4 Shabaan 1436H / 22 May 2015 Teacher: Fostering Knowledge, Perfecting Morals FRIDAY SERMON

Alhamdulillah, all praise and gratitude are due to Allah, Who created all creatures, in heaven and in earth, in the mainland and at the sea, male and female, that will bear trust and responsibilities.

Therefore, let us increase our taqwa to Allah by doing what He instructed and leaving all His prohibitions. Hopefully, there is light in the midst of darkness, thanks to the sacrifices of teachers in spreading knowledge.

May we be among those who receive blessing in this life and success in the hereafter. The title of our sermon today is, Teacher: Fostering Knowledge, Perfecting Morals which is the theme for the teachers’ day celebration in 2015.

Every year on 16th May, our country will celebrate Teachers’ Day. This celebration aims to celebrate the educators in our country especially those who have worked very hard to educate their students.

They are doing all of this in order to create a generation who are knowledgeable in building a developed and prosperous country.

Indeed, knowledge is a very important part in humans’ lives. Therefore, Allah swt has made it compulsory for us to seek knowledge as narrated by Ibnu Majah that the Prophet Muhammad saw has said:

Translation: Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.

Islam has reminded his people about the importance of maintaining morality and adopt good values as a sign of obedience to the commands of Allah.

Muslims are prohibited from carrying out any form of disobedience, immorality, despicable things and so because it is a clear prohibition.

In developing mankind who have good character and always do good deeds, Allah swt had sent the Messengers and the Prophets on this earth as a guide and a role model in shaping virtuous human.

As Allah Taala says in surah Ibrahim verse 4:

Translation: And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and Allah sends astray [thereby] whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

Among the characteristics that are important for measuring excellence is through human dignity and morality.

In the history of human civilization, morality is a major factor in the rise and fall of civilization of a nation.

This can be seen as in the day of the Prophet saw, one of the key to success when the Prophet conveyed his dakwah is to have a moral integrity and a noble character when dealing with his family, neighbours, friends, even with the non Muslims.

The Prophet’s character is said to be lovely and it amazes people like the Quran, as Aisyah RA said when asked about his character, she said: “The Prophet’s morals were the Quran.” (al-Bukhari)

Based on the observation nowadays, the atmosphere of our society today is facing the crisis of values, there are so many unhealthy cultures and creed or ideology that has influenced the way of life such as speech, dressing style, interaction, and so on that discredit the identity of Muslims as well as it brings a negative image to the image of Muslims.

These unhealthy elements easily slip in and influence our minds and so it will affect our lives if our faith is weak, our knowledge regarding religion is shallow, as well as ignoring the religious teachings and not holding onto the demands of Shariah.

The ones who are infused with this ideology or this dangerous trend, will easily marginalize their morals and values that are had been demanded by Allah and His Messenger.

Remember that Islam has always been observed and all weaknesses and confusion experienced by Muslims will be used as a basis and capital for the enemies of Islam to build a thousand and one reasons and criticism to discredit Islam.

It is possible that they will manipulate our own brothers and sisters as it happened in the last century, especially when the Muslim countries were invaded by the colonial powers.

Thus, this is part of the duties and responsibilities that has to be carried out by us, especially by the teachers in guiding people to the right path.

Their task is not confined merely to teach in the classroom, but they also have a responsibility in shaping the morals of a society. Allah says in surah al-Baqarah verse 269:

Translation: He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.

Teachers make a huge sacrifice in educating people. Each one of us will certainly honour the teachers the day we step our feet to school.

Consciously or not, their sacrifice is always embedded in our memories. Even the sacrifice they made have actually encouraged us to strive and be like them, people who are willing to sacrifice the for the good of others.

We certainly still remember how our teachers were willing to spare some time, energy and even money in helping us to succeed in our studies.

Then when we are adults and have succeeded, should we let their sacrifices be neglected, not remembered?

Teachers surely would not ask for any reward, in terms of material. What is expected from them is that their students pray for them and appreciate them in various ways. Indeed, being grateful to people is a sign of our gratitude to Allah swt. As what the Prophet said:

Translation: “He who is ungrateful to mankind is ungrateful to Allah.”

This glorious mimbar calls the worshippers and all Muslims, let us appreciate the sacrifices made by teachers through the following actions:

First: Pray for teachers’ happiness, whether they are still alive or dead.

Second: Visit teachers to foster better relationship.

Third: Offer any form of contribution according to your respective abilities to educational institutes.

Fourth: Talk to them gently and do not ever hurt the feelings of a teacher.

Fifth: Say thank you to the teachers and everyone who had contributed and shown kindness to us.

For the teachers, the mimbar reminds you to be consistent with sincerity and patience in delivering knowledge to the children of the nation, hopefully to be rewarded by Allah swt.

To end this sermon, let us reflect the words of Allah swt in Surah al- Mujadalah verse 11:

Translation: O you who have believed, when you are told, "Space yourselves" in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, "Arise," then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

O servant of Allah, remember that this world is a place for temporary lodging. Truly, hereafter is the everlasting and permanent abode. So let us devote to Allah to gain happiness and saving us from the punishment of hellfire.

Allah says in Surah Al Ahzab verse 56:

Which means: “Indeed Allah confers blessing upon the prophet and His angels (ask Him to do so). O! You who have believed, ask Allah to confer blessing upon him and ask Allah to grant him peace.”

Let us pray that may Allah SWT be please with the khalifahs of Rasulullah s.a.w i.e Sayyidina Abu Bakr al-Siddiq r.a., Sayyidina Umar al-Khattab r.a., Sayyinda Uthman ibn Affan r.a., Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Thalib r.a.

And to his companions who struggle to uphold the religion of Allah, also to his uncles Sayyidina Hamzah and Sayyidina Abbas r.a. and to his granchildren Sayyidina Hassan and Sayyidina Hussain r.a., his daughters Sayyidatina Fatimah al- Zahraa’, his wives Sayyidatina Khadijah and Sayyidatina Aisyah r.a. and the other wives. Followed by his family, companions, followers of the companions and those who come after them from time to time until the end of the world.

O Allah, forgive all Muslims and believers, whether surviving or deceased. O Allah, grant us glory and prosperity to those who fight and spend their wealth in your way such as those who pay zakat, waqaf etc.

Ya Allah, bestow your guidance and help to the leaders and kings of the Muslim countries especially to Abdaka Al-Harith Lishariatika Al- Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Al- Sultan Iskandar, the Sultan and ruler for the State of Johor Darul Takzim.

And to Raja Zarith Sofea Binti Al-Marhum Sultan Idris Shah, Tengku Ismail Ibn Sultan Ibrahim, Pemangku Raja Johor and, the Prince and Princess, the royal kinship, and all Muslims.

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