومن سيئـاتِ أعمالنا، مَن يهده اللهُ فلا مُضِلَّ له، ومَن يُضللْ فلا هادي له، وأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ، اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ عَلى حَبِيْبِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلى اَلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أجمعين. أما بعد ، فيا عباد الله، اتقُوا اللهَ أوصيكُم وإيايَ بتقوَى اللهِ فقدْ فازَ المتقُونَ، قالَ اللهُ تعالى في كتابهِ العَزيز : يا أيها الذين آمنوا اتقوا الله حق تقاته ولا تموتن إلا وأنتم مسلمــون.

3. O Muslims, Fear Allah with true piety. Let us increase our faith and taqwa to Allah by doing what is commanded and leaving what can lead to the wrath of Allah.

4. May we be among those who are blessed by Allah. Therefore, let us nurture ourselves to be believers and those who are always conscious of Allah.

5. Dear Muslims, Let us first ponder upon what Allah s.w.t. says regarding the event, Israa’ which occurred to our Prophet Muhammad saw:

6. سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسۡرَىٰ بِعَبۡدِهِۦ لَيۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَسۡجِدِ ٱلۡأَقۡصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكۡنَا حَوۡلَهُ ۥ لِنُرِيَهُ ۥ مِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَآ ‌ ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡبَصِيرُ

7. Translation: Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing (Surah al-Isra’: 1)

8. Besides indicating that Israa’ occurred on our prophet, Muhammad saw, this verse also states the speciality of Masjid al- Aqsa, that is “whose surroundings We have blessed”.

9. Thus, the mosque and its surrounding area was acclaimed by Allah s.w.t that it has its own benefits and advantages.

10. Based on certain hadiths, the Prophet had also clarify this matter, of which praying at Masjid al-Aqsa will get you reward up to 500 times more than praying elsewhere.

11. With this, it is clear to us that the place where Masjid al-Aqsa was placed is synonymous with Islam to such extent that is it stated in the Quran.

12. Islamic history also proved that this place was officially opened by Amirul Mukminin Sayyidina Umar al-Khattab since year 636, promising peace to mankind, until the establishment of the state of Israel on 15th May 1948 and at the same time witnessing 800,000 Palestinians driven out of their homes and was forced to live in refugee camps to the present day.

13. The declaration of the state of Israel created a platform for the conquest of the Jewish from time to time on a continuous basis.

14. In 1967, East Jerusalem, where Masijd al-Aqsa, the West Bank and Gaza is located, was occupied by Israel.

15. This malicious operation resulted in Masjid al-Aqsa being besieged, invaded, and dominated by the Zionist Jews as we have acquainted today.

16. Today marked the 67 years since the place where Masjid al-Aqsa and the Muslims’ first qiblah has experienced a catastrophe known as “nakbah”, that is the illegal occupation of the most arrogant nation in the world today.

17. Since then, Palestine had been contaminated with various destruction and misery, ruination of properties, places of worship, degradation of morals, feelings, and also the lives of humans who had been in that land the Allah has blessed for centuries.

18. Palestinian Muslims in Gaza was imposed a draconian siege until the level of planned genocide, they faced a whole range of sanctions; restriction of water supply, electricity supply, goods, medical supplies, food and other basic needs.

19. What is worse, hospitals there have no electricity supply and were not able to provide medications especially for chronic diseases.

20. A series of demonstrations have been carried out on Palestinian Muslims; unfortunately there are those who were injured and even killed when the Israeli army launched and attacked the civilians.

21. Dear brothers, This means that Palestinian Muslims have lost the right to their settlements in the land they own for over 6 decades.

22. This is the implication of Nakbah of Palestine which means a catastrophe or a major disaster is commemorated annually on 15th May, the day the establishment of the state of Israel was declared officially in 1948.

23. On this date, the invasion and illegal occupation regime by Zionist Jews on the land and the original inhabitants of Palestine were implemented systematically, and this was simplified through international assistance such as Britain and United Nations (UN) itself.

24. This was a dark moment for the original inhabitants of Palestine, especially for the Arabs and all Muslims all around the world.

25. Palestinians had been enjoying peace since Sayyidina Umar stepped into the historic city and then the days thereafter were filled with sadness, pain, screaming and crying that persists to today.

