Reading from the author's words, with commentary and collation of manuscripts: "And an example of an innovation for which a need arose due to the negligence of people
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The reader: "And an example of an innovation for which a need arose due to the negligence of people is delivering the sermon before the prayer on the two festivals. When some of the rulers did this, the Muslims rejected it because it was a religious innovation. The one who introduced it excused himself by saying that people had started dispersing before hearing the sermon, whereas in the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), they did not disperse until they had heard it, or most of them did not. It is said to him: The cause of this is your negligence. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to deliver a sermon to them with the intention of benefiting them, conveying the message to them, and guiding them. But your intention is to establish your authority. Or if your intention is the well-being of their religion, you do not teach them what benefits them. This sin of yours does not permit you to commit another sin. Rather, the way in that is to repent to Allah and follow the Sunnah of His Prophet. If the matter is set right, well and good; and if it is not set right, Allah will not ask you about their actions, only about your own actions. When these two meanings are understood, many of the doubts regarding recent innovations are resolved, for it has been narrated"
The Shaykh : And there is no doubt that his statement is very good. For example, many people now say, "I do not recite *Alif Lam Mim, Tanzil al-Sajdah* or *Wa Iyyat* in the Fajr prayer on Friday, because if I did, the people around me would disperse." It is said: If you do it in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), then you have fulfilled what is required of you. As for them, you are not responsible for their dispersing. This is an important issue. Some people say, "The public benefit is that I should not do it so that many people will attend." It is said: No, accustom them to the Sunnah, and Allah will turn their desire to be with you. Yes.
The Shaykh : And there is no doubt that his statement is very good. For example, many people now say, "I do not recite *Alif Lam Mim, Tanzil al-Sajdah* or *Wa Iyyat* in the Fajr prayer on Friday, because if I did, the people around me would disperse." It is said: If you do it in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), then you have fulfilled what is required of you. As for them, you are not responsible for their dispersing. This is an important issue. Some people say, "The public benefit is that I should not do it so that many people will attend." It is said: No, accustom them to the Sunnah, and Allah will turn their desire to be with you. Yes.
