All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, Who says in His Ever Glorious Book, “[Prophet], do not think of those who have been killed in Allah’s way as dead. They are alive with their Lord, well provided for, happy with what Allah has given them of His favour; rejoicing that for those they have left behind who have yet to join them there is no fear, nor will they grieve; [rejoicing] in God’s blessing and favour, and that Allah will not let the reward of the believers be lost.” I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him, his Household, Companions and upon those who follow their path to the Day of Judgment.

The Almighty Allah has created man to develop the earth; He –Glory be to Him- has endowed man with all that helps him to perform this duty. The Almighty Allah made the human soul inviolable, so that any attack or transgress against one human soul is like attacking all souls. Likewise, any reformation or preservation for one human soul is like the preservations of all souls. The Almighty Allah said, “if anyone kills a person- unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land- it is as if he kills all mankind, while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind.”

The development of land is a lofty goal that cannot be achieved except through multiple efforts and sacrifices from faithful people, who sacrifice their souls for the sake of their religion and homeland, because they realize the value of their nation and the importance of secure life. Such people hold a deal with their lord and it is a deal that will be fruitful as Allah said, “Allah has purchased the persons and possessions of the believers in return for the Garden- they fight in Allah’s way: they kill and are killed- this is a true promise given by Him in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Quran. Who could be more faithful to his promise than Allah? So be happy with the bargain you have made: that is the supreme triumph.” Their reward is similar to their action; they wanted to save the lives of others, and Allah rewards them by granting them an eternal life. Allah says, “Do not say that those who are killed in Allah’s cause are dead; they are alive, though you do not realize it.”

Martyrdom for the sake of Allah is one of the best ranks and one of the highest goals that can only be achieved for the best among humans, as the Almighty Allah said, “[Allah] chooses martyrs from among you.” It is gift from Allah for the best persons whom He loves second to Prophets and Messengers. Allah says, “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be among those He has blessed: the Messengers, the truthful, those who bear witness to the truth, and the righteous- what excellent companions these are!” Allah saves such persons from the trouble of the grave and the punishment on the Day of Judgment. Once one of the Companions of the Prophet said, “O Messenger of Allah, why will the believers be tested in their graves except the martyr?” the Prophet (PBUH) replied, “The flashing of the swords above his head is an enough trial.”  Moreover, when the Prophet (PBUH) asked Gabriel about the saying of Allah “The Trumpet will be sounded, and everyone in the heavens and earth will fall down senseless except those whom Allah spares,” Gabriel answered, “Those are the Martyrs of Allah.” It is a great merit for martyrs that the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The actions of every dead person come to a halt with his death except the one who is on the frontier in Allah’s way (i.e., fighting for the cause of Allah). This latter’s deeds will be made to go on increasing for him till the Day of Resurrection.”

Whoever is blessed with martyrdom and experiences its blessings, he would wish that he could come back to life to be attain martyrdom again and again. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “No one who has entered paradise will desire to return to this world even if he should be given all that the world contains, except a martyr. For he will yearn that he should return to the world and be killed ten times on account of the dignity that he will experience by virtue of his martyrdom.” The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “By Him in Whose Hands my life is! I would love to be martyred in Allah’s Cause and then get resurrected and then get martyred, and then get resurrected again and then get martyred and then get resurrected again and then get martyred.”

This was why the Companions of the Prophet were so keen to attain martyrdom. This is Companion ‘Amr Ibn Al-Jamouh, the lame Companion who wished to go out on the Battle of Badr, but the Prophet (PBUH) refused that a lame person participates in the fighting. When the battle of Uhud occurred, he insisted to go out saying to his sons “you have prevented me from Paradise in the battle of Badr, and you need to prevent me now again?” He went to the Prophet asking him, “shall the one who will attain martyrdom on that day enter Paradise?” The Prophet replied, “yes.” He said, “By Allah I shall not return back to my family until I enter paradise.” Umar Ibn al-Khattab said, “Do not swear that!’ the Prophet Commented, “Leave him! There are some people who it they were to swear by Allah (that something would happen), Allah will certainly make it happen. One of them is ‘Amr Ibn Al-Jamouh. He  will enter Paradise with his lameness.”

