The preacher of the Grand Mosque warns against self-admiration and human weakness
In an atmosphere of faith, tranquility, and reverence, the esteemed preacher of the Grand Mosque, Dr. Faisal bin Jamil Ghazawi, delivered the Friday sermon, shedding light on the reality of human existence and its innate nature. He emphasized that humankind is inherently weak from the very beginning of its creation and constitution. He began his sermon by reminding the congregation of God's words: "God is the One Who created you from weakness," indicating that this weakness is not a flaw to be concealed, but rather a reality that every servant must acknowledge in order to recognize their own limitations and their profound need for their Creator.
His Eminence addressed the psychological and spiritual dimensions of this weakness, explaining that no matter how much material power or social standing a person possesses, they remain incapable of resisting their own desires and passions except through God's grace and protection. He pointed out that relying solely on oneself and one's own abilities and personal talents without seeking God's help is the first step towards misguidance and failure. If a servant neglects his Lord, God abandons him to his own devices, and whoever is abandoned to his own devices is doomed.
The context of divine guidance and the importance of reliance on God
This sermon comes within the context of the guiding and educational role played by the pulpits of the Two Holy Mosques, as Friday sermons at the Grand Mosque in Mecca are universal messages directed to Muslims throughout the world. These directives are of paramount importance in light of contemporary material challenges that may lead people to become arrogant because of their technological and scientific advancements, forgetting the ultimate source and true Giver of blessings. Reminding people of human weakness restores psychological balance to the believer, keeping them constantly connected to God, from whom they draw help, guidance, and righteousness.
The dangers of self-admiration and historical lessons
In another part of his sermon, Dr. Ghazawi strongly warned against the disease of self-admiration and its excesses, describing it as one of the ugliest forms of arrogance and one of the most insidious afflictions that destroy a person's heart and faith. He explained that self-delusion is the primary reason for God's mercy being withheld from a person and for them to be surrounded by abandonment. He cited established historical and Quranic events to reinforce this point, recalling the story of Iblis, whom God expelled from His mercy and Paradise because of his arrogance and pride.
His Eminence also touched upon a profound lesson from the Prophet's biography, specifically what occurred at the Battle of Hunayn, when some Muslims were deceived by their large numbers and superior equipment. As a result, they were defeated at the beginning of the battle despite their numerical superiority. God taught them a harsh lesson: victory does not come solely from numbers and equipment, but rather from His grace and support. Victory was only granted after God, in His mercy, intervened and they returned to supplication and placed their complete trust in Him. The Imam of the Grand Mosque concluded his sermon by emphasizing that true success and prosperity depend on sincere reliance on God, and that whoever is certain of the necessity of trusting in the Creator and disavows any power or strength of their own has grasped the firmest handhold and attained the best of this world and the Hereafter.
