GratitudeFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 4, 2026.
Gratitude preserves Allah's blessings
In one sentence
Allah's blessings are preserved through gratitude and obedience, while ingratitude and sin invite their removal, as shown by the destruction of the people of Sabah.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Introduction to gratitude and the people of Sabah as a cautionary example
- The abundant blessings of Sabah: fertile gardens, pure air, and safe, easy travel
- Their ingratitude: asking Allah to lengthen their journeys and rejecting the messengers
- Parallel with Bani Israel exchanging manna and salwa for ordinary vegetables
- Modern anecdote of a woman who wanted divorce because her husband was too kind
- Divine punishment: mice breached the dam of Ma'rib and the flood of al-Arim destroyed everything
- Lesson for today: blessings are preserved through gratitude, obedience, and avoiding sin
- Scholarly reminders from Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, Hasan al-Basri, and the poets on safeguarding blessings
Try this week
Reflect on and recognize the favors Allah has bestowed
Express gratitude to Allah for blessings rather than taking them for granted
Obey Allah and avoid sin so blessings are not removed
Supplicate for good for oneself and avoid asking Allah for harm
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 34:18Allah placed towns in succession between Yemen and Sham so the people of Sabah could travel safely by night and day
Quran 34:16-17Because they turned away, Allah sent the flood of al-Arim and replaced their gardens with bitter fruit as recompense for ingratitude
Quran 14:7If you are grateful Allah will increase you, but if ungrateful His punishment is severe
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“My life has turned into a hell because my husband is so kind to me.”
“Blessings are preserved through gratefulness. This is how blessings are kept and preserved. Through gratefulness to the one who gave you these blessings.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminded us of the people of Sabah, who had safety, prosperity, beautiful gardens, and easy travel but became ungrateful. Instead of appreciating their blessings, they asked for hardship and turned away from Allah’s guidance. Their blessings were eventually taken away, teaching us that gratitude helps preserve what Allah gives us. We should recognize Allah’s favors, thank Him, obey Him, and avoid using His blessings for sin. Even when we fall short, we can keep returning to gratitude and asking Allah for forgiveness and protection.
- What is one blessing you enjoyed today that you usually take for granted?
- How can you show gratitude for that blessing this week?
- What is the difference between wanting something new and being ungrateful?
Keep listening
More on Gratitude
ICI · Irving, TX · Oct 24, 2026Thank Allah in ease and hardship“Even in moments of difficulty, when it feels like there's nothing going your way, there is always something to be grateful for.”
Either we're receiving a blessing, which calls for shukr, or we're going through a hardship, which calls for sabr.13:29Al-Ittehad · Vista, CA · Sep 19, 2026Gratitude and patience carry believers through life
Real gratitude is not a feeling.16:14London Muslim Mosque · London, ON · Sep 11, 2026Gratitude means using blessings well