As Islam is the religion of chivalry, courage, chastity, and the preservation of souls, honour, property, and rights, it made the preservation of all of this a part of faith. Islam makes defending all these values and rights one of the highest goals, and whoever dies to achieve this is a martyr.  The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who dies while defending his property is a martyr; he who dies in defense of his own life is a martyr; and he who dies on defense of his faith is a martyr, he who dies in defense of his family is a martyr.” The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “The one who is killed is a martyr; one who dies under the debris (of construction, etc.) is a martyr; one who dies of disease of his belly is a martyr; the drowned is a martyr; the one devoured by a beast is a martyr; the one who dies while fighting in the way of Allah is a martyr; the one who mentions the name of Allah before sleeping and dies during sleep is a martyr; a woman who  dies after birth is a martyr, the one who dies at home while wishing to make the Word of Allah superior is a martyr.” The one who faithfully asks Allah to attain martyrdom is considered a martyr. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who supplicates Allah sincerely for martyrdom, Allah will elevate him to the station of the martyrs, even if he dies on his bed.”

The true martyr is the one who abides by the truth, is loyal to it, and sacrifices himself for its sake. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The one who fights for Allah’s word to become Superior, is striving in Allah’s Cause.” The martyr is honorable in the world and the Hereafter, and in the world his name is raised, recorded in the memory of the nation as an example of sacrifice, courage and honor.

Throughout generations, our martyrs will remain alive in our minds and hearts. In the Hereafter, they will be resurrected in all pride, beauty and honor. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is! Whoever is wounded in Allah’s Cause….and Allah knows well who gets wounded in His Cause….will come on the Day of Resurrection with his wound having the color of blood but the scent of musk.”

Our purified martyrs have sacrificed their souls for the sake of others, leaving behind families and children. So, these families and children have rights and duties upon us. The list of these rights includes honoring them and admitting the gratitude of their fathers. Allah, Most High, says, “Is the reward for good [anything] but good?” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “He who does not thank the people is not thankful to Allah” and “Anyone who does a favor should repay it. If you do not find anything, then make supplication for the doer of the favor so that he knows that you have repaid him.” It goes without saying that there is no compensation equivalent to the sacrifice made by our martyrs.

We should also be keen on alleviating the bitterness of losing fathers; a matter which is realized by continuously meeting their needs, spending time with them and kindly dealing with them. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to care about the martyrs’ families. For example, he (PBUH) showed great care for the family of Ja’far Ibn abi Taleb (Allah be pleased with him) who was martyred in the Battle of Mu’tah and left behind little children.

With that said, I ask Allah to forgive me and you

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All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds; I bear witness that there is no god deserving to be worshipped but Allah; I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger;

Muslim brothers,

Our duties towards martyrs’ families include that we should provide safe and stable life for them, because their fathers died so that we could safely live. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) secured the reward for he who cares about the families of martyrs, saying: “He who prepares a fighter going in Allah’s Cause is given a reward equal to that of) a fighter; and he who looks after the dependents of a fighter going in Allah’s Cause is (given a reward equal to that of) fighter.” In truth, looking after the needs of those families is a sign of gratitude and a fulfillment for some of their rights upon us. In this regard, Imam Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Zayd Ibn Aslam who narrated on the authority of his father who said, “

Once I went with `Umar bin Al-Khattab to the market. A young woman followed `Umar and said, “O chief of the believers! My husband has died, leaving little children. By Allah, they have not even a sheep’s trotter to cook; they have no farms or animals. I am afraid that they may die because of hunger, and I am the daughter of Khufaf bin Ima Al-Ghafari, and my father witnessed the Pledge of allegiance) of Al-Hudaibiya with the Prophet.’ Umar stopped and did not proceed, and said, “I welcome my near relative.” Then he went towards a strong camel which was tied in the house, and loaded on to it two sacks he had filled with food grains and put between them money and clothes and gave her its rope to hold and said, “Lead it, and this provision will not finish till Allah gives you a good supply.” A man said, “O chief of the believers! You have given her too much.” “`Umar said disapprovingly. “May your mother be bereaved of you! By Allah, I have seen her father and brother besieging a fort for a long time and conquering it, and then we were discussing what their shares they would have from that war booty.” This incident clearly tells us how we should deal with the martyrs’ families as clearly indicated from the action of ‘Umar.

