True success begins with taqwa
“Slowly and gradually get out from this credit card business.”
True success is salvation from worldly and afterlife punishment through taqwa, correct belief, worship, patience, avoiding sins, gratitude, remembrance, and repentance.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Sha'ban is presented as preparation for Ramadan and a month of spiritual opportunity.
- True success is contrasted with wealth, status, comfort, and worldly power; it means salvation from punishment.
- Taqwa is explained through sound belief, religious knowledge, obligations, sunnahs, and avoiding prohibited matters.
- Listeners are urged to avoid interest and credit-card dealings, practice patience, lower the gaze, and remain connected through prayer.
- The khutbah warns against alcohol, gambling, idolatry, divination, unnecessary insurance, and unlawful food.
- It closes with gratitude, prayer, remembrance of Allah, repentance, and frequent istighfar.
In the khateeb's words
“Slowly and gradually Get out from this credit card business And through debit card Where there is no interest”
“Sabar ala ta'at That whatever the good deeds He is doing That he should be patient And keep on doing that ta'at”
“I am remembering The favors Of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala On me And then I am Thanking on Each and every favor Which Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala Has given to me”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that Shaaban is a time to prepare ourselves for Ramadan, just as wudhu prepares us for prayer. He explained that real success is being saved from punishment in the Hereafter, rather than simply having money, comfort, or a high position. He encouraged us to grow in taqwa by learning our faith, obeying Allah, and staying away from wrongdoing. He described patience as keeping up good deeds, resisting temptation, and remaining patient through hardship. He also encouraged us to remember Allah’s blessings, thank Him for them, and regularly seek His forgiveness.
- What is one habit you would like to practice before Ramadan?
- When was it hard to do the right thing this week, and what helped you?
- What blessing would you like to thank Allah for tonight?
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness