Last Khutbah of Khaleefah 'Umar bin 'Abdul 'Azeez. Subuhaanallah!!

Assalam 'Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

It is reported that the last sermon ‘Umar bin ‘Abd Al-‘Aziz – Allâh have mercy on him – delivered was as follows:

He praised Allâh and said, “You were not created in vain, nor will you be left without purpose. Verily, you have an appointed time in which Allâh – the Most High – will come down to judge you. Wretched and ruined will he be who leaves the mercy of Allâh and is denied a Garden whose width is that of the heavens and Earth. Know you not that no one will be safe tomorrow save one who is wary of today and fears it; and sells the transitory for what will remain, and the little for the plenty, and fear in exchange for security [in the hereafter]? 

See you not that you are in the loins of the dead, to be taken by those who remain after you, until all matters return to the Best of Inheritors?

What is Salaat al-Istikhaara (Prayer for Guidance), and how do we pray it?

Assalam 'Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Anytime a Muslim makes a decision, he or she should seek Allah's guidance and wisdom. Because it is Allah alone who knows what is best for us, and there may be good in what we perceive as bad, and bad in what we perceive as good.


If you are unsure about a decision you have to make, there is a special prayer for guidance (Salaat al-Istikhaara) that you can do to ask for Allah's help in making your decision. Should you marry this certain person? Should you attend this graduate school? Should you go to this job or that other one? Allah knows what is best for you, and if you are unsure about a decision, seek His guidance.

The description of Salaat al-Istikhaarah was reported by Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah al-Salami (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to teach his companions to make istikhaarah in all things, just as he used to teach them soorahs from the Qur’aan. He said: ‘If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say: