A great reward awaits Muslims deemed to be “true believers” by the virtue of their actions and strength of their faith, the sermon will tell worshippers on Friday.
But what makes a “true believer”?
In the Quran, Allah says, “The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and the believers as well. All believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers.”
Therefore, believers are literally those who believe in Allah, His Angels, His Divine Books, His Prophets, Judgment Day and Destiny.
Prophet Mohammed encouraged these believers to hold firm to their devotion and to abstain from the impermissible so they can increase in their faith.
He gave many examples of the attributes of a true believer throughout his life. They include a Muslim who recites the Quran and ponders its meaning.
The Prophet once compared a true believer to a honeybee that consumes something wholesome (pollen and nectar) and produces something good (honey). Similarly, a honeybee does not break that which it lands on. Hence, a true believer is someone who always finds the good in things and passes this on to others and a Muslim who does not cause harm to anyone.
But a true believer is not without fault. Sometimes they can make mistakes or fall into sin but they are always quick to repent and show their devotion to Allah. The Prophet likened this to a wheat spike, which bows to the strong wind but rises up again to its former position once the wind has subsided.
Prophet Mohammed also compared true believers to the date palm tree, because it embodies goodness through its continual shade and wholesome fruit. A date palm is of benefit to others in all its forms and a true believer should be the same — their good should be so expansive that if someone were to keep their company, there would only be gain.
Believers should also be hardworking to bring happiness to themselves and others around them. They should be kind to others and avoid shameful acts.
“The believer is not a slanderer, nor does he curse others. Nor is he immoral, nor shameless,” the Prophet said.
The sermon will call on worshippers to strive to embody these values and morals and instil them in the hearts and minds of their children.