UAE Friday sermon: Unite against extremism and intolerance

In a sermon to be delivered the day after the birth of Prophet Mohammed and on the day of Jesus Christ’s birth, the tone will be that of cooperation.

Faithful attending Friday prayers will hear how Allah called for cooperation among believers to help combat extremism and intolerance.

In a sermon to be delivered the day after the birth of Prophet Mohammed and on the day of Jesus Christ’s birth, the tone will be one of cooperation.

It will describe how the Prophet never hesitated to support oppressed people, regardless of their religion or race.

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression,” a verse from the Quran states.

The sermon will describe how piety is the way to Allah’s favour, but righteousness is the way to people’s satisfaction; those who attain both will achieve happiness.

The Prophet recalled that alliances and cooperation were the correct ways to fight for those oppressed.

In a Hadith interpreted by Al Qurtubi, the Prophet said: “Islam strengthens any alliance that was committed to support the rights of the oppressed. Nevertheless, it dissolved all other alliances that had been established with the aim of oppressing people and attacking them.”

The sermon will also draw on the recent alliance formed by Arab states to combat extremist and terrorist groups, referring to when the Prophet advised believers to make decisions to help those in need.

“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one,” said Prophet Mohammed when the people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?”

The Prophet replied: “By preventing him from oppressing others.”