Faithful told to remember Almighty in happiness and difficulty

Worshippers will be reminded during the sermon on Friday of the significance of turning to Allah.

The message will focus on the fact that Allah has ordered man to turn to Him in all matters.

The Quran says: “Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, grieving and [frequently] returning [to Allah].” (Hood: 75)

The Quran also provides the example of Prophet Dawood (David), “and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allah]”. (Sad: 24)

The sermon will enlighten worshippers on how they can follow the examples of the prophets and return to Allah.

The Prophet Mohammed often prayed: “My Lord, make me ever grateful to You, ever remembering of You, ever obedient to You, ever humble to You, ever grieving and [frequently] returning to You.”

The sermon will inform worshippers that when Muslims persistently return to Allah in repentance and rely on Him, Allah will reward them with mercy and kindness, forgive their mistakes.

Prophet Mohammed said: “Allah the Almighty says: I am to My slave as he thinks of Me, and I am with him as he remembers Me.

“Verily, Allah is more delighted with the repentance of His slave than a person who lost his camel in a desert land and then finds it [unexpectedly]; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.”

People are advised to seek repentance and turn to God in adversity as well as in celebration.

Muslims will also be reminded that reciting the verses of the Quran and thinking about their meaning and significance brings inner peace and happiness to believers.

Worshippers should follow the examples set by the prophets on how they can return to Allah