Spiritual message delivered during Friday sermon at Masjid Nehar Wali; emphasis on the importance of prayers, repentance and seeking forgiveness
Agra: Khateeb Mohammad Iqbal of Masjid Nehar Wali delivered a thought-provoking message during his Friday sermon, highlighting the relationship between human beings and Allah Almighty. He said that people often tell one another to come closer to Allah, whereas the Holy Quran clearly teaches that Allah is already close to His servants. What is needed is to purify our hearts and improve our deeds so that we can truly experience His closeness.
Referring to Verse 186 of Surah Al-Baqarah, Mohammad Iqbal explained that Allah Almighty says that when His servants ask about Him, He is indeed near and responds to the prayers of those who call upon Him. He also referred to Verse 16 of Surah Qaf, which states that Allah is closer to human beings than their jugular vein.
Giving an example, he said that sunlight is present everywhere during the daytime. If someone closes their eyes and complains about darkness, the fault lies not with the sun but with their closed eyes. Similarly, Allah’s mercy and closeness are always present, but our sins prevent us from experiencing them.
He emphasized that people need to change their mindset and remove the veil of sins from their hearts. The distance is not from Allah’s side; rather, it is we who have distanced ourselves through our actions. We must take the first step by sincerely seeking forgiveness and turning towards our Creator.
He further quoted the Quranic message: “Remember Me, and I will remember you.” Highlighting the importance of Salah (prayer), he said that a servant is closest to his Lord while in prostration (Sajdah). Therefore, every Muslim should make a firm commitment never to abandon prayers throughout their life.
He concluded by saying that there is no need to search for Allah in distant places; instead, one needs to look within one’s own heart. The rust accumulated on the heart because of sins can be removed through sincere repentance and Istighfar. Once a person sincerely turns towards Allah, the feeling of His closeness and mercy naturally begins to emerge.
At the conclusion of his sermon, he prayed that Allah Almighty may make everyone among His beloved and righteous servants and grant them the ability to remain close to Him. Ameen, Ya Rabb-ul-Alameen.