26. In contrast, the Zionists celebrated this day with great joy because their families have been able to settled down on the land that they believed was promised by God for their families.

27. However for us Muslims, we should feel the solidarity and concern towards this issue because even though it is not us or our families that were evicted from the land, this issue is important to Muslims and also considered as international global issue.

28. We have to remember, that land is where our first Qiblah was placed, the place where the Prophet visited during the night of Israa’ and Mi’raj, it is there where the mosque stated in the Quran was placed, the mosque recommended by the Prophet s.a.w that we visit after Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al- Nabawi,

29. and that is where our Muslims brothers and sisters were denied their rights, driven out of their own country, persecuted, tortured, raped and murdered everyday until today.

30. Thus, we should commemorate the Nakbah of Palestine to show our solidarity and struggle in any form to free Masjid al-Aqsa and the land of the Prophets.

31. History has proven to us that these Zionists do not pick their victims, whether its children, women, the elderly and others. Allah s.w.t has introduced them to us through a long series of history.

32. The Quran itself has listed the injustice committed by them for decades. They had killed the prophets among Bani Isael who were sent by Allah to them as happened to Prophet Zakaria and Prophet Yahya without feeling guilty.

33. They also claimed to have succeeded in their plan to kill Prophet Isa a.s. However, this matter has been denied in the Quran through Surah al-Nisa, verse 157:

34. وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ إِنَّا قَتَلۡنَا ٱلۡمَسِيحَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ وَمَا صَلَبُوهُ وَلَـٰكِن شُبِّهَ لَهُمۡ ‌ ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ لَفِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّنۡهُ ‌ ۚ مَا لَهُم بِهِۦ مِنۡ عِلۡمٍ إِلَّا ٱتِّبَاعَ ٱلظَّنِّ ‌ ۚ وَمَا قَتَلُوهُ يَقِينَۢا

35. Translation: And (for) their saying, “Indeed, we have killed Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.” And they did not kill him, not did they crucify him; but (another) was made to resemble him to them.

36. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. (Surah al-Nisa’: 157)

37. Let us all unite to show our solidarity with our Muslim brothers in Palestine in an effort to restore their rights and free Masjid al-Aqsa.

38. Even if we are unable to pick up weapons to defend Palestine together with them, there are other forms of assistance that can be done to help our fellow Muslims there.

39. First of all, we as Muslims need to know that the issue of the illegal Zionist settlement on the Palestinian land is closely related to Muslims and Arabs.

40. So, for us, our families and our community, we have to know more about the history and the position of the Palestinian land in terms of Islam. We shall strive in variety forms of jihad such as with wealth, words, economy, moral support and others.

41. Complete and overall awareness of our relationship with the Zionist Jews in various aspects whether it’s political, social or economic must as well be implemented.

42. Although we do not have public relations with them, but they have silently infiltrate a lot of elements in our lives.

43. Goods, food, entertainment and so on that has their brand on it have been imported into our country and even got an overwhelming response from Muslims themselves.

44. We feel very sad; in which our brothers in Palestine are being bombed, but in the meantime there are Muslims singing and dancing to the music sponsored by the Zionist in a state with no guilt.

45. We need to realized this agenda and propaganda is a well organized plan to weaken Muslims all around the world. The Quran has reminded us regarding this matter, that is:

46. وَلَن تَرْضَىٰ عَنكَ الْيَهُودُ وَلَا النَّصَارَىٰ حَتَّىٰ تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ ۗ

47. Translation: And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Surah al-Baqarah, 2:120

48. Based on this reminder, we have to be careful with any agenda and propaganda played by them.

49. Their propaganda has succeeded in making Muslims divert their attention from what is happening to their brothers in Palestine.

50. Indeed, the interaction between Jews and Muslims has gone a long way.

51. They treat it as if their status is higher compared to other races, claiming that they are the chosen ones because many of the Messengers and Prophets have been among the Jews.

52. History has proven that they opposed strongly against Islamic religion brought by the Prophet Muhammad saw because of their envy and hatred towards the Prophet who was born near the end of time

53. It should be noted that this issue is not only a political issue, but it is also an issue that is directly related to our belief as Muslims.

