Sermon at the Grand Mosque: Saleh bin Humaid explains the path to righteousness of heart and asceticism

The Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, affirmed during his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Mecca that the soundness and integrity of the heart are the true source of the greatest bliss in this world, stressing that this spiritual bliss makes a person independent of all the fleeting pleasures of life, while all the pleasures of this world combined cannot compensate for the loss of peace of mind.

The pulpit of the Two Holy Mosques: A global message of guidance

The Friday sermon from the Grand Mosque in Mecca holds immense importance in the Muslim world, serving as a guiding platform followed by millions of Muslims globally through live broadcasts and satellite channels. The sermons from the Two Holy Mosques consistently focus on purifying the soul, instilling moral values, and reinforcing the correct understanding of faith that connects the believer to their Creator. This gives the sermons delivered by the esteemed preachers a wide resonance and a tangible impact on shaping the general conduct of the Muslim community.

A healthy heart and the path to happiness

In his sermon, Dr. Bin Humaid explained that human souls are purified and elevated through kind words and good character. He clarified that Muslims, in their worship, combine the realization of pure servitude to God with seeking His bounty and sustenance. He pointed out that the true believers, whom God praised in His Holy Book, are men whom neither trade nor commerce distracts from the remembrance of God, reflecting the delicate balance in a Muslim's life between striving in the world and maintaining a strong spiritual connection with God Almighty.

The concept of true asceticism and its relationship to worldly life

The preacher of the Grand Mosque addressed the philosophy of dealing with worldly life, describing it as a potential "veil" separating one from God for His enemies, while simultaneously serving as a "vehicle" and a means of connection for His allies. He emphasized the power of the One who makes the same thing a cause for both connection and separation. He then elaborated on the concept of "asceticism," clarifying that it does not mean withdrawal from life, but rather the heart's detachment from all that is other than God. This encompasses six aspects: the self, people, appearances, wealth, leadership, and everything that is less than God Almighty.

Certainty and conviction... an inexhaustible treasure

Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid concluded his sermon by emphasizing that cultivating faith in the heart strengthens the believer's certainty, leading to contentment with God's decree and destiny. The true ascetic, when blessed by God, is grateful, and when tested, he is patient. He does not complain about trials but faces them with acceptance and submission. He concluded that whoever relies on God, He suffices him, and whoever asks of Him, He gives to him and enriches him, stressing that contentment is the true and inexhaustible treasure, and the desired fruit of a sound and upright heart.