13:00 when we look at it…14:03 so while we have the…
Death & the hereafterFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 2, 2023.

Wildfires should prompt preparation for Judgment

Masjid Ar-Rahman

“Let us prepare ourselves for the meeting with Allah by doing those actions which are pleasing to Him and by staying away from those prohibitions.”

The khateeb, at 14:03

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In one sentence

The khutbah argues that wildfires should remind believers of the approaching Day of Judgment and motivate immediate preparation through obedience, prayer, charity, and avoiding prohibitions.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces the Qur'anic smoke as a sign associated with the Day of Judgment.
  2. Uses Ibn Abbas's fear at seeing a comet to encourage concern when witnessing modern wildfires.
  3. Explains the prophetic description of a fire from Yemen gathering people in al-Sham.
  4. Contrasts controllable wildfires with the unstoppable eschatological fire and draws spiritual lessons.
  5. Calls listeners to assess their prayers, charity, obedience, and use of Allah's blessings.
Try this week
Evaluate whether obligatory prayers are valid and sufficient, and improve them.
Give sadaqa and assess whether current charitable giving is sufficient.
Use the body, limbs, tongue, and wealth in ways pleasing to Allah.
Stay away from actions Allah has forbidden.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 44The smoke is presented as a sign preceding the Day of Judgment.
Quran 51:20Signs in the earth are used to encourage reflection and certainty.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“when we look at it it's frightening it's scary it's amazing at the same time because it shows us about the might of Allah the power of Allah”
Masjid Ar-Rahman · North Vancouver
Play from 13:00
“so while we have the opportunity let us prepare ourselves for the meeting with Allah by doing those actions which are pleasing to Him and by staying away from those prohibitions”
Masjid Ar-Rahman · North Vancouver
Play from 14:03
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah uses the wildfires in British Columbia as a reminder that Allah's promised signs and the Day of Judgment are real. It recounts how Ibn Abbas felt concern when he saw a comet and describes a prophetic report about a great fire from Yemen gathering people in al-Sham. The main question is whether we are ready to meet Allah, not whether we can predict the Hour. We are urged to strengthen our prayers, give charity, avoid what Allah forbids, and use our bodies, tongues, and wealth in ways that please Him. The sermon closes by asking Allah for guidance, forgiveness, protection, and entry into Jannatul Firdaus.

  1. What reminders do you notice in the world around you?
  2. What prayer, charity, or good habit could you improve this week?
  3. How can we use our words and money to please Allah?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid Ar-Rahman Foundation of North Vancouver1398 West 15th Street, North Vancouver, BCJumu'ah Khutbah 12:30 PM (standard time, through March 13, 2027; 1:30 PM during daylight saving time)ArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid Ar-Rahman11 khutbahs
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