The preacher of the Grand Mosque explains the types of God's guardianship and its virtues – Maher Al-Muaiqly
In an atmosphere of faith filled with tranquility and reverence, the Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Maher bin Hamad Al-Muaiqly, delivered the Friday sermon in which he addressed an important doctrinal topic that touches the daily life of the Muslim, which is the concept of “God’s guardianship” over His servants, stressing that this concept represents a fundamental pillar in achieving psychological peace and stability in this worldly life.
His Eminence began his sermon by emphasizing the honor and high standing of knowledge, explaining a profound principle: "The honor of knowledge is determined by the honor of what is known." Since God Almighty is the greatest object of knowledge, knowledge of His names, attributes, and actions is the noblest and most esteemed of all sciences. He pointed out that a servant's knowledge of his Lord, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, is the shortest path to increasing faith and reverence in the heart, in accordance with the Almighty's words: "Only those of His servants who possess knowledge truly fear God.".
The meaning of the name of God, Al-Wali and Al-Mawla
Sheikh Al-Muaiqly explained the two beautiful names of God, "Al-Wali" and "Al-Mawla," clarifying that God is the Guardian of all creation and the One who manages the affairs of the universe with wisdom and power. He gives life to the dead and is capable of all things. He further explained that reflecting on these meanings instills in the believer absolute trust in God's plan and makes him certain that what has befallen him could not have missed him, and what has missed him could not have befallen him.
Types of God's guardianship: general and specific
The preacher of the Grand Mosque elaborated on the types of guardianship, dividing them into two main types:
- General authority: This is the authority of power, governance, and dominion, encompassing all of creation without exception, believers and disbelievers, the righteous and the wicked. All servants are under God's will and power; He provides for them, manages their affairs, and decrees from which there is no escape are carried out upon them.
- Special guardianship: This is the guardianship of mercy, love, support, and divine assistance, which God bestows upon His believing servants and righteous allies. His Eminence explained that this guardianship is attained through striving against one's own desires and drawing closer to God. Whenever a believer sins, he returns to his guardian through repentance and seeking forgiveness, thus remaining within the circle of divine care.
The virtues and fruits of special guardianship
In discussing the virtue of special divine favor, Sheikh Al-Muaiqly cited a sacred hadith qudsi illustrating God's closeness to those who turn to Him, in which God Almighty says: "Whoever draws near to Me by a handspan, I draw near to him by an arm's length; and whoever draws near to Me by an arm's length, I draw near to him by a fathom; and whoever comes to Me walking, I come to him running." He emphasized that whoever attains this divine favor has achieved a great victory, for God protects and cares for him, brings him out of darkness into light, and relieves him of the worries of this world and the hereafter.
His Eminence concluded the sermon by emphasizing the profound impact of God's protection on the heart of the believer, bestowing upon him tranquility and peace, and instilling in him unwavering confidence in God's victory and support, no matter how dire the circumstances. For whoever has God as his protector, He will suffice and defend him, and God is sufficient as a protector and God is sufficient as a helper. This sermon is part of the noble mission of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, which serves as a beacon of guidance and direction for Muslims worldwide, reinforcing the values of faith and the correct understanding of Islamic doctrine.
