In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.
Dear brothers and sisters! Today, it is no secret that Islam is being attacked. Whether from within, by fake jihadist groups and people who commit atrocities in the name of Islam such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, Mamudawa, Lakurawa etc, or from outside by the rising tide of Islamophobia and the subtle, and not-so-subtle, attacks on and mockery of Islam and Muslims. Our beautiful religion has been hijacked by a statistically insignificant minority who share nothing with the teachings of our faith other than a name. Their evil actions give reason and excuse for people of ill intent to try to smear this beautiful religion, using the actions of this minority as an excuse to attack Muslims and create a tremendous fitnah (trial) for us all. It is shaking the weak-hearted to the core and confusing those of us who, all of a sudden, find ourselves in the midst of a very disorienting storm.
Is this something new, or has it happened before? Let us take a quick look back at a couple of major events in our beloved Prophet’s life.
In the tenth year of prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) went to Al-Ta’if, which is about 60 miles from Makkah. He travelled by foot, both ways, and in his company was his servant Zaid Bin Harithah (RA). Every time they stopped by a village or town, he would invite its people to Islam and none would answer his invitation. When he arrived at Al-Ta’if he sought out three brothers who were prominent figures of the tribe of Thaqif. He sat with them and invited them to Allah Almighty and to aid Islam. One of the brothers said to him:
“I will rip the cloth off the Ka’abah if Allah sent you.”
While the other said:
“Did Allah not find anyone better than you?”
And the third said:
“By Allah I will never speak to you, for if you are a Prophet then you are dangerous to engage in conversation and if you are lying then I should not be speaking to someone like you.”
So the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) left them and said:
“Then please do not tell others about me.” [See The Sealed Nectar, page 148]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) stayed with the people of Al-Ta’if for ten days and he did not leave any of their honourable or respected figures without speaking to them about Islam. They all told him to leave their land and kicked him out. They also egged the lowly ones from among them, and their slaves, to yell and curse at the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and Zaid (RA) as they were leaving. People gathered and formed two lines and, along with cursing and yelling, threw pebbles and rocks at them until the heels of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) bled. Zaid (RA) was trying to protect the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) with his own body, was hit in the head, and bled. People continued to abuse them until three miles later, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his Companion got to a vineyard and they rested under the shade of its plants.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) himself was humiliated, hurt and broken-hearted. What did he do?
Imam Bukhari reports that Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) if he had experienced a day that was harder on him than the day of the Battle of Uhud. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) replied that he had seen his fair share from her people, but the worst was when he went to Al-Ta’if to invite its people to Islam. He said:
“…then I left, saddened and downtrodden, until I realised that I had arrived at Qarn Al-Thalib. While there, a cloud cast its shadow upon me. I looked up and the Angel Jibril was on it, and he said, ‘Allah has heard what the people said to you and how they responded and He has sent the angel of the mountains with me to command him with whatever you may please.’ At that, moment the angel of the mountains called the Prophet and asked, ‘O Muhammad, you shall have whatever you please. If you so desire, I can close the two mountains on them.’ [The people of Al-Ta’if lived between two mountains] The Prophet replied, ‘But I wish that Allah would send from among them people who would worship Him alone and not associate any in worship with Him.’”
This is why Allah Almighty says about the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in Surah Al-Anbiya:
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” [Qur’an, 21:107]
He was the most merciful person. Allah Almighty called him “a mercy to the worlds.” He was merciful to his family, to his followers, to his friends, even to his enemies. He was merciful to young and old, to humans and to animals. Those who persecuted him in Makkah and killed his relatives and his followers, when they were defeated in battles and brought to him as captives, were forgiven by him. He asked them:
“What do you think I am to do to you today?” and they replied, “Nothing but good, a generous brother the son of a generous brother.” He replied, “I shall say to you what Yusuf (AS) said to his brothers: ‘No blame on you today.’”
He did not ever take revenge or retaliate. He was the most forgiving person. His concern was that the message of Allah Almighty made it through to hardened hearts.
Allah the Most High says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] Messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allah?” Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” [Qur’an, 2:214]
Today, we are living in difficult times and many questions surround us.
How do we counter sick-hearted people (terrorists) who want to turn our children into murderers under the false guise of Islam?
How do we answer Islamophobia?
How do we answer our children’s questions about a distorted image of Islam?
How do we uphold the Prophet’s honour?
By learning and understanding the life he lived. The morals he exemplified. The actions he took. By building ourselves in the same methodical way he built his followers. You start with faith and solidify it in your heart. Then you apply the beauty of that faith to all of your actions.
Allah the Most High says:
“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’” [Qur’an, 3:31]
To follow him, we must understand him.
The time is now for us to focus on what is most important.
It is not the environment you live in. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) grew up in a time where people circumambulated the Ka’abah naked and worshipped idols.
