Prophet’s Mosque imam warns against attacks on holy sites, calls them grave crimes

Sheikh Dr. Abdulmohsen Al-Qasim, imam and preacher of the Prophet’s Mosque, delivered the Friday sermon today, focusing on God’s wisdom in creation and decree. He emphasized that all of God’s actions are based on wisdom and mercy, and that both blessings and trials that befall people occur by His will.

Al-Qasim explained that differences among people in character, intellect, provision, and livelihoods are manifestations of God’s wisdom, allowing people to benefit from one another and for mutual interests to be fulfilled. He cited the Quranic verse: “We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world...”

He added that God is the provider and disposer of His creation, granting sustenance according to His knowledge of what is best for His servants. If provision were increased beyond need, it would lead to arrogance and transgression, as stated in the verse: “If God were to enlarge the provision for His servants, they would surely rebel in the earth.” He stressed that both withholding and granting are done according to God’s perfect wisdom.

He noted that God tests with blessings and blesses through trials, raising ranks and expiating sins. Poverty and wealth are both forms of trial, whose wisdom may be hidden from people. He pointed out that abundant provision is not a sign of God’s favor, nor is poverty a sign of His displeasure; rather, virtue is measured by faith, piety, and righteous deeds.

Virtue measured by piety, importance of patience and gratitude

He pointed out that the prophets and their companions, may God be pleased with them, varied between wealth and poverty, and that wealth was never the standard of virtue. Instead, faith, piety, and good deeds are the true measures, as in the verse: “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you.”

He explained that patience and gratitude are essential qualities for believers: the wealthy should thank God for His blessings, and the poor should be patient in their trials. Sometimes, both patience and gratitude may be combined in a believer’s life, following the example of Prophet Muhammad, who embodied perfect patience and gratitude.

The status of the Two Holy Mosques and warning against aggression

In conclusion, the imam of the Prophet’s Mosque highlighted the status and virtue of Makkah and Madinah, stressing the need to honor their sanctity, safeguard their security, and protect their property, educational institutions, and mosques.

Sheikh Al-Qasim warned against aggression toward the Two Holy Mosques and causing fear among those within them, describing such acts as grave crimes. He referenced the hostile actions of the Houthi militia targeting the security of the two holy cities, recalling the story of the People of the Elephant and the Prophet’s saying: “Whoever frightens the people of Madinah unjustly, God will frighten him, and upon him is the curse of God, the angels, and all people.”