Usuli Institute Khutbah: The Prophet's Prayer Of Love, 26 April 2019

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl reminds us of a prayer of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that the Prophet regularly recited asking God to grant him the love of God, the love of those who love God and the love for those deeds that God loved, and how the theme of love was central to being Muslim. He discusses the vast difference between seeking the love of God and building a loving relationship with God versus the act of coping with being Muslim and meeting requirements only to avoid punishment or earn paradise. He argues that it is the passion of love for God and all that God loves (justice, mercy, beauty, compassion) that is ultimately what humans are seeking. He addresses the recent corruptions and tragedies in the world and emphasizes that the way to earn God's love is not through acts of murder, oppression, despotism or ugliness, but only through love. Delivered 26 April 2019.