Accidental Reflections + Return and Pray (CD)

Two khutbahs on one disc, and each takes a subject most listeners think they already understand.

Accidental Reflections

"What is the hukm of studying Islam? Is it Fard, is it Makrooh, is it Haram? Let the Prophet ﷺ give us all the answer: 'Seeking knowledge is Fard — compulsory, not an option — upon every single Muslim.'"

That is the opening, and it sets the argument. Islamic knowledge is widely treated as a specialization for those with the inclination. The khutbah puts it back where the narration places it: an obligation on everyone, without exception.

Return and Pray

"During the night, Abu Lu'lu' Al-Majoosi hid in the shadows in preparation for the Fajr salah, where he would execute his mission: to murder the Ameer of the Believers, 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه. 'Umar would lead the Fajr with a long surah, giving time for the community to join the congregation. As he led that salah, Abu Lu'lu advanced from a dim pillar, a poisoned dagger hidden in his sleeve..."

What happened next — and what 'Umar رضي الله عنه said and did while dying — is the substance of the khutbah, and the reason for its title.

About the Speaker

Shaykh Muhammad Al-Shareef founded the AlMaghrib Institute and was among the most effective English-language khateebs of his generation. His delivery is narrative rather than expository, which is why these two hold an audience.