Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jul 11, 2026.
Seek Allah's love over human approval
Ottawa Mosque · Ali Alhalawani
“If Allah loves you, Allah commands Sayyidina Jibreel to love you.”
In one sentence
A believer should stop chasing human approval and instead seek the love of Allah, which is attained through three qualities: taqwa (piety), ghina (contentment), and khafiyy (sincere hiddenness).
The khutbah in 8 steps
- People seek human love and validation, but hearts and worldly life are fleeting.
- The believer's true aim is to be loved by Allah, which brings acceptance on earth and in heaven.
- Hadith of Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas gives three keys to divine love: taqwa, ghina, and khafiyy.
- Taqwa: shielding oneself from Allah's displeasure by obeying Him in public and private.
- Ghina: contentment with Allah's provision and avoiding envy of others.
- Khafiyy: sincerity, avoiding fame, and doing good deeds for Allah alone.
- Examples from the Sahaba and everyday Muslims show how to live these keys.
- Concluding call to build a secret portfolio of good deeds and dua for the ummah.
Try this week
Worship Allah consistently in public and in private.
Obey every command and avoid every prohibition found in the Quran and authentic Sunnah.
Be content with what Allah has given and say Alhamdulillah from the heart.
Look at those who have less, not those who have more.
Compete with people who are closer to Allah in Quran memorization, Sunnah knowledge, and good deeds.
Do good deeds solely for Allah, not for social media attention or fame.
Build a secret portfolio of good deeds: pray two rak'as at night, give hidden charity, or shed a tear out of fear and love for Allah.
Stick to Islamic principles and values without compromise, even when unappreciated.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimSa'd ibn Abi Waqqas reports the Prophet said Allah loves the servant who is pious (taqiyya), self-independent (ghaniyya), and unpretentious (khafiyya), setting up the three keys to divine love.
Surah 49The most noble in Allah's sight are those with the most taqwa, establishing piety rather than status or wealth as the measure of worth.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“If Allah loves you, Allah commands Sayyidina Jibreel to love you. And the inhabitants of the inhabitants of heaven, they love you. And then , acceptance is placed for you on this earth.”
“Your true character is tested when you are all alone in your room. When the door is locked. And you look at things that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has declared and has made prohibited and unlawful.”
“I don't fight for Khalid, I don't fight for Umar, but I fight for the Lord of Umar.”
“Your name might never trend on social media. But it suffices you. It's sufficient for you that your name is recorded, it is known and is recorded by the angels.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that people’s opinions and affection can change, but Allah’s pleasure is lasting. He described taqwa, contentment, and hidden sincerity as keys to earning Allah’s love. Taqwa means remembering Allah when no one else is watching, including when we use our phones privately. True wealth is being content with Allah’s gifts rather than comparing ourselves with others. We can strengthen our faith through quiet good deeds while still helping and serving our community.
- What is one blessing you can say Alhamdulillah for today instead of comparing yourself with someone else?
- What good deed could you do this week without telling anyone?
- How can you make better choices when you are alone with your phone?
Keep listening
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness