First Khutbah

Blessed Brothers,
Today is the second Friday in Shawal, after the blessed month of Ramadan has
left us. Let us strive to enhance our takwa to Allah s.w.t. by increasing our
supplications to Him, so that the can continue to taste the sweetness of ibadah
that we have attained in Ramadan.
Dear Brothers,
One of the practices of our community during the month of Shawal, which has
become our culture, is to seek forgiveness from one another; among family
members as well as friends and relatives. In Islam, this practice should not be
restricted only during Shawal. In fact, this attitude of mutual forgiveness is a
commendable trait, highly encouraged by Islam. Allah s.w.t. says in surah alAraf verse 199:

Which means: Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away
from the ignorant.
Allah says in surah an-Nur verse 22:

Which means: And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to
give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of
Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should
forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
1

Blessed Brothers,
Forgiving others is a reflection of one of the attributes of Allah s.w.t. The Most
Forgiving. The verse above explains that just as how we are always hoping for
Allahs forgiveness and would feel happy if we were to be forgiven, others will
also feel the same when we forgive them and seek their forgiveness. This
attitude can bring about a positive impact on ones soul, which is naturally in
constant pursuit of calmness. Our soul is also always wanting to be free from the
burden of envy and resentment that is felt by one who finds difficulty in
forgiving others.
If we fall into the trappings of jealousy, we will tend to make doa for bad things
to happen to others, such to be deprived of sustenance (rizq), to suffer
misfortunes and so on. Worse, if we resort to haram and shirk practices such as
using black magic, engaging a bomoh, using charms and things that are
prohibited in Islam, and can affect our aqidah and faith. Wal iyaazu billah! That
is why we should not treat this matter lightly, for it starts from jealousy and
resentment that stems from a heart that is unwilling to forgive.
Second Khutbah
Dear Jamaah,
Forgiving attitude is also a noble trait of our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
There are many examples in the sirah of the Prophet s.a.w. where he was
attacked and threatened, but Rasulullah s.a.w. did not retaliate. Instead, he
forgave those who were malicious to him. Subhanallah! How noble is the
Prophets character. He was not only willing to forgive the mistakes of his
friends and companions, but also those who fought against him and those who
were hostile towards him.
It was narrated by Ibn Hisham that a man named Fudhaalah ibn Umair
attempted to kill Rasulullah s.a.w. when the Prophet came to conquer Mecca.
And Fudhaalah tried to approach the Prophet s.a.w. when Rasulullah was doing
his tawaf around the Kaabah. Everytime Fudhaalah was close by, Rasulullah
s.a.w. would turn to him smiling, and Rasulullah s.a.w. asked: What is in your
heart O Fudhaalah? Fudhaalah replied: I am only making zikr to Allah.
Then Rasulullah s.a.w. placed his hand on Fudhaalahs chest and patted it. Then
Fudhaalah said: By Allah, when Rasulullah placed his hand on my chest, there
was no man that I hated more than him. But when he removed his hand from my
chest, there was no man that I loved on this earth more than him."
Beloved Brothers,

Do we not want to emulate this noble trait of Rasulullah s.a.w? If we do, then
we should learn to forgive the mistakes of others, mistakes that may have hurt
us. But why should we choose to bear resentment and be hostile with friends and
family members, and end up not talking to each other for years?
Indeed, it is not easy to forgive someone, especially when weve been hurt or
even oppressed. Even the Quran promises retribution for those who commit
acts of evil. However, Allah s.w.t. teaches us that forgiveness should be our
priority and Allah s.w.t. has promised a huge reward for those willing to forgive
others. Allah says in surah As-Syura verse 40:

Which means: And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but
whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah.
Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.
By forgiving others it does not mean we are weak. On the contrary, it will
develop our character and increase our patience. Patience will help to tame our
ego, and will purify our hearts. This would go well with the spirit of Eidul Fitri
that calls upon us to cleanse ourselves, like the fitrah of the hearts of believers.
Imam As-Syafii said, which means: When I forgive and do not resent others,
that is when my heart is calm from any feelings of hostility.
May we attain Allahs forgiveness and mercy, and may we increase our love and
compassion for our family and the entire Muslim ummah. May we be able to
attain success in this world and the hereafter, and be raised among the true
believers in hereafter. Amin ya Rabbal Alamin.
Make Dua for Ummah.
Finish.