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Sermon Manual Multimedia
Firm, Yet Gentle
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FIRM, YET GENTLE
6 March 2015AD / 25 Rabiulawal 1436H
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ُُُ،‫نُل َِّلتِيُهِ ُي َُأَ ق ْو َم‬
ُِ ‫ُوهَد َانَاُب ِال ْقر ْآ‬،َ ‫ا ْلحم َ ُْدُل َِّل ُه ُِالَّذ ِيُع ََّل ُم َُو َأَ ن ْعَم‬
‫ ﯦ ﯧ ﯨ ﯩ ﯪ ﯫ ﯬ ﯭ ﯮ ﯯ ﯰﯱ ﯲ‬:‫قَالَُتَع َالَى‬
‫ﯳﯴﯵ ﯶ‬
َّ ‫ُلا ُِإلَه َُِإ‬
َّ ‫أَُشْه َد ُأَ ْن‬
ُ،ُ‫ُو َأَ شْه َد ُأَ َّن ُسَيِد َنَاُمح ََّمدًاُع َب ْده ُوَر َسو ْله‬،‫ك ُلَه‬
َ ‫لا ُالله ُوَحْد َه ُلا َُشَر ِيْـ‬
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ُ‫ُوَجَعَل َُن َا‬،َ ‫صحَُال ُّأ َّمة‬
َ َ ‫ُو َن‬،َ ‫ُو َأَ َّدىُالأَ م َانَة‬،َ ‫ُب َّلَغَُالرِسَالَة‬،ِ ‫خيْرَتهُم ِنْ ُخ َل ْقِه‬
ِ ‫ و‬،‫وَصَف ُِّيهُوَخ َلِيْله‬
َّ ‫اُإ‬
ُ ،ٌ‫لاُه َال ِك‬
َ ُ‫عَلَىُال ْمَح ََّجة ُِال ْبَيْضَاءُِلَيْله َا‬
ِ َ ‫ُلاَُيَز ِي ْغُعَنْه‬،‫كنَهَارِه َا‬
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ُ .‫صحَابِه ُِوَس ََّلم َُتَسْلِيْم ًاُكَثِيْر ًا‬
ْ َ‫صَلَوَاتُاللهُِوَسَلاَمهُعَلَيْه ُِو َعَلَىُآلِه ُِو َأ‬
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ُ .َ‫صي ْكمُْو َِإ َّيايَ ُبتَِقْو َىُاللهُِوَطَاع َتِه ُِلَع َ َّلـكمُْتفْل ِحوْن‬
ُِ ‫ ا َِّتقواُاللهَُ ُّأو‬،‫ُفَيَاُعِبَاد َُالله‬،ُ‫أَ َّماُبَعْد‬
Fellow Muslims blessed by Allah,
In a life that is filled with many challenges against our faith, let us together
strive to equip ourselves with a cloak of conviction. Soften our soul so that
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we shall be steadfast in performing all the commands of Allah SWT and
resolve to leave behind all that He has prohibited. May such resolve
become a shield for us in this world and a protection for us from being
thrown into Hellfire in the Hereafter.
In following the success story of the propagation efforts by the Prophet
SAW, during which he faced many trials and tribulations, we would realise
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that his success was not easily achieved. The question is, did we ever stop
to think who were the ones with him at the frontlines when he was
struggling for that success? If we follow the seerah, the names of the
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Sermon Manual Multimedia
Firm, Yet Gentle
Companions figure prominently. They were the stronghold and the
protector of the Prophet SAW.
In connection with that, the mimbar today shall deliver a sermon entitled
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“Firm, Yet Gentle”.
The name Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq RA is not alien to Muslims, be it
back then or in the present. He is considered the noblest personality in the
history of Islam, after Rasulullah SAW. His virtuous morals, his grace in his
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willingness to sacrifice his wealth, and the politeness and civility of his
words, are hard to come by. He was a towering Companion who was
closest and most beloved by Rasulullah SAW.
The relationship of Saidina Abu Bakar and Rasulullah SAW when they
stood for Islam was very close indeed, like two peas in a pod. He was
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indeed the most qualified to continue the legacy left by the Prophet SAW,
as the first Caliph of the Muslim Ummah.
The first Caliph was given the monicker ‘As-Siddiq’, which means ‘the
truthful one’, for Abu Bakar was one who believed and would agree with all
that was transmitted by Rasulullah SAW. Once, Rasulullah SAW told of
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how great was the morals of Abu Bakar: “If all mankind were to deny
Muhammad SAW, Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq shall be the one who shall
stand forth with great confidence to defend me.”
Among stories and testimonials of the Companions to endorse his
monicker was the event of Israk and Mikraj. Such an amazing event was
not believed by all of the ignorant society and they came to see Saidina
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Abu Bakar As-Siddiq. But Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq said, “If
Muhammad SAW said it, then I shall believe it. In fact, I shall believe even
more than what he has told you.” Indeed! So strong was his stand in
defending the Prophet SAW.
