The unity and cohesion of a society can only be preserved when those entrusted with its affairs discharge their responsibilities with sincerity and accountability, today’s Friday sermon reminded the nation.

The sermon said protecting the fortress of national unity from anything that could crack it is a religious and national duty upon every individual. It also called on people to distance themselves from hostility and discord within society, and to place the interests of the community above their personal interests.

Noting that the foundation of an Islamic society rests on the fulfilment of responsibility, accountability, and justice, the preacher said that before justice all people are equal, and that anyone who commits a wrong must receive their due punishment. The sermon added that the development and unity of the nation are likewise built upon justice.

One of the strongest points raised in the sermon was that jobs and the responsibilities entrusted to a person by the public are a great trust (amanah). It reminded worshippers that on the Day of Judgement, every person will be questioned individually before Allah about how they honoured their pledges and oaths, and how they carried out their duties. Those who hold positions of responsibility at various levels, the preacher noted, will face even greater scrutiny on that day.

“On the Day of Judgement, in the plains of gathering, a servant’s feet will not move from where they stand until he is asked how he spent his life, how he acted upon his knowledge, how he earned his wealth, how he spent it, and how he used the energy of his body,” the sermon said.

The sermon further stated that true Muslims are those who place the welfare of others above their own personal benefit, and that truthfulness and trustworthiness are qualities directly tied to one’s faith. The preacher emphasised that the progress and development of a society depend on every individual fully honouring the trust placed upon them.

The sermon concluded by reminding worshippers that the unity and cohesion of the nation can only be sustained when people distance themselves from hostility and discord, and when every individual carries out their responsibilities with a strong sense of accountability.