Why materialism cannot make us happy
“You're never going to be happy if you think your happiness is contingent on the material.”
True happiness requires detaching the heart from materialism, social media pressures, and people-pleasing through sincere worship, self-reflection, and better spiritual companionship.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Diagnoses materialism as an uncontrolled desire affecting personal, family, spiritual, and community life.
- Explains zuhud as detachment from material possessions rather than abandoning worldly goods.
- Examines consumerism, social media, and people-pleasing as connected forms of worldly attachment.
- Warns that performing religious or charitable acts for public approval destroys sincerity.
- Presents detachment, afterlife-focused intention, worship, dhikr, and spiritual community as remedies.
- Calls listeners to begin with themselves and their households while caring about oppressed Muslims worldwide.
In the khateeb's words
“You're never going to be happy if you think your happiness is contingent on the material. Right?”
“We have to all ask. No one knows what's in your heart, but you have to ask yourself this question.”
“But you have to detach. On a spiritual level, you have to detach, right?”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah invited us to notice how buying things, comparing ourselves online, and seeking people’s approval can take over our hearts. The khateeb explained zuhud as detaching from possessions, so our happiness does not depend on what we own. We can enjoy nice things while keeping Allah and the hereafter at the center of our lives. He encouraged us to reflect honestly on our habits and intentions, starting with ourselves and our households. He offered practical steps: extra prayer, remembering Allah throughout the day, and friendships with people who put their faith into practice.
- When something online makes you want what someone else has, what helps you appreciate your own life?
- What does a friend do that helps you become a kinder, more thoughtful Muslim?
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