Friday Sermon at Manitoba Mosque Highlights Importance of Studying History in Islam

At the weekly Friday congregational prayer on October 3rd, worshippers at Manitoba's Waverley Grand Mosque heard a powerful reminder about the role of history in shaping Muslim faith and practice.

The khutbah, delivered by Muslim historian Hassam Munir, stated that approximately one-third of the Quran is filled with stories from the past, emphasizing that humans are a storytelling species who understand morals through narratives.

The sermon outlined four key benefits of studying history in Islam: to reassure the hearts of believers, convey truth, serve as a warning to those who reject faith, and provide reminders for those striving to live by Islamic teachings.

Munir stressed that history is not meant for entertainment or debate but for guidance.

A central theme was the relatability and actionability of history.

The Khatib observed that many Muslims lose interest in historical accounts when they cannot connect them to their own lives.

The khutbah also addressed how historical perspectives can empower young people.

Referring to how the Prophet valued and nurtured the youth around him — including his young cousins, the sons of Abbas — the speaker encouraged families to treat children fairly and to recognize their individual worth, rather than fostering rivalry.

In conclusion, Hassam Munir called for a reframing of how Muslims view history.

Instead of focusing solely on empires, wars, or a romanticized “Golden Age,” he urged worshippers to look at history as a collection of human stories — of people with similar struggles and triumphs to our own.

“For over 1,400 years, Muslims have tried to live by the Qur’an and Sunnah,” he said. “Their examples are our role models.”