Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
- More Mohammed Baseer: mcceastbay.org/baseer
Ustadh Mohammed Abdul Baseer is an engineer and a former president of Islamic Society of East Bay (ISEB) in Fremont. He has been active in the Bay Area Muslim community since the early 1990s. Br. Baseer and his family live in Fremont.
- More Mohammed Baseer: mcceastbay.org/mohammed
This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center - East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California.
Umar ibn al-Khattab conquered both the Byzantine and Persian Empires yet wore clothes with 14 patches, ate meat only once a month, and drank warm water in Madinah's heat, demonstrating that true power requires no material display.
Umar refused to increase his salary beyond a bare minimum and ate coarse barley bread while leading a vast empire, asking "Can a common man eat bread made of fine flour?" to justify his rejection of luxury.
Umar ibn al-Khattab personally served widows and families of martyrs by carrying water to their homes, writing letters for them, and knocking on doors to provide assistance without bodyguards or security detail.
Rasulullah described Umar's character as one who "differentiates between right and wrong," establishing his reputation for justice, integrity, and humility that required no protection from the people he governed.
Faith Over Survival
Hussein ibn Ali prioritized praying Salat while surrounded by enemies in Karbala facing certain death, teaching that prayer obligations transcend even life-threatening circumstances.
Umar ibn al-Khattab requested a simple grave and shroud, believing Allah would expand his grave if pleased or constrict it if displeased, rejecting elaborate burial preparations despite his status.
Islamic Values in Practice
Muharram, marking the Islamic New Year, serves as a reminder to prioritize Allah's commands and Rasulullah's example above all else, exemplified by both Umar ibn al-Khattab and Hussein ibn Ali.
Umar ibn al-Khattab taught that honor and respect come through Islam, not through material possessions or show-off, preferring simplicity despite having access to many blessings as a leader.
Prophetic Example
Prophet Muhammad lived using bare necessities and reached his destination without competing for worldly material things, setting the foundational example of simplicity and humility for all Muslims.
The Prophet's companions preferred others over themselves even in poverty, demonstrating selflessness and generosity that flows from strong faith and iman rather than material abundance.
Practical Application
The stories of the Prophet and companions provide inspiration and motivation to instill a strong foundation of Islam in children by prioritizing faith over materialism in daily life.
Muharram's sacred month reminds Muslims to follow Rasulullah's ways even in the most difficult situations, using historical examples as practical templates for contemporary challenges.
The sermon highlights the importance of simplicity, humility, and devotion to faith, drawing inspiration from the examples of Prophet Muhammad, his companions, particularly Umar bin al-Khattab, and the sacred month of Muharram.
🌕
00:00 The Islamic calendar begins with Muharram, a sacred and blessed month, one of the four honored months ordained by Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala.
🤲
01:48 The month of Muharram reminds us of sacrifices of Prophets & companions who obeyed Allah despite difficult circumstances. Expand
📚
05:26 Jumu'ah Khateeb Ustadh Abdul Baseer discusses the exalted status of Sahaba, particularly Umar bin al-Khattab and Abu Bakr, and their promised rewards in Paradise. Expand
📚
08:28 Umar ibn al-Khattab, as a true leader, lived a simple life and practiced self-control, unlike today's luxury-driven leaders. Expand
🌟
11:27 Leaders like Umar and Prophet Muhammad exemplified simplicity and humility, rejecting luxury and wealth despite having the power to attain it. Expand
💡
13:36 The Prophet's simple example can inspire us to reduce stress and focus on what truly matters. Expand
🤝
16:06 The companions of Prophet Muhammad, like Umar bin Khattab, showed selfless devotion to Islam, prioritizing humility and faith over worldly status. Expand
🕊️
19:23 Prioritizing faith and Salat, even in adversity, is crucial, as exemplified by righteous individuals like Omar, Imam Hussein, and the Prophet's companions.
More MCC East Bay:
Calendar of Events: mcceastbay.org/calendar
Weekly Updates: mcceastbay.org/newsletter
Support MCC: mcceastbay.org/sadaqa
MCC Podcast: mcceastbay.org/podcast
Facebook: / mccpleasanton
Instagram: / mcceastbay
YouTube: / @mcceastbay
- More Mohammed Baseer: mcceastbay.org/baseer
Ustadh Mohammed Abdul Baseer is an engineer and a former president of Islamic Society of East Bay (ISEB) in Fremont. He has been active in the Bay Area Muslim community since the early 1990s. Br. Baseer and his family live in Fremont.