These duties also include that we should qualify their children and give them the due status they deserve; a matter that is deduced from the action of the Prophet (PBUH) who used to look after the martyrs’ families and highly qualify their children. His (PBUH) action with Usama ibn Zayd (Allah be pleased with them) is a case in point. Usama’s father died in the battle of Mu’tah, yet the Prophet (PBUH) continually looked after Usama and highly qualified him, so that he became the youngest military leader in the history as he (PBUH) appointed him as the leader of the Muslim army though under 20 at that time. In this regard, he (PBUH) said, “If you speak ill of his leadership, you have already spoken ill of his father’s leadership before. By Allah, he deserved to be a Commander, and he was one of the most beloved persons to me and now this (i.e. Usama) is one of the most beloved persons to me after him.”

In this connection, we give glad tidings to the martyrs’ families and sons that Allah, Most High, protects them and looks after them, for He, the Almighty, is an alley to the righteous. That is to say that the righteousness of parents will surely benefit their children in both this life and the life to come. In this regard, Allah, Most High, has used two righteous servants, i.e. Prophet Moses (PBUH) and Al-Khader (PBUH) to protect the money of two orphan boys because of their parent’s righteousness. He, Most High, says, “And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure for them, and their father had been righteous. So your Lord intended that they reach maturity and extract their treasure, as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience.” As far as the Hereafter is concerned, He, Most High, will gather them with their parents even though their work might be little; “And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith – We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person, for what he earned, is retained.”

We should perfectly know that the sacrifice of our martyrs is of the best deeds to be offered to this country; it is thus a debt on all faithful Egyptians to be sincere soldiers to our country, each in his/her field of specialization; we should exert our utmost to serve this great country; we should unite together to support our army, police and all the national institutions, stressing meanwhile that our national institutions are what keeps the society safe and stable; so we should combat extremist and terrorist groups that want terror and chaos to prevail in the country, as they do not believe in the county or its interest. In truth, such groups are of great danger to religion and the state, which is why combating them is a religious, national and humane duty

I ask Allah, Most High, to shower our purified martyrs in His Infinite Mercy and to protect our country, army and police forces from all evil and harm!

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, Who says in His Ever Glorious Book, “Say, ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, an upright religion, the faith of Abraham, a man of pure faith. He was not a polytheist.” I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him, his Household, Companions and upon those who follow their path to the Day of Judgment.

Civilized nations and developed countries always make general etiquettes a way of life, not just a secondary matters or behaviors. The general etiquettes are part and parcel of the human values and morals. This goes in line with the essence of our religion which stipulates rules that govern man’s re relationship with his Lord, and his relationship to the whole universe.

Among these etiquettes is cleanliness: Islam pays much attention to the purity of body, dress and place. The Almighty Allah says, “You who believe, when you are about to pray, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows, wipe your heads, wash your feet up to the ankles and, if required, wash your whole body. If any of you is sick or on a journey, or has just relieved himself, or had intimate contact with a woman, and can find no water, then take some clean sand and wipe your face and hands with it. Allah does not wish to place any burden on you: He only wishes to cleanse you and perfect His blessing on you, so that you may be thankful.” The Almighty Allah also says, “Purify your garments.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When one of you wakes up from his sleep, he must not put his hand in a utensil of water till he washed it three times…”He (PBUH) also said, “Avoid things which provoke cursing. They (the Companions present there) said: Messenger of Allah, what are those things which provoke cursing? He said: Easing on the thoroughfares or under the shades (where they take shelter and rest.”

Islam has linked between physical and moral cleanliness, making physical cleanliness a key to moral one. If a person keeps his body clean, this is a reason for the forgiveness of his sins. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu’), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water; when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins.” As Islam pays attention to personal cleanliness, it pays attention also to public cleanliness. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Clean your yards!” Yard here covers houses, schools, factories, forums, and public parks. It also expands to include roads, squares, etc. These places must be kept clean. Moreover, one has to participate in cleaning them.

Among these etiquettes is respecting regulations. Each society must have certain rules and regulations that control the behavior of its members, preserve one’s rights, and oblige each one to perform his duties. This will bring about the public interest that benefits the whole society. Pondering over the reality of the developed countries, one realizes that they reach this stage with their commitment to regulations and the enforcement of law. This embodies respecting the rights of others, the principle of right vs. duty, and that man treats people in the same way he loves to be treated. This is a sign on the perfection of faith. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every one of you is a guardian and every one of you is responsible (for his wards). A ruler is a guardian and is responsible (for his subjects); a man is a guardian of his family and responsible (for them); a wife is a guardian of her husband’s house and she is responsible (for it), a servant is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible (for that)…” Thus, by respecting laws, justice will prevail, love and fraternity will spread, and the whole society will enjoy safety and stability.