It is not the lack of a full-time Islamic school that makes our children grow up detached from this religion.
It is not that we do not have an Imam/Khalifah (religious leader). We have the example of a great Imam (Sultan), may Allah Almighty bless him and his family, but even though we have him, he is not going to raise our children for us.
The responsibility lies with us. We are the ones responsible for understanding our faith and raising our kids to be proud of, and to fully embrace and practice, their Muslim identity.
Allah the Most High says in Surah Muhammad:
“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.” [Qur’an, 47:19]
We are told to ‘know’ before we are told to ask for forgiveness. The most telling evidence that we must have knowledge first before we take action is that the first verse of the Qur’an to be revealed was:
“Recite in the name of your Lord who created.” [Qur’an, 96:1]
Reading is the key to knowledge. Islam started with knowledge and learning before action, and therefore it is incumbent upon each one of us to learn our great religion. Learn and know what is obligated upon you for the sake of Allah Almighty, for your own sake, for your family’s sake, your neighbours, your community, your society and humanity as a whole.
Knowledge is a fard (obligation) on every Muslim. This obligation is two kinds. One is what is known in Islam as fard kifayah, or an obligation that is fulfilled if a sufficient number of Muslims within a community perform it. For example, not every Muslim needs to be a scholar of Islam, or an expert in Hadith (traditions of the Prophet) or tafsir (exegesis of the Qur’an). It is an obligatory knowledge, but if a sufficient number of people possess it, then the sin of not performing the obligation is lifted from the rest of the Muslims. This is true for all kinds of knowledge, not only Islamic or religious knowledge. This means that not everyone needs to be a doctor or a lawyer or an engineer; rather, a sufficient number of people should have that knowledge, helping their societies become self-sufficient rather than needing to import expertise.
The second form of knowledge is that which is fard ain, or obligatory on each and every Muslim. Every Muslim must learn of their religion that which corrects, strengthens and improves their Iman (faith).
The best way to fight Islamophobia is to understand and practice our Islam: to engage people as a Muslim and to live our lives as Muslims. Therefore, wearing the hijab is fighting Islamophobia. Resisting lusts and temptations is fighting Islamophobia. Understanding Islam is fighting Islamophobia.
Respected brothers and sisters! Islamic teachings offer profound guidance on dealing with adversity and hatred through patience, steadfastness, reliance on Allah, and responding to evil with good. Key sources like the Qur’an, the Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) life (Sirah), and the stories of early Muslims provide powerful lessons and inspiration.
The Qur’an provides a direct framework for maintaining faith and strength during persecution.
Allah Almighty says:
“You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah – indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of resolve.” [Qur’an, 3:186]
And He the Most High says:
“Good and evil deeds are not alike. Requite evil with good, and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend. But none will attain this save those who endure with fortitude and are greatly favoured by Allah.” [Qur’an, 41: 34-35]
This Qur’anic verse is a powerful call to respond to hostility with grace and kindness.
The Qur’an reassures Muslim believers that help will come to those who remain steadfast. Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, Messengers before you were rejected, but they patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them.” [Qur’an, 6:34]
The lives of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions are filled with examples of enduring extreme hardship with dignity and faith.
As mentioned earlier, after years of persecution in Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) traveled to the city of Al-Ta’if seeking support. Instead, he was mocked and stoned until his feet bled. When the Angel Jibril offered to crush the people of Al-Ta’if between two mountains, the Prophet refused, praying instead that Allah would guide their descendants to worship Him alone.
Early Muslims who were slaves or from weaker tribes, like Bilal Ibn Rabah, faced brutal torture. Bilal’s master would place a heavy rock on his chest in the scorching desert heat, demanding he renounce Islam. Bilal remained steadfast, repeating “Ahad, Ahad” (One, One), until he was eventually freed by Abubakar.
The Prophet’s entire clan faced a three-year economic and social boycott by the powerful Quraish tribe. They endured severe deprivation and hunger but did not waver in their protection of the Prophet. This collective resilience is a testament to the strength found in unity and faith during times of intense pressure.
These sources inspire Muslim believers today to respond to Islamophobia with a multi-faceted approach.
Adversity is viewed as a test from Allah that can lead to spiritual growth.
The Prophet’s character, described as “the Qur’an embodied,” serves as the ultimate model for rising above hostility through noble conduct and moral strength.
Counteracting ignorance and misconceptions about Islam through education and personal interaction is a key strategy.
Increasing acts of worship, such as prayer (Du’a) and seeking forgiveness (istighfar), is essential for inner strength and trusting in divine support.
Islam demands the avoidance of oppression and calls for standing up against injustice in all forms.
Dear brothers and sisters! Islam will continue to flourish regardless of any hate, because it is the religion of Allah, and Allah will always protect His religion.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“My Lord gathered up the world for me, and so I saw its eastern most part and its western most part. And my nation’s dominion will reach the furthermost parts of what I saw gathered up! And my Lord has promised me the red and the white. And I asked my Lord not to destroy my nation with a general drought, or that an external enemy come and obliterate the last of them. So my Lord answered me back, ‘O Muhammad! Once I have decreed a matter, it will not be changed or abrogated. And I have decreed that your nation will not be destroyed because of a drought, and that it shall not be obliterated due to an external enemy attack, even if all of them gather their forces from across the world! But [what shall happen] is that they will attack one another, and take one another as prisoners.'” [Reported by Muslim in his Sahih]
Benefits from this Hadith is as follows:
1. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) predicted that his Ummah would grow and span the entire world, as has indeed occurred.
2. He predicted that the thrust of this expansion will be towards the east and the west of Arabia, and not as much towards the north or the south. And this too has occurred. Look at a map of the Muslim world and you will see the central lands of Islam surrounding the Arabian peninsula from the east and west: from Morocco to Turkistan.
3. The ‘red’ and the ‘white’ is a reference to gold and silver, and an indirect reference to the Roman empire (which traded in gold) and the Persian empire (which traded in silver). Meaning: the two greatest empires will be mine and their lands will become Muslim lands. And this has occurred.
4. He predicted that the Ummah as a whole will never be destroyed because of a general plague or an external enemy. Even if the world were to unite to fight the Muslims, that would not obliterate them entirely, although it might take large segments.
5. And, finally, he predicted that, for a divine wisdom known to Allah alone, the primary problem of the Ummah would be in-fighting and internal divisions.
It is not the blood that is shed from external foes that affects the Muslims the most; it is blood that is shed from one Muslim land fighting another, or even from the dictators fighting against and massacring their own peoples.
And indeed, it is to Allah we complain and upon Him we place our hopes and trust.
Fellow brothers and sisters! In-fighting, internal strife, and division are portrayed in Islamic teachings as a profound danger and a primary source of weakness, humiliation, and destruction for the Muslim Ummah. The core message from the Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith) is that unity is a divine blessing and a collective obligation, while disunity is a severe punishment and a tool used by external forces and internal negative traits (like envy and political rivalry) to undermine the Muslim community’s strength and purpose.
The noble Qur’an strongly warns against division, emphasising unity as a fundamental principle. Allah Almighty says:
“Hold fast to the rope of Allah and not being divided.” [Qur’an, 3:103]
This rope signifies adherence to divine guidance as the basis for unity.
Describing Muslim believers as a single brotherhood and urging reconciliation. [Qur’an, 49:10]
Warning against being like those who are divided after receiving clear signs (Qur’an, 3:105) and stressing that division leads to chastisement.
Linking disputes to losing courage and power. [Qur’an, 8:46]
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also described the Ummah as one body, where the suffering of one part affects the whole. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
He advised against envy, hatred, and turning away from one another, encouraging Muslims to be brothers. [Sahih Muslim]
He highlighted reconciliation as a superior act, warning that causing disunity erodes one’s religion.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) demonstrated conflict resolution before his prophethood when the Makkah tribes disputed who would place the Black Stone during the rebuilding of the Ka’abah. He wisely resolved the conflict by having all the tribal leaders share the honour, preventing potential war.
So in-fighting and internal divisions weaken the Ummah, contradicting the divine command for unity. This disunity leads to a loss of divine support and makes Muslim communities vulnerable. Islam emphasises unity based on its core principles, dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding as the way forward.
Respected brothers and sisters! There’s a Prophetic Hadith, narrated by Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him), which is found in collections like Sunan Abi Dawud. Thawban reported that: The Messenger of Allah, (Peace be upon him) said:
“Soon the nations will be summoned to you just like one is invited to a feast.” It was said, “Will we be few in that day?” The Prophet said, “No, rather you will be many in that day, but you will be scum like such flowing down a torrent. Allah will remove your esteem from the chests of your enemies, and Allah will insert feebleness (Wahn) in your own hearts.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is this feebleness (Wahn)?” The Prophet said, “Love for the worldly life and hatred of death.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, and graded Hasan (fair) according to Shaikh Shu’aib Al-Arna’ut]
In this Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) foretold a time when nations would gather to attack Muslims, likening it to people inviting others to share a dish. When asked if this would be due to small numbers, he clarified that Muslims would be numerous but weak, like scum carried by a torrent. He explained that Allah would remove fear of Muslims from their enemies’ hearts and replace it with wahn (enervation) in the Muslim’s hearts. Wahn was defined as “love of the world and dislike of death.” This Hadith highlights internal weakness, rooted in excessive attachment to worldly life and aversion to death, as the primary cause of vulnerability.
The Hadith also serves as a call for self-reflection and action, emphasising internal factors contributing to the challenges faced by the Ummah. It highlights that strength comes from strong Iman (faith), righteousness, and unity, rather than mere numbers. Combating wahn involves detaching from worldly desires, focusing on righteous deeds, and contemplating the temporary nature of this life and the eternal nature of the Hereafter. Believers are reminded that divine assistance is available for those who strive and remain patient (Qur’an, 2:214).
Furthermore, another Hadith promises that a group within the Ummah will continue to uphold the truth until the Day of Judgment.
Dear brothers and sisters! Today, the Muslim Ummah is at its weakest. Our people are being attacked, ridiculed, humiliated and persecuted all over the world.
And we have only ourselves to blame for our disgrace. Isn’t it time we wake up from our slumber and unite in defense of truth and justice?
“The nations will soon summon one another to attack you as people when eating invite others to share their dish.” The Prophet explained that this would not be due to small numbers, but because the Muslim Ummah would become like “scum and rubbish” with Allah removing fear of them from their enemies’ hearts and casting “wahn” into their own. When asked about “wahn”, he replied, “Love of the world and dislike of death.”
This Hadith describes a future state of vulnerability for the Muslim Ummah despite their numbers, attributing it to the internal weakness of “wahn” – excessive focus on material things and a fear of death.
The Hadith calls for self-reflection and action, emphasising that overcoming external threats requires addressing internal spiritual weaknesses. It highlights that true strength comes from faith, unity, and adherence to Islamic principles, not just numbers. Overcoming “wahn” means prioritising the Hereafter and being willing to strive for truth, even if it involves facing death. The message encourages abandoning materialism, uniting for truth, and relying on Allah.
And finally, dear brothers and sisters! I pray, May Allah see you through in all your endeavours.
Ya, Allah! There is no power nor might except with You, so grant us the best of this world, in the grave and that of the afterlife, O You the Merciful.
May Allah Ease our suffering and Reward us for our Patience.
May Allah strengthens our Iman and protect us from any satanic influences.
Allah Almighty, we lift up our nation, Nigeria, into Your loving hands. Bless our land with peace, unity, and progress. Guide our leaders with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Strengthen our communities with love and understanding. Protect us from violence, corruption, and division. Help us build a nation where justice flows, opportunities grow, and every citizen lives in dignity and hope. Ya Allah, heal our land and let Your light shine upon Nigeria. Allah of all wisdom and peace, bless our country with unity, justice, and compassion. Guide our leaders to act with integrity, and strengthen our people with courage and kindness. Protect our land, heal our divisions, and help us walk together in hope. May peace take root here, and may love be our way forward.
Ya Allah, whoever has a hand in terrorism, in kidnapping, in banditry, in destroying our country, in all the crises taking place in Nigeria, directly or indirectly, Muslim or non-Muslim, old or young, Southerner or Northerner, Pastor or Imam, educated or uneducated, security agent or civilian, politician, business man, civil servant or labourer, whoever he may be, may Allah expose them, destroy them, put them on shame and send His wrath, punishment and calamity on them. Ya Allah, don’t allow them to know peace, don’t allow them to experience peace and happiness in their entire lives.
Ya Allah, destroy all the terrorists and idiots collecting ransom and causing pains to Nigerians. Whoever support these animals will never get peace of mind and their generation never end well In Shaa Allah!
Respected brothers and sisters! Indeed, our hearts bleed, Our tears keep flowing, We are suffering, Our pain know no bound,
So painful…!
Fellow Nigerians! Say NO to war, Say NO to racism, Say NO to tribalism, Say NO to double standards, Say NO to corruption, Say NO to bad governance, Say NO to criminal politicians, Say NO to extremism, Say NO to terrorism, Say NO to banditry, Say NO to insurgency, Say NO to kidnapping, Say NO to ethnoreligious crisis, Say NO to political thuggery, Say NO to the using of religion in a bad way, Say NO to violence against women, Say NO to child abuse, Say NO to hate speech, Say NO to foreign intervention, Say NO to animalistic behaviour, Say NO to ignorance. Let’s all unite to take back our country. Let’s join hand to reclaim our beloved nation. Know that, united we stand divided we fall…!
We pray for a Nigeria filled with peace, mercy, compassion and justice.
May Allah forgive us, purify us and guide us and allow us to be worthy of following the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him). May Allah allow us to be a source of blessings for the Ummah and those around us and allow us to embody the true meaning of piety. May Allah bless you and bless your Jumu’ah with every blessings, ameen.
Absolutely! Allah is always with us, even in our loneliest moments. He is the best protector, the best listener, and the most merciful. Trust in His plan, and He will guide you through every difficulty. Stay strong and keep your faith alive!
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.
This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Jumadal Thani 07, 1447 AH (November 28, 2025).
