General remindersFrom the masjid's own video, Apr 3, 2026.

Life's events can teach us to return to Allah

“These stories are for us to think deeply, to reflect over them, and for us to take lessons from them.”

The khateeb, at 10:28

In one sentence

Allah places signs and lessons in creation and everyday events, so believers should respond with sincere intention, gratitude, perseverance, and reflection rather than treating life as random.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The Quran calls believers to remember Allah and reflect on creation and stories.
  2. A man’s charity reaches a thief, a prostitute, and a wealthy person, yet Allah accepts it.
  3. The story teaches sincerity, gratitude, and determination, including repeated repentance after setbacks.
  4. Recipients should recognize subtle events as signs inviting them toward change.
  5. Pharaoh’s repeated rejection of signs illustrates how heedlessness hardens the heart.
  6. Believers should pause during hardships and ask what Allah is teaching, redirecting, or inviting them toward.
Try this week
Renew your intention before doing good, without seeking praise, likes, or recognition.
When hardship or disappointment occurs, pause and ask what Allah is teaching, redirecting, or inviting you toward.
Practice gratitude to Allah even when the wisdom of an outcome is hidden.
If you fall back into sin, repent again and remain determined to stay upright.
Notice subtle events as possible signs and reflect instead of dismissing them as coincidence.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 3:190-191Used to show that creation contains signs for people who remember Allah and reflect.
Quran 7:176Used to explain that stories are shared so people will think deeply and learn.
Sahih al-BukhariThe charity story shows how sincere charity to seemingly wrong recipients can still be accepted and lead to change.
Quran 14:7Used to explain that gratitude brings increase from Allah.
Quran 7:179Used to warn that ignoring signs can produce heedlessness and hardened hearts.
Quran 7:133Used to describe Pharaoh’s repeated rejection of increasingly clear signs.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Now these stories are not stories to entertain us. These stories are for us to think deeply, to reflect over them, and for us to take lessons from them.”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 10:28
“But the believer, is different. He sees, through the lens, of Islam, and he sees, beyond the surface.”
Masjid ‘Eesa · Hollis, NY
Play from 20:20
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb reminded us to pause, remember Allah, and reflect on the purpose in His creation and our lives. He shared a story about a man who gave charity three times and learned that it had reached people he had not intended to help. The man kept thanking Allah and giving again, and he was told that his charity was accepted and could encourage its recipients to change. Through this story, the khateeb emphasized sincere intentions, gratitude when we feel disappointed, and determination to keep doing good and return to Allah after mistakes. He also encouraged us to notice everyday opportunities for reflection and ask what we can learn from the things that happen to us.

  1. What is something in nature that makes you stop and think about Allah?
  2. What kind thing could you do this week without needing anyone to notice?
  3. When something went wrong recently, what helped you try again?