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Friday Sermon, April 7, 1967, Mubarak Mosque, Rabwah.
“Allah the Almighty founded a House for the benefit of all mankind but they failed to see its grandeur. Consequently, it fell into ruin to an extent that no sign of its existence could be seen. Then God, revealing its exact location to Hazrat Ibrahim (as), had it rebuilt at his hands and inspired him to dedicate himself and his progeny for the service of the House, to protect it, and to establish its grandeur. Thus, his descendants served this House of Allah for a long time to come. Ultimately, with the services and the prayers spanned over twenty-five hundred years, a people was prepared who had the capability of bearing the enormous responsibilities of a perfect and immaculate universal shariah for all times to come.”
After Tashahhud, Ta‘wwuz and Surah Al-Fatihah Huzoor recited the following verses from the Holy Quran.
Huzoor said:
I have delivered a few sermons on a greatly important topic which can be summarized as under:
Allah the Almighty founded a house for the benefit of all mankind but they failed to see its grandeur. Consequently, it fell into ruin to an extent that no sign of its existence could be seen. Then God, revealing its exact location to Hazrat Ibrahim (as), had it rebuilt at his hands and inspired him to dedicate himself and his progeny for the service of the House, to protect it, and to establish its grandeur. His descendants served this House of Allah for a long time to come. Ultimately, as a result of the services and the prayers spanned over twenty-five hundred years, a people were prepared who had the capability of bearing the enormous responsibilities of a perfect and immaculate universal shariah.
Then I explained that Allah the Almighty has set out twenty-three aims and objectives of building the House in the verses I recited earlier, and that the achievement of every one of these objectives is associated with the advent of the Holy Prophet (sas). I expressed my views about five of these objectives in the last sermon. Firstly, 
(founded for mankind), that the House was built for the benefit of all mankind. Secondly, 
(abounding in blessings), that it is blessed both materially and spiritually. Thirdly, 
(a guidance for all peoples) suggests that Allah wants to make it a source of guidance, and Allah the Almighty has made it a centre of guidance for all the worlds in respect of all the four meanings of the word ‘guidance’. Fourthly, 
(in it are manifest signs) suggests that a succession of such heavenly signs will be initiated from here that will last until the end of days and a fountain of Divine succour will gush forth from here which will never dry up. Fifthly, 
(station of Abraham) suggests that this House will be the pivotal point of a worship which is based on love and sacrifice. A people, representing all the peoples and ages will be raised who, like Hazrat Ibrahim (as), will be immersed in love of God, and the avenues of seeking nearness to God will always welcome them.
These are the five objectives I had discussed at length in the last Friday Sermon. I will have to revert to each of them to justify how each one of these objectives is associated with the advent of the Holy Prophet (sas) and how and in what form that was achieved. Therefore, I intend to describe the objectives very briefly so that I could discuss the remainder of the twenty-three objectives in today’s sermon. It may happen as God may please.
Allah the Almighty says, 
(whoso enters it, enters peace) the sixth objective of building the House of Allah is, whoso enters it, that is to say, whoso observes the worship associated with the House of Allah, will come under God’s protection from the hell of this world and the hereafter, and all his past sins will be forgiven. Thus, the sixth objective of building the House of Allah is to make it a place with which certain forms of worship are associated; whoever performed them fully and perfectly and with sincere intention is promised forgiveness of all his past sins, and that he would be protected from the fire of hell.
The seventh objective of building this House is 
(And pilgrimage to the House is a duty). It is an obligation, not only for the descendants of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) or that of the Arabs, to make pilgrimage to this House; rather it has been built for all the nations of the world to gather at this point for pilgrimage. (I believe and the Holy Quran also bears credible evidence that all these aims and objectives had been communicated to Hazrat Ibrahim (as) at the time of its construction). God had told Hazrat Ibrahim (as) that making pilgrimage to this House would be made mandatory for all the nations who believed in Me and entered the fold of My Prophet (sas) as well, and having placed their hand into the hand of the Seal of the Prophets (sas) bore the yoke of obedience. Thus, this place would be made a meeting point for all the nations.