Among these etiquettes as well is caring for the common sense, as Islam came with everything that modifies behavior, promotes good feelings, and softens hearts according to general rules that people do not disagree with. Islam also respects people’s customs and norms. The Shari’ah approves every good thing that does not harm people, prohibits every malicious thing that harms them. The Almighty Allah says, “Those who follow the Messenger- the unlettered Prophet they find described in the Torah that is with them, and in the Gospel- who commands them to do right and forbids them to do wrong, who makes good things lawful to them and bad things unlawful.”

Caring for the common sense requires that one be simple in his clothes, food, drink, and to avoid extra spending. Allah says, “Children of Adam, dress well whenever you are at worship, and eat and drink [as We have permitted] but do not be extravagant: Allah does not like extravagant people.” Also, among these etiquettes is the fulfillment of covenant. The Almighty Allah says, “You who believe, fulfil your obligations!” Also, the common sense must be respected in terms of way of moving, clothing, and the general appearance. Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbade that a man raises one of his feet atop the other while he is reclining on his back. He (PBUH) also said, “When the lace of one of the shoes of any one of you is cut off, he should not walk with the other until he has got the lace repaired.” This means when one’s shoes are cut off and is not suitable for walking, one should not walk with one bare foot, as it is against the common sense.

Part of this is that a person must not make a voice or an action that people abhor. Abd Allah Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) is reported to have said, “A man belched in the presence of the Prophet (PBUH), so he said: ‘Restrain your belching from us. For indeed those who are filled most in the world will be the hungriest on the Day of Judgment.'” The Arabic word Gusha’ refers to that sound made when one’s stomach is full. Even though this act is not totally prohibited, it is against common sense. In this connection, we lay emphasis on the prohibition of hurting people through drinking alcohols which cause the smell of their mouths and clothes bad. In addition, one should be keen on the point that all his actions and sayings must be compatible with common sense. Allah, the Almighty, says: “Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.”

The list of public code of ethics also includes speaking to people in a good way; Allah, Glorified is He, says: “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.” Prophet Muhammad, on his part, said: “A good word is a Sadaqa.” This includes the use of good words that might not disturb people. It is narrated that ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) once passed by people who were igniting fire whereupon he greeted them with his saying “Peace be with you people of the light” instead of “Peace be with you people of the fire.”

The list also includes respecting other’s privacy and to interfere in matters not of his concern. In this regard, Allah, Most High, says: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those, [one] will be questioned.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A sign of man’s good observance of Islam (his piety) is to keep away from that which does not concern him.”

With that said, I ask Allah to forgive me and you

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All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds Whose Mercy and Guidance we seek; may Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

Muslim brothers,

Modesty is one of the most important pillars of the code of ethics that contributes greatly to promoting society. It is a sublime Islamic moral that prevents man from doing anything he might be blamed for. It also keeps man from doing any ugly or bad act. Prophet Muhammad tells us that Hiya’ is one of the ethics laid down in all heavenly-revealed religions as he (PBUH) clearly states: “One of the things people have learned from the words of the earliest prophecies is, “If you don’t feel any shame, do whatever you like.”

Also, the Prophet (PBUH) passed by a man of the Ansar when he was giving his brother a warning against modesty. The Apostle of Allah (PBUH) said: “Leave him alone, for modesty is a part of faith.” Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Have Haya’ for Allah as is His due.” [He said:] We said: “O Prophet of Allah! We have modesty, and all praise is due to Allah.” He said: “Not that, but having the modesty for Allah which He is due is to protect the head and what it contains and to protect the insides and what it includes, and to remember death and the trial, and whoever intends the Hereafter, he leaves the adornments of the world. So whoever does that, then he has indeed fulfilled modesty, meaning the modesty which Allah is due.” Modesty actually keeps man away from committing mistakes, thus he who loses hiya’, there is nothing to protect him.

Gallantry is also one of the most fundamental pillars of the code of ethics as it plays a big role in advancing the society. It is a term that includes all the meanings of manhood, carrying thereby the characteristics of good qualities, good ethics, doing good to people, preventing one’s soul from sins, protecting the tongue from bad and foul speech and keeping away from all what might lead one to apology. It is once said: “”Whoever dealt with people and did not commit any injustice against them; talked to them and did not belie them; and promised them and did not break his promise is the one who has actually attained full gallantry and whose justice is manifested; whose brotherhood is mandatory and whose backbiting is totally prohibited.”

