Friday khutbah – 16 October 2026 (5 Jumada al-Awwal 1448 AH)

Peace of Mind for the Believer in Times of Fear and Unrest

All praise is due to Allah. Him alone we worship, and Him alone we ask for help. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) is His servant and Messenger. “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great triumph.”

Among the defining characteristics of our time are the many events, wars, economic and social pressures, and the fear and concern for ourselves, our loved ones, and the future that accompany them. These feelings are further intensified by the constant flow of news and analysis.

How, then, can a believer maintain peace of mind amid all these concerns?

Fear is a natural emotion with which Allah created human beings to protect them, and not every kind of fear is harmful. Even the prophets (peace be upon them) experienced fear.

Moses and Aaron said: “They said, ‘Our Lord, indeed we are afraid that he will hasten [punishment] against us or that he will transgress.’ Allah said, ‘Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.’” (Qur’an 20:45–46)

Fear is therefore a natural human characteristic. The problem arises when it turns into constant anxiety that prevents a person from living, working, and worshipping.

1. Belief in Divine Decree and Predestination

One of the strongest sources of inner peace is the believer’s conviction that nothing that happens lies outside Allah’s knowledge and divine decree.

Allah Almighty says: “No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah – He will guide his heart.” (Qur’an 64:11) The Prophet (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah ordained the destinies of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.” Every person’s lifespan and the time they will spend in this world have been decreed, just as their provision has already been determined.

However, this does not mean that we should neglect practical means and necessary precautions. Rather, we should take appropriate measures, consider the circumstances, and place our trust in Allah, while keeping our hearts constantly attached to Him.

2. Do Not Allow Fear to Control You

When fear takes control of a person, it may cause them to become paralysed, waiting for the worst to happen. But this is not the attitude of a believer.

The Messenger of Allah (salla lláhu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever fears sets out early, and whoever sets out early reaches the destination. Indeed, the merchandise of Allah is precious. Indeed, the merchandise of Allah is Paradise.”

True fear should motivate us to act rather than lead us to surrender. We make plans, take preventive measures, and protect our families, but we do not live as prisoners of fear. Allah Almighty says: “But for he who has feared the position of his Lord are two gardens.” (Qur’an 55:46)

3. Renewing Faith and Remembering Allah

In times of crisis, the heart needs faith and the remembrance of Allah. Distancing oneself from Allah increases fear and unrest, while remembering Him brings tranquillity to the heart.

Allah Almighty says: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Qur’an 13:28) . Inner peace does not mean the absence of problems. Rather, it means that the heart remains steadfast and connected to Allah despite the turmoil and challenges surrounding it.

4. Being Conscious of Allah’s Presence

One of the most effective ways to overcome fear is for the believer to remain conscious that Allah is with them. When the sea lay before Moses and Pharaoh and his soldiers were approaching from behind, Moses’ companions cried out: “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” But Moses, with unwavering faith in his heart, replied: “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” (Qur’an 26:61–62)

Moses did not know how he would escape, but he knew that Allah was with him. Such is the believer: they may not know what tomorrow will bring, but they know that Allah will never abandon those who place their trust in Him.

5. Do Not Allow the News to Become a Source of Fear

One of the causes of anxiety is the constant following of news, rumours, and analysis. Yet not everything that reaches us is true, nor does everything deserve to be shared.

Allah Almighty says: “And when there comes to them information about security or fear, they spread it around. But if they had referred it back to the Messenger or to those of authority among them, then the ones who [can] draw correct conclusions from it would have known about it.” (Qur’an 4:83)

Therefore, do not allow your day to become an endless cycle of moving from one frightening news story to another. Choose the information you genuinely need, verify its sources, and then return to your life, your work, your family, and your prayers.

O servants of Allah,

We are not required to live without fear, but we must not allow our fear to turn into despair.

Our worries must not develop into a loss of trust in Allah, and the events taking place around us must not discourage us from working or worshipping Him.

Let us therefore take the necessary practical measures while keeping our hearts firmly connected to Allah.

For the believer does not find peace in the belief that this world will always be safe, but rather in the certainty that everything is under Allah’s control.

We ask Allah to replace our fear with a sense of security, our worries with tranquillity, and to protect us, our families, and our country from unrest and turmoil. May Allah bless us with strong faith and inner peace. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the One who responds to supplications.

Ameen.

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