Honorable Muslims!
The world we live in is ephemeral, and the life in this world is fleeting. There comes a day and life comes to an end, and our term is over. In that moment, when all things draw to a close, the dawn of the everlasting afterlife commences. Awaiting each soul is one of the two ultimate destinations: either heaven, adorned with boundless blessings, or hell, the realm of torment. Our greatest desire and aspiration in this world as believers is to attain Allah’s (swt) pleasure and to enter heaven, the land of reward.
Dear Believers!
Heaven is the haven of peace where believers will be offered unimaginable blessings that no eye has beheld the likeness of, or no ear has heard about. It is a place of serenity that awaits those who steadfastly endure the trials and tribulations of this world. It is the dwelling of happiness where we reunite with the devoted servants of Allah (swt), the martyrs, and the righteous, starting with our Prophet (saw).
Dear Muslims!
In the verse I have recited at the beginning of the khutbah, our Almighty Lord (swt) states, “Indeed, those who believe and do good will have the Gardens of Paradise as an accommodation, where they will be forever, never desiring anywhere else.”1 Indeed, heaven is the promise of our Lord (swt) to us believers. As in the words of the Prophet (saw), “Whoever is pleased with Allah as their Lord, with Islam as their religion, and with Muhammad as their Messenger, paradise is guaranteed for him.” Those who adorn their faith with worship and embellish their lives with good morals will be bound for heaven with the mercy of Allah (swt).2 Believers who, in every circumstance and situation, uphold the truth, fulfill their promises, respect what is entrusted to them, safeguard their chastity, abstain from haram, and distance themselves from evil deeds will be granted with blessings in heaven. Believers who make love prevail instead of anger, peace instead of enmity, good instead of evil, and always stand by the side of the oppressed against the oppressor will be welcomed in heaven. Believers who, through their generosity, bring joy to the needy, mend broken hearts with acts of mercy, and spread peace to those around them with kind words and warm smiles are destined to be adorned with the blessings of heaven.
Dear Muslims!
Alhamdulillah, as there is a heaven, then the trials and tribulations in our lives bear purpose and meaning and are not in vain. As there is a heaven, every trial carries with it the promise of an infinite and divine reward. As there is a heaven, those who shed tears in this transient world will find eternal laughter. Blessed are those who will enter heaven, finding their Lord (swt) pleased with them and themselves pleased with their Lord (swt). Blessed are those who hasten towards the boundless heaven, a realm prepared for those who steadfastly refrain from disobeying their Lord (swt).
I would like to conclude this Friday’s khutbah with the Messenger of Allah’s (saw) following supplication:
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّى أَسْأَلُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا قَرَّبَ إِلَيْهَا مِنْ قَوْلٍ أَوْ عَمَلٍ “O Allah! I ask You for Paradise and for that which brings one closer to it, in word and deed.3
[1] Kahf, 18/107, 108.
[2] Muslim, Imarah, 116.
[3] Ibn Majah, Du’a, 4
Friday Khutba of Tokyo Camii “Heaven: The Eternal Home For The Belıevers”