The preacher of the Grand Mosque: Righteousness of heart and asceticism are the path to true bliss
During his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, affirmed that the essence of human happiness and the source of true bliss lies in the purity of the heart and the integrity of the soul. He pointed out that sound souls are purified by kind words and good character, considering the heart to be the core of the body; if it is sound, the whole body and all actions will be sound. He described it as the primary source of worldly blessings, rendering all fleeting material pleasures unnecessary.
The status of the Meccan pulpit and its guidance of the nation
The words of the Imam of the Grand Mosque carry immense weight due to the profound spiritual significance of the pulpit in Mecca for Muslims worldwide. From the precincts of the Holy Kaaba, guidance emanates, addressing the realities of Muslims and tackling their spiritual and social concerns. In his sermon, Dr. Bin Humaid focused on the educational and moral development aspects, a fundamental approach in Islamic discourse aimed at cultivating a balanced Muslim character that integrates the development of the earth with the worship of the Creator, drawing upon religious texts that encourage self-discipline.
The true concept of asceticism and balance in life
In elaborating on the concept of asceticism, His Eminence explained that it does not mean ceasing work or abandoning the development of the earth. Rather, it is a state of the heart that transcends attachment to six things: the self, people, appearances, wealth, and leadership—everything that distracts one from God Almighty. He clarified that Muslims, in their worship and dealings, achieve the difficult balance of combining pure servitude to God with seeking His favor on earth, in accordance with God's words about men whom neither trade nor sale distract from the remembrance of God.
Contentment and certainty: the path to peace of mind
Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid concluded his sermon by emphasizing that for the believer, this world is a means to attain God's pleasure, not an end in itself. He pointed out that the true ascetic is one who, when blessed by God, is grateful, and when tested, is patient, thus achieving the highest degree of certainty and trust in God's decrees. It is the cultivation of faith and certainty in the heart that grants the Muslim contentment and satisfaction, and protects him from psychological fluctuations and anxiety. Whoever relies on God, He suffices him, and whoever is content with what God has provided lives a life of richness and dignity in this world and the hereafter.