Man’s gallantry makes him of good outlook and essence, for he watches Allah, Most High, in all public and secrecy. As such, he does not appear before people in a good way and does otherwise if alone. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “I certainly know people of my nation who will come on the Day of Resurrection with good deeds like the mountains of Tihamah, but Allah will make them like scattered dust.” Thawban said: “O Messenger of Allah, describe them to us and tell us more, so that we will not become of them unknowingly.” He said: “They are your brothers and from your race, worshipping at night as you do, but they will be people who, when they are alone, transgress the sacred limits of Allah.”

As far as gallantry with people is concerned, it is realized through helping them, caring about their interests and to love for them what you love for yourself. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A Muslim is a Muslim’s brother: he does not wrong him or abandon him. If anyone cares for his brother’s need, Allah will care for his need ; if anyone removes a Muslim’s anxiety, Allah will remove from him, on account of it, one of the anxieties of the Day of resurrection ; and if anyone conceals a Muslim’s fault, Allah will conceal his fault on the Day of resurrection” and ” The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, or to remove one of his troubles, or to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger. That I walk with a brother regarding a need is more beloved to me than that I seclude myself in this mosque in Medina for a month. Whoever swallows his anger, then Allah will conceal his faults. Whoever suppresses his rage, even though he could fulfill his anger if he wished, then Allah will secure his heart on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever walks with his brother regarding a need until he secures it for him, then Allah Almighty will make his footing firm across the bridge on the day when the footings are shaken.”

In truth, Islam approves a set of the most sublime code of ethics that if adhered to, nations will achieve civilization and progress since this is actually the unchangeable Way of Allah, which is why we should be keen on adhering to these ethics and applying them to attain happiness in both this world and the life to come.

O Allah! Guide us to what achieves our benefit in this world and the hereafter; guide us to what causes the benefit of our country; protect Egypt, its people, its army and its police! 

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, Who says in His Ever Glorious Book, “Allah wants ease for you, not hardship.” I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger, who said, “I have been sent with the tolerant pure religion.” May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him, his Household, Companions and upon those who follow their path to the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet (PBUH) came with a universal message that made tolerance and easiness a way of life. There is no hardship in the provisions of this religion. The Almighty Allah says, “He has chosen you and placed no hardship in your religion.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The religion (of Islam) is easy, and whoever makes the religion a rigour, it will overpower him. So, follow a middle course (in worship); if you can’t do this, do something near to it and give glad tidings and seek help (of Allah) at morn and at dusk and some part of night.” Thus, tolerance in Islam is not a just a spoken word or a slogan. Rather, it is a part of Muslim’s belief and should be a way of life. It is a principle that the Almighty Allah commanded His servants to embody in their dealings, and a reason to get the pleasure of Allah. The Almighty Allah says, “Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you?”

However, what we seek is to make tolerance a daily-life practice because Islam’s call for tolerance is a call for to practical application. In various occasions in the Qur’an, the Almighty Allah calls upon servants to pardon each other and be tolerant. Allah says, “Good and evil cannot be equal. [Prophet], repel evil with what is better and your enemy will become as close as an old and valued friend.” The Prophet (PBUH) applied tolerance in his dealings with people. He was the best example for his nation and for all humanity. He said, “I have been sent as mercy.” Aisha said, “Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) was given an option between two things, he used to select the easier of the two as long as it was not sinful; but if it was sinful, he would remain far from it.”

We should openly ask ourselves: do we apply this practice in our life? Do we make it an approach for interacting with each other? Tolerance is a noble behavior that should be applied by the Muslim in all aspects of life. These aspects include: tolerance between the two spouses. Marital relationship is a unique relationship; it is a great gift from Allah Who showed us that it should be based on affection, mercy and good relationship. The Almighty Allah says, “Another of His signs is that He created spouses from among yourselves for you to live with in tranquility: He ordained love and kindness between you.” He –Glory be to Him-  also says, “Live with them in accordance with what is fair and kind: if you dislike them, it may well be that you dislike something in which Allah has put much good.” Allah also says, “Wives have [rights] similar to their [obligations], according to what is recognized to be fair.”  The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.” He (PBUH) used to encourage men to deal well with their wives. For example he said, “A believer must not hate (his wife) believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics he will be pleased with another.” Moreover, before his (PBUH) death he said, “Treat women nicely.”

