Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet’s Mosque, Sheikh Salah Al-Budair, urged Muslims to remember that every person will one day stand before Allah for judgment, where neither wealth, influence nor intercession will avail anyone, and everyone will receive the full reward or punishment for their deeds.

In his Friday sermon, Sheikh Al-Budair quoted the Qur’an: “And fear a Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then every soul will be fully compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:281).

Summer heat reminds believers of Hellfire

The imam said the intense summer heat should remind believers of the far greater and everlasting punishment of Hellfire.

He cited the Qur’anic verse: “Say, ‘The Fire of Hell is far hotter,’ if only they understood.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:81).

Sheikh Al-Budair also referred to a hadith narrated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in which Hellfire complained to its Lord that one part was consuming another. Allah then permitted it to breathe twice a year—once in winter and once in summer—resulting in the severest cold and hottest heat experienced on earth. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3260).

He urged Muslims to abandon sin, repent sincerely and increase righteous deeds, reminding them that every person will reap in the Hereafter what they sow in this world. Those who perform good deeds will attain Paradise, while those who persist in sin will face loss. True success, he said, belongs to those who treat worldly life as preparation for the eternal life to come.

Giving water is a noble act of worship

In the second sermon, Sheikh Al-Budair highlighted the virtue of providing drinking water during extreme heat.

He said helping thirsty people, providing water for travellers and relieving the suffering of Allah’s creation are among Islam’s noble teachings.

The imam referred to a Hadith Qudsi in which Allah will say on the Day of Judgment: “O son of Adam, I asked you for water, but you did not give Me water.” The servant will ask how he could give water to the Lord of the worlds. Allah will reply that one of His servants had asked for water, but he was denied, and had he been given water, the reward would have been found with Allah. (Sahih Muslim).

Call to provide water and dig wells

Sheikh Al-Budair called on Muslims to provide drinking water in mosques, markets, roads and other public places during the scorching summer, dig wells, install water tanks and cold-water dispensers, and support poor and vulnerable people.

Referring to a hadith narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA), he said anyone who digs a well for the benefit of people, animals or birds will receive a great reward from Allah on the Day of Judgment. Likewise, whoever builds a mosque for Allah’s sake will receive a house in Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Compassion for the vulnerable

Concluding his sermon, Sheikh Al-Budair urged Muslims to show special compassion to the poor, labourers, travellers, the elderly, the sick and children during extreme heat.

He said providing cold drinking water, distributing food, creating shade and extending assistance are not only humanitarian responsibilities but also acts of worship that earn rewards in the Hereafter.

The imam said extreme heat should remind believers not only of seasonal change but also of the severity of Hellfire, accountability on the Day of Judgment and the certainty of standing before Allah. He urged Muslims to fear Allah, avoid sin, compete in righteous deeds and seek Allah’s pleasure by helping those in need, even by offering a single glass of water. He concluded with a prayer that Allah grant Muslims piety, the ability to serve humanity and protection from Hellfire.