Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura Friday Sermon

Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
17 October 2014 / 22 Zulhijjah 1435
A Heart That Shines With Goodness –
The Story of Ibn Ummi Maktum r.a.
Blessed Friday Jemaah,
Let us increase our takwa to Allah by obeying all of His
commands and abstaining from what Allah has prohibited upon
us. May Allah s.w.t. grant us hidayah and guidance, insyallah.
Amin.
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Jemaah,
Allah s.w.t. says in the noble Quran in surah ‘Abasa:
Which means: “The Prophet frowned and turned away,
Because there came to him the blind man, [interrupting]. But
what would make you perceive, [O Muhammad], that perhaps
he might be purified. Or be reminded and the remembrance
would benefit him? As for he who thinks himself without need,
To him you give attention. And not upon you [is any blame] if he
will not be purified. But as for he who came to you striving [for
knowledge], While he fears [Allah], From him you are
distracted. No! Indeed, these verses are a reminder;”
Jemaah,
There is a very important story behind why these verses, which
I just read, were revealed. It has to do with a special companion
of the Prophet, and his name was Abdullah Ibn Ummi Maktum
r.a. It was reported that Ibnu Ummi Maktum once approached
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Rasulullah s.a.w to seek some religious guidance. However, at
that time, the Prophet s.a.w. was too busy spreading the
message of Islam to the leaders of Quraisy. Rasulullah s.a.w
was unable to neither give him attention nor accede to his
request. And so, Allah revealed the verses found in surah
Abasa, verses 1 to 16. The verses recited earlier are a
reprimand from Allah s.w.t. and at the same time, a reminder for
all of us.
Who was Abdullah ibn Ummi Maktum r.a.? He was also known
as Abdullah bin Umar bin Syuraikh r.a., a companion of the
Prophet s.a.w. who was born without the gift of sight. And so,
his mother was called Ummu Maktum, which means: Mother to
the blind.
Even though Abdullah ibn Ummi Maktum r.a. was tested by
Allah with the lack of physical abilities (i.e the loss of sight), he
was bestowed with a pure heart and a sharp mind. He was so
special in the sight of Allah s.w.t., that it was not once, but twice
that Allah s.w.t revealed verses because of events that were
related to Ibnu Ummi Maktum. These are signs of Allah’s
attention toward Ibnu Ummi Maktum and those with special
needs like him.
Thus, it is important for us to reflect upon the lessons from the
event that led to the revelation of the verses recited earlier.
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First: The reprimand from Allah s.w.t regarding the lack of
attention given to those with special needs such as Ibnu Ummi
Maktum, is a reminder that we should always show respect and
be caring toward all of humankind. This is especially to those
who have special needs and those who are in need of
assistance.
Know that whatever nikmat (blessing) that Allah has taken away
from His servant, He will definitely replace it either with a high
standing in the sight of Allah, or the sweetness of ibadah and
answering one’s prayers and so on. Also, the pleasures of
Paradise, and a place in Paradise itself, if a servant of Allah are
resilient in facing the trials given by Allah.
At the same time, do not ever think that we are better than
those who are facing these trials from Allah. The reason why
we have been bestowed with rizq from Allah could be because
of the help and assistance that we have extended to those who
are in need. Rasulullah s.a.w. said: “Are you given victory and
provision
except
on
account
of
the
weak
among
you.” [Reported by Imam Al-Bukhari]
The second lesson we can extract from the Quranic verses
earlier is the importance of maintaining the purity of our heart.
A person may be short of sight, but that doesn’t mean his heart
is as such. In fact, the beauty of one’s heart is more important
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than outward beauty. When one has a pure heart, then one
would be better able to avoid things that may taint the purity of
one’s heart. This includes ugly traits such as gossiping,
backbiting, spreading slander and so on. All these are wasteful
and useless acts that will cause one’s heart to be hardened and
to be blackened with sins. In fact, through the purity of his heart,
Allah gave Ibnu Ummi Maktum the strength to become a noble
person whose stature was raised.
In a hadith reported by Abu Dawud and Tirmidzi from Ibnu
Mas’ud, Rasulullah said: “I do not want any one of you to tell
me off about any of my Companions. I want to go out to (meet)
you with a free heart.”
Furthermore, maintaining the purity of one’s heart is especially
important for a mukmin because in the hereafter, when he is
judged in Allah’s court, it will be the purity of his heart that will
be accounted for as well as his good deeds. Allah s.w.t. says in
surah Al-Shu’ara’ verse 88-89:
Which means: “The Day when there will not benefit [anyone]
wealth or children. But only one who comes to Allah with a
sound heart.”
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Ibnu Ummi Maktum r.a. was blind, and he had never seen the
brightness of the sun. Yet, my dear jemaah, Ibn Ummi Maktum
knew when it was time for prayers because he was given the
responsibility by Nabi s.a.w. to make the call to prayer or azan
in the Prophet’s mosque. There may be those who are blessed
with the gift of sight and maybe even perfect eyesight, and is
able to tell from morning to evening, but may neglect their
prayers.
We need to maintain the purity of our hearts. Cleanse it of any
bad feelings and sins. Hopefully by doing so, we will be able to
“see” better with our eyes. Hopefully by doing so we will also be
able to see Allah’s Might and Greatness.
The third lesson from the story of Ibnu Ummi Maktum is to
acknowledge the potential of every individual and to give him or
her the opportunity to contribute in his or her own way.
As a believer, we have to emulate the character of our beloved
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. who gave the opportunity to each
individual to contribute to the society, without looking at the
person’s shortcomings or weaknesses. Rather Rasulullah
s.a.w. looked at one’s potential and the contribution the person
can make.
Ibnu Ummi Maktum r.a. was appointed by Rasulullah s.a.w to
take care of Madinah, not once or twice but 12 times when the
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Prophet s.a.w. went to the battlefields. In fact, because he was
one of the earliest companions to embrace Islam and receive
the message spread by Rasulullah s.a.w, he was sent to make
the hijrah (migration to Madinah) before the Prophet himself
went, and was tasked to teach the Quran and the message of
Islam to the people of Madinah. Saidina Umar r.a. appointed
him as a flag bearer for the Muslim army in spite of his visual
imparity.
Hence, if we have any family members or friends, who have
special needs, let us not be disappointed or think lightly of their
potentials. Individuals are blessed with a gift from Allah and it is
up to us to help them make use of the gift and understand their
gift.
These are some of the many lessons that we can gain from the
story of a noble companion, Ibnu Ummi Maktum. May Allah
s.w.t. grant our families a deep love for Nabi s.a.w. and his
noble companions. May Allah place us among those who strive
to emulate Rasul s.a.w. and his companions. Amin Ya Rabbal
Alamin.
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