Thus, tolerance should be a mutual behavior between the two spouses, and a human law that organizes life. What beautiful words that Abu al-Darda’ said to his wife that “When you find me angry, try to please me; and when I find you angry, I will try please you.” This is a mutual relationship based on justice and forgiveness.

Tolerance with neighbors: The Almighty Allah says, “Worship Allah; join nothing with Him. Be good to your parents, to relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to neighbours near and far.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance.” Another Hadith tells us that “he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbor with kindness.” In another Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.’ It was asked, ‘Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil.’” Also, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbours in the sight of Allah is the one who is the best of them to his neighbor.” Moreover, He (PBUH) said, “He is not a believer whose neighbour spends the night in hunger.”

In addition, tolerance should prevail among colleagues at work, universities, schools, and so on. The Glorious Qur’an stipulates rules to strengthen the relationship between all people, as the Almighty Allah says, “O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.” The Prophet (PBUH) was the best of people with all people and with his companions, so he (PBUH) used to deal with his Companions and all people in the best of manners; he used to treat them well, visit patients, care for them, give charity to the poor, pay back debts on behave of  debtors, and forgive people. The Almighty Allah said, “By an act of mercy from Allah, you [Prophet] were gentle in your dealings with them. Had you been harsh, or hard-hearted, they would have dispersed and left you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them. Consult with them about matters.”

As for showing tolerance in roads and transportation, man is liable to be hurt from others, especially if we take into account the fact that there are some people who might be harsh and intolerant. So, how wonderful it is to meet people’s harm with tolerance. In this regard, Allah, Most High, says, “And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another: should I not guide you to something doing which you will love one another: spread out salutation among you.” It is also important to abide by the regulations of roads and transportation including dealing kindly with the elderly and women and seriously considering people’s feelings. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says, “Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective.”

Tolerance may also be relating to money. In truth, spending money in the Cause of Allah is a proof on one’s true belief in Allah and His Messenger. In addition, it is a clear indication that this man is upright. Spending money is a characteristic of the believers and a means to bring hearts together. It is furthermore a means to reach righteousness. Allah, the Almighty, says: “Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of it.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said, “Generosity makes a person close to Allah, close to Paradise, close to the people and far from the Fire. Stinginess makes a person far from Allah, far from Paradise, far from the people and close to the Fire.”

Man should also show tolerance at times of selling, buying and repayment of debt. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “May Allah show mercy to a man who adopts a kind attitude when he sells, buys and demands for the repayment of loans.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best people are the ones who are excellent in paying off debts.”

In truth, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to urge people to be tolerant and lenient and to be true models of human fraternity; he (PBUH) said, “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah will shelter him in the shade of His Throne, on the Day of Resurrection, when there will be no shade except its shade” and “There was a person who used to loan money to the people and he used to say to his servant: ‘When an insolvent person comes to you, show him leniency so that Allah may forbear our faults.’ So when he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him.”

With that said, I ask Allah to forgive me and you

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All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds Whose Mercy and Guidance we seek; may Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

Muslim brothers,

One of the greatest acts of tolerance is that relating to good word. In this regard, Allah, Most High, says, “and say good to people” and “And tell My servants to say that which is best.” One should speak good with all people, irrespective of their colors, race or beliefs. It is actually a conclusive proof on one’s good manner. It is said, “Good manner is an easy matter; it is but a face with a wide smile and lenient speech.”

Allah, Most High, ordered Prophet Moses to say gentle speech with Pharaoh who was very arrogant. Allah says: “Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed. (43) And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah].” In the same connection, we should keep away from all forms of ill speech; Allah, the Almighty, says: “And they who turn away from ill speech”; “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice” and ” Have you not considered how Allah presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allah presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded.” In the same vein, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah without giving it much importance, and because of that Allah will raise him to degrees (of reward): a slave (of Allah) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases Allah without thinking of its gravity and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell-Fire.” Muslims should furthermore keep away from all kinds of indecency in speech as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “A true believer is not involved in taunting, or frequently cursing (others) or in indecency or abusing.”

