Reflection on Friday Sermon April 18, 2025: Inspiration from History in the Month of Shawwal

Kapanlagi.com - In every month of Shawwal, Muslims celebrate victory after fasting in the month of Ramadan. However, Shawwal is not just about the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. This month also brings memories of the extraordinary struggles that the Muslim community has gone through since the inception of Islam. In this Friday sermon, we will reflect on the history of the struggles of Muslims that occurred in the month of Shawwal, which provides many important lessons for all of us.

The history of these struggles teaches us about resilience, patience, and the fighting spirit that we must emulate. In the face of challenges, Muslims have always shown steadfastness of faith and courage to defend the teachings of Islam.

Therefore, let us take wisdom from the significant events in Islamic history that occurred in the month of Shawwal, so that we can strengthen our faith and piety to Allah SWT.

1. Sermon I

All praise belongs to Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. May blessings and peace always be upon our leader, the Prophet Muhammad SAW, along with his family, companions, and all the faithful who follow his teachings.

O Muslims, congregation of Friday blessed by Allah,

The month of Syawal is a month full of blessings and mercy from Allah. After we have observed fasting in the month of Ramadan, we celebrate the victory of Eid al-Fitr, a day full of gratitude for the blessings He has given. However, besides this celebration, the month of Syawal is also a suitable time to reflect on the historical struggles of the Muslim community in the past.

In this month of Syawal, we commemorate several significant events in the history of the Muslim struggle that we should take as examples. Various great battles, filled with challenges and tests, teach us endurance, patience, and the fighting spirit in defending our faith. Amidst challenges, Muslims have always been able to rise and achieve victory thanks to strong faith.

O Muslims,

As Allah says in the Qur'an, "And those who strive for (Our pleasure), We will surely guide them to Our ways" (QS Al-'Ankabut [29]: 69). We are invited to reflect on the history of the struggles of the Muslim community, so that we can emulate their fighting spirit in facing all of life's trials. In this sermon, let us remember the struggles of the Muslim community in the month of Syawal that we should contemplate and learn from.

The Battle of Uhud

In the month of Syawal in the third year of Hijri, the Muslims faced the Battle of Uhud. This battle occurred as a retaliation for the defeat of the Quraysh forces in the Battle of Badr. The Quraysh forces, led by Abu Sufyan, launched a counterattack against the Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad SAW led the Muslim forces, which numbered around 1,000. Although initially the Muslim forces had the upper hand, the defeat occurred due to a violation of the Prophet's orders, which caused the forces to become divided.

The Battle of Uhud teaches us about the importance of unity, obedience to the commands of leaders, and perseverance in facing trials. Although the Muslims experienced defeat, the spirit to continue fighting and rectify mistakes remained undiminished. This is a valuable lesson for us to remain steadfast in practicing the teachings of Islam despite facing great challenges.

The Battle of Khandaq

Furthermore, in the month of Shawwal in the fifth year of Hijrah, the Muslims were once again faced with a great challenge in the Battle of Khandaq. The Muslim forces, numbering around 3,000, confronted a coalition of 10,000 enemy troops consisting of various groups, including the Quraysh and Jews. To face the significantly larger enemy force, the Muslims dug a trench to defend the city of Medina.

The brilliant strategy proposed by Salman al-Farisi highlights the importance of consultation in facing difficulties. With a spirit of togetherness, the Muslims successfully defended the city of Medina and achieved victory. The Battle of Khandaq teaches us that when facing problems, we must use common sense and cooperate to find the best solutions.

The Battle of Hunain

In the month of Shawwal in the 8th year of Hijrah, the Muslims faced another great test in the Battle of Hunain. The Muslim forces, numbering 12,000, had to confront a much larger enemy force of 20,000. Initially, the Muslim troops suffered a defeat and retreated. However, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) reminded them to continue fighting with a higher spirit.

With renewed enthusiasm, the Islamic forces ultimately achieved victory in this battle. The Battle of Hunain teaches us that despite facing difficulties and failures, we must keep striving and not give up. Victory often comes after we endure very heavy trials.

Remembering the Struggle with Piety

The month of Syawal is not just a month to remember the history of the struggles of the Muslim community, but also the right time to enhance our faith and piety. The history of the companions' struggles teaches us that piety is the main capital in facing all of life's trials. Allah says in the Qur'an, "O you who have believed! If you support (the cause of) Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet" (QS Muhammad [47]: 7).

In this blessed month, let us increase our piety to Allah by multiplying our worship, avoiding sins, and always remembering Him in every step of our lives. Piety is the key to achieving victory in this world and the Hereafter.

How Does This History Affect Our Lives Today?

Reflecting on the history of the struggles of the Muslim community in the month of Syawal leads us to the conclusion that every life test is part of the journey to draw closer to Allah. We must face life's challenges with patience, trust in God, and maximum effort. As taught by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, we must remain steadfast and improve ourselves in every trial that comes.

Let us take lessons from the struggles of the Islamic warriors of the past to continuously strive to enhance our faith and piety. As Muslims, we must always maintain our fighting spirit, strengthen our faith, and always strive to become better individuals.

2. Sermon II

All praise is due to Allah, who has granted us the blessings of faith and Islam, as well as health that allows us to worship on this glorious day. May blessings and peace be upon the Prophet Muhammad SAW, his family, companions, and all his followers.

O Muslims,

Let us always be grateful to Allah for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. May we continuously improve the quality of our worship, whether in the form of prayer, fasting, or other righteous deeds. May we all be given the strength to remain steadfast in practicing our religion and to be the best community in the eyes of Allah.

Wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

3. Questions About the Topic

1. Why is the month of Syawal important in Islamic history?

The month of Syawal holds great significance for Muslims. Besides being the month of victory after observing the fast of Ramadan, this month also witnesses various struggles of Muslims in defending the teachings of Islam. Several major events, such as the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of Khandaq, and the Battle of Hunain, occurred in the month of Syawal, teaching Muslims about perseverance, strategy, and the fighting spirit in facing trials.

2. What can we learn from the history of the Battle of Uhud that took place in the month of Syawal?

The Battle of Uhud teaches us about the importance of unity, obedience to leaders, and perseverance in facing trials. Although the Muslim forces suffered defeat, they still demonstrated an indomitable fighting spirit. The main lesson from this event is that defeat is not the end, and we must always strive to rise again despite facing great challenges.

3. How can the strategies used in the Battle of Khandaq be applied in our lives?

The strategy used in the Battle of Khandaq, which involved digging trenches to defend Madinah, teaches us about the importance of thinking creatively and working together in facing problems. When confronted with significant challenges, we need to use common sense, discuss with others, and seek the best solutions. Consultation and collaboration are crucial in achieving collective victory.

4. What lessons can be learned from the Battle of Hunain that took place in the month of Syawal?

The Battle of Hunain teaches us that even if we experience failure or difficulties at first, we must continue to strive and not give up easily. With strong spirit and reliance on Allah, victory will come in due time. This event highlights the importance of steadfastness, patience, and courage in facing life's obstacles.

(kpl/frr)