His contribution during the early stages of the propagation of Islam was
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immense. Examples of how great was the determination and the honesty
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of Saidina Abu Bakar in his efforts could be seen when he felt very happy
to be given the priviledge to accompany Rasulullah SAW during the hijrah
event. Saidatina Aisyah RAH said that she had never seen her father so
happy like the day when he had to get ready for the journey to Madinah.
Ibnu Hisyam narrated that Rasulullah SAW came secretly to Abu Bakar’s
home, and thereafter both of them went to the Cave of Thur which was to
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the south of Makkah. They hid in the cave for a few days to avoid the
blockade and the checks that were being carried out by the Quraisy.
The historical event was mentioned by Allah SWT in Surah at-Taubah
verse 40:
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‫ﮥﮦﮧﮨ ﮩ ﮪﮫ ﮬﮭﮮ ﮯ ﮰ‬
‫ﮱ ﯓ ﯔ ﯕ ﯖﯗ ﯘ ﯙ ﯚ ﯛ ﯜﯝ‬
Which means: “If you help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for Allah did
indeed help him, when the unbelievers drove him out: he had no more
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than one companion; they two were in the cave, and he said to his
companion, "Have no fear, for Allah is with us."
At one time, Saidina Ali bin Abi Talib recounted the Battle of Badr. When
the Companions were asked “Who shall guard Rasulullah SAW to ensure
that none of the musyrikin shall attack him?” By Allah, no one came forth
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other than Abu Bakar with an unsheathed sword in front of Rasulullah
SAW. Such was the distinction of Saidina Abu Bakar as a Companion who
would go through thick and think with Rasulullah SAW.
He not only strove to establish Islam wholeheartedly, but also with all his
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wealth. In the Battle of Tabuk for example, Rasulullah SAW had asked for
all Muslims to sacrifice their wealth for the sake of Allah SWT.
Suddenly, Saidina Abu Bakar came. He brought all his wealth and put it in
the hands of the Prophet SAW. Seeing so much brought by Saidina Abu
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Bakar for the sake of jihad, Rasulullah SAW was surprised and said to him:
“O, my noble friend, if all of your wealth is to be sacrificed, what is left for
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your children and wife?”
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The question by Rasulullah SAW was calmly answered by Saidina Abu
Bakar As-Siddiq with a smile, “I leave them Allah and His Prophet.”
Subhanallah... such was the level of his sacrifice, great indeed was his
conviction!
Allah SWT recorded the benevolence of Abu Bakar As-Siddiq in Surah alLail verse 18 to 21:
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‫ﭝﭞﭟﭠ ﭡﭢﭣﭤﭥ ﭦ ﭧﭨﭩ ﭪ ﭫﭬ ﭭ‬
‫ﭮﭯﭰ ﭱ‬
Which means: “Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification.
And have in their minds no favour from anyone for which a reward is expected in
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return. But only the desire to seek for the Countenance of their Lord Most High.
And soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction.”
Fellow Muslims blessed by Allah,
During the short time of his Caliphate, Saidina Abu Bakar succeeded in
putting a strong and solid foundation of Islam. The Islamic state expanded
across the land to cover Palestine, Iraq and Syam. Developments at that
time were focused on public and civil institutions, such as the
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establishment of the syura council, institutionalization of the mufti’s post,
baitulmal, markets and commercial sites, and the appointement of regional
administrators. In fact, the process of collecting and arranging the verses
of the Holy Al-Quran into one book also took place during his time, after he
agreed to the suggestion made by Saidina Umar Al-Khattab.
Indeed, his appointment as the head of state after Rasulullah SAW proved
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correct. He held to one clear and firm principle regarding justice and
fairness for his people.
It was stated in his speech when he assumed the Caliphate:
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“O, Ummah! I have been chosen to lead you even though I am not the best
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among you. If my leadership is good, support me, but if it is not good, then
correct it. The weak among you are the strongest to me, until I have helped
him to gain his rights, while the strong among you are the weakest to me,
until I have taken the rights of others that are with him, in order to return
such rights to those who deserve it.”
Such was Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq, his pious character would put
forth the importance of others. His speech seemed to have been a
warning; there should not be any one among his subjects who should try to
oppress others. Citizens who are oppressed shall be protected until he is
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strong in the society with the assistance of the Caliph. While those who
oppress shall be opposed and threatened until his influence is weakened.
This shows that although he was known for his gentle character, always
polite and humble, he was very firm when it came to protecting the faith
and creed of Islam.
Fellow Muslims blessed by Allah,
We must realise that to make our dreams come true, we must make an
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example of the character of great personalities in Islam, such as Saidina
Abu Bakar. His sacrifices and his attitude in being firm in all matters of
truth must be followed by all of us. We should take heed as follows:
First: The obedience and loyalty of his friend, Saidina Abu Bakar, towards
the Prophet SAW was beyond compare. From history, we could feel the
affection that Abu Bakar had towards him, for Abu Bakar valued the
Prophet SAW more than his own life. He put his wealth, time, heart and
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soul on the line. In fact, his life was put on the line for the sake of the one
he loved so very much. So, we must now wonder, what has been our
contribution in ensuring that the struggles of the Prophet SAW and his
Companions could be continued? Have we performed the best that we can
to protect the sanctity of Islam from being desecrated?
