Huzoor^(aba) based his Friday Sermon today on the Divine attribute of Al-Sunnah (The Most Appreciating). Elucidating the connotation of the attributes of Shakar and Sunnah Huzoor^(aba) said that the root word Shukr represents an expression of gratefulness while being mindful of [God’s] grace. Shakar is one who is grateful for grace and blessings whereas Sunnah is one who is even grateful in deprivation and hardship. Huzoor^(aba) said when applied to Allah the trait of Sunnah denotes His bestowal of grace on His servants, which He abundantly grants in response to meagre, and trifle efforts of His servants.

With reference to ahadith, Huzoor^(aba) explained that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enjoined that one who is not grateful and appreciative of less is also not thankful for large blessings and that one who is not grateful to people is not grateful to Allah either. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that Allah likes the effect of His grace and blessings being evident on His people and that faith constitutes of two parts, one being patience and the other thankfulness.

Huzoor^(aba) said the best reciprocation of a favour is the dua of Jazakumullaho Khaira and Jazakumullah ahsanal jaza. Huzoor^(aba) added that to praise and glorify Allah (Hamd) is also an act of gratefulness. Huzoor^(aba) also touched upon the great importance Islam lays on being grateful to one’s parents for their favours and kindness and related ahadith to explicate the subject. Huzoor^(aba) further said that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) enjoined to be aware of those who are in a less fortunate position than oneself and not to notice those better off than oneself and said that this too is an expression of gratefulness and that a momin (believer) has a wondrous state of affairs, in that during comfort his thankfulness is a virtue and during a trail his patience is deemed a virtue.

In conclusion Huzoor^(aba) said that as a mark of thankfulness for Allah’s blessings and in dedication to the memory of his blessed mother, who had taught him by her own example how to be caring and supportive to the needy, he was announcing his intention to help and support all those young women of marriageable age within the Jama’at who could not afford to have a few items of embellishment at their marriage. Huzoor^(aba) said the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings on him) in this respect was extreme simplicity, however, nowadays it has become customary to have a little adornment at time of marriage. In announcing this blessed intention Huzoor^(aba) said that he hoped to be able to meet the required needs. He added that if he is not so enabled, then Allah’s Community has adequate funds to sponsor this particular need.