Tolerance stands on the middle between extremism and negligence – both are far away from the middle course of Islam that is tolerant, kind and lenient.

O Allah! Grants us tolerance in all our sayings, deeds and affairs! O Allah! Reconcile between us and protect our country and all of the world’s countries.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, Who says in His Ever Glorious Book, “It was He who created the heavens and earth in six Days and then established Himself on the throne. He knows what enters the earth and what comes out of it; what descends from the sky and what ascends to it. He is with you wherever you are; He sees all that you do.” I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him, his Household, Companions and upon those who follow their path to the Day of Judgment.

Being with the Almighty Allah is a merit that gives the meaning of observance and the meaning of support. The first means that He, Glory be to Him, observes all of His creation, as He says, “He has the keys to the unseen: no one knows them but Him. He knows all that is in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His knowledge, nor is there a single grain in the darkness of the earth, or anything, fresh or withered, that is not written in a clear Record.” The Almighty Allah also says, “Do you not see [Prophet] that Allah knows everything in the heavens and earth? There is no secret conversation between three people where He is not the fourth, nor between five where He is not the sixth, nor between less or more than that without Him being with them, wherever they may be. On the Day of Resurrection, He will show them what they have done: Allah truly has full knowledge of everything.” Allah also says, “How could He who created not know His own creation, when He is the Most Subtle, the All Aware?”

As for the second meaning, i.e. the meaning of support and preservation, it is devoted to Messengers, Prophets, and righteous people from among Allah’s servants. The Glorious Qur’an refers to this sort of being with Allah in several occasions. For example, the Qur’an speaks about this sort when speaking about the two Prophets – Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them)- as the Almighty Allah says, “Go, you and your brother, with My signs, and make sure that you remember Me. Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has exceeded all bounds. Speak to him gently so that he may take heed, or show respect. ’They said, ‘Lord, we fear he will do us great harm or exceed all bounds.’ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you both, hearing and seeing everything.”  This is also the sort of being with Allah which Prophet Moses (PBUH) spoke about when, “ Moses’ followers said, ‘We shall definitely be caught.’ Moses said, ‘No, my Lord is with me: He will guide me.”

It is the merit that Allah gave to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his Companion Abu Bakr As-Siddiq during the Migration, as Abu Bakr said, “I was in the company of the Prophet (PBUH) in the cave, and on seeing the traces of the pagans, I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) If one of them (pagans) should lift up his foot, he will see us.” He said, “What do you think of two, the third of whom is Allah?” In this regard, the Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an, “Even if you do not help the Prophet, Allah helped him when the disbelievers drove him out: when the two of them were in the cave, he [Muhammad] said to his companion, ‘Do not worry, Allah is with us,’ and Allah sent His calm down to him, aided him with forces invisible to you, and brought down the disbelievers’ plan. Allah’s plan is higher: Allah is almighty and wise.”

What a great merit that a servant attains the merit of being with the Almighty Allah. In such case, a servant will pay no attention to those who support him or attack him. In order that such merit be fulfilled, one must follow the due paths and must attain the necessary means. At the top of these means are: believing in Allah. Allah says, “Verily, Allah is with the believers.” The requirements of believing in Allah include as the Prophet (PBUH) said, “To believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in Qadar (destiny), the good and bad of it.” True belief means that one should reflect the manifestation of belief in his conduct, as the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The true Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the true believer is the one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe.”

These paths also include: piety and benevolence. The Almighty Allah says, “For Allah is with those who are mindful of Him and who do good” and says, “and know that He is with those who are mindful of Him,” and “Verily, Allah is with the Benevolent.”. Piety means to do all that which pleases Allah and avoid any thing that displeases Him. It is a comprehensive word that encompasses all good things. The Glorious Qur’an showed us the meaning of Piety saying, “Goodness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travellers and beggars, and to liberate those in bondage; those who keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms; who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger. These are the ones who are true, and it is they who are pious.”

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not harbour grudge against one another, nor jealousy, nor enmity; and become as fellow brothers and slaves of Allah. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He should neither oppress him nor humiliate him. The piety is here! The piety is here!” While saying so he pointed towards his chest. “It is enough evil for a Muslim to look down upon his Muslim brother. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in Faith: his blood, his wealth and his honour.

As far as Ihsan (i.e. benevolence) is concerned, the Prophet (PBUH) elucidates on its essence, saying: “Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you.” By this, man becomes fully aware that Allah, Most High, is ever watching and that He, Glorified is He, never neglects anything, for He fully knows man’s actions, be they done in public or in secrecy, “Does he not know that Allah does see?”

Also, one of the means that enables man to be admitted into the Companionship of Allah, Most High, is patience. He, Most High, says: “And be patient; surely Allah is with the patient”; “and give good news to the patient, (155) Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah’s and to Him we shall surely return” and “And wait patiently for the judgment of your Lord, for surely you are before Our eyes, and sing the praise of your Lord when you rise.” In this connection, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Know that being patient to what one hates incurs considerable benefit.” Patience is defined as restricting one’s self not to show impatience, to prevent the tongue from complaining and to prevent one from being afraid. It is realized through striving against one’s self. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever has forbearance, Allah will help him. Whoever tries to be independent, Allah will enrich him. Whoever tries to be patient, Allah will give him patience, and no one is given a better or vaster gift than patience.”

 Being of good consciousness is also one of the reasons enabling man to be in the Companionship of Allah. People of this kind fully realize that Allah with them wherever they are: while traveling, staying at home or in seclusion, for nothing is hidden from Him, Most High. This was actually the belief of Prophet Joseph (PBUH) when the doors were tightly closed and all the means to disobey Allah were available to him, as he sought the Help of his Lord Whom he fully knew is always with him. That is why he (PBUH) said, “Surely my Lord made good my abode: Surely the unjust do not prosper.” This was actually the testimony uttered by the wife of the chief “and certainly I sought his yielding himself (to me), but he abstained.” As such, to be fully aware that Allah, Most High, is always with you is of great reward as it makes man full of fear of Allah, the Almighty, in this worldly life and thus secures His Punishment on the Day of Resurrection. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) narrated that Allah, Most High, says: “By My Power and My Majesty, I shall not make a person afraid or secure twice; whoever secures Me in the worldly life shall be frightened on the Day of Resurrection; and whoever fears Me in this life shall be secured on the Day of Resurrection.”

Mentioning the Remembrance of Allah is also one of the means enabling man to be admitted into the Companionship of Allah, “Therefore remember Me, I will remember you …” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they …”

With that said, I ask Allah to forgive me and you

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All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds; I bear witness that there is no god but Allah; and I bear witness that our master Prophet Muhammad is His slave and Messenger; may Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon him, his family, companions and whoever follows their guidance to the Day of Judgment.

Muslim brothers,

Being in the Companionship of Allah, Most High, will enable the person to gain great benefits in this life and the life to come. For example, he will be protected from all kinds of evil and harm. Allah, the Almighty, says: “Those to whom the people said: Surely men have gathered against you, therefore fear them, but this increased their faith, and they said: Allah is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector”; “and whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him; surely Allah attains His purpose; Allah indeed has appointed a measure for everything” and “Is not Allah sufficient for His servant?” So, whoever truly relies on Allah, no enemy will defeat him; all his requests will be answered and all his desires will be realized. When we ponder over the Saying of Allah to Prophet Moses (PBUH) “and that you might be brought up before My Eyes”; “And I have chosen you for Myself”; “And wait patiently for the judgment of your Lord, for surely you are before Our eyes” and “and give good news to those who believe that theirs is a footing of firmness with their Lord”, we fully realize how great and virtuous is the Companionship?!

Being truly admitted into the Companionship of Allah is the most important means to the realization of serenity, tranquility and peace of mind; it enables man to keep away from all means of tension, unrest and depression. One who truly knows that all the affairs of the universe are run by the Will of Allah should not fell anxious. Allah, Most High, says: “Say, “O Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is [all] good. Indeed, You are over all things competent” and “Whatever Allah grants to people of mercy – none can withhold it; and whatever He withholds – none can release it thereafter. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”

In truth, being in the Companionship of Allah and being fully aware of His Greatness realize the highest levels of peace of mind, peaceful coexistence and social security. That is because if people truly know that they are not absent from His Sight, they will soundly behave and their morals will be good. As such, they will adhere to His Orders, keep away from His Prohibitions, not violate His Limits and utilize the reasons to lead a good life. In this way, one will live in peace with himself, family, neighbors, friends, society and the entire mankind.

O Allah! Admit us into Your Companionship and Victory; include us into Your Infinite Mercy and provide us with sincerity in all our affairs; protect Egypt and all the World’s countries