19:14 That we should be…24:13 However, I want us to…24:54 Number one, does Allah…
Youth & educationFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 15, 2026.

Put Allah first in career choices

Al-Hidaya · Ridwhan Sebkhaoui

“This thing I'm going to do, this field I'm going to enter, this career, whatever I'm going to busy myself with, does Allah love it?”

The khateeb, at 24:54

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

When choosing education, a career