The Royal Wedding: Ancient Origins

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) - Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 29th April 2011 - 25 mins 54 secs

On the eve of the wedding of the to-be Duke and Duchess of Cambridge the Sheikh gave his own take on the fanfare surrounding the Royal Wedding.

The public interest in the ceremonies may have been aroused for a number of reasons, not all of them edifying, but perhaps one factor behind it was a collective response of the fitra, the natural state lying more or less dormant in every individual.

It may have been that being attracted by the pageantry was in fact a respect for the ordinances of that most ancient bond of marriage. The Sheikh mentioned how Adam, peace be upon him, was taught the Names of things by Allah, and that he was not taught them in isolation but rather with a partner, Hawa (Eve). Returning back to his original postulation, Sheikh Abdal Hakim commented that the dual singularity of marriage is in the natural order of things, the modern obsession with the individual identity being an aberration a step removed from the primordial path.

The image above is of the spring blossom - to be found at the time of the wedding - in Selwyn College, Cambridge. Taken by the CKETC team.

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The Idol Within

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) - Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 18 February 2011 - 25 mins 09 secs

It is relatively easy not to be seduced into the worship of idols in the obvious sense - bits of wood and stone, statues of powerless 'gods'. How much more dangerous and harder to avoid are the numerous other ways we distract ourselves from our true, natural orientation to the One and Only God. In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim warns us against 'dividing the qibla' by placing our own desires and self-satisfaction before our efforts to worship Allah, and describes some ways the scholars have recommended to avoid this 'hidden shirk'.

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Enjoining Good, Forbidding Wrong

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutbah) - Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 4 February 2011 - Cambridge - 23 mins 32 secs

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In the past days and weeks people all over the world have been following the events in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere. The people's struggle for freedom inspires hope, but the dangers they face provoke fear and anxiety. Many question the role of religion in such difficult circumstances. Some fear mixing politics and religion. Others criticise the absence of leadership from religious figures, and say the ulema are out-dated and irrelevant. In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim provides a timely reminder of the fundamental importance for our leaders of 'enjoining the good and forbidding the bad' (amr bi-l-ma'ruf wa-nahy 'an al-muhkar) - so important that Imam al-Ghazali called it 'the greatest pillar' (al-rukn al-'azim) of the religion.

Among the many great scholars and saints who have discharged this weighty responsibility, despite the grave threat to their livelihoods and even their lives, Sheikh Abdal Hakim mentions Hasan Kaimi Baba of Bosnia, Sheikh al-Hasan al-Yusi of Morocco and Sheikh Amadou Bamba of Senegal. They were true followers of the Prophetic example, because they resisted injustice and oppression. May Allah grant our leaders, our scholars and us ourselves the determination to do the same, and may He in His All-Encompassing Mercy guide and protect the people of Tunisia, Egypt and all over the world wherever they face cruelty, corruption and repression.

Ya Qawiyyu ya Matin ikfi sharr al-zalimin, aslah Allah umur al-muslimin, sarraf Allah sharr al-mu'dhin.

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Purification & Repentance

Friday sermon by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 21 January 2011 - Cambridge - 28 mins 27 secs

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In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses some of the many sayings of the Prophet (may peace and blessings be upon him) that emphasise the importance of ritual cleanliness. If religion is ultimately about the state of our hearts, why should we attribute so much importance to outward ritual? Many Muslims, as well as non-Muslims, conclude of course that we should not. But here the sheikh explains the interconnectedness of all aspects of the human condition, and consequently the fundamental relationship between inward state and outward action.

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Hajj: the Inward Spiral

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) - Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 12 November 2010 - Cambridge - 20 mins 51 secs

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This sermon, delivered just before Eid al-Adha, reminds us of the deep significance of Hajj. The great annual gathering of pilgrims from all over the world recalls an even greater gathering before time when every human soul bore witness to Allah's Divine Sovereignty: "Bala shahidna!" The outward ritual of journeying to the Noble Sanctuary thus corresponds, with Allah's help, to an inward journey toward remembrance of our true nature and station. The pilgrim's call of "Labbayk Allahumma labbayk!" ("At Your service oh Allah!") echoes the soul's primordial attestation. It is the worldly counterpart to the acknowledgment that He is our Lord, and we are His humble servants. Sheikh Abdal Hakim explains the kissing of the Black Stone in this context, and describes the fundamental tranquility brought about this great journey of remembering and submission. May we all be able, God willing, to journey to Mecca and receive the treasure of inward transformation that is the gift of travelling as humble supplicants to Allah's earthly court.

