Death & the hereafterFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 5, 2025.
Prepare now for the return to Allah
“The way to the eternal happiness is faith, patience, and we do need a lot of patience in this life.”
In one sentence
Because everyone will return to Allah and be judged, believers must prepare now through faith, steadfastness, patience, and good deeds rather than pursuing temporary worldly approval or wealth.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Continues Surah Al-Najm by emphasizing that everyone and everything returns to Allah for judgment.
- Explains that death equalizes all people and that every choice, word, action, and omission has consequences.
- Teaches that Allah grants laughter and tears, while lasting joy comes from His guidance, mercy, and worship.
- Encourages believers not to be discouraged by mockery, because ultimate happiness belongs to the steadfast in the Hereafter.
- Concludes that faith, patience, steadfastness, honesty, and good deeds, not wishes, lead to eternal happiness.
Try this week
Have faith in Allah and act before the moment of death.
Perform good deeds sincerely for Allah's sake.
Remain patient and steadfast when facing pressure or mockery.
Pray, make dhikr, worship Allah, and draw closer to Him.
Practice honesty and the good qualities demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 53:42Used to establish that everything ultimately returns to Allah.
Quran 10:58Used to teach that believers should rejoice in Allah's grace and mercy.
Quran 83:29Used to describe the wicked mocking believers in worldly life.
Quran 83:34Used to show that believers will have the final joy on Judgment Day.
Surah 80Used to describe the bright, laughing, rejoicing faces of the blessed.
Surah 75Used to contrast radiant faces looking toward their Lord with gloomy faces expecting disaster.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“You want to be safe? You want that end to be a good end? You have to be steadfast. You have to have faith in Allah.”
“You have to believe it in time to do good deeds, to be steadfast, to benefit from this knowledge.”
“We don't want to be laughing first. We want to be laughing last.”
“So the way to the eternal happiness is faith, patience, and we do need a lot of patience in this life. Steadfastness and good deeds.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that every person, regardless of status or wealth, will eventually return to Allah and answer for their choices. Because this life is temporary, we should prepare now through faith, prayer, good deeds, honesty, patience, and steadfastness. Real joy comes from Allah's guidance and mercy, not from money or from winning other people's approval. Even when others mock obedience, we should aim to be among those who find lasting happiness in the Hereafter.
- What choice this week could help us prepare for returning to Allah?
- Which blessing from Allah makes you feel genuinely grateful and joyful?
- How can we practice patience or honesty in a difficult situation?
Where it was given
The masjid
Islamic Center of Western Suburbs (ICWS)28W774 Army Trail Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185Jumu'ah “Khutbah 1 | 1:05 | pm; Jamaat 1 | 1:25 | pm; Khutbah 2 | 1:35 | pm; Jamaat 2 | 1:55 | pm” (Bartlett location). “Khutbah | 1:15 | pm; Jamaat | 1:35 | pm” (West Chicago location).ArchiveAll khutbahs at Islamic Center of48 khutbahs
Keep listening
More on Death & the hereafter
Fit your schedule around your prayer.18:56ICN-BM · Bellevue, TN · Oct 17, 2026Use your limited time before judgment
The currency in the hereafter is your good deeds.15:14IMAAM Center · Silver Spring, MD · Oct 17, 2026Protect your good deeds by righting wrongs
The truth does not give us permission to spread unverified claims.25:09Masumeen · Brampton, ON · Oct 17, 2026Why the afterlife makes justice necessary