“Heaven: The Eternal Home For The Belıevers”
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.”2 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). 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 Believers!
At times, the path to heaven weaves through the heart of an impoverished soul, and one should step into the depths of that very heart. Occasionally, the gateway to heaven lies veiled within the joy of an orphan, and one should seek out that soul. At times, the very essence of heaven remains concealed within the fervent prayers of the oppressed, and one should hold on to those heartfelt supplications. Sometimes heaven is intricately woven into the pleasure of our parents, our spouses, our children, our relatives, and our neighbors, and one should earnestly strive to attain it. At times, the gates of heaven swing open through a simple act like offering a drop of water to a thirsty plant or showing compassion to an animal, and no good deed should ever be underestimated. Sometimes the key to heaven lies in forgiving the faults of others and veiling their flaws, and one should not neglect forgiveness and leniency. Or, at times, the road to heaven is paved by a heartfelt greeting, extending from the tongue to the heart of a brother or sister, and one should tread this road patiently.
I would like to conclude this Friday’s khutbah with the Messenger of Allah’s (saw) following supplication: “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”(PDF)