The eighth objective of the House is explained in the word 
(a resort). The word 
implies that the nations of the world have been split into various segments. And when this division reached its maximum a Prophet would be raised to fulfil the objective of the House of Allah and he would unite all the nations 
that is, under one faith. He would unify them all in one religion. Thus the point of discussion here is that though a time will come when divisions will have reached their extreme, God will raise a Prophet at that stage who would unite all the nations into one.
The ninth objective mentioned here is that this House is 
(security for mankind). This means that I [Allah] have desired the House to be made such that this and only this House would guarantee the world peace. For, it is only this House that may be called the House of Allah in true sense. Any organization in the world who disregarded this House and the teachings associated with it, no matter however it endeavours, would not achieve peace. True peace in the world could be maintained only by following the teachings presented by the Prophet raised from the House of Allah.
Another meaning of 
(peace) suggests that the expression 
(a security for mankind) also means that spiritual satisfaction of mind could be attained only by establishing firm ties with Mecca and the final shariah which would appear in Mecca; and it would invite all the nations in the world to their Lord. Mental satisfaction can be attained only when a shariah is capable of meeting the natural human requirements, and when it is capable enough to guide and nurture all the human capabilities and faculties bestowed upon by God. Therefore, here it means that Mecca would be the home of a teaching which would truly provide peace of mind to the world. Hence, both the meanings apply here; First, that peace cannot be secured to the world but through Mecca; and second, the souls cannot secure peace of mind and human intellect cannot secure gratification but only through the teaching which would be revealed in Mecca.
The tenth objective mentioned in the verses is 
(and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer). In an earlier verse the expression 
(place of Abraham) was mentioned which implied that this place is a house where true and earnest worship, which gushes forth of the fountain of Divine love and sacrifice, has been founded. Whereas denotes such worship that springs forth from the fountainhead of humility and modesty.
In short, one of the objectives of the House of Allah outlined here is that a people should be raised who should worship their Lord with humility and meekness. For a worship immersed in humility and modesty would raise the stations like that of Hazrat Ibrahim (as), and set up centres for the propagation of Islam the world over.
The eleventh objective of the House is 
(purify My House), which denotes that Allah the Almighty desires the House to be like a university and an educational hub for disseminating external cleanliness and internal purification.
The twelfth objective is mentioned in the word 
(for those who perform the circuit) which means representatives of various nations would frequently assemble here. About two and a half thousand years before Allah the Almighty had revealed to Hazrat Ibrahim (as) that representatives of all the nations would come here frequently to perform the circuit of the Ka‘bah and to meet other objectives associated with it. The thirteenth objective is stated in 
(and those who remain therein for devotion). That is to say, a House is being rebuilt so that a people is raised who dedicate their lives for the cause of Allah and thus fulfil the objectives of this House.
The fourteenth objective mentioned here is 
(and those who bow down and fall prostrate in prayer). That is, Allah the Almighty desires to raise a people who firmly believe in the Unity of God and lead their lives in total submission to Him.
The fifteenth objective stated here is 
(a town of peace). The word 
(peace) has been used in these verses to denote three different objectives. Allah the Almighty says here that He will protect the House from the hostile assaults of the world, and no attack aimed at destroying the Ka‘bah will ever meet success. On the contrary the enemy will be reduced to annihilation, so that the world could reach the conclusion that the Prophet whom God wishes to raise here will also be under the shelter of God; and no power in the world will be able to destroy him or fail his mission. Similarly the world shall also realize that the shariah of this innocent Prophet will be everlasting, and that God Himself will undertake its preservation.
