Grand Mosque imam urges Muslims to uphold monotheism, warns against shirk

Sheikh Dr. Bandar bin Abdulaziz Baleelah, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, urged Muslims to fear God, repent to Him, be sincere, and worship Him properly during his Friday sermon delivered today at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Sheikh Baleelah explained that God Almighty has bestowed humanity with the greatest blessings: the blessing of Islam, the blessing of monotheism, and the blessing of 'There is no god but Allah.' He noted that God has honored some people with these blessings out of His grace, while others have been deprived of them out of His justice and wisdom.

He pointed out that monotheism is God's right over His servants, the innate nature upon which people were created, and the purpose for which creation was made, scriptures were revealed, and messengers were sent. He stressed that monotheism is not limited to acts of worship alone, but also encompasses words, beliefs, actions, and dealings, making it a complete way of life.

Sheikh Baleelah emphasized that the greatest threat to the virtue of monotheism is shirk (associating partners with God), clarifying that no one can bring benefit or harm except by God's will, regardless of their piety or status.

He concluded his sermon by highlighting the importance of recognizing the blessing and status of monotheism, urging Muslims to avoid its opposite and to invite non-Muslims to monotheism with wisdom and good counsel, so they may know its virtues and positive effects in this life and the hereafter.