Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
19 June 2026 / 3 Muharram 1448H
Tadabbur: A Lifelong Companion
Dear blessed Friday congregation,
Let us continue to increase our taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by carrying out all His commands and abstaining from all His prohibitions. Let us also continue engaging with the Quran. May it remain a guiding light in our journey towards His pleasure. Amin ya Rabbal 'Alamin.
Beloved congregation,
Beloved congregation, the Tadabbur Sermon Series continues this week. Today’s khutbah will illustrate how a single verse of the Quran conveys different messages to its readers, depending on their experiences, circumstances, and stage of life. As a reflection, perhaps we have read the same verse of the Quran repeatedly from childhood through to adulthood. The tadabbur approach will demonstrate that our understanding and appreciation of it differs when read at the age of 10, 25, 40, or even 60. Let us together focus our attention on three examples of Quranic verses from three different surah.
Let us begin with the words of Allah s.w.t. in Surah An-Nisa', verse 28:
Which means: “And humankind was created weak”
Brothers, what would your answer be if asked: "What does 'weak' mean in this verse?"
For children and youth, your weakness may refer to your limited capacity to navigate a world full of complexity. Here, you require guidance from adults. For adults, the reality of your life is never free from the burdens of various amanah or responsibilities. At times, you feel deeply 'weak' when confronting the daily challenges of life. Whereas for the elderly, they may associate it with physical weakness, emotional fatigue, and dependence on others. Observe, dear brothers, the verse remains the same, yet from that single verse, different reflections are born.
Beloved brothers,
Dear brothers and sisters, we move to the second example, through verses 5 and 6 of Surah Ash-Sharh:
Which means: “So surely with hardship comes ease, and surely with hardship comes ease”
Someone who is in the midst of difficulty will see this verse as a promise from Allah that soothes the soul. For example, students have faced challenges and hardship in their studies from the start of the year to May. Today, you, dear students, sit in tranquillity, enjoying the school holidays and a period of rest.
For adults, perhaps some of you faced emotional, mental, and physical challenges while performing the Hajj pilgrimage recently. Today, you have returned to the embrace of your families, and you can savour the richness of the worship experience in the Holy Land. Does this verse not reflect that very experience?
In conclusion, if you are facing life's hardships but remain confident that peace, and perhaps a way out awaits at the end of the road, you will draw ever closer to the help and joy that God has promised.
Honoured congregation,
As promised, here is the third and final example. A verse that is frequently recited when filial piety is discussed. Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Isra', verse 24:
Which means: “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.’"
Brothers, this verse too speaks to us according to the roles we occupy in life. When we are still children, this verse is seen as Allah's command to obey and fulfil our responsibilities towards
our parents.
And when we ourselves become parents, this verse carries yet another dimension of tadabbur, for we are entrusted with the responsibility of raising our children – who are growing into adolescents and adults – to the best of our ability. We begin to understand the sacrifices once made by our parents. We come to realise how immense were the hardships they endured in shouldering Allah's trust; to raise and nurture the next generation of Muslims. Perhaps too, we begin to feel their sorrow, brought about by our own words, expressions, and behaviour in the past.
This awareness cultivates a deeper sense of gratitude, remorse, appreciation, and love towards our parents.
When we grow older and take on the responsibility of caring for our ageing parents, this verse becomes a reminder to remain patient and steadfast in serving them. And we never cease to raise our hands in supplication to Allah, that they may always be under His protection and mercy.
Esteemed congregation,
If we continue to engage in tadabbur and converse with the Quran, we will come to feel the greatness of the mukjizat or miracle bestowed upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
For the same verse presents itself with new meaning and reflection, in keeping with each stage of life – shaped by the factors of age, emotion, and context or circumstance.
How true indeed is the word of Allah in Surah Sad, verse 29:
Which means: "(The Quran is) A blessed Book which We have revealed to you so that they may reflect upon its verses, and so that those of understanding would be reminded."
Therefore, let us make tadabbur of the Quran a lifelong companion.
May our continuous relationship with the Quran, and the practice of tadabbur, be the very reason we receive intercession on the Day of Judgement. Amin ya Rabbal 'Alamin.
Second Sermon
