Honorable Muslims!
The Messenger of Allah (saw) would live by the sublime religion of Islam himself in the first place, and only then would he communicate it to his Companions. He (saw) would not merely tell about it but demonstrate the niceties of Islam through his behaviors. His Companions would learn about Islam directly from him (saw) and immediately reflect what they learned in their daily lives. The generations to come after they followed this path as well. This way, Islam spread rapidly, and many hearts became honored with Islam. The messages given through the lifestyles of believers, other than their words, have been influential in the spread of Islam in Anatolia, Africa, the Far East, the Balkans, and many other communities.
Dear Believers!
In verse I have recited, Allah the Almighty (SWT) states, “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for humanity. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah…”1
Then, let us be aware that we are exemplary ummah to lead and guide humanity. Let us be mindful that our words and the way we live, and our good morals leave marks on the lives of people. Let us not forget that many people decide to embrace Islam by evaluating Muslims’ attitudes and behaviors. Therefore, Muslims who fail to duly represent Islam inflict the most significant harm on Islam without being aware of it.
I would like to conclude this Friday’s khutbah with our Prophet’s (saw) following hadith: “Behold. Let me tell you about a believer. A believer is the one people trust when it comes to their life and property. A Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue people are safe.”2
[1] Al-i ‘Imran, 3/110.
[2]Tirmidhi, Fitan, 9.
FRIDAY KHUTBA OF TOKYO CAMİİ “OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPRESENT ISLAM“.(PDF)