Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
1 August 2025 / 7 Safar 447H
Faithful Guidance in Facing Distress
Blessed congregation,
Let us nurture our hearts with taqwa or mindfulness of Allah s.w.t. Taqwa that results in Allah’s love for us, and protects us from His displeasure. May we be granted clarity in our hearts and steadfastness in faith as we journey through the trials of life.
Beloved congregation,
Is it possible for a mukmin or believer to experience stress and anxiety? If this happens, does it reflect a weakness in faith? To respond to this question, let us reflect on the story of the mother of Prophet Isa a.s., that is Maryam a.s.
In the Quran, Allah s.w.t. describes Maryam a.s. as a woman of great honour due to her devotion to Allah. She was chosen, purified, and elevated in status above all women of the worlds.
Yet, the story of Maryam a.s. is not without great trials which burden the soul. Without the presence of a husband, she conceived and gave birth to a baby boy, while facing a storm of harsh criticism and painful accusations from her community. Her agony was captured in Surah Maryam, verse 23:
Which means: "And when the pains of childbirth drove her to (cling to) the trunk of a palm tree, she exclaimed, ‘I wish I had died before this, and had been all forgotten’”
Dear congregation,
The story of Maryam a.s. teaches us that stress and emotional burden are part and parcel of life. Every person will face it, and it is not a sign of weak faith.
Each trial reveals how we manage and overcome pressure, grounded in faith. As believers, beyond it being a personal duty, we must see this as a communal responsibility or fardhu kifayah, to help one another through stress and hardship.
My dear brothers,
Life today is full of challenges that can trigger stress. Among them: a lifestyle influenced by multiple elements, causing confusion between personal identity and religious values, especially among youth. Financial struggles, with the rising cost of living, weigh heavily, particularly on single parents. The instability of global politics affects economies and results in job losses. All of this contributes to mental stress for those impacted.
This trend has led some of our brothers and sisters to seek ways they believe can relieve the pressure they are facing. At times, the path they choose may even make things worse.
For example, it is discussed today how studies show a clear link between vaping and the rise in chronic stress levels, as well as the deterioration of mental health. A person facing stress might turn to smoking or vaping and even Kpods in an attempt to cope with or overcome that stress. However, this could potentially lead to even more severe stress and mental strain, negatively impacting one’s mental and physical conditions.
Dear brothers, whatever form of trials and stress we may face, the support of family and those around us is crucial. It requires attentiveness and collective action, as a sign of our amanah (responsibility) and ihsan (compassion). We must not let those being tested to face their struggles alone.
So what lessons can we draw from the story of Maryam a.s. in facing trials?
First: Behind every difficulty lies wisdom and lessons.
Each trials carries lessons, even if we do not yet understand them. Just like Maryam a.s., a trial can become an experience that shapes our character, or even become a legacy. For example, today, former inmates who have turned their lives around now help others still trapped in similar cycles. With resilience and sincerity, the darkness and hardship we face today can become a light which illuminates guidance for ourselves and others.
Second: Seek and offer support.
True enough, as believers, our spirituality is our primary source of strength and protection. Yet often, stress requires a holistic approach, which includes physical, emotional, and social dimensions.
Even the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. found comfort in
Sayyidatina Khadijah r.a. during times of distress. Just imagine: had Maryam a.s. received compassionate care and support from her community, would it not have eased her burden?
Therefore, it is important that we both seek support and become sources of support. Get professional help when needed. Do not let anyone go through stress in isolation.
Dear blessed congregation,
We must strive to build a society that is caring and compassionate. One that offers a listening ear before a word of advice. A society that upholds spirituality while also embracing a holistic approach, and full of empathy.
May we all draw strength from the example of Maryam a.s. in overcoming trials and hardship. And may we be among those who spread hope, who instill strength, so that we too may always receive the mercy and help of our Allah. Amin, ya Rahman ya Rahim.
Second Sermon
