Resist greed, desire, and arrogance
“These three destroyers are real and they happen every day.”
The khutbah argues that greed, unchecked desire, and arrogance are three destructive forces Muslims must resist through self-accountability, humility, and reliance on Allah.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Defines shuh as greed that combines withholding what one owns with envy of others.
- Warns against blindly following desires and urges restraint through accountability before Allah.
- Uses Malik ibn Dinar, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Yusuf as examples of resisting temptation.
- Explains arrogance through examples of the Prophet and Umar practicing humility.
- Applies the three destroyers to families, communities, and nations, then closes with supplication and a funeral dua.
In the khateeb's words
“you have no idea where you're going to end up but you just follow blindly”
“these three destroyers are real and they happen every day they happen within families they happen within communities and they even happen amongst nations”
For the dinner table
The khutbah warns us about three heart-destroyers: greed, desires that we follow blindly, and arrogance. Greed is more than being stingy; it can mean wanting what others have and wishing they would lose it. The khateeb reminded us that Yusuf chose prison over sin, and that people like Umar trained themselves to resist temptation and humble their hearts. We are encouraged to remember that we will stand before Allah, and to ask Him to purify our hearts and improve our behavior. At home, we can help one another notice these habits gently and choose generosity, self-control, and humility.
- What is one desire you could practice pausing before you follow?
- What is a humble action you could take this week?
- How can we show generosity when someone else has something we want?
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