54. What will we answer in front of Allah, when we as Muslims let our brothers and sisters be oppressed, tortured, raped, left to die of starvation and even murdered by the Jewish Zionist regime?

55. Know that Allah will grant us victory if we Muslims always show our unity and devotion to Allah.

56. Look at the greatness of Islam during the conquest of Sultan Muhammad Al-Fateh over the city of Constantinople due to his and his troops’ piety that was mentioned by Prophet Muhammad saw as “the best leader and troops”.

57. They were described as lions in daylight and worshippers at night.

58. Look at how Sallehuddin Al-Ayubi take captive of Palestine for the second time due to the greatness of his troops, who never forgot to wake up and pray night prayers in their own tents even during war.

59. Look at the success of Tariq Ibnu Ziyad who had weathered the Straits Of Gibraltar to fight the enemies of Islam in Andalusia with his troops that were pious and obedient to his orders even when they were aware of what would happen to them after their ships were anchored in the waters of the strait were burned.

60. So it is true what has been stated in by Allah in the Quran: وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِن بَعْدِ الذِّكْرِ أَنَّ الْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ الصَّالِحُونَ

61. Translation: And We have already written in the book [of Psalms] after the [previous] mention that the land [of Paradise] is inherited by My righteous servants. (Surah Al-Anbiya:105)

62. Imagine the implications of Nakbah of Palestine that lasted for 60 decades ago to this day; a large percentage of the land owned by our brothers were seized, many Palestinians were driven from their own country to become refugees, some are even killed, mistreated, tortured, raped and imprisoned in their own country by the Zionist regime of Israel.

63. Let us all face this situation together; at least in the way we commemorate the Nakbah every year by contributing energy, materials and ideas to help our brothers there.

64. Put high expectations that one day we will have Masjid al-Aqsa; Muslims’ first qiblah and the third ranked mosque in Islam.

65. Remember, it is not impossible that one day the whole of Palestine and the surrounding area will be fully dominated by them, and there will be another Muslim country who will be the next victim if we Muslims are still in a state of being complacent and careless.

66. Finally, let us unite in all things concerning Muslims. Let us make this Nakbah of Palestine as a starting point for us to reflect on ourselves and our religion, Islam.

67. Let us support all plans made by any party to provide assistance to our brothers who are oppressed wherever they are.

68. Let us unite to pray that Allah will give the victory to our brothers and sisters there; then pray that Allah will give the victory to Muslims in our efforts to free Masjid al-Aqsa from the hands of Jewish Zionists.

69. أعُوْذُ بالله مِنَ الشَّيْطَاْنِ الرَّجِيْمِ إِذْ تَسْتَغِيثُونَ رَبَّكُمْ فَاسْتَجَابَ لَكُمْ أَنِّي مُمِدُّكُم بِأَلْفٍ مِّنَ الْمَلَائِكَةِ مُرْدِفِينَ [Remember] when you asked help of your Lord, and He answered you, "Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, following one another." (Surah al-Anfal: 9).

70. بَارَكَ اللهُ لِىْ وَلَكُمْ بِالْقُرْءانِ اَلْعَظِيْمْ وَنَفَعَنِيْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ ِبمَا فِيْهِ مِنَ اْلآياَتِ وَالذِّكْرِ اَلْحَكِيْمِ وَتَقَبَّلَ مِنِّيْ وَمِنْكُمْ تِلاوَتَهُ إِنَّهُ هُوَ اَلسَّمِيْعُ اَلْعَلِيْمُ. أُوْصِيْكُمْ عِبَادَ الله وَإِيَّايَ بِتَقْوَى الله فَقَدْ فَازَ اَلْمُتَّقُونَ، وَأَحُثُّكُمْ وَنَفْسِىْ عَلَى طَاعَةِ اللهِ وَرَسُوْلِهِ فِىْ كُلِّ وَقْتٍ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ, أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الْعَظِيْمَ ِليْ وَلَكُمْ وَلِسَائِرِ اَلْمُسْلِمِيْنَ وَالْمُسْلِماتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِناتِ، فَاسْتَغْفِرُوْهُ فَياَ فَوْزَ اَلْمُسْتَغْفِرِيْنَ وَيَا نَجَاةَ اَلتَّآئِبِيْنَ.