Service is a Source of Pride and Honor

First Sermon All praise is due to Allah, the Almighty, the Powerful, and the Glorious, who made the defence of one’s homeland a noble deed. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, alone without partner, the Almighty in strength. And I bear witness that our master and prophet, Sayyiduna Muhammad, the servant and messenger of Allah, is the bravest of men. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, his companions, and all of those who follow him in the best of ways until the Day of Judgment. To proceed: I advise you, servants of Allah, and myself to have taqwa of Allah, for He has said in His exalted words: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا ‌وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ O believers, it is natural for a person to be connected to his homeland and country throughout his life. For it is there that his family, loved ones, broader community, and friends reside. It is there that his memories and achievements are recorded, where his hopes and ambitions are built and established. He is associated with his homeland, is known and identified by it, and takes pride in defending its accomplishments and symbols. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged the protection of one’s homeland and took the lead himself in doing so. When the people of Medina were alarmed one night, and some of them set out towards the source of the sound, they found that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had already preceded them and was returning after ensuring the safety of his people, calming them by saying: ‌لَمْ ‌تُرَاعُوا، ‌لَمْ ‌تُرَاعُوا In other words, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the first to seek to protect his people and assure them that there is no need for fear or alarm. Let us reflect on his courage and bravery, and how quickly he acted to protect his homeland. This shows that defending one’s homeland is a religious obligation. Hence the act of enrolling in national service to defend one’s homeland is in continuation of this example, for it is a way of maintaining stability, peace and security, allowing for the preservation of a nation and its achievements. So, O fathers whose sons have joined national service, congratulations to you for this great honour from Allah. This is noble, virtuous and elevated work, for in protecting the homeland, is protecting the land, the religion, and the honour of the people who live there. It is a means of preserving the edifice of unity and the achievements of our forefathers in bringing about peace and stability. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: رِبَاطُ يَوْمٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ مِن الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا O Allah, make us obedient to You and guardians of our homeland. O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you (Qur'an 4:59). I say this, and I ask Allah for forgiveness for myself and for you, so seek His forgiveness, for He is the most forgiving, most merciful. Second Sermon Praise be to Allah alone, and peace and blessings be upon the one after whom there is no prophet. To proceed: O loyal sons of the homeland, always remember the words of the Seal of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon him) who said: الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ؛ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ، وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ، احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ، وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْجِزْ So, seek the help of your Lord, and embody the meanings of pride and honour in your homeland as you respond to the call of duty by joining national service. And recall the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (may Allah protect him) who said: I have full and constant confidence that the sons of the United Arab Emirates are ready to serve their homeland at any time and place, and to sacrifice for it. They have demonstrated this in action before words in significant moments in the history of our dear homeland and the entire region. O sons of the homeland, your joining our armed forces adds strength to their strength, increases your ambition and determination, courage, and instils in you the spirit of discipline and high resolve, alongside teaching you the virtues of patience and responsibility, thereby bringing you reward and honour with Allah as well as the respect of society. O Allah, protect our armed forces on land, sea, and air, and guide us to serve our homeland. May Allah's peace, blessings, and grace be upon our master and prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions. O Allah, be pleased with Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, and all the noble companions. O Allah, make us believers in You, devoted worshippers of You, repentant to You, and dutiful to our parents. Have mercy on them as they raised us when we were young, O Most Merciful of the merciful. O Allah, keep our nation safe for us, bless our union, and protect our leadership. O Allah, grant stability and security to the United Arab Emirates, and spread mercy and peace throughout the world. O Allah, guide the President of the nation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, his deputies, and his brothers, the rulers of the Emirates, and his faithful Crown Prince to what You love and are pleased with. O Allah, have mercy on Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and the founding leaders, and admit them by Your grace into Your spacious gardens. Include the martyrs of the nation in Your mercy and forgiveness. O Allah, have mercy on the Muslim men and women, the believing men and women, the living and the deceased. Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire (Qur'an 2:201). Servants of Allah, remember Allah, the Great and Majestic, and He will remember you. Thank Him for His blessings, and He will increase you in them. And establish the prayer.