The iconic Lakemba Mosque was alive with energy and reflection on Friday 11 July, as over 600 community members gathered for an inspirational youth night featuring renowned Islamic speaker Brother Mohamed Hoblos.
Hosted by the Lebanese Muslim Association, the event was a compelling reminder of the importance of steadfastness in our faith and the serious consequences of neglecting our spiritual obligations.
Mohamed Hoblos, one of Australia’s most influential Muslim community speakers, delivered a compelling lecture that surely left a lasting impact on the predominantly young audience.
His talk focused on critical sins that threaten our spiritual wellbeing – and the importance of maintaining a sincere connection with Allah.
In his characteristic straightforward style, Brother Hoblos emphasised that Allah hates all sins, especially those committed publicly and without remorse.
Mohamed Hoblos chatting with community members after the event.
“Allah forgives sins day and night,” he pointed out, “but the arrogance of sinning openly, making no effort to hide it, is what He despises most.”
He listed three sins which are especially destructive to the heart, character and soul, and are extremely difficult to recover from, “once the line is crossed.”
The first sin Brother Hoblos highlighted was making fun of one’s religion or anything that resembles Islam.
“Islam is a red line that can’t be crossed,” he stressed.
“Mocking or belittling your faith not only damages your own spiritual state but also disrespects the deen and the community.”
He warned that lack of character and integrity, especially when it comes to respecting one’s faith, can lead a person astray, weakening their connection to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (s).
All ears….attendees were totally focused throughout Mohamed Hoblos’s lecture.
The second critical sin he addressed was neglecting Salah, the five daily prayers.
Brother Hoblos explained that Shaytan works tirelessly to convince believers that skipping prayer is harmless.
“The first question we’ll all be asked on the Day of Judgment will be about Salah,” he told the enthralled and attentive young audience.
“The difference between a believer and a disbeliever is Salah; once Shaytan breaks your spirituality, haram actions seem insignificant and crossing that line makes it very hard to come back.”
Hoblos’s third point was about lying. “Once an individual opens the door to lying, it is often the point of no return,” he warned.
“Lying corrupts the heart, destroys trust and damages your character.”
King of the kids….Br Mohamed Hoblos chats with a young follower.
He cited the Prophet Muhammad’s (s) example, stating that if the Prophet ever heard someone lie, his displeasure became evident to those around him immediately – and he wouldn’t speak to the liar again until after they made Tawbah (sincerely repented).
“Lying is a sin that, if persisted with, can lead you far from the path of righteousness,” Mohamed Hoblos concluded.
Following the lecture, participants enjoyed a delicious barbecue, courtesy of Fetayleh Smallgoods, a major LMA sponsor for many years.
Commenting on the evening’s success, Salim Allouche, the LMA’s Religious Affairs Coordinator, told AMUST, “Brother Mohamed Hoblos’ impactful words tonight serve as a reminder for us all to stay vigilant in our faith, to be mindful of the damage that sin can do to our hearts and to always seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.”
“The LMA remains committed to providing our community, especially our youth, with opportunities to learn, grow and strengthen their faith and to this end, we look forward to hosting many more engaging guest speakers in the coming months.”
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