Drawing closer to Allah through worship and avoiding intermediaries.

The sermon in Madinah focused on the concept of drawing closer to Allah, emphasizing that the most effective way is through sincere worship and adherence to His commands. The Imam highlighted the importance of performing obligatory duties, especially prayer, as the ultimate act of humility and submission that brings a servant closest to their Lord. He explained that after fulfilling obligations, believers should engage in supererogatory acts to deepen their love for Allah, who then becomes their protector and guides their senses and actions. Citing Quranic verses and Hadith Qudsi, the sermon underscored that Allah does not permit intermediaries in worship, and direct supplication to Him is the only acceptable path, condemning those who seek closeness through others as engaging in shirk. The Imam also referenced the high stations of Prophets Muhammad and Ibrahim (peace be upon them) as Allah's close friends, and the hierarchy of closeness for other prophets and righteous individuals.