Friday sermon: Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila explains the types of joy
The Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila, advised all Muslims to fear God Almighty and urged them to thank Him for His manifest and hidden blessings. At the beginning of his sermon, he emphasized that one of the greatest blessings a servant can receive in life is to rejoice in obeying his Lord and to feel the impact of this obedience in his heart and daily conduct. He explained that rejoicing in obedience is conclusive proof of a living heart and a sincere connection with God Almighty.
The role of the Meccan pulpit in guiding the Muslim nation
The Friday sermons delivered from the Grand Mosque in Mecca hold immense importance and a deep historical significance, as the pulpit in Mecca is the focus of attention and the hearts of millions of Muslims worldwide. Throughout the ages, these sermons have served as a beacon of religious and spiritual guidance, and a source of inspiration for the tolerant values of Islam. The sermons of the imams of the Grand Mosque resonate with the realities of Muslims, offering them spiritual and ethical solutions to help them face the challenges of contemporary life, thus strengthening the unity and cohesion of the Muslim community.
Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila explains the types of joy
In his Friday sermon, Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila explained that God Almighty has instilled joy in humankind, providing it with diverse motivations and avenues, whether related to worldly blessings or the bliss of the Hereafter. He divided joy into two main types: the first is praiseworthy joy, which stems from knowing and loving God, and is linked to obedience to Him and His grace, and the guidance and success He bestows upon His servants, leading to gratitude, submission, and humility. The second type is blameworthy joy, which is based on excessive attachment to worldly things, accompanied by arrogance, conceit, and insolence, thus distancing one from their Lord and plunging them into the mire of heedlessness.
Joy in obedience and perseverance in good deeds
His Eminence explained that the true joy that believers should strive for is the joy of God's grace and mercy, citing the verse: "Say, 'In the bounty of God and in His mercy—in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.'" He pointed out that among the greatest forms of praiseworthy joy is the joy of the heart in the Holy Quran and the joy of completing acts of worship, such as fasting. A Muslim experiences two great joys: the joy of breaking the fast and the greater joy of meeting his Lord. He emphasized that it is a blessing from God for a servant to rejoice in completing seasons of worship and to continue on the path of goodness after their conclusion, such as fasting the six days of Shawwal, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), in order to multiply the reward and maintain a connection with God.
The spiritual and societal impact of the messages of the Grand Mosque
The directives issued by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca carry profound significance at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, these messages contribute to fostering peace and tranquility within the community and encourage individuals to uphold righteousness and persevere in acts of worship. Regionally and internationally, disseminating these noble values highlights the radiant face of Islam and calls upon Muslims everywhere to embrace the values of humility and gratitude, and to reject arrogance and pride. Establishing the concept of praiseworthy joy contributes to building a balanced Islamic personality, capable of positive contribution and spreading peace and love within the global community.