As followers of the Prophet SAW, let us together bring to life all the sunnah
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of his morals and his propagation efforts in the society. Escalate our
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understanding and obedience in performing all his teachings. We must
take care of our solat, the Al-Quran must not be ignored, while ethics and
morals must be paid attention to in our work, so that the sunnah may be
actively practiced in today’s life within the society.
Second: When a person talks about the truth, or defends the truth, then
we must understand that what is being done is for the sake of the
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commands of Allah SWT and His Prophet. It is not for the sake of gaining
anything from another person, or for fame or victory.
An honest person would defend and protect the truth and true principles,
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even though he has to go against his own desires, or the desires of others,
and even though he would bear loss, or be opposed by others around him.
It was iterated by Rasulullah SAW in a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, as
reported by Abu Dzar:
‫لُالْح ََّقُو َِإنُْك َانَُم ًّرا‬
ِ ‫ق‬
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Which means: “State the truth even though it is bitter.”
Third: Giving away wealth towards the way of Allah SWT is a form of great
investment which would never suffer any loss. The generosity of Saidina
Abu Bakar and his conviction towards Allah SWT and His Prophet had
brought his standing to a level so high in the estimation of Allah SWT.
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Therefore, let us ask ourselves how far have we contributed towards Islam.
If we do not provide ideas, or even our strength, then strive to give part of
our wealth, even if a little. But, do not be involved in efforts to damage
Islam. Feel embarrassed with Allah SWT when all sustenance given by
Him have been utilized to fulfill our wanton desires alone.
Fellow Muslims blessed by Allah,
In this era that demands courage and sacrifice, do the best for the sake of
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the future of Islam and its followers. Let us realise! We are not too late.
Awaken before we lose the sanctity of our religion and the dignity of our
ummah. Let us never be taken in by the pleas and requests of our enemies
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until, finally, we even dare to fight against the truth and to allow what is
wrong.
Remember, even though nice on the outside, even though pleasing
orally... many enemies of Islam would continue to forward their agenda
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until we are all defeated and follow their footsteps. Recall and study the
history of what has happened to the Muslim Ummah… may we take it as a
lesson for us to understand and learn from, for the sake of our future.
Fellow Muslims blessed by Allah,
The conclusions that we can take from the sermon today are:
First:
Defending what is right is our responsibility together,
especially when defaming others has become something
staple in today’s world.
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Second:
Giving away our wealth for the sake of Allah SWT is akin to
preparing a palace in the Hereafter and constructing a
pathway towards the Paradise of Allah SWT.
Third:
Take the character of Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq as our
example in all aspects of our life.
Allah SWT declared in Al-Maaidah verse 8:
‫ﭷ ﭸ ﭹﭺ ﭻ‬
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‫ﮨ ﮩ ﮪ ﮫ ﮬ ﮭ ﮮ ﮯﮰ ﮱ ﯓ‬
‫ﯔ ﯕ ﯖ ﯗ ﯘﯙ ﯚ ﯛ ﯜ ﯝﯞ ﯟ ﯠﯡ ﯢ ﯣ ﯤ‬
‫ﯥﯦ ﯧ‬
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Which means: "O, you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as
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witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your
kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both.
Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort
(justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well- acquainted with all that
you do."
ُ‫كي ِْم ُو َتَق ََّبلَُم ِنِي‬
ُِ َ ‫ات ُو َالذِكْر ُِالْح‬
ِ َ ‫ن ُالآي‬
َ ِ ‫بَارَك َُالله ُلِيُْو َلـ َك ْم ُُب ِال ْقر ْآنُِال ْعَظِي ِْم ُو َنَف َعَنِيُو َِإ َّياكمُْبِمَاُف ِيْه ُِم‬
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َّ ‫وَم ِن ْكمُْتِلاو َتَه ُِإ َّنه ُهو‬
َُ‫ُال ْعَظِي ْم َُلِيُْو َلـ َكمُْو َلِسَائِر ُِال ْمسْل ِمِيْن‬
ُ َ ‫ أَ قو ْل ُقَو ْلِيُْهَذ َاُو َأَ سْ تَغْف ِر ُالله‬.‫َُالسمِيع ُال ْعَلِي ْم‬
َّ ‫اتُالأَ حْ يَاءُِمِنْهمُْو َالأَ مْو َاتُفَاسْ تَغْف ِروْه ُِإ َّنهُهو َُال ْغ َف ُو ْر‬
.‫حي ْم‬
ِ ‫ُالر‬
ِ َ ‫اتُو َال ْمؤْم ِنِيْنَُو َال ْمؤْم ِن‬
ِ َ ‫و َال ْمسْل ِم‬
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