Taped on: September 4th, 1998

Title: Bulding Noble Character: Timeless Virtues for         Regaining our Humanity.

Speaker: Imam Yahia Abdul Rahman Ph.D.

Location:

     In this September ’98 khutba (sermon), Imam Dr. Yahia Khairy Abdul Rahman explores the ever-growing crisis of character in the world, and how we might rectify the excellence of the prophetic example as demonstrated by all the prophets of God/Allah (swt), from Moses (a) to Jesus (a) and to the final of His messengers, Sayyidina Muhammad (s). The presentation includes the following highlights:

• Remembering to praising God/Allah (swt), the One whose powers are infinite and unfathomable; the One in who all control lies, and the One who guides towards righteousness whom He chooses.

• Our duty as believers to never be ashamed of our belief in God/Allah and the messages He has bestowed upon the lineage of Prophets; but rather to share our experience of God/Allah’s (swt) greatness with our friends, coworkers and neighbors, so that they too may be inspired.

• Aspects of the struggle facing the Muslim population around the globe. Why viewing these issues solely in terms of competing ideologies or conflicting political paradigms is insufficient.

• Achieving personal and collective empowerment through genuine self-criticism and a willingness to grow.

• Reviving the perfected example of the Prophets of God/Allah by integrating the great virtues of:

1. Being truthful in all our conduct- “Become your word”
   --Heed Allah in our speech; the words we articulate have a profound impact; don’t speak irresponsibly or shallowly.
2. Fulfilling promises
   -- In our attempt to be generous and accommodating, we often make commitments we can’t uphold, thus undermining another’s trust and straining relations.
3. Sincerity
   --Giving our maximum effort, no matter the size of the task; being meticulous and detail-oriented.
4. Patience
   --The basis of tranquil being; to conquer frustrations with belief in the possibilities of the future.