Assalamualaikum Wr Wb,

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Alhamdulillah, Hajj this year has already been completed, and we would like to wish those who have performed their Hajj a warm welcome back home. The holy land of Makkah is the one location on Allah’s earth that is most beloved to Rasulullah (SAW) as it was his homeland, and the place where he was born. It was where the he was raised with so much love, surrounded by his relatives and friends who became his extended family. It was also in Makkah that Rasulullah (SAW) met Khadijah (RA) and was blessed with children from his marriage to her.

Makkah is not only home to the Ka'abah built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail alaihimassalam. But Makkah is also where Rasulullah was bestowed his prophethood when he received the first revelation, and started to call upon others to believe in Allah. Hence, Makkah has a special place in Rasulullah’s heart. Let us reflect upon the solemn words of Rasulullah (SAW) when he was leaving Makkah to migrate to Madinah: “You (Makkah) are the best city, and the city that is most beloved to me. If your people did not expel me, I would not have departed from you”. [Hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmizi]

That is how deep Rasulullah’s love toward his birthplace, Makkah, was. However we also find that Rasulullah (SAW) quickly returned to Madinah after performing Hajj in the tenth year of the hijrah. In fact, not only did he not linger in Makkah, but he also did not stay longer than the required length of his Hajj. Right after the third day of Tashriq, Rasulullah (SAW) returned to Madinah the day after. Did he not miss Makkah, after migrating for ten years? Had his love for his homeland fade? Not at all.

The Prophet’s love for Makkah was still alive in his heart. However, to continue his mission to call to the way of Islam was more important than to heed his heart and his feelings. Fulfilling his promise and oath to the people of Madinah was more important than to dwell on sentimental memories.

The prosperity of his ummah meant everything to him. Allah says in Surah al-Taubah verse 128: “There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.”

Carrying out our obligations and honouring our promises are more important than following our heart and emotions. Feelings and emotions should not hinder one from fighting for a cause. The heart of a mukmin cannot indulge too much on past memories and sentiments such that it is left weak without the ability and resilience to face future challenges. On the contrary, a Muslim’s actions should not be guided solely by emotions because that will cloud his judgment and lead him to make hasty decisions which will only result in destruction and harm. In advocating change and improving our lives, Muslims are taught to act wisely, guided by knowledge, good manners and clear principles.

The nobility and purity of Makkah will not overshadow the nobility and rights of the believers. In fact, the honour of a Muslim is more important than the holiness of Ka'abah, which is the kiblah for every Muslim in their prayers. It was reported that Rasulullah (SAW) once faced the Ka'abah and said: “Greetings upon you, oh Ka'abah. How great you are, and how great is your honour. But the honour of a mukmin is greater in the sight of Allah. Allah has prohibited only one (the right from being destroyed) upon you, whereas Allah has prohibited a mukmin from three things; his life, his wealth and bad opinions of him.” [Reported by Al-Bahaqy]

Subhanallah! That was how Rasulullah (SAW) showed that the rights of a believer is more important than that of Makkah, and protecting the honour of a believer is greater than the holiness of Ka'abah. 

Let us pray that we be called among the ummah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) who understand and appreciate the sacrifice and the love Rasulullah (SAW) had for his companions and his ummah. May Allah grant us the strength to be a community that is courageous and confident to move ahead, and not a community that is weakened by emotions nor one which is confused due to emotion and rash actions. 

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Source: Office of the Mufti (Khutbah 25 Zulhijjah 1436)