Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila, advised Muslims to fear God and know that steadfastness in the religion of Allah is the believer's capital in this life and his path to salvation after death, and that the foot of Islam does not stand firm except on the bridge of submission and surrender.

He said in his sermon today at the Grand Mosque: "With the succession of years and the distancing of times from the light of the lamp of the best of mankind, calamities followed, trials became widespread, doubts diversified, desires multiplied, distractions increased, and diversions succeeded. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'There will come a time upon you when the one after it will be worse until you meet your Lord.' Narrated by al-Bukhari."

He explained that the greatest calamities that befall a believer are not in the loss of wealth and provisions, but the great calamity and the major ordeal are trial in religion and the shaking of certainty. For this reason, our Prophet frequently prayed saying: "And do not make our calamity in our religion."

His Eminence stressed to every Muslim keen on the safety of his religion, hoping to meet his Lord, to adhere to what preserves his faith and cling to what protects his monotheism. The basis of that and its foundation is supplication to Allah, the Exalted, for there is no steadfastness for one whom his Lord does not make steadfast.

His Eminence explained that among the most important reasons for steadfastness in the religion of Allah are: frequent recitation of the Noble Quran with contemplation of its verses, understanding its meanings, acting upon what is in it, and then recalling the stories of the righteous from the early generations and the predecessors, including the prophets and messengers and those who followed them in goodness over the years.

He added: "Adherence to His Book, sticking to the community, rejecting discord and division, staying away from places of doubt and desires, and avoiding gatherings of amusement and temptations, will keep the servant's religion safe and his conscience clear."

He concluded the sermon saying: "So fear Allah in adhering to the Book and the Sunnah, upon the methodology of the predecessors of this nation, and staying away from the people of deviation and innovation. Then be patient, for the one who is patient in his religion during times of trials is like the one who holds onto a burning ember."