The sixteenth objective connected with this House is 
(provide its dwellers with fruits). In this verse the Holy Quran points out that Allah the Almighty had the House rebuilt, so that having seen its blessings the world could reach the conclusion that those who are ready to sacrifice their lives in the cause of Allah, and becoming only His, having severed all worldly ties, their labour is never lost. Rather, they become recipient of the sweet rewards destined for them as a result of their humble and loving deeds.
The seventeenth objective of building the House is 
(Our Lord, accept this from us). That is to say, the world shall realize that spiritual heights cannot be attained but only with the help of supplication and prayer. When the intensity in supplication reaches its climax and a state of death overtakes an individual, then Divine blessing descends from the heavens and doors to true recognition of Allah are opened.
The objective of the House of Allah discussed at this point is that a people will be raised here who will supplicate fulfilling all the provisions of supplication. A state of death will overtake them during prayer and it will render their selves to a complete nought and they would be transformed into water that will flow forth to the threshold of their Lord. They will be fully aware of the fact that they cannot achieve anything merely on account of their good deeds unless they attract the grace of Allah the Almighty through prayer and supplication. Therefore, even having offered the best sacrifices they will not rank their sacrifices anything but nought. They will live in constant dread and stand in awe of their Lord. Notwithstanding their best sacrifices, they will pray that whatever they render to the service of their Lord is only a modest offering. They would say: O our Lord! Your grandeur is majestically high and we do not deem our offering worthy enough; but You are a Gracious Lord. Overlooking our negligence and our humble endeavours have mercy on us and please accept this modest offering of ours, so that our endeavours and strivings may be honoured in Your service. In short, Allah the Almighty founded the House so as to raise a people like this.
The eighteenth objective of building the House is that the world shall realize that only those witness the manifestation of the attribute of All-Hearing of their Lord who pray fervently to Him in the given manner, and then witness that their Lord is He Who listens. He responds to prayers, and says: I have granted your prayers. Thus, by virtue of building the House of Allah the world will come to recognize the All-Hearing God.
The nineteenth objective is that the world will recognize the Omniscient God through this House. Not that on account of his imperfect knowledge a person will always be granted whatever he prayed for; nay, his Lord will answer his prayer when he will pray and take the prayer to its zenith. Rather, God will grant it in keeping with His knowledge of the unseen, that is, only in the manner the prayers should be answered. The rejection of some of the prayers, or the acceptance of some in a form different from what was sought in the prayer will not mean that God is not the All-Hearing or Omnipotent. On the contrary, it will prove that only Allah the Exalted possesses the knowledge of the unseen. Thus, the Ka‘bah has been founded so as to familiarize and acquaint people with their Omniscient God.
The twentieth objective is 
(make of our offspring a people submissive to Thee) that is, we request God that Muslim umma be raised from among our progeny. In this verse Allah the Exalted expressed His objective that at the time of the advent of Muhammad (sas) as a Prophet, his people should be capable of becoming the Muslim umma. In fact, that people would eventually become the Muslim umma as a result of the prayers of Ibrahim (as). Another meaning of this verse is that though the promised Prophet will surely appear in Mecca; but you should keep praying that O Lord! Be merciful to us lest on account of negligence and disregard on our part and our progeny we become undeserving of the promise, and the Prophet be raised among some other people instead of amongst us.
Therefore, he prayed solely for his progeny to be made the Muslim umma and that they become the recipient of the first message and may all of them believe in it as well. Thus, it has been pointed out here that the progeny of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and Hazrat Ismael (as) shall become the Muslim umma and be not among the non-believers. Having believed in the Prophet the progeny should also have the strength and potential to discharge the responsibility laid on their shoulders. Allah the Almighty says, Ka‘bah has been rebuilt so that these people may bear the desired characteristics.
The twenty-first objective is 
(show us our ways of worship) which points to the fact that a Prophet will be raised in the holy city of Mecca at such a time when the world, having attained spiritual and intellectual development, will have reached such a standard of maturity that it could bear the immaculate and perfect shariah; a shariah which will be more adaptable in contrast to the previous shariahs; a shariah which will teach to behave fittingly according to the need of the time; and a shariah which will be capable of meeting the requirements of all peoples and all ages. The expression 
(show us our ways of worship) means, teach and guide us to appropriate deeds, worship and responsibilities. In other words, reveal the Quranic shariah on us.
