Why Allah Sent Us: The Forgotten Purpose of Every Muslim - Ousama Alshurafa

Why Are We Here? Understanding Our Purpose

The Role of Prophets and Worship

• The speaker questions the purpose of life, emphasizing that all prophets before Muhammad had successors, but Muhammad is the final prophet.

• The primary purpose of creation is to worship Allah; this includes recognizing and knowing Him. However, there’s an added responsibility for the ummah since no new prophet will come after Muhammad.

The Mission of the Ummah

• Over 23 years, Prophet Muhammad prepared his companions (Sahaba) for their mission; there were approximately 124,000 Sahaba in total.

• Many Sahaba were buried in Medina and Mecca, while others dispersed globally to spread Islam despite knowing that praying in Mecca holds immense reward.

Exponential Rewards of Dawah

• Inviting others to Islam results in shared rewards; every prayer a new Muslim performs also benefits the one who invited them.

• This concept is likened to a pyramid scheme where rewards multiply as more people are guided towards Allah.

Importance of Stories in the Quran

• The Quran focuses on stories of prophets rather than detailed instructions on worship practices like Salah or fasting; these details are found in Sunnah.

• These stories serve as pedagogical tools illustrating how prophets lived their lives, guiding believers on how they should act as messengers themselves.

Delivering the Message

• Each individual has a unique message based on their knowledge and circumstances; sharing even one piece of knowledge is encouraged.

• During his final sermon, Prophet Muhammad instructed those present to convey his message to those absent, establishing a continuous cycle of teaching.

Dawah: A Reminder for All Believers

• Dawah isn't solely for non-Muslims; it serves as a reminder for fellow Muslims about their faith and purpose.

• Engaging with other believers involves reminding them about Allah's commands and reinforcing their commitment to worship.

Concern for Others: A Core Principle

• The Quran emphasizes concern for others through its narratives; even non-prophetic figures like ants demonstrate this principle by warning each other.

• Prophets exemplified selflessness and deep concern for their communities, often praying fervently at night for their ummah's well-being.

Purpose and Intercession on the Day of Judgment

Understanding Our True Purpose

• The speaker emphasizes that many people today focus solely on personal and familial well-being, neglecting their greater purpose as sent by Allah.

• He compares human existence to a light bulb; if it stops fulfilling its purpose (to emit light), it must be replaced, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's true mission in life.

The Thirst for Truth

• The world, particularly in North America, is described as spiritually thirsty, with many individuals feeling lost and seeking meaning.

• The speaker notes an increase in conversions to Islam, indicating a hunger for spiritual fulfillment among those who are struggling with life's challenges.

The Role of Da'wah (Invitation to Islam)

Importance of Spreading Goodness

• It is mentioned that believers are tasked with enjoying good and forbidding evil while maintaining faith in Allah. This act strengthens one's iman (faith).

• The speaker expresses excitement about revisiting these discussions, emphasizing the communal aspect of sharing knowledge and reminding others of their responsibilities.

Wisdom in Approach

• A saying from Arab culture suggests that personal comfort is not the ultimate goal; rather, there’s a larger responsibility towards community engagement.

• The Quran teaches gentleness in da'wah; using feminine language symbolizes the need for compassion when inviting others to faith.

Gentleness at the Heart of Da'wah

Central Themes in Quranic Teachings

• Gentleness is identified as a core theme within the Quran. Surah Al-Ma'idah represents this centrality through its teachings on kindness.

Addressing Wrongdoing with Compassion

• When witnessing wrongdoing, one should aim to change it gently rather than harshly condemning individuals.

• An anecdote illustrates how even someone who has committed grave sins can seek forgiveness without being met with judgment or hostility.

Maintaining Humility and Perspective

Avoiding Judgmental Attitudes

• Social media often fosters a culture where people hastily judge others' actions. However, it's crucial not to look down upon anyone regardless of their current state.

Life's Unpredictability

• Life is likened to a wheel; positions can change rapidly. One should always maintain a positive outlook towards others since circumstances can shift unexpectedly.

Embracing Mercy Over Wrath

Divine Mercy Explained

• Allah's mercy is emphasized as being far greater than His wrath; only one part of mercy was sent down to Earth while ninety-nine parts remain for the Day of Judgment.

Hope for Forgiveness

• Even Shaitan may hope for forgiveness due to Allah's vast mercy—though ultimately he will not receive it—illustrating that divine grace surpasses all transgressions.

Understanding Da'wah and Its Challenges

The Importance of Da'wah

• The speaker emphasizes that engaging in da'wah (inviting others to Islam) is a rewarding act, but warns against being swayed by those who may undermine its significance.

• A hadith is referenced, stating that if one sees something wrong, they should attempt to change it. However, the effectiveness of this action depends on the approach taken.

Effective Communication in Da'wah

• It’s crucial to consider the method of communication when forbidding evil; a harsh approach can alienate individuals rather than encourage them to change.

• An anecdote illustrates how kindness and praise can create an opening for dialogue about harmful behaviors without immediate confrontation.

Building Relationships Before Correction

• The speaker shares a story where instead of condemning someone for smoking weed, he chose to compliment them, fostering a positive interaction that could lead to deeper discussions later.

• This approach highlights the importance of establishing rapport before addressing sensitive topics like sinfulness or bad habits.

Understanding Barriers in Communication

• Many people have preconceived notions about Islam due to negative media portrayals. To overcome these barriers, one must first speak positively about Allah and treat others kindly.

• By demonstrating humility and relatability as a Muslim, one can pique curiosity and foster interest in learning more about Islam.

Engaging with the Quran

• The speaker stresses the need for Muslims to actively engage with the Quran rather than merely displaying it decoratively; understanding its teachings is essential.

• He challenges listeners to reflect on their relationship with the Quran and encourages regular reading as a means of spiritual growth.

The Role of Purpose in Understanding Scripture

• There’s an assertion that without fulfilling one's purpose—worshiping Allah and spreading His message—understanding the Quran becomes difficult.

• True comprehension comes from recognizing one's role within the Ummah (Muslim community), which enhances one's connection with Islamic teachings.