Reach ihsan through obedience and patience
“Then we become among those who are focused in the hereafter.”
The khutbah argues that reaching ihsan requires fulfilling Allah’s commands, avoiding His prohibitions, patiently accepting His decree, and repeatedly practicing remembrance and self-accountability.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Introduces Surah Yusuf’s connection between taqwa, patience, and preserved reward.
- Explains the three responsibilities present in every circumstance: obey commands, avoid prohibitions, and accept divine decree.
- Connects these responsibilities to worship, servitude, and attaining ihsan.
- Presents the first practice: make these responsibilities the heart’s central concern.
- Presents the second practice: remind oneself and others because humans forget and Shaytan distracts.
- Presents the third practice: hold one’s actions accountable before the final judgment.
- Concludes with supplications for guidance, repentance, patience, and protection for Muslims facing hardship.
In the khateeb's words
“Either there is an obligation that needs to be fulfilled, or a prohibition that we need to stay away from, or a decree from Allah that befalls us that requires us to be patient.”
“When our hearts are concerned with the obligations from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the prohibitions from Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and the decree of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, then we become among those who are focused in the hereafter.”
“This means to hold ourselves accountable. A person who does this and holds himself accountable at all times, will be an individual who only desires that Allah sees them in a state that pleases Him.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah taught that every moment gives us one of three responsibilities: obey an obligation, avoid a prohibition, or patiently accept Allah’s decree. The speaker connected these habits with taqwa, patience, and ihsan, excellence in worship. He encouraged us to make these responsibilities our heart’s concern, remind ourselves and one another, and hold ourselves accountable. We can ask ourselves these questions at school, work, home, and when facing hardship. The goal is to live in a way that pleases Allah and keeps the Hereafter in view.
- When did you have to do the right thing even though it was difficult?
- How can we remind each other about an important responsibility without being unkind?
- What is one hard situation where patience could change how you respond?
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