Selected Excerpts from the Friday Sermon at Masjid Al-Haram: Delivered by Sheikh Yasir Ad Dawsary in Masjid Al Haram, 18 Dhul Qadah 1446 AH
“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’” [Qur’an 40:60]
It is among the laws of Allah that He made this world a place of trial and test, and set it upon difficulties and challenges. Often, the righteous and sincere face hardship, illness, grief, and distress, while the unjust and sinful may walk among people with ease. Yet, the hearts that truly turn to Allah in devotion, sincerity, and need raising their hands in supplication are met with relief, healing, and Allah’s pleasure. Indeed, Allah made du’a (supplication) the highest form of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Supplication is worship.”
And he (peace be upon him) also said:
“Nothing is more honorable to Allah than supplication.” [Ahmad]
Supplication is worship: It signifies the essence of servitude, recognizing Allah’s power, and surrendering to His will. The Prophets, peace be upon them, constantly turned to Allah in du’a. Allah says:
“Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were humbly submissive to Us.” [Qur’an 21:90]
They turned to Allah in submission and humility, and He gave them relief and opened doors of goodness for them in this life and the next.
Du’a is the refuge of the fearful, the sanctuary of the distressed, and a bridge between the earth and the heavens. It is the cry of the helpless who has no strength except with Allah, and the most powerful weapon of the weak.
Du’a is one of the greatest means of attaining relief and success. When the gates of hardship close and paths become narrow, when no one else can offer a solution only the people of du’a, sincere and hopeful in Allah, will find a way forward. Du’a is the secret weapon of the believer in both hardship and ease.
Du’a brings comfort to the heart, removes distress, and brings hope. One of the companions said:
“Whenever a matter distressed the Prophet (peace be upon him), he would immediately resort to prayer.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Indeed, your Lord is Generous and Shy. When His servant raises his hands to Him, He feels shy to return them empty.” [Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi]
Du’a is guaranteed, honored, and praiseworthy. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“There is no Muslim who supplicates to Allah with a du’a that does not involve sin or breaking of kinship, except that Allah gives him one of three: either He quickly grants it, or stores it for him in the Hereafter, or averts a calamity equal to it.” [Ahmad]
We are now in the sacred days of Hajj, among the best times for good deeds and acceptance of du’a. So take advantage raise your hands, shed your tears, and seek forgiveness and the erasure of sins.
To those traveling to the Sacred Mosque: Honor your journey and destination, behave with the proper manners and reverence. Follow official guidance and fulfill all the necessary permits and rules set by the authorities.
May Allah bless this blessed nation which never fails to prepare, plan, organize, and serve the pilgrims with care and excellence. May He reward them for their efforts, and grant them success, security, and tranquility.
O Allah, grant us the opportunity to serve the pilgrims, and reward those who serve the guests of the Sacred House with the highest reward.