Image: 'Meccacentric' by Lateefa Spiker. Used with permission.

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Humility & Recognition

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) - Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 5 November 2010 - Cambridge - 22 mins 3 secs

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Humanity has a glory and a dignity granted to us by Allah the Creator, but His religion enjoins us always to humility. Pharaoh's definitive error, the paradigmatic opposite of the wonderful examples of the prophets of Allah (peace be upon them), was to seek 'exultation in the earth'; whereas we can reach the highest point of human dignity at the very moment our foreheads are on the floor in prayer and submission. Sheikh Abdal Hakim explores this theme in this sermon, mentioning the many reports of the spiritual benefit of humility, but also going on to describe how we can legitimately promote our qualifications and abilities when necessary in daily life.

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Ramadan & Charity

Friday sermon (Jum'ah khutba) - Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - date unknown - 19 mins 45 secs

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In this sermon, Shaykh Abdal Hakim explains the importance of charity during Ramadan. May Allah bless us in this month, and make us grateful for the food we have when millions of people around the world are suffering. May He, Almighty and Exalted, in particular relieve the suffering of the flood victims in Pakistan - please remember the importance of sadaqah and donate to help them.

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The Pursuit of Happiness

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 21st May 2010 - 25 mins 46 secs

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In this sermon, the Sheikh explores how the Glorious Names of Al-Qabid (The Constrictor) and Al-Basit (The Expander) reflect states that human beings naturally pass through and how these are spiritual extensions of the concepts of fear (khawf) and hope (rajaa') . The Believer is one in whom these 2 states are in constant balance. Happiness and joy, thus, can only be fully appreciated after one has known fear and sadness and it is Allah (swt) who bestows the sakinah into the hearts of whomsoever He wishes.

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Supporters of Allah

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - date unknown - 25 mins 16 secs

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The Holy Qur'an commands those who believe to 'be supporters of Allah' (Al-Saff, verse 14), but what does that mean? How is it possible for us, the created and dependent, to support Him who is uncreated, utterly independent and far beyond any need? In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim explores this concept and relates it to the Qur'anic narration of the People of Israel, in particular what it means for a people to uphold what Allah has commanded, and the challenges and inward discipline and piety that weighty station requires.

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Blessed Births & Beginnings

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 26th February 2010 - Cambridge - 27 mins 21 secs

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This sermon was given just after the celebration this year of the birth of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and reflects on the importance of remembering and giving thanks for the blessings of Allah - none more necessary to thank and praise Him for than sending His Guidance through the example of the best of creation. Sheikh Abdal Hakim in particular focuses on the role of the mothers of some of the prophets (may Allah bless them all), by whose determination, love, strength and faith Allah renewed the manifestation of His Mercy in the world through the sons they bore and raised.

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Ethics of Trade

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 19 February 2010 - Cambridge - 28 mins 15 secs

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What is the place of ethics in trade and business? Judging by the exploitation of the developing world through 'free trade' or the disastrously amoral speculations of international banks, one might conclude there is no place for them. In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim reminds us that despite the example of the major economic forces around us, we each have individual responsibilities when we engage in any kind of trade. The benefits of the justice and fair dealing mandated for us by the example of Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings upon him) would of course have huge social benefits if all of us upheld them. But even more important than any worldly benefits of course, is Allah's reckoning of our dealings on the Last Day, when the everlasting profit or loss is accounted. May He forgive us our shortcomings and in His Mercy make the judgment easy upon us.

PS Part 3 of 'Islam in/and/of the West' next week inshaAllah.

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Love for the Sake of Allah

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 22 January 2010 - 27 mins 55 secs

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In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses the significance of love for our fellow mankind that is purely for the sake of Allah, rather than for any worldly attachment or desire.

