The Imam and Khatib of the Grand Mosque, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Bandar Balila, advised Muslims to fear God and to know that steadfastness in the religion of God is the believer's capital in this life, and the path to salvation after death, and that the foot of Islam is only established 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 spread, and varied, may God's peace and blessings be upon him: "There will come to you no time but that which follows it is 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 disaster are the trial in religion and the shaking of certainty. For this reason, our Prophet frequently prayed saying: 'Do not make our calamity in our religion.' His Eminence emphasized to every Muslim who is keen on the safety of his religion, hoping to meet his Lord, to hold fast to what preserves his faith, and cling to what protects his monotheism. The basis, origin, and foremost of that is supplication to God, the Most High, for there is no steadfastness for one whom his Lord does not keep steadfast.

His Eminence explained that among the most important reasons for steadfastness in the religion of God are: maintaining the recitation of the Holy Quran, pondering its verses, understanding its meanings, acting upon what it contains, and then recalling the stories of the righteous, from the early predecessors, the past forefathers, the prophets and messengers, and those who followed them in righteousness throughout the years.

He added: Adherence to His Book, sticking to the community, renouncing discord and division, staying away from places of doubt and desires, and avoiding gatherings of amusement and temptations, safeguard the servant's religion and purify his inner self.

His Eminence concluded the sermon saying: 'So, by God, be mindful of adhering to the Book and the Sunnah, upon the methodology of the predecessors of the 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 one grasping a hot coal.'