Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 1, 2026.
Attribute blessings to Allah, not yourself
“We must attribute everything of goodness to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, not ourselves.”
In one sentence
Believers should reject arrogance and miserliness by attributing blessings to Allah, practicing humility, and gradually cultivating generous self-sacrifice.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Luqman's advice warns against arrogance in posture, social behavior, and speech.
- The story of Qarun shows that wealth and knowledge do not establish superiority and can become tests.
- Listeners examine arrogance through defensiveness, interrupting, dominating conversations, giving unsolicited advice, and one-upping others.
- The Ansar exemplify generosity and self-sacrifice through their treatment of migrants and a hungry guest.
- Fear of poverty and selfishness can be exploited by Shaytan, while faith promises forgiveness and multiplied reward.
- Listeners are urged to practice small, consistent giving and recognize nonfinancial acts of charity.
Try this week
Read the section describing the servants of Ar-Rahman and study its character traits.
When corrected, acknowledge mistakes and apologize, including to people with less authority.
Listen without interrupting or immediately offering solutions, and privately pray for others' success.
Attribute personal achievements and blessings to Allah rather than using them to claim superiority.
Practice small, consistent acts of giving, including smiles, kind words, removing harm, and helping others.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 25The servants of the Merciful are presented as humble and peaceful when confronted by ignorant people.
Surah 31Luqman advises his son not to act arrogantly, walk proudly, or raise his voice.
Surah 28Qarun's enormous wealth and destruction illustrate the danger of arrogance and false self-credit.
Quran 59:9The Ansar are praised for preferring others over themselves despite their own need.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“We must attribute everything of goodness to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, not ourselves. Because we are just receiving the barakah of Allah, or maybe others are receiving the barakah of Allah.”
“Sometimes Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala tests us with a lot of wealth. Sometimes Allah tests us with knowledge. Maybe a poor, ignorant individual is better off in the sight of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala than a rich, intelligent individual.”
“It is preferring the other over oneself despite being in need yourself. You can prefer someone else and you're okay. You can prefer someone else and you need it. That's alifa.”
“You have to develop that relationship with Allah. You have to see how Allah gives you the returns. And then you'll know the time and place when it's time to empty out my bank.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that Allah’s servants should be humble, peaceful, and willing to admit mistakes. Wealth, knowledge, and success are blessings and tests, not proof that we are better than anyone else. The Ansar showed a higher kind of generosity by preferring others even when they themselves were in need. We can grow toward that character by giving small amounts consistently, listening well, helping others, and trusting Allah. Even a smile, kind word, or helpful act can be charity.
- When is it hardest to listen instead of giving advice?
- What is one small thing our family could share this week?
- How can we thank Allah for what we have without feeling better than others?
Keep listening
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored