Hujjatul Islam Ustad Syed Jawad Naqvi
(Principal Jamia Orwatul Wuthqa – Lahore)
Delivered at: Masjid Baitul ul Ateeq
Lahore – Pakistan
Friday Sermon – 17th January 2025
Sermon 1: Taqwa in protecting constitution of Allah needs deep dive in religion and not just being on corner of religion
Sermon 2: After ceasefire and difficulties with Hezbollah we have more responsibilities now for continuing resistance
Human beings are a unique creation, yet they often fail to fully understand their own existence due to its complexity and depth. This lack of recognition extends to the system of guidance known as religion (Deen), as revealed by Allah (s) in the Quran. Unfortunately, we have acknowledged only a fraction—specifically, one-twelfth—of this religion, which is Fiqh (jurisprudence), while neglecting the other eleven components.
The same applies to Taqwa, which signifies protection. Allah has provided us with a guiding manifesto, the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of safeguarding this divine constitution. In Pakistan, however, there is a pervasive culture of disregarding laws and constitutional principles. Even those entrusted with enforcing the law, such as the police, often become its greatest violators. Lawyers, who are meant to uphold the law, frequently find ways to circumvent it. As a society, we seem to reject the practice of law, living instead like animals in a forest, devoid of regulations.
There are two categories of animals: domestic and wild. While domestic animals may adhere to certain laws, wild animals do not. Similarly, Allah has established a constitution and instructed us to protect it. Human life begins in the womb, and just as that life is nurtured, society has fundamental needs that must be addressed.
In developed nations, individuals earn enough to meet their basic requirements. In contrast, many in Pakistan live far below the poverty line. We are deprived (Mahroom) and must strive to provide essential needs to those who are in dire situations (Marhoom). Tragically, every week, countless individuals perish while attempting to reach Europe, and our Prime Minister dispatches aircraft to bring back their bodies. These individuals are fleeing due to their deprivation here at home.
Can every Pakistani afford to provide adequate education for their children? Meeting these needs can be achieved through Taqwa. Allah instructs us to acquire Taqwa to attain Rahma, which encompasses the necessities of life and society.
The principle highlighted in the verse preceding Taqwa emphasizes the importance of adhering to (Itteba) this constitution. Itteba refers to following something that is dynamic and in motion, not a static pillar or an unmoving figure. There are countless individuals standing behind those who are not leading the community toward progress. Itteba means aligning yourself with someone who is actively pursuing a goal, thereby allowing you to follow in their footsteps to reach your destination.
To achieve this, you must follow the Quran, for it is a living guide, moving towards a purpose and seeking to lead its followers to that destination.In this context, Allah (swt) mentions in Surah Al-An’am, verse 155:
وَهَٰذَا كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ {155}
And this is a Book We have revealed, blessed; therefore follow it and guard (against evil) that mercy may be shown to you.
This text embodies a profound understanding of the concept of “Mubarak,” which signifies a firm foundation and support for every aspect of life and for future generations. To truly benefit from this guidance, one must diligently follow it and strive to acquire Taqwa, so that Allah may bestow His Rahma upon you.
For us, Rahma represents kindness and mercy. However, the Rahmat of Allah transcends mere ethical considerations; it is philosophical in nature. Allah may become angry but often remains silent in His expression. Rahma entails providing for any creation that lacks the fundamental essentials of life. These essentials are vital for survival, sustenance, and growth.
The term “Rahm” refers to the womb of a mother, symbolizing a nurturing space where all the necessary provisions for a sperm to develop into a human being are provided. This illustrates the deep connection between Rahma and the essential needs of life, highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting all forms of existence.
In verse 157
أَوْ تَقُولُوا لَوْ أَنَّا أُنْزِلَ عَلَيْنَا الْكِتَابُ لَكُنَّا أَهْدَىٰ مِنْهُمْ ۚ فَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ بَيِّنَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ ۚ فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ كَذَّبَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَصَدَفَ عَنْهَا ۗ سَنَجْزِي الَّذِينَ يَصْدِفُونَ عَنْ آيَاتِنَا سُوءَ الْعَذَابِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْدِفُونَ {157}
Or lest you should say: If the Book had been revealed to us, we would certainly have been better guided than they, so indeed there has come to you clear proof from your Lord, and guidance and mercy. Who then is more unjust than he who rejects Allah’s communications and turns away from them? We will reward those who turn away from Our communications with an evil chastisement because they turned away.
The greatest oppressor is the one who engages in “Sadaf” with our verses, and such individuals will face severe punishment. As I mentioned previously, Sadaf has two meanings: it refers to things that only touch at their corners, while the rest, including the center, remain apart—much like a seashell. “Musadif,” on the other hand, indicates a degree of acquaintance while still maintaining distance. This reflects a social behavior that, when applied to the Quran, results in grave consequences.
Among people, there are those who are intellectual and those who are passionate. The passionate individuals dive into every endeavor where Allah guides them, while the intellectuals calculate how much they should engage in a particular field and how much they should hold back. For example, many Shias either do not keep beards or maintain very short ones. This is because they have not studied the lives of Ahlulbayt (a). How long were the beards of the Shia Imams (a)? One should research their appearances, as described in traditions, including details about their skin color, height, and more. Shias often look at Fiqh, but there is no specific mention of beard length. If you truly follow Ahlulbayt (a), you can determine your attire accordingly. However, the appearance of many followers does not reflect that of the Imams.
We have allowed religion to exist outside our lives, maintaining only superficial connections with it. This intellectual detachment is akin to being related to something without fully engaging with it. Many attempt to stay on the periphery of religion, similar to individuals in a community who advise others to remain connected with the community but only from a distance—attending occasional programs while avoiding any real responsibilities. Sadaf represents a connection that is limited to the edges, not a holistic existence.
The Quran states that those who deny the signs of Allah and engage in Sadaf—those who, despite being connected, remain cornered—will face severe punishment. You may be associated with a system, but if you do not bear its burdens, you are merely a name without substance. This applies to Imamat: we may claim to be connected, yet we do not take on the responsibilities that come with it. We wish to identify as Muslims while distancing ourselves from Islam by not dedicating time or effort to its principles. Those who remain cornered refuse to take on responsibilities.
Today, the system of Imamat has been in abeyance for generations because it has not garnered sufficient followers. If there had been true followers, the system of Imamat would have been implemented. We have maintained a connection with the Imam but have retreated from our responsibilities. The current distance from issues like Gaza and Palestine illustrates the devastation that occurs when people disengage.
Constitutional Taqwa brings an individual to the center of religion; it cannot be achieved by merely skirting the edges. Until you position yourself at the core of this field, you cannot protect the Quran or religion, nor can you truly acquire Taqwa. This book, which we have descended, can serve as a support for your life. By following it and striving for Taqwa, you can end your deprivation and secure all your essential needs.
Remaining on the periphery or distancing oneself from religion leads to destruction. Whether it is corruption or danger, staying on the sidelines may keep you safe from the tumultuous sea of worldly challenges, but when it comes to the sea of religion, you must dive in wholeheartedly. This is the essence of Taqwa as outlined in the Quran.
SERMON 2
Today, we find ourselves in a generation where everyone has made advancements in various aspects of life, yet when it comes to Taqwa, we have collectively fallen short. It is akin to a seemingly healthy person who, after medical tests, discovers that their outward health was merely an illusion, concealing serious internal diseases, even as severe as cancer. This hollowness reflects the state of humanity, including Muslims and their different sects. Through various examinations, we have uncovered that deep-seated issues have ravaged us from within, despite an outward appearance of health.
The greatest test for humanity in all its forms has been the tragedy of Gaza. This crisis has laid bare the ailments of human society, exposing the failures of both developed nations and institutions like the UN, which claims to protect human rights for women and children. In the face of atrocities, including the killing of children and women, these so-called civilized nations have remained silent, complicit in genocide. Among the worst offenders are the Arab rulers, followed closely by other Muslim leaders, including those in Pakistan, who have brought disgrace to the Islamic world. Some have even allied themselves with treachery, such as Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, while others have participated in oppression, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, further silencing other Muslim countries, including Pakistan.
As long as Pakistani leaders remain entangled in loans and debts, they will continue to face humiliation. The retreat of Pakistan from supporting Kashmir and Palestine has been significantly influenced by Arab nations. They have actively suppressed voices advocating for Palestine, even going so far as to prevent people from displaying flags in stadiums. Those who protested faced legal repercussions. This situation has served as a critical stage and test for humanity, and the majority have failed.
We must recognize that we are living among individuals who resemble wolves and beasts, as epitomized by the events in Gaza. Believers must chart their own course away from such company. Living among these corrupted individuals will lead to a mix of purity and impurity, ultimately resulting in spiritual degradation. Just as poison and sugar, when combined, yield poison, we must understand that we cannot distance ourselves from religion and its principles. We may consider ourselves pure (Tayyab), yet we surround ourselves with the impure (Khabees)—friends, social workers, relatives—and often marry into Khabees families.
On a global scale, the nations with which Pakistan seeks friendship are predominantly Khabees nations—oppressors who have either remained silent or actively contributed to oppression. Their embassies thrive in Pakistan, and many Pakistanis desire to maintain relations with them. Britain, which is often seen as the root of many evils, is a prime example. The British, not merely defined by skin color but by their corrupt practices, have a history of exploitation. They are behind various conflicts and societal ills, and yet Pakistanis feel a sense of privilege when returning from Britain.
Our animosity is directed towards Israel, while we harbor no hatred for Britain, America, or Bin Salman. This hypocrisy is alarming; if we lack hatred for these oppressors, we risk being labeled as hypocrites rather than true believers. We still express admiration for figures like Bin Salman and King Mohammad, and our Prime Minister even met with them during their hunting trips in Pakistan—an action we should not have permitted.
Recent news indicates that a ceasefire agreement has been signed to halt the ongoing conflict, yet even after this agreement, 71 individuals were martyred. While this oppression must cease, many underlying truths have emerged that believers need to consider in planning their lives. If we allow ourselves to become like Taghoot (tyrants) and remain associated with them, we risk becoming senseless.
Pakistan has become a country of crusaders, as many have not awakened to the call of passion. The Jihad that occurs under Taghoot is misguided; it is not a struggle for religion or Palestine but rather a conflict against fellow Muslims. While this war may pause, the struggle against Israel will persist, and the need for resistance activities has never been more critical. Our support for Palestine cannot wane after a ceasefire; rather, it must intensify.
In the past, Hezbollah was a formidable force, but its strength has waned, particularly following the downfall of the Syrian government, which acted as a crucial supply route for the crusaders. The collapse of this bridge has not gone unnoticed, and the motivations behind it are clear to those who care to look. Additionally, the current Iranian government appears disinterested in resistance, as evidenced by the parliamentary members who have presented proof of Israel’s aggressive actions against Iran.
Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Syed Hassan has previously stated that we do not require help from others; we are already in the field. However, the situation has changed, and there is now a pressing need for global support for resistance movements. We must ensure that the sacrifices of our martyrs lead to the ultimate goal of dismantling the war and securing the freedom of Al-Aqsa and Palestine. This conflict will continue, and we must play an active role in it.
Thus far, we have only raised our voices but have not engaged actively. All Pakistanis must rise in support of Palestine, launching movements against Israel and America with such fervor that the crusaders are compelled to act for the liberation of Gaza and Palestine. This is a profound test for us, and we pray to Allah (s) to grant us the strength to succeed.
