FRIDAY KHUTBA of TOKYO CAMII “FATHER: THE GATEWAY TO PARADISE”
Dear Believers!
The family is one of the most precious blessings bestowed upon us by our Almighty Lord (swt).
One of the two fundamental pillars of the family is the mother, and the other is the father. Allah the Almighty (swt) states in the Holy Qur’an, “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honor your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them even ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.”
Dear Believers!
The father is the shield of the family. He is an unshakable mountain on which we lean. We feel secure by his presence in every area of our lives. The father is a guide who shows us what is right and what is true. He is a teacher who helps us to discern the good from the evil, and the right from the wrong. He is a compassionate hand that lift us up every time we fall.
Dear Muslims!
Being a father is not just about providing for the material needs of the family. It also means raising our children to be good individuals.
Being a father is to be an example and guide to our children in every aspect of life, like the Prophet Muhammad (saw). The Messenger of Allah (saw) was exceptionally compassionate towards his family. Love and respect prevailed in his household. He would never stray from mercy, justice, kindness, and grace.
Dear Believers!
In one of his hadiths, our Prophet (saw) says, “The father is the middle door of Paradise…” So, let us not fail to honor our fathers, who, like our mothers, are our opportunity for paradise. Let us please our parents with our kind words, our smiling faces, and our good behavior. Let us not forget that the pleasure of our Lord (swt) depends on gaining the pleasure of our parents.
[1] Isra, 17/23.
[2] Tirmidhi, Birr, 3.
FRIDAY KHUTBA of TOKYO CAMII “FATHER: THE GATEWAY TO PARADISE”(PDF)