Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
27 March 2026 / 7 Syawal 1447H
The Trials of Maintaining Ties
Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,
Let us continually uphold our taqwa; consciousness of Allah s.w.t. by carrying out His commands and refraining from His prohibitions. May we be granted the shade of Allah on the Day of the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Blessed congregation,
In line with Syawal, the month of visiting one another and strengthening silaturahmi; the ties of kinship, this khutbah seeks to focus on this noble practice and the challenges that come with it.
Dear brothers,
We have left behind the blessed month of Ramadan. We move forward carrying with us the noble values that we cultivated throughout the month. Now, we have entered the month of Syawal, a month adorned with warm greetings, gatherings that strengthen silaturahmi, and the expression of love and affection.
However, in reality, relationships between people are not always easy or pleasant. At times they are calm and harmonious, but at other times they are tested with tension and misunderstandings. Let us be conscious that maintaining silaturahmi is a trust that comes with significant trials. What is the basis for what I am saying?
Observe the guidance of the Prophet s.a.w. which shows that maintaining silaturahmi does not occur only in times of peace and ease. Rather, it must continue to flourish even when those relationships are tested.
The Prophet s.a.w. said that which means: “The one who maintains silaturahmi is not merely the one who reciprocates good with good, but rather the one who restores those ties when they have been severed.” (Bukhari)
Blessed congregation,
The trials of maintaining silaturahmi test: 1) excellence in character (ihsan), 2) patience, and 3) our ability to forgive — three positive values that were strongly nurtured in us during the madrasah of Ramadan. However, what are the obstacles that often prevent us from practising them? Arrogance and ego!
Arrogance and ego can lead a person to feel more noble and more important than others. Moreover, Allah explains in Surah Luqman, verse 18, that this trait is blameworthy and detested by Him:
Which means: “And do not turn your nose up to people (in boastfulness), nor walk pridefully upon the earth. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful.”
In addition, arrogance and ego are obstacles to the process of repairing relationships. The presence of arrogance and ego allow misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and resentment to persist, eventually straining relationships that were once good and full of love.
By taking guidance from the hadith of the Prophet s.a.w. mentioned earlier, and by accepting the reality that every human relationship will surely be tested, today’s khutbah invites us to reflect on three steps in preserving silaturahmi when relationships are put to the test.
Firstly: Being mindful of the subtle seeds of ego and arrogance that creep into the heart.
Both these traits often arise quietly without us realising it — frequently driven by the believe that we are always right, finding it challenging to seek forgiveness, and looking down on others or harbouring negative assumptions towards them.
In truth, when we choose to listen rather than argue, to prioritise forgiveness over retaliation, and to humble ourselves for the sake of harmony, we are choosing to embody the character beloved to Allah.
Secondly: Always choosing the path of reconciliation.
It is easy to distance ourselves and wait for the other party to take the first step toward reconciliation. However, this can worsen the situation. Taking the initiative — whether by offering a greeting, sending a text message, or sincerely apologising — requires courage, sincerity, and above all, dampening of one’s ego. It reflects maturity and a sincere desire to attain the pleasure of Allah. It must be remembered that the purpose of reconciliation is not to determine who is right or wrong, but to restore relationships and preserve silaturahmi for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.
Third: Understanding that every relationship is a trust and a source of blessings (barakah).
Every individual, whether parents, children, siblings, spouses, friends, or neighbours, enters our lives by the decree of Allah.
Each of them has rights over the other, and among those rights is kind and compassionate treatment, which in reality reflects a person’s faith. When we nurture these relationships with the guidance of faith, along with patience, love, and ihsan; excellence, Allah places blessings within them.
On the other hand, when we neglect this trust, we risk not only losing the relationship, but also the blessings (barakah) that come with it. Therefore, preserve our relationships in the best way possible, for through them we draw closer to Allah by fulfilling what He has commanded.
Dear congregation,
Syawal is still with us. Let us take this blessed month as an opportunity to strengthen our relationships and reinforce our silaturahmi. Extend a hand in greeting, ask about one another’s well-being, make a call, seek forgiveness, and be ready to forgive.
May Allah s.w.t. preserve the sweetness of the relationships we enjoy today, grant us gentleness and humility when we face strained relationships, and make every relationship we cherish a source of blessings and reward in this world and the Hereafter. Amin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
Second Sermon
