In a passionate spiritual admonition that resonated deeply with worshipers, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Juhany, one of the distinguished Imams of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, has called on Muslims across the globe to remain firmly anchored to the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), especially in an era witnessing a surge in newly introduced religious practices.
Addressing a congregation with his characteristic depth of knowledge and sincerity, the renowned cleric reminded believers of the timeless relevance of divine guidance and the importance of avoiding innovations in religious matters that lack foundation in the core texts of Islam. Sheikh Al-Juhany urged Muslims to fortify themselves spiritually by holding fast to the unchanging principles revealed in the Book of Allah and the teachings of His noble Messenger ﷺ, both of which serve as the ultimate reference points for Islamic belief and practice.
He emphasised that true worship must be rooted in sound knowledge and carried out with insight, not mere tradition or emotion. “Worship Allah with ilm and baseerah,” the Imam stressed, using the Arabic terms for knowledge and deep understanding. He pointed out that acts of devotion performed without adherence to divine guidance could risk straying into misguidance, regardless of intent.
Furthermore, Sheikh Al-Juhany encouraged the faithful to remain God-conscious in all aspects of their lives, reminding them that Allah, in His infinite power, sees all actions and hears every word uttered. He highlighted that taqwa—consciousness and fear of Allah—is not just a spiritual concept, but a lived reality that should influence decisions, interactions, and personal conduct at every level.
The Imam’s remarks come at a time when scholars and Islamic institutions continue to express concern over the growing spread of unverified practices and theological distortions, often propagated through social media and digital platforms lacking scholarly oversight. His message aligns with longstanding calls from senior Islamic authorities urging Muslims to return to the foundations of their faith and to seek authentic religious knowledge from credible scholars rather than unreliable sources.
As one of the regular Imams leading prayers at Masjid al-Haram, Sheikh Al-Juhany’s voice carries significant weight among Muslims worldwide. His sermons are often translated into multiple languages and broadcast internationally, underscoring the global reach and impact of his words.
In these turbulent times marked by misinformation and ideological confusion, his reminder serves as a timely call to spiritual clarity, rooted in the unshakable truths of the Qur’an and Sunnah. For many, it is not just a message—but a much-needed compass guiding them back to the essence of Islamic faith and practice.