The Quran is a source of goodness, guidance and blessings and within it are certain suras that Prophet Mohammed gave specific attention to. The sermon will tell mosque-goers on Friday that surat Al Aala (the highest) should be recited more often and its meaning reflected upon.
The Prophet would recite this sura in every Friday prayer, Eid prayers and Al Shafaa prayers. He would also urge Imams to recite it due to its richness in meanings.
The sura guides Muslims on best practices. In the beginning of Al Aala, Allah calls for exaltation. He says “Exalt the name of your Lord, the Most High." (Al Aala: 1). Celebrating the glory of God is greatly rewarded. Prophet Mohammed once asked those surrounding him "Is one of you incapable of attaining a thousand good deeds?" A man amongst him asked, "How can one of us earn a thousand good deeds?" The Prophet answered, "(When) one of you recites a hundred Tasbih (saying subhana Allah) a thousand good deeds are written for him, or a thousand evil deeds are wiped away from him."
The next two ayas of Surat Al Aala continue, "Who created and proportioned. And Who destined and [then] guided." This refers to all of God’s creations and how He guided them to the path of earning their livelihood and fulfilling their responsibilities.
Mankind were engulfed in Allah's care but He also caused grass to grow that the livestock can feed on. In this, there is an indication to God’s wisdom, as well as the numerous favours that He bestowed upon Muslims.
In return for such blessings, mankind should show their gratitude by appreciating those favours and preserving the environment.
People should avoid negative practices that may cause damage to the animal's environment, such as littering. One can also preserve the environment by avoiding cutting down trees excessively for each tree has been care for by God who says, "it is He who sends down rain from the sky; from it is drink and from it is foliage in which you pasture [animals]." (An Nahl: 10).
In the second sermon worshippers will be told that tranquil hearts are assured with the remembrance of Allah and that observing prayer persistently is conducive to purify the believer's soul.
Allah enjoined Muslims to observe these two acts of worship and combined their mention in one aya, "and during the night prostrate to Him and exalt Him a long [part of the] night." (Al Insaan: 26). This means, establish prayer and exalt Allah.
Whosoever purifies himself, remembers God and observes prayer at its prescribed time shall achieve success in this world and in the Hereafter, and God says in Surat Al Aala that “the Hereafter is better and more enduring."
