Ask Allah beyond what seems possible
Never underestimate sincere dua: with humility, selflessness, and trust in Allah, believers should ask beyond apparent limitations because Allah can answer in unimaginable ways.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Calls listeners to taqwa, defining it as obedience, avoiding haram, and self-accountability.
- Uses Surah Maryam’s opening passage to introduce Zakariya’s humble plea for a child despite impossible circumstances.
- Shows that Zakariya’s dua was selfless, seeking a righteous heir to continue guidance and da'wah.
- Recounts Allah’s answer through Yahya and emphasizes Allah’s power beyond ordinary means.
- Applies the lesson to personal hardship and communal suffering, urging persistent trust, broad dua, and Friday salawat.
- Teaches dua etiquette from Jami' al-Tirmidhi: praise Allah, send salawat, then ask for needs.
In the khateeb's words
“Because what he is to ask Allah for is biologically not possible. But for Allah, everything is possible.”
“When you make dua to Allah, make it a selfless dua. Don't be stingy in your duas.”
“You have a sickness, turn to Allah. You have an issue with your career, turn to Allah. An issue with a child, turn to Allah.”
“Do not mock a ridiculed dua. Dua is the arrow you shoot by night that will never ever miss its target.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us never to underestimate our dua, because Allah hears us and knows our needs. He shared the story of Zakariya, who asked Allah for a child despite his old age and his wife’s inability to have children. Zakariya brought both his weakness and his trust to Allah, asking for a child who would continue guiding his people. Allah blessed him with Yahya, whom the khutbah described as compassionate, righteous, and kind to his parents. We were encouraged to make generous duas for others as well as ourselves, and to remember that we can turn to Allah even when words are hard to find. The khateeb also reminded us to praise Allah and send salawat upon the Prophet before asking for our needs.
- Who could we include in our family dua tonight, and what could we ask Allah for them?
- What would you like to ask Allah for when something feels difficult?
- Yahya was described as compassionate and kind to his parents; how could we practice those qualities at home?
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