Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 30, 2025.
Sincere intentions give deeds lasting value
In one sentence
The khutbah argues that every good deed gains lasting value and divine acceptance only through sincere intention for Allah, while seeking praise can erase its reward.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- A historical account of the Battle of Nahawand introduces the concern that Allah knows the sincerity behind deeds.
- Ikhlas is defined as doing deeds solely for Allah and following the proper example.
- Ibrahim and Ismail’s prayer for acceptance illustrates humility after major acts of worship.
- Examples involving family spending, Imam Malik, Abu Bakr, and charity show how sincerity gives deeds lasting blessing.
- The sermon warns that showing off can nullify religious deeds and worldly generosity.
- The hadith of the Quran reciter, generous donor, and martyr illustrates the danger of seeking reputation.
- Listeners are urged to examine their intentions daily and ask Allah for sincerity.
Try this week
Ask Allah every day for sincerity in belief, knowledge, and action.
Examine your intention before each deed by asking why you are doing it.
Hope that Allah accepts good deeds rather than relying on their outward appearance.
Treat spending on family and charitable giving as worship by directing the intention to Allah.
Avoid seeking praise, reputation, gratitude, or worldly gain through religious deeds.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimWarns that Allah rejects deeds performed with partners or competing motives.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“before every single deed we need to we need to ask ourselves deep inside why am I doing this”
“you will not spend a single time any kind of spending but you do it for the sake of Allah but Allah will reward you for that even if you're spending on your family”
“we need to watch our hearts with every single action why we're doing this and what purpose and what is the objective that we want to achieve”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that Allah values not only what we do, but why we do it. Even ordinary acts such as supporting our families can become worship when done sincerely for Allah. Great deeds can lose their reward if they are performed mainly to gain praise or reputation. We should regularly examine our hearts and ask Allah to accept our actions. Sincere work brings blessing and can leave a lasting benefit.
- What is one ordinary thing you do that could become worship through a better intention?
- How can you notice when you are hoping for praise?
- What good deed would you like Allah to accept from you this week?
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