Huzoor(aba) delivered his Friday Sermon on the subject of disinclination and apathy with worldliness. He recited verse 47 of Surah Al Kahf (18:47).
With reference Huzoor(aba) said that those who are inclined toward the objectives of this world consider the material riches and worldly achievements as a measure of success and in their materialistic pursuit they disregard remembrance of God and are entrapped by Satanic temptations. Without doubt children and wealth are the embellishment of this world, however, if one’s approach is correct towards them, they can be a source of blessing. Good deeds are resultant of good in this world and the hereafter. Huzoor(aba) said Satan is ever inciting man to turn away from God; therefore it is essential to continually seek Allah’s grace. Citing verse 6 of Surah Al Fatir (35:6) Huzoor(aba) said Satan could deceive one by accentuating one’s wealth or position in life or lineage. Therefore the more one is prosperous the greater humility one should adopt. Huzoor(aba) recited the first six verses of Surah Al Takathur (Ch. 102) and commented that rivalry in worldly acquisitions brings about man’s downfall in one way or the other. He either faces disorder among people around him or his children go astray and he thus suffers inner ruin or Divine wrath descends on him.
As customary, Huzoor(aba) related several Ahadith to expound disinclination and apathy to worldly riches. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that his biggest trepidation for his people was that they would get worldly-minded and consequently get distant from the truth, he said each Ummah (people) goes through a trial and the trial for his people would be through wealth. He enjoined that to seek Allah’s love one should be apathetic and disinclined to materialism and to get the adoration of people one should stop coveting what others have. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that disinclination to worldliness and being pious does not entail that one abstains from what is halal (permissible) and destroys ones wealth; rather piety is to be more confident of Divine favour and forgiveness than of one’s wealth and during troubled times be mindful of its recompense and to consider difficulties a means of seeking Divine reward.
Huzoor(aba) said at time of any loss one should say Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’oon and move onwards with the belief that the One who provided before will provide again. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enjoined to keep company of one who is disinclined to worldly matters. Although he spent his life in a state of extreme abstinence, he was also blessed with property like orchards and flocks of sheep etc. However the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) did not rely on these things and kept a firm faith in Allah alone. Huzoor(aba) reiterated that piety does not necessitate that one is negligent of one’s duties towards one family, earning a livelihood etc. Rather the point is not to make it the objective of one’s life. One should work hard and earn one’s living but should always be mindful of one’s dues to Allah. It is not a sin to be involved in worldly affairs but a believer should give priority to matters of faith and just as one is concerned about worldly matters one should be equally mindful of spiritual issues.
Huzoor(aba) concluded on a prayer that may Allah protects us from being worldly-minded.