Ashura teaches gratitude and steadfastness
“Never ever leave Allah no matter what the situation is and Allah will always help you.”
Ashura should be observed as a combined lesson in gratitude, patience, steadfast prayer, family love, and opposition to oppression, connecting Musa and Imam Husayn to suffering communities today.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Muharram and Ashura as a day joining Musa's salvation with al-Husayn's martyrdom.
- Uses al-Shafi'i's poem and a Qur'anic appeal to love the Prophet's family.
- Connects Musa and al-Husayn's steadfastness to contemporary suffering in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Kashmir, and imprisoned scholars.
- Emphasizes preserving salah and trusting Allah amid overwhelming opposition.
- Calls listeners to value and care for family, illustrated by Musa's support from Harun and al-Husayn's concern for relatives.
- Concludes with repentance, prayers, fasting-related reflection, and carrying Ashura's lessons beyond the season.
In the khateeb's words
“if Muharram the tenth teaches you to make shukr it should teach you to be the pinnacle of sabr as well”
“one lesson that al-imam al-husayn and Musa alayhi wa sallam teach us is never ever leave Allah no matter what the situation is and Allah will always help you”
“never give up your connection with Allah salah is your salah with Allah salah is your connection with Allah”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Ashura brings together gratitude and patience: gratitude for Allah saving Musa, and patience as we remember Husayn and the suffering of the Prophet’s family. He encouraged us to love the Prophet’s family and let their example bring us together. Through their stories, he urged us to keep trusting Allah and protect our connection with Him through prayer. He also reminded us to value our families, support our brothers and sisters, and show affection to our children while we have the chance. He connected these lessons to people suffering today, including in Gaza and Sudan, and asked us to carry compassion, gratitude, and patience throughout the year.
- What is something you feel thankful for today, and something difficult you would like support with?
- How could we help each other make time for salah this week?
- What could you do tomorrow to help someone in our family feel loved?
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