FRIDAY SERMON 17 Zulkaedah 1435H / 12 September 2014 "NATIONAL TOLERANCE " Ustaz Azli Bin Abdul Rahman Imam Islamic Centre UTM
Dear brothers in Islam, On this blessed Friday, I like to remind myself and all the congregation, let us have taqwa Allah diligently by performing all His commandments and leaving all His prohibitions.
Hopefully we receive peace and blessings of life and happiness in this world and in the hereafter. In conjunction with Malaysia Day on September 16, the noble mimbar will discuss the sermon titled: "National Tolerance".
Muslim brothers in Islam, A country is not only upheld by the legal basis alone, but it should be based on several principles which include tolerance in a multi racial society and religion.
What is meant by community tolerance? Tolerance simply refers to the attitude of life in a society; which means not being idealism, not fanatical, not selfish, realistic, cooperation, tolerance, patience and respect for the rights of others.
Those who exercise tolerance are capable of accepting adversity and criticism, willing to sacrifice for others, being open minded and heart.
These features are important to comply in the life of a multicultural community so that harmony and peace can be appreciated by all.
Tolerance among mankind in Islam is based ta'awanu ala al bir wa altaqwa that is cooperation on the basis of goodness and piety.
This was stated by Imam Nawawi in his book, Riyadhus Salihin. He was commenting on a chapter entitled Chapter of the advantages of interacting with people and attending meetings and gatherings,
the gatherings of zikr, visiting the sick and the dead, helping the needy, guiding those who are ignorant for those who are capable of enjoining what is right and stopping the evil and refraining from hurting others and being patience when hurt.
Thus, Islam is a religion based on tolerance and the matter has been settled decisively in the Quran. Allah says in Surah al Mumtahanah verse 8:
Which means: Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
Based on this verse, it is clear that religious differences is not an excuse for not being fair.
Thus, fairness and good behavior towards others of different religion is the most important condition that lead to tolerance.
Muslim brothers in Islam, What is the appropriate way for us to realize the nation's tolerance for all races to receive it?
The wasatiyah approach which is comprehensive and integrated is fundamental to the development of tolerance in the country.
Wasatiyyah refers to being wise in the implementation of a thing, being balanced to ensure that there is no violence, wrongdoings towards other races and religions, and at the same time Islam continues to be appreciated or upheld.
This is consistent with what Allah SWT says in Surah Al Baqarah verse 143:
Which means: And thus we have made you a just community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you.
The Federal Constitution drafted by Malaya's independence clearly contains the values of wasatiyyah, ie. to be fair to all races, balanced and moderate in practices and actions.
Social contract has been agreed upon with understanding among the races is firmly bonded in the Federal Constitution.
This social contract received by leaders of various races have adopted this simple principle in creating ummatan wasata.
However, based on the pulpit's observation, lately there are some people who try to distort this tolerance with incidents that should not have happened.
They deliberately use a variety of issues to undermine the social contract that has been certified together.
In pursuit of power and influence, they dare questioned the position of Islam in the Constitution, the role and jurisdiction of the Syariah Court, and the King as head of religion and Malay customs in the country.
They also insult and humiliate Muslims rights. Look with the eyes of our hearts what is happening now!..
This is the result if there are some people who are too obsessed with personal interests that they act beyond the limits and do not realize the earth that they put their feet on and the sky that they uphold.
What is sad is there are some people who misunderstood, could not receive advice and are not satisfied in particular issues such as religion, ethnicity and human rights.
The proof is in the statistics from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), which received a total of 853 reports of 33 cases of racially sensitive issue during the period from January to July 2014 in the country.
I would advise everyone not to act with evil desires and not to be dictated by people of personal interest in inciting tolerance issues that were agreed upon, because it is feared that it would ignite the fire of animosity between us, which in turn will undermine harmony and peace in the country.
We as Muslims should not make the wrong step in understanding the community's tolerance demands.
But remember, tolerance is meant to be based on the principles of Islam based on the Quran and al Sunnah.
We cannot ignore what has been written in the Federal Constitution.
Muslims who embrace the meaning of tolerance are those who are always open and have mutual respect for each other.
Remember that harmony and unity of the people in this country actually exist based on the various factors including through spirit of cooperation, compromise and understanding.
Let not any of us try to destroy what we have achieved so far through tolerance, understanding and compromise.
Do not let extreme ideology to dominate the thinking of the stakeholders and maliciously to undermine our beloved country.
Remember that this is the land of our birth, our homes, where we sweat to earn a living to support ourselves and our families and ultimately as our resting place.
Muslim brothers in Islam, In conjunction with Malaysia Day this year, I urge all of you and all Muslims, let us build tolerance among us in all things, and do not be extreme in things that are agreed upon.
Extremism will be a catalyst for a disunity community and will undermine the country's sociopolitical stability.
There is no need for narrow selfinterest attitude, who are willing to destroy the unity that has been built and pawning the power and dignity that we have.
For the future of Islam and the ummah.. this is the time we must unite irrespective of political affiliation and eliminate all bad elements of people who are trying to challenge the country's constitution and trying to divert our minds.
Think rationally and wisely, stop the attitude of believing rumors and incitements which will have adverse effects on religion and our nation, take lessons of persecution that is happening in the Muslims world, before it happens to us.
Remember the order of our King that "people need to be reminded not to throw a lamp for the joy of seeing the dawn that will eventually set when the day end, later when dusk embrace the evening, people and nations will live groping."
Once again, lets us be reminded that tolerance is part of the teachings of Islam.
This approach should be continued because we believe that Allah's call to make faith as the main condition for the success of Muslims in this world and in the hereafter.
Hopefully our beloved Malaysia continue to progress, peace and safe, and become the umbrella and the protector of Islam and its followers.
Let us reflect on the words of Allah SWT says in Surah al A'raf verse 96:
Which means: And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.
O servant of Allah, remember that this world is a place for temporary lodging. Truly, hereafter is the everlasting and permanent abode. So let us devote to Allah for obtaining happiness and escape from the punishment of hellfire.
Allah says in Surah Al Ahzab verse 56:
Which means: Indeed Allah confers blessing upon the prophet and His angels (ask Him to do so). O! You who have believed, ask Allah to confer blessing upon him and ask Allah to grant him peace.
Let us pray that may Allah SWT be please with the khalifahs of Rasulullah s.a.w i.e Sayyidina Abu Bakr al Siddiq r.a., Sayyidina Umar al Khattab r.a., Sayyinda Uthman ibn Affan r.a., Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Thalib r.a.
And to his companions who struggle to uphold the religion of Allah, also to his uncles Sayyidina Hamzah and Sayyidina Abbas r.a. and to his granchildren Sayyidina Hassan and Sayyidina Hussain r.a., his daughters Sayyidatina Fatimah al Zahraa, his wives Sayyidatina Khadijah and Sayyidatina Aisyah r.a. and the other wives. Followed by his family, companions, followers of the companions and those who come after them from time to time until the end of the world.
O Allah, forgive all Muslims and believers, whether surviving or deceased. O Allah, grant us glory and prosperity to those who fight and spendtheirwealthinyourwaysuchasthose who pay zakat, waqaf etc.
Ya Allah, bestow your guidance and help to the leaders and kings of the Muslim countries especially to Abdaka Al Harith Lishariatika Al Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Al Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan and ruler for the State of Johor Darul Takzim.
And to Raja Zarith Sofea Binti Al Marhum Sultan Idris Shah, Tengku Ismail Ibn Sultan Ibrahim, Pemangku Raja Johor and, the Prince and Princess, the royal kinship, and all Muslims.
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