True belief is the way to earn Allah’s protection

Those who seek out ways to please Allah will be rewarded in this life and the next, Friday’s sermon tells worshippers.

“The rewards of Allah the Almighty would be a source of happiness for the believer in this world and on the Day of Judgment,” the sermon says.

“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will appoint for them affection,” says the Quran, meaning that they will surely be rewarded with a happy life.

Allah also promises true believers that He will answer their prayers, grant their wishes, and increase His favours upon them.

“And He answers those who have believed and done righteous deeds and increases (for) them from His bounty,” the Quran says.

Those who follow God’s orders are protected by Him at times of distress.

By way of an example, the sermon cites an episode reported by Prophet Mohammed.

“While three men were walking, it started raining and they took shelter in a cave in a mountain. A big rock rolled down from the mountain and closed the mouth of the cave. They said to each other, ‘Think of good deeds which you did for Allah’s sake only, and invoke Allah by giving reference to those deeds so that He may remove this rock from you’.

“So, each one invoked Allah by giving a reference to righteous deeds that they did for Allah’s sake, and Allah removed the rock from the cave.”

The sermon describes the benefits of seeking forgiveness from Allah by chanting “Astaghferu Allah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness).

Istighfar – the process of chanting “Astaghferu Allah” – not only brings benefits to the individual, but to a nation, worshippers will hear.

The concept is illustrated in a Quranic verse that quotes prophet Noah when he said to his people: “Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send (rain from) the sky upon you in (continuing) showers and give you increases in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.”

Modesty is also among the qualities that can bring high and noble standing to believers, the Quran says.

“No one will humble himself for Allah’s sake except that Allah raises his status,” the sermon concludes, citing one of Prophet Mohammed’s sayings.