Sadullah Khan – Topic Have we actually progressed
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hamdulillah it is once again the blessed day of Joomla. And here to
speak with us today is none other than chef Sadler Khan, who is a
CEO of a stammer college. I beg you all to lend him your ear so
they may benefit from a TSA without any further ado, Felicia
all the bIllahi min ash shaytani R rajim Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
um has he been the the letzter of Persia and Nirjala home? Kalina?
Amanu. I saw your heart. So I'm here who Omar Toombs Amaya
comunes. Allahu Allah, Allah you allow them
in the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful. All
praise is due to our creator or cherisher or nourishing our
Sustainer. We bear witness. There's none worthy of worship but
Allah. We bear witness we believe in all the prophets. And we bear
witness a Prophet Muhammad, Abdullah versal, allah sallallahu
alayhi wa. He was happy he was one of them. He's the founder of all
the emissaries of Allah.
Returning to Allah ma elders, teachers, brothers and sisters,
students, misspent youth, I greet you with a Islamic universal
greeting of peace. May the peace the mercy and the blessings of
Allah be upon each and everyone present here. A salam Wa alaykum
Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
Yesterday was the 18th of July.
And the 18th of July
is the day designated on the international calendar by the
United Nations as what is referred to as Mandela day.
But also 18th of July 50 years ago,
human beings first walked on the surface of the Moon yesterday was
exactly 50 years ago. For those who remember.
Both these events
are events that makes us reflect
about where we are what is being commemorated.
It is milestones in the history of technology and of liberation
struggle.
But there is a collective question for us as people who are living in
this country in this world at this time, and more importantly, as
people of faith
as to how much an impact. And what are the benefits of either the
technological advancement that took place, or the struggle for
liberation, that is being commemorated.
It was said this walking on the moon. I don't want to say moonwalk
because it's a dance of a particular singer, or a musician,
but rather the walk on the moon.
It is said to have been a small step
for man and the giant leap for mankind. Because it at that time
was a watershed
in the history of scientific and technological advancement, that
that moon that people looked at, in the distance, for which time
was calculated, and he still calculated even in the Muslim
calendar. People now set foot on that moon, they reach that moon
and we're able
to walk on the surface of that.
The question
since that time till now, knowing the technological advancement that
has
exponentially multiplied, have we really progressed
we have gone to the skies
Mashallah. And we Lord that we appreciate that.
We celebrate that.
But you haven't gone to the skies. We are increasingly polluting the
air.
We have not learned despite learning how to reach places which
we saw the distance through the telescope, we've been able to
reach there. But yet fundamentals of human life of human K of human
concern. We have not learned not to pollute the air that we
breathe.
So we've gone to the skies.
But still we are increasingly polluting the air.
We have beautiful concrete cities, more and more. But they're
destroying much of our environment. To the extent that
over 90 species of plants and animals per year become extinct.
We can do everything quicker.
But seem to have little time for things that are really important.
Like time for our families.
We have many more means of growing food, mashallah which is great.
But how much of the food we eat is organic, how much of it is truly
wholesome and beneficial? How many of our illnesses come from the
food that we eat?
We have greater connectivity, more access to anyone anyway. But then
why are people more depressed? Why are we more lonely? Why are we
more overwhelmed? Why are we more burnt out? Why are we more
anxious? Why are we more stressed? Why are we more hooked on legal
bolts, and illegal drugs.
We are now in a phase
where we manufacturing machines to imitate the tasks of human beings,
and where things can be done more efficiently and fast. That's good.
But in the process, we are manufacturing machines to imitate
human beings. While we are increasingly ignoring the needs of
human beings, we spend billions on developing technology. While
millions of people are dying of starvation. We found so many new
ways of killing people. It is said that the budget of Europe In fact,
the budget of America, only if we were to use one year's budget
that they use for arms and the arms export the arms industry in
America, it could feed every child, every hungry person could
return every person who is a refugee to the place of safety and
refuge. But money's being spent on arms and armaments.
So we've all been
celebrating that human beings have reached the moon, they've gone to
the moon, and have come back.
But having been to the morning all the way back,
we still have trouble crossing the street, and engaging our neighbors
effectively.
We have conquered all the spaces someone said. But there is a
tremendous
emptiness and void in our inner space.
And therefore we
as human beings among our collective task, as a human
family, is to imagine and reimagine truly the world that we
would like to live in, because certainly
we have a lot of luxuries, a lot of amenities.
But are we happy and satisfied with the world? The way we find
ourselves today?
Ask ourselves in which tangible ways can we bring true progress,
not only scientific, but also ethical, spiritual, into the
social realms of our lives?
It seems that humanity's knowledge has far advanced
and is advancing more than any other time in human history.
And human issues have become more complex. And human demands are far
more increasing and different. And therefore Allah subhanho wa Taala
reminds us in our living our lives, and in our pursuit of what
we do, and in our choices that we make
ALLAH ask a question. Um, has he been lazy legislator per se
Nirjala kalorien, Manu,
sava Amaya,
sir Maya,
to people who are treading in the wrong direction. Because don't
forget that as we unfold our history,
we see in which direction we are going.
