The preacher of the Grand Mosque: Preaching is a divine attribute and a remedy for the soul's fluctuations
In an atmosphere of faith filled with tranquility and reverence, and from the precincts of the ancient House, the Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Bandar bin Abdul Aziz Balila, delivered eloquent guidance messages to all Muslims about the importance of preaching and reminding in the life of the believer, stressing that the human soul is inherently prone to fluctuation between acceptance and rejection, and that steadfastness can only be achieved by returning to the pure source represented in the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Noble Prophet.
His Eminence began his Friday sermon by emphasizing the nature of the human soul, which experiences periods of both lethargy and activity. He explained that the remedy for this fluctuation and the guarantee of a sound soul lies in adhering to the two sources of revelation (the Quran and Sunnah), for in them lies righteousness and success, and they are the true salvation for the servant on the Day of Judgment. He pointed out that neglecting to discipline the soul through admonitions can lead to ruin, thus necessitating constant vigilance and self-monitoring.
Preaching is a divine attribute and a prophetic method
In discussing the importance of preaching, Dr. Balila explained that preaching is not merely words spoken, but rather a divine attribute by which God guides His servants to the straight path. God Almighty commanded His chosen Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to preach to his people and offer them sincere advice that illuminates the paths of guidance. He emphasized that good counsel is the practice of the early generations and the custom of the righteous, both past and present, and it is the means by which hearts are won over and souls are purified.
The sermons of the Grand Mosque acquire great importance and a wide influence that extends to include the entire Islamic world, as the eyes and hearts of Muslims turn towards the Holy Kaaba, drawing inspiration from its pulpit for divine guidance and prophetic lessons that help them through the calamities of time and keep them steadfast on the truth in a time when temptations and enticements abound.
Adherence to the Book of God is salvation from darkness
The preacher of the Grand Mosque emphasized the gravity of turning away from the Book of God, asserting that whoever does not heed the verses of the Holy Quran and whose heart does not soften at the remembrance of God is as good as dead, lost in the darkness of arrogance and desires. He likened the state of one who turns away from remembrance to one who walks in pitch-black night, unable to find his way or know the path to guidance, citing religious texts that urge adherence to the Quran through recitation, contemplation, and application.
His Eminence concluded the sermon by emphasizing the universal need for preaching, pointing out that reminders are indispensable for all people, regardless of their level of knowledge or faith. He cited as evidence the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would single out his noble companions—the best of generations and the purest of creation after the prophets—with eloquent sermons that would bring tears to their eyes and tremble their hearts, thus confirming that preaching is essential sustenance for the continued vitality of the heart and the awakening of conscience.
