Gratitude means using blessings in obedience
“Allah gave us all of these blessings that we didn't ask for.”
True gratitude means recognizing Allah’s existing blessings and using them in obedience, as modeled by the prophets, rather than thanking Him only for newly received desires.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the prophets as spiritual benchmarks and identifies gratitude as Ibrahim’s defining quality.
- Contrasts gratitude for desired outcomes with appreciating unasked-for blessings such as faith, safety, health, and family.
- Uses the Prophet Muhammad’s worship and manners to portray gratitude as devoted servitude.
- Explains that gratitude means using Allah’s blessings in ways that please Him and avoiding sinful use.
- Presents gratitude’s benefits: Allah’s pleasure, protection from punishment, and increased blessings.
- Warns that Shaytan targets human ingratitude and concludes with a parable about endless comparison and wanting more.
In the khateeb's words
“but not once do we ever make or think about the fact that Allah gave us all of these blessings that we didn't ask for”
“should i not then be a slave who's grateful should i not then be a slave who's appreciative”
“what gratitude is this and what is gratitude that you live your life using those blessings how Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala wanted you to use those blessings”
“you will not find majority of them to be grateful you will not find majority of them to be thankful you will not find majority of them to be appreciative”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah teaches that gratitude is a defining quality of the prophets, especially Ibrahim, who remained grateful despite severe tests. We often thank Allah only after receiving what we want, but we should also notice everyday blessings we never requested, such as sight, safety, faith, family, and the ability to pray. True gratitude means using Allah’s gifts in ways that please Him, not using them for sin. The Prophet Muhammad modeled this through deep worship and asked whether he should not be a grateful servant. We should resist constant comparison and practice thankfulness for what we already have.
- What is one blessing you used today that you usually forget to thank Allah for?
- How could we use one family blessing in a way that pleases Allah this week?
- What helps you stop comparing what you have with what someone else has?
More on Gratitude
ICI · Irving, TX · Oct 24, 2026Thank Allah in ease and hardship“Even in moments of difficulty, when it feels like there's nothing going your way, there is always something to be grateful for.”
Either we're receiving a blessing, which calls for shukr, or we're going through a hardship, which calls for sabr.13:29Al-Ittehad · Vista, CA · Sep 19, 2026Gratitude and patience carry believers through life
Real gratitude is not a feeling.16:14London Muslim Mosque · London, ON · Sep 11, 2026Gratitude means using blessings well