We know from where we have come, we may know where we are. But it's
very important to see to evaluate our civilization. And the level of
our civility is in which direction are we going to people who are on
the path of confusion?
Think that they can be equated with those who truly believe and
those who do righteousness?
Could the existence of those who choose to go the wrong way?
And the value of those who choose to do what is right? Could that be
on par? If you think so, that indeed it's an error in your
estimation.
So despite so much knowledge, humanity at large finds itself
standing somewhat in the pit of despair and misery and
intellectuals of the world are concerned
Learn that humankind might vanish. So many species are vanishing. Due
to the environmental disasters, and the possibility of nuclear
wars,
and the world's best creative minds, try to stay to the demands
of the insatiable appetite of progress that human beings have.
In this instant lifestyle, we want things and we want it now.
Everything faster, everything cheaper, everything easier, and
everything seemingly better, whatever better might mean.
You see in the Quran, the standard of advancement of knowledge, it is
what is beneficial, that really counts among million foreigners
for Yom Kippur. In other words, that thing, which is really
lasting, Allah makes it a parable He makes about the rain, but he
speaks about
human benefit about knowledge about good deeds, that those
things that are truly beneficial, that have a lasting effect. Those
are the ones that endures, which are truly a value.
We also have yesterday,
Mandela Day, a day designed or designated on the international
calendar by the United Nations, as a day intended to motivate a
global call to action, celebrating the idea that each individual like
Mandela, who grew up as a rural boy,
in the Eastern Cape,
such a person has the power to contribute towards transforming
the world. And therefore, taking a lesson from that each person has
the ability to make a positive impact.
And then, let's reflect on that. We spoke about technological
advancement and progress, which we love and appreciate and value. But
we also evaluate
25 years
has gone since our first democratic elections.
And it feels like we made great strides in the face of
considerable adversity.
But despite this adversity,
we still see that they are many fundamental Broken Promises,
promises by those elected to authority.
Those who we thought will level the playing field through rolling
back the poisons of a party that we swallowed
the crimes of a party of inequality of injustice, of
poverty, of unemployment in the question of the land.
And we are here in Cape Town, in this beautiful city in this
wonderful country, despite living in one of the most beautiful
countries in the world.
And in spite of a commitment from those who have been elected and
who we have elected
a commitment to bold a free and fair society, in a post apartheid
South Africa.
Many who are in positions of power have deviated from the goal.
The goal of meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor,
of alleviating the suffering of the needy, and addressing the
concerns of the disadvantage. The vast majority of people in our
land, are still living in abject poverty, with pitiful service
delivery and crippling unemployment.
What are the avenues for survival from making an honest, viable
income and living a decent life? We're in a society where so many
still continued victims have addressed in justices and were not
afforded the opportunity to live with honor and with dignity. Many
people are feeling and experiencing helplessness and
hopelessness. And if you look around us, no one walks carefree
around anymore. No one walks to the shop sharp at night anymore.
No one sleeps seemingly safely anymore. Anxiety has become the
norm and insecurity part of our culture.
And the criminals roam free. And the law abiding people are locked
up behind fences and security guards in their home.
We are shocked at the violent crimes that we witnessed. The past
week has been among the most violent in the history of Cape
Town.
We are living in areas where there was zones.
People are trapped in street battles.
Drug fueled crime, gang warfare, where innocent people are killed.
unspeakable violence is taking place and there is utter sense of
despair
and hopeless realities.
So serious situation in our city and you see many of us cut
ourselves off from the reality of life.
Many of us assume that we live in a different world. But though we
become victims of that crime,
the problem of crime in South Africa is not only a judicial
matter, it has to do with ethics. It has to do with morality.
It has to do with unbroken promises. It has to do with the
failed leadership.
People lack respect for human life and for human property. In fact,
among the final advice, the Rasul Allahu alayhi wa sallam gave in
the capital with the hood by the hospital when he said,
he said, Man, I mean, who knows either I'm wild him, I'm hosting
him, should I tell you who the believer is, the one in whom
humanity find safety regarding the property and the lives documented
by multiple
people like the quality of your Son, and the spirit of Ubuntu,
the spirit of consciously caring, of being compassionate about
deepening our understanding of our society, while simultaneously
empathizing with the challenges faced by those around us,
and finding avenues to manifest the best of our humanity.
During this crucial period of our history, we are people of faith in
people of Imam, people of Islam and people.
People of conscience have a great role to play. Otherwise, there
won't be a future for our youth and our children.
I have lived in traveled in many countries, I can tell you, we are
potentially among the best countries in the world.
But we are allowing you to slip into anarchy.
And many people have died. We all Imam Abdullah who wrote this
mosque is on Imam Abdullah who wrote the center, a man who died
from the course 50 years ago. In fact, 50 years ago, this time he
was still incarcerated in prison. May Allah bless his soul and grant
him the highest in gender. Pay for a cause greater than himself, a
Shaheed Imam Abdullah, they played with the lives that only so we can
vote.
But so to ensure that we have people in power, who can reverse
the evils of apartheid, and of racism and colonialism, and to be
able to inspire hope,
faith, goodness, love, compassion, dignity among people.
During this crucial period of our history, it is imperative that
each of us, and I'm speaking to everyone here, but I want each of
the over hundreds of children's Youth and Students who are here,
and the young ones from the primary schools, and especially
the high school,
I want all of you to listen because there's not a message of
hopelessness.
Because every challenge is an opportunity.
This is when you need, you see the smallest match, smallest match
shines brightest, in tremendous darkness. If I were to light the
match, now nobody would really see it. If I darken the entire room,
even a small match is visible from everywhere, in the darkest times
the least.
The least good you do I count.
Human beings, we have advanced or hungry law, scientifically,
have advanced in leaps and bounds. And we should do so and continue
to do so. We have instruments in our hand. That makes virtually the
whole world accessible to us at the press of a button.
We have technology to reach the moon and beyond.
We have gone to the moon. We don't even go to the moon anymore. It's
outdated. That's how much we've advanced Mandela for the normal
struggle as if others he became a global icon to fight against
prejudice and injustice. Mandela has come and Mandela is gone. The
question is, have we truly progress?
And what is the evidence of that progress?
Have we progressed as human beings? Scientifically? Yes.
Politically can vote? Yes. Have we progressed as human beings? Are we
more free?
Free from work?
Are we more safe? Say from whom? Are we more secure?
Are we more hopeful?
So allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam just so there was the me
comes to mind. The word of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa
sallam, haters of Allah's creation, Mercy unto the world. In
my mind right now. Famous
Hadith which I quote very often, and he said something so profound
and you know, at this moment in this time, it's so, so relevant,
even more relevant now than ever before. Man as Mohammed Ahmed and
fusilli be more often featured in the WHO to me, forgetting Mr.
Hazelwood, dunya, Bihar philia. Whoever wakes up in the morning,
secure in their house
is secure and safe in their bed.
healthy in their body,
having sufficient provision for that day, they have all the
treasures of the world without realizing it.
Hungary love what we have.
In sha Allah, we come with ourselves, that others too may
have that, and that we continue to have that and better.
Human beings have come and gone. But like Mandela and others, the
question is, have you really progressed? Are we more free? Are
we more safe? Are you more secure? Are we more hopeful?
If not, what are we going to do collectively about it? The young
ones, and the not so young ones? What are you do collectively and
individually? How much are we prepared to do to make a
difference? Whatever field we choose to go into. And in asking
such questions, we realize our accountability to Allah and learn
to recognize the purpose of our existence, and the test we face
and the challenges
that we have to endure
and also realize the value of what we could offer. If we ask those
questions and are prepared to do something. We constantly remind
ourselves that no person is insignificant and no deed is too
small. That's why that also said Allah Islam said Hadith document
in the tsunami merger. Cliff hoomin nominee Michael T Hoon in
favor Armani Eduardo ha we're in can do good deeds according to
your ability. Each one can do what they can do, let them do
Mashallah. But you must do what you can. You must do what you can,
Allah will ask you about it. Even if you have a CD in your hand and
the left Kiama you didn't plant it, he will ask you about it. He
will ask you why others didn't do it. He'll ask you. Why did you or
didn't you do it? Do good deeds according to your capacity
according to your ability, because it's for your accountability.
Because the best of deeds are those though they may seem small,
but they are done consistently, little by little.
We have the responsibility to rely on the challenges provided
opportunities, opportunities to do good, to improve the world, to be
of service to be our benefit. Allah defines us as Kuntum Hallo.
rigidly nurse, that the best of people among people, you are the
best of people, Linares for the people that say you're the best of
people. We chose you, you are the best of us and you are the best of
people for the betterment of people. You're great grind here in
the estimation of Allah, besides the Imam that you have, and the
rules that you follow, is that you manifest excellence and goodness
and you are the source of benefit to the rest of humanity.
And we need to equip ourselves, each one of us and the young ones.
You have more opportunity in sha Allah to do so. Commit yourself.
Equip yourself with knowledge and skills, do something but do it
from the heart. Brunel mystery. Mystic ninth century mystic. He
said, an African who Mota in Allah Allah. Will Allah ma conhome Nyan
in the army noon, while I'm alone, call him Dr. Ill
All human beings are dead, except those who have knowledge and all
those who have knowledge and asleep except those who do good
and all those who do good, are deceived except those who are
sincere. Therefore, acquire knowledge. Implement your
expertise and your skill. And whatever you do, do it sincerely.
Aquila, kolyada buttstock for Allah Salam aleikum wa
rahmatullah.
We say a very big shukran to Jack Sadler Khan for those powerful
words. We ask Allah to give him the strength to continue to spread
his positive message. And may Allah give us the strength to
implement the words that we've heard and to become better Muslims
and better people. Just