"To Each His Own: Places and Times for the Appearance of Jinn and Ifrits"
I do not know why the Friday sermon giver chose to leave aside all the issues and events surrounding Muslims, as closely as a bracelet surrounds the wrist, and deliberately steer clear of the minefields brimming with explosive topics that occupy people’s minds and hearts. Instead, he focused on the issue of polygyny, which does not suit them nor align with their priorities, amid burning poverty and their urgent need for bread, water, and medicine. After the prayer, I approached him and presented my viewpoint, and he promised to address in his next sermon the topic: “Places and Times of the Appearance of Jinn and ‘Ifrits”!
The scholars sat in the mosques, devoutly listening to the wise remembrance, reciting with measured cadence. The atmosphere poured tranquility into their hearts, their souls ascended to the heavens in contemplation, and light dawned in their consciences and wisdom. The place seemed to be glorifying and exalting.
The preacher ascended, offering greetings and takbirs, and sang with a sweet, smooth tone. His eloquence flowed from his tongue, polished and refined, like rain that fosters optimism in souls. He said: “Pay attention to what I say, for I am describing a tried-and-tested remedy, detailed and clear. Come, knock on the door of polygyny; it is easy to enter, not a closed door.”
The scholars exclaimed in astonishment and anguish: “Woe to the preacher! He has erred and neglected. They whispered to each other as he elaborated: The scholar has deviated from the fundamentals and prolonged his speech. They said to him: Look ahead. Do you see among us anyone who is willing or ignorant?”
“Direct your discourse to the pressing issues; they deserve it more. Do not be negligent. Preaching is like rain; if it falls in due time, it enters the hearts, and they flutter toward the heights. Words bear fruit when they benefit their recipients and provide timely assistance.”
“Guard your speech, for the best of your words are those that fit the occasion. Be wise and sensible. If you advise a nation, advise what builds life and does not uphold falsehood. Preaching is futile if the masses do not benefit from it, and if it does not answer the questioner.”
The preacher whispered to his companion in a moment: “The matter of the government has become a final decree!”
A reminder: The subject of the upcoming sermon is: “Places and Times of the Appearance of Jinn and ‘Ifrits”!
