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. 1 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 2 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. 3 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 4 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.” 5 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 6 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. 7 8