Thus, 
(show us our ways of worship) implies that the coming Prophet will be for all peoples and all times. Therefore, keep praying that, our Lord! since needs and natures vary from people to people and issues differ from time to time, so send a perfect and immaculate shariah which could meet natural needs of every people and address the issues of every age, and could be practicable until the Last Day, so that the objective for which Allah the Almighty founded the Ka‘bah may be achieved.
The twenty-second objective has been outlined in the phrase 
(turn to us with mercy) which states that the final shariah sent here will be closely linked with the Forgiving Lord. And the followers of that shariah will be aware of the fact that on no account could the true knowledge of God be attained without repentance and seeking forgiveness. Therefore, they will make ceaseless sacrifices in His cause and time and again will they revert to Him imploring, “Lord! Forgive us our shortcomings.” Even having done good, they will be dreading any slip lest they incur displeasure of their Lord and they will abandon themselves to seeking forgiveness and repentance all the time.
The twenty-third objective is (our Lord, raise up among them a Messenger from among themselves) that I [Allah] want to make it the birthplace of Muhammad (sas). I would like to turn it into such a holy place that as a result of supplications implored with earnestness, humility, humbleness, love and devotion, a humble servant of Mine will be raised in its environs to the status of Muhammadiyyat, by whose virtue a shariah will be established and a nation will be raised that will possess living signs. The phrase 
(who may recite to them Thy signs) denotes they will be associated with the Living God, living Prophet and the living and immaculate shariah for their guidance. They will not be required, like young children, to blindly comply with what is said to them. Rather, in order to sharpen their intelligence and discernment, God will also teach them the philosophy of His injunctions through this Messenger. Thus, they will be purified in a way as no past people have ever been. This is a fact endorsed by human intellect as well, for, if past peoples were bestowed upon relatively imperfect shariahs whereby they were purified then their purification was certainly not perfect. Even though that purification was in consonance with their nature, caliber and strength, nonetheless it never was a perfect purification, for the teaching given to them was imperfect, in line with their low caliber. When that people was raised who was capable of undertaking the responsibility of a perfect shariah, then those of them who led their lives making extreme sacrifices, complying with all that is lawful and shunning all that is unlawful out of fear of Allah the Almighty, and making earnest supplications to Him, they would attain such immaculate purification of the self (merely as a result of Divine grace and not because of their personal endeavours) and such perfect purification theirs would be, and they would enjoy such pleasure and approbation of God as had never been granted to any other people.
In short, Allah the Almighty says, the twenty-third objective of building the House of Allah is that a Khairur Rusul that is, the Best of the Prophets, be sent to the world in order to raise man to the lofty stations for which he was created.
May Allah the Almighty make us, too, out of His grace, among those people, for we are extremely weak, incapable, sinful, stupid and deeply sunk into carnal desires. But if He graciously wished, He might lift us from our lowly state to the pinnacle of purification promised to the Muslim umma.
In the forthcoming sermons, inshallah, I will describe at length as to how these twenty-three objectives were fulfilled by the Holy Prophet (sas). I am trying to gradually draw your attention towards an important point which I have already alluded to, that is, Allah the Almighty has drawn my attention towards an important issue which is vital for the proper education of the members of the Jama‘at.
Anyway, I am trying to prepare your mind for it. But until and unless Allah the Almighty makes my words effective and makes your hearts receptive enough, I and my elaborations are of no use. Therefore, keep praying and I also will pray. May Allah the Almighty enable our Jama‘at undertake the task for which it has been created.3
1 Aal-e-‘Imran, 3:97-98.
2 Al-Baqarah, 2:126-130.
3 The Daily Al-Fadl, Rabwah, April 30, 1967.