- More Mohammed Baseer: mcceastbay.org/mohammed
This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center - East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California.
Umar ibn al-Khattab conquered both the Byzantine and Persian Empires yet wore clothes with 14 patches, ate meat only once a month, and drank warm water in Madinah's heat, demonstrating that true power requires no material display.
Umar refused to increase his salary beyond a bare minimum and ate coarse barley bread while leading a vast empire, asking "Can a common man eat bread made of fine flour?" to justify his rejection of luxury.
Umar ibn al-Khattab personally served widows and families of martyrs by carrying water to their homes, writing letters for them, and knocking on doors to provide assistance without bodyguards or security detail.
Rasulullah described Umar's character as one who "differentiates between right and wrong," establishing his reputation for justice, integrity, and humility that required no protection from the people he governed.
Faith Over Survival
Hussein ibn Ali prioritized praying Salat while surrounded by enemies in Karbala facing certain death, teaching that prayer obligations transcend even life-threatening circumstances.
Umar ibn al-Khattab requested a simple grave and shroud, believing Allah would expand his grave if pleased or constrict it if displeased, rejecting elaborate burial preparations despite his status.
Islamic Values in Practice
Muharram, marking the Islamic New Year, serves as a reminder to prioritize Allah's commands and Rasulullah's example above all else, exemplified by both Umar ibn al-Khattab and Hussein ibn Ali.
Umar ibn al-Khattab taught that honor and respect come through Islam, not through material possessions or show-off, preferring simplicity despite having access to many blessings as a leader.
Prophetic Example
Prophet Muhammad lived using bare necessities and reached his destination without competing for worldly material things, setting the foundational example of simplicity and humility for all Muslims.
The Prophet's companions preferred others over themselves even in poverty, demonstrating selflessness and generosity that flows from strong faith and iman rather than material abundance.
Practical Application
The stories of the Prophet and companions provide inspiration and motivation to instill a strong foundation of Islam in children by prioritizing faith over materialism in daily life.
Muharram's sacred month reminds Muslims to follow Rasulullah's ways even in the most difficult situations, using historical examples as practical templates for contemporary challenges.
The sermon highlights the importance of simplicity, humility, and devotion to faith, drawing inspiration from the examples of Prophet Muhammad, his companions, particularly Umar bin al-Khattab, and the sacred month of Muharram.
🌕
00:00 The Islamic calendar begins with Muharram, a sacred and blessed month, one of the four honored months ordained by Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala.
🤲
01:48 The month of Muharram reminds us of sacrifices of Prophets & companions who obeyed Allah despite difficult circumstances. Expand
📚
05:26 Jumu'ah Khateeb Ustadh Abdul Baseer discusses the exalted status of Sahaba, particularly Umar bin al-Khattab and Abu Bakr, and their promised rewards in Paradise. Expand
📚
08:28 Umar ibn al-Khattab, as a true leader, lived a simple life and practiced self-control, unlike today's luxury-driven leaders. Expand
🌟
11:27 Leaders like Umar and Prophet Muhammad exemplified simplicity and humility, rejecting luxury and wealth despite having the power to attain it. Expand
💡
13:36 The Prophet's simple example can inspire us to reduce stress and focus on what truly matters. Expand
🤝
16:06 The companions of Prophet Muhammad, like Umar bin Khattab, showed selfless devotion to Islam, prioritizing humility and faith over worldly status. Expand
🕊️
19:23 Prioritizing faith and Salat, even in adversity, is crucial, as exemplified by righteous individuals like Omar, Imam Hussein, and the Prophet's companions.
More MCC East Bay:
Calendar of Events: mcceastbay.org/calendar
Weekly Updates: mcceastbay.org/newsletter
Support MCC: mcceastbay.org/sadaqa
MCC Podcast: mcceastbay.org/podcast
Facebook: / mccpleasanton
Instagram: / mcceastbay
YouTube: / @mcceastbay
