I’ll not give up preaching as long as I live, says Sheikh Fareed in ‘Farewell’ sermon

“I’ll not give up preaching as long as I live, even if I was faced with torture or death, because I fear Allah,” Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed has said in his “Farewell” sermon, according to the Islamic Foundation of the Maldives’ (IFM).

Sheikh Fareed is himself a member of the Islamic Foundation (IFM).

The IFM said that Sheikh Fareed used the speech to look at the Farewell Sermon (Khutbatul Wada) given by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), where Muslims were told that he may not ever again meet or address them.

The foundation said that the sermon being addressed by Sheik Fareed was originally believed to have been delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Mecca.

“After praises and thanks to Allah, the Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today,’” Sheikh Fareed said during his own sermon.

Sheikh Fareed said Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) declared that it was forbidden for Muslims to violate the honour and property of his fellow Muslims.

‘’The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) also invalidated all the transactions of the days of ignorance involving usury, including those of his uncle Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib,’’ the IFM quoted Sheikh Fareed saying. ‘’Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) be waived,’ declared the Messenger of Allah in his farewell sermon.’’

Sheikh Fareed further referenced the farewell sermon of Prophet Mohamed [PBUH] and said that Muslim woman were not allowed to let strangers in to their houses without the permission of their husband, according to the IFM website.

‘‘O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God’s trust and with His permission,” said Sheikh Fareed, quoting the prophet. “If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste,’’

The IFM added that Sheikh Fareed discussed the “wicked sins in Islam” such as bloodshed (murder), assault, robbery and child molestation, which he claimed were common in Maldivian society today.

“This is because we have ignored the words of the Prophet in his last sermon,” he added.

“There is discord and feud prevalent in every corner of the Maldivian society. No place is free from long-running feuds, quarrels or bitter arguments, including the People’s Majlis (Maldives parliament) or least to say a fishing vessel.”

Sheikh Fareed was also said to note that when comparing hypocrites (munaafiqun) who lived during the Prophet’s time, the hypocrites living today were more evil as they openly attack Islam and those who adhere to its principles, according to the IFM.

The IFM said the Sheikh emphasized that apart from burglary and theft, robbery has become very common in our society and that Islam has prescribed severe punishment for robbers.

The foundation said that Islam gave permission to cut off a robber’s hands and feet alternately as a deterrent for people bent on committing such crimes, as cited in Quran 5:33.

“The recompense of those who fight Allah and His messenger, and seek to make corruption in the land, is that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from alternate sides or that they be banished from the land; that is their disgrace in this world and in the Hereafter they will have a great torment,” the IFM said quoting the verse.

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Sheikh Fareed set to retire with farewell sermon on Friday

The Islamic Foundation of the Maldives (IFM) has announced that famous religious scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Fareed will deliver his ‘Farewell Sermon‘ this Friday night at the artificial beach.

”This may be his last sermon,” said President of Islamic Foundation of the Maldives (IFM) Ibrahim Fauzy.

”On Friday night he will announce whether he is retiring or not,” he said. ”As everyone know very well, Sheikh Fareed has a pending case in court, which could make him stay in prison for more than 10 years, if found guilty.”

Fauzy said that in the recent years as well as today religious scholars faced many obstacles to their work.

”Today also we do not have the real freedom – the culture of obstructing religious scholars is still alive,” he said.

On Friday night, Fauzy said Shaeikh Fareed will say his “last will and testament” to the people.

”He will refer to the Khuthbathul-Wadhaau (Last Sermon of Prophet Mohamed PBUH) and will also preach about the current situation,” said Fauzy.

Likewise, Sheikh Ilyas Hussein in his sermon told the attendees that it might be his last sermon he will deliver to the people.

Recently, in an interview with an Indian magazine ‘The Week’, unnamed government officials described Sheikh Illyas and Sheikh Fareed as “hate preachers”.

Sheikh Fareed will have been active in the religious field for more than 10 years, said Fauzy.

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