Rajab 27, 1447 (January 16, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
Articles of Faith in Islam (Īmān)
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. We praise Him, we seek His help and forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our souls and the consequences of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide, and whomsoever He leaves astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and Messenger.
Dear brothers and sisters in faith,
Today’s sermon focuses on the Articles of Faith in Islam, known as Īmān, which form the foundation of a Muslim’s belief, character, and conduct. These articles are six, as clearly mentioned in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They are not mere ideas to be acknowledged by the tongue, but truths that must settle firmly in the heart and manifest in our actions.
The first article of faith is belief in Allah. We believe that Allah is One, unique in His Lordship, His Names and Attributes, and His right to be worshipped alone. He has no partner, no equal, and no rival. Belief in Allah nurtures humility, sincerity, and trust. When a believer truly knows Allah, he fears Him in private and public, and he relies upon Him in every situation of life.
The second article is belief in the Angels.
Angels are noble creations of Allah who obey Him without hesitation. They record our deeds, deliver revelation, protect us by Allah’s command, and manage the affairs of the universe as assigned to them. Belief in angels reminds us that we are constantly observed, encouraging moral discipline and accountability.
The third article is belief in the revealed Books.
We believe in all the scriptures sent by Allah, including the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and finally the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the last and preserved revelation, a complete guidance for humanity. Belief in the Books calls us to respect divine guidance and to live according to the Qur’an as a constitution for personal and social life.
The fourth article is belief in the Messengers of Allah. From Adam to Muhammad ﷺ, all prophets were sent to call humanity to the worship of one God and to upright living. Belief in the messengers teaches us obedience, patience, and moral excellence, and it obliges us to follow the final Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, in belief and practice.
The fifth article is belief in the Last Day. This includes belief in resurrection, judgment, Paradise, and Hellfire. Awareness of the Hereafter gives life meaning, restrains injustice, and motivates good deeds, for every soul shall be recompensed for what it has earned.
The sixth article is belief in Divine Decree (Qadar), both its good and its apparent hardship. We believe that Allah’s knowledge and wisdom encompass all things. This belief instills patience during trials, gratitude during ease, and balance between effort and reliance on Allah.
Dear believers,
True faith is what transforms belief into righteous action and noble character. May Allah strengthen our Īmān, make us steadfast upon the truth, and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.
Āmīn.
… also, take this.
👇
Significance of Shaʿbān
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,
Today we reflect on the significance of the month of Shaʿbān, the eighth month of the Hijrah calendar. Shaʿbān stands between two great months: Rajab, one of the sacred months, and Ramadan, the month of fasting, mercy, and the Qur’an. Because of its position, Shaʿbān is often overlooked, yet it holds immense spiritual value in the sight of Allah.
One of the greatest virtues of Shaʿbān is its strong connection to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Aishah (رضي الله عنها) reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to fast frequently in Shaʿbān, more than in any other month except Ramadan. When asked about this, he explained that Shaʿbān is a month people neglect, and it is a time when deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds. He ﷺ loved that his deeds be presented while he was in a state of fasting. This teaches us the importance of worship during times of neglect and the virtue of preparing spiritually before Ramadan arrives.
Shaʿbān is also a month of preparation and purification. Just as a farmer prepares the land before planting, Shaʿbān prepares the believer’s heart for the intense worship of Ramadan.
Through voluntary fasting, increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, repentance, and remembrance of Allah, Shaʿbān helps cleanse the heart from heedlessness and strengthens the soul for the coming month of discipline and devotion.
Among the notable aspects of Shaʿbān is the discussion surrounding the middle night of Shaʿbān. While scholars differ on specific practices associated with it, they agree on the importance of seeking Allah’s forgiveness, purifying the heart from hatred, envy, and grudges, and renewing sincerity.
Shaʿbān therefore invites believers to mend relationships, forgive one another, and approach Ramadan with hearts free from rancor.
Historically, Shaʿbān also carries significance as the month in which the qiblah was changed from Jerusalem to the Kaʿbah in Makkah. This event reinforced the distinct identity of the Muslim Ummah and emphasized obedience to Allah and His Messenger, even when change requires adjustment and sacrifice.
Dear believers,
Shaʿbān is a month of awakening, not negligence; a month of preparation, not procrastination. It reminds us that spiritual growth is gradual and continuous. Those who honor Shaʿbān will find Ramadan easier, richer, and more transformative.
May Allah bless us in Shaʿbān, grant us sincerity in our deeds, allow us to reach Ramadan in good health and strong faith, and accept our acts of worship.
Āmīn.
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Endeavour to read Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18: Verses 1-110).
Juma’ah Mabrouq
