Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

12 December 2025 / 21 Jamadilakhir 1447H

Connections That Nurture Tranquillity

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Be mindful of Allah s.w.t. by obeying all His commands and avoiding all His prohibitions. Adorn ourselves with iman in Allah and noble character towards all His creations. Give others their due rights and fulfil our responsibilities towards those under our care. May Allah s.w.t. continue to grant us tranquillity and steadfastness until the end of our lives. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Honoured congregants,

For many of us, the end of the year is a period to rest our bodies and minds. After striving throughout the year with work, studies, and various commitments, it is easy to overlook our own welfare and wellbeing.

When we are able to pause, slow down our pace, and step away from the rush of our daily routines, inshallah, we can become refreshed and approach our daily affairs with greater awareness and appreciation. In our worldly matters, we become calmer and more attentive to our health, wellbeing and mental clarity.

In matters of the hereafter, our prayers and acts of worship feel sweeter and more meaningful, and they generate the tranquillity as befitting for the believers. Has Allah s.w.t. not declared in Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 28:

Which means: “(They are) those who believe and whose hearts find peace in the remembrance of Allah. Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah, hearts find peace.”

Dear brothers,

Indeed, we hope that the busyness we have committed ourselves to throughout the year has been directed towards goodness. May it be accepted by Allah s.w.t. Yet at times, we must also grant ourselves the right to step away from that busyness – for our own wellbeing and for the benefit of our loved ones. What is the basis for this reminder?

Allow me to share a hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim. Pay attention to this following narration:

During the time of Rasulullah s.a.w., a woman spoke about her husband. He was described as a righteous man, diligent and devoted in performing good deeds. He fasted every single day and spent every night in prayer or qiyamullail. However, due to his intense devotion, he never fulfilled the usual spousal relations that are normally expected within a marriage.

When this was brought to the attention of Rasulullah s.a.w., the Prophet sought clarification from the man, who confirmed that he fasted daily and prayed (qiyamullail) every night. How did the Prophet s.a.w. advise him? Rasulullah s.a.w. instructed him to reduce the frequency of his fasting and to rest during some of the nights.

Rasulullah s.a.w. said that which means: “Indeed, your body has a right over you. Your eyes have a right over you. And your wife also has a right over you.”

Respected congregation,

This hadith shows that in Islam, stepping back and regulating our busyness is not only permissible, but at times necessary and beneficial. In line with this, today’s khutbah highlights three connections or relations we should renew as we take some time to rest during this year-end period:

First: Our connection with Allah s.w.t.

In the midst of our busyness, our connection with Allah s.w.t. may have weakened without us realising it. Yes, we may have performed our prayers, but perhaps in a rush, without much focus, rushing back to our duties. During this holiday period, slow down our prayers with tumakninah. Appreciate every takbir, recitation, and supplication. Let our hearts be truly present in our acts of worship and not merely fulfil our obligation.

If we have not been reading the Quran or performing regular acts of devotion, let this be a time to reconnect spiritually. Begin with light sunnah practices such as Dhuha prayers, making salawat, or engaging in dhikr while travelling and reflecting on the beauty of Allah’s creation. Do so according to our ability. Remember: what matters more than quantity is the quality of each act.

Second: Caring for our own wellbeing

Besides our relationship with Allah, we must also pay attention to our personal wellbeing.

Sometimes, we are so consumed by our responsibilities that we fail to pause and ask ourselves: What do I truly need? What have I been neglecting?

Each of us faces different pressures. Some struggle with work, others with academic demands, thus affecting our mental and emotional health.

Caring for oneself is not a sign of weakness. It is recognition that our body and soul are trusts or responsibilities that must be preserved. Use this period to restore our inner strength, replenish energy, and regain tranquillity. A believer who is physically, emotionally, and mentally strong is better able to serve his faith, community, and himself.

Third: Our relationship with family and loved ones

In the midst of our busyness throughout the year, family time is often the first to be sacrificed. Yet, the family remains the foundation of good life and wellbeing.

Therefore, take this opportunity to reconnect with our families. Spend time, check in on one another, and be truly present. Let this be the starting point to revive warmth, affection, and mutual care at home. Let the family be the first place where we express good character, patience, and kindness.

Honoured congregation,

The end of the year is a moment for us to pause and restore our inner tranquillity. Strengthen our connection with Allah s.w.t., care for our own wellbeing, and renew our bonds with family and loved ones.

May Allah s.w.t. allow us to make full use of this time, by nurturing our faith, calming our hearts, and opening the doors of goodness and blessing in our lives. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

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