Isra and Mi'raj call us back to prayer
“When you're dealing with truth and things that you strongly believe in, you should be able to take them.”
The Isra and Mi'raj should renew Muslims’ commitment to prayer, sacred time, resilience through grief and ridicule, and steadfast companionship as Ramadan approaches.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Locates the sermon in Rajab and urges making up missed Ramadan fasts.
- Explains the Isra and Mi'raj from Mecca to Jerusalem and through the heavens, grounding it in Qur'an 17:1.
- Retells encounters with prophets and the establishment of five daily prayers.
- Defends the journey as bodily and spiritual, then recounts Quraysh's disbelief and Abu Bakr's affirmation.
- Draws lessons about learning from elders while making personal decisions and valuing loyal companions.
- Urges inner strength against ridicule, preparation for Ramadan, study of Isra and Mi'raj, and perseverance through grief.
In the khateeb's words
“Stop looking for a whole lot of people. A whole lot of people ain't built like that. A whole lot of people just talk.”
“A lot of people are afraid of doing what's right, not because they're afraid that someone's going to beat them up or someone's going to physically do something to them.”
“When you're dealing with truth and things that you strongly believe in, you should be able to take them.”
“A lot of times we go through some very depressing periods in our life. You got to go through that.”
For the dinner table
Imam Na’eem Abdullah reflected on the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey to Jerusalem and ascension through the heavens, drawing lessons for our everyday lives. He reminded us to value our five daily prayers and be grateful for the reward Allah gives through them. From the Prophet’s interaction with Musa, he encouraged us to listen to elders thoughtfully while taking responsibility for our own decisions. Abu Bakr’s steadfast support showed how much a dependable companion can matter when others laugh or doubt. The imam also reminded us that the Prophet experienced sadness, and that faith can help us hold on to hope through difficult times. He closed by encouraging his listeners to prepare for Ramadan and keep learning about the Isra and Mi’raj.
- What could our family do to help one another approach prayer with gratitude?
- What is one helpful lesson you have learned from someone older than you?
- How could you support a friend who is being laughed at for doing something good?
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