Raise children to pursue higher goals
The khutbah argues that Muslims should replace small, purely worldly ambitions with expansive aspirations centered on Allah's pleasure, the highest Jannah, beneficial knowledge, family formation, and service to the ummah.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Frames Muslim aspiration through Qur'anic pursuit of forgiveness and Paradise, the heart hadith, and the dua for good in both worlds.
- Contrasts ordinary goals, wealth, comfort, careers, and status, with aspirations for personal, family, communal, and ummah-wide good.
- Uses Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, Mus'ab, Abdul Malik, and Urwa to show how lofty ambitions can shape lives, scholarship, and sacrifice.
- Recounts Urwa's grief, amputation, and devotion, then Baqi ibn Makhlad's journey from Andalus to Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
- Draws on Umm 'Umara, Rabi'a ibn Ka'b, and Imam al-Shafi'i to elevate companionship with the Prophet in Jannah and lifelong learning.
- Calls families to ask children about their aspirations, share exemplary Muslim stories, nurture love of Islam, and sacrifice comfort for higher goals.
In the khateeb's words
“Because we're not a unit alone, we're a community together.”
“My aspiration is one day I just want to become a scholar of Qur'an”
“The language has to change in our homes. What are we aspiring for? Make a hafidh in your family.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb asked us to think bigger than comfort, money, status, or a pleasant lifestyle. A Muslim's highest hopes should include Allah's pleasure, beneficial knowledge, service to the ummah, and companionship with the Prophet in Jannah. He used stories of scholars and companions to show that serious aspirations require patience, sacrifice, and steady worship. At home, parents should ask children what they hope for, share the lives of exemplary Muslims, and nurture any love they develop for Islam. The message is to let our dreams shape a family and community that reaches for the hereafter while doing good in this world.
- What is one big goal you would ask Allah for in sujood?
- Which Muslim person's story would you like our family to learn together?
- How can our family help someone else this week?
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