True victory can come through apparent loss
“Our belief is we are successful regardless of the material.”
True victory is not always an apparent military or political success; Allah grants believers serenity and steadfastness through seemingly losing situations, which may later reveal worldly openings and ultimately lead to eternal success.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Introduces taqwa and the historical setting of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
- Recounts the unarmed Umrah journey, Quraysh provocations, and the believers’ pledge.
- Explains how humiliating treaty terms became a clear victory through divine perspective.
- Distinguishes fath, falah, and fawz as different forms of success.
- Defines sakinah as inner peace that gives believers steadfastness and obedience.
- Applies the lesson to Gaza, Sudan, Muslim civic life, and resisting discouragement.
- Closes with supplication and congregational prayer.
In the khateeb's words
“Our belief is we are successful regardless of the material.”
“The Sunnah of the Seerah of the Prophet teaches us over and over. Even our material victories, we don't always see them for what they are in the moment.”
“If there is to be a victory, it is this victory. That Allah has somehow changed the tides of at least the way the world sees this struggle.”
“Allah, when He sees the believers moving with sincerity, Allah puts sakinah in the hearts of the believers.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb told the story of Hudaybiyyah, when the Prophet and his companions faced an agreement that felt deeply disappointing but later opened the way to great good. He reminded us that we do not always understand an outcome while we are living through it. He described sakina as peace Allah places in the heart, helping believers stay steady and avoid being pulled into anger or provocation. He also explained that success includes patiently growing in faith, with Jannah as the greatest victory. When speaking about people suffering today, he was clear that their suffering is not something to celebrate and prayed that Allah would use us to help relieve it. He encouraged us to remain faithful, contribute positively to society, and speak out against wrongdoing.
- What helps you stay calm enough to choose a kind response when someone upsets you?
- What good habit would you like to grow patiently, like a seed?
- What is one way we can help someone who is hurting this week?
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