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The Certainty of Death

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 15 January 2010 - Cambridge - 21 mins 44 sec

In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses the importance of appreciating the certainty of death. In the modern world, we are conditioned to think of death as the worst thing that can befall us, the worst punishment that could be inflicted. Yet in a hadith the Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) called death 'a precious gift for the believer', a description that seems almost incredible to us. This does not mean we should seek death out or glorify it, since if it is Allah's decree for us to remain in this world for a longer time, we should be equally grateful and make the most of it by living well. But on the other hand we cannot forget the certain arrival of death, nor neglect to prepare for it. Those who attach too much importance to this world become blinded to the examples all around them, of the relative who is hit by a car or a friend who dies of a sudden illness. Those who learn from such sad experiences come to appreciate their true place in creation.

Many thanks to our brother Kacem who recorded this one at Omar Faruque mosque and sent it in.

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Poverty & Riches

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 30 October 2009 - Cambridge - 22 mins 30 secs

The Prophet Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) famously prayed to be resurrected among the masakin (poor, downtrodden, oppressed), but what does it mean to be miskin and what was the prophetic attitude to poverty or hardship? In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim outlines the Qur'anic and prophetic description of the poor (fuqara') and shows why it is important not to be afraid of poverty as we often are today. This is not because it is necessarily a good thing in itself to be poor, or on the other hand a bad thing to be rich or powerful, but because of the beauty and dignity of cultivating reliance on Allah whatever one's outward state.

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The Story of Solomon

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 27 November 2009 - 25 mins 08 secs

In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim examines the role of stories in the Holy Qur'an. On one level these can seem simply entertaining or even fanciful, but within the stories are contained deep and important truths. This sermon focuses in particular on the story of Sulayman/Solomon (peace be upon him), whose miracles and power over different aspects of creation - by the grant of Allah - seem almost incredible, but which point to fundamental aspects of the relationship between the outward and the inward.

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Marriage & Family Life

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 6 November 2009 - 24 mins 05 secs

In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses the significance of marriage as a prophetic sunna, and how family life relates to internalising the seeking of Allah's pleasure and the practice of His religion.

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The Chivalry of Youth

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 23 October 2009 - 23 mins 48 secs

It often seems that our society locates human perfection at a certain age - children and younger people are only becoming it, older people are considered past it. Here Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses how people of every age have a divinely ordained station appropriate to them, and in particular the characteristics young people can aspire to.

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Love for Allah's Decree

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 16 October 2009 - 21 mins 44 secs

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In this sermon, Sheikh Abdal Hakim discusses the difference between having patience (sabr) during the struggles of life, and taking pleasure or having contentment (rida') in them. By Allah's Mercy, accepting what He decrees with patience for us is a route to salvation, but it is a higher degree for us to embrace and love that decree. By another inspiring aspect of Allah's guidance, the latter is initially harder but actually makes the path toward Him easier. Instead of religion just being a set of duties or things we have to put up with, it becomes an on-going source of wonder and contentment. May Allah grant us the state of being contented with His Decree.

NB The first 2-3 minutes of this recording are disrupted by noise from a game of squash taking place next to the room in which the prayer was held this week. Apologies for this unavoidable acoustic infelicity.

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Avoiding Hypocrisy

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - 9th October 2009 - Cambridge - 23 mins 57 secs

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At the beginning of another new academic year here in Cambridge, Sheikh Abdal Hakim takes the opportunity to remind himself and us of the importance of going back to first principles. In particular, he considers the very beginning of Surat Baqara and analyzes how we can actualise our belief with sincerity and avoiding being on the wrong side of the line that divides the believer from the hypocrite.

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Miracles of Badr

Friday sermon (jum'ah khutba) by Sheikh Abdal Hakim Murad - Cambridge - 11 September 2009 - 30 mins 53 secs

In this sermon, the sheikh relates some of the miracles that occured during the battle of Badr, and what we can learn from them. On that historic day - the anniversary of which, 17th Ramadan, fell just a few days ago - the Muslims' apparent weakness was the key to their victory, since their awareness of their dependence on Allah and their trust in Him was accentuated to a remarkable degree; and through that trust they also had true thankfulness to Him. The sheikh goes on to relate the story of Badr to another aspect of the blessed month of Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr. May we imitate the experience of Badr as far as possible by translating our experience of weakness and humility in the month of fasting into greater awareness of and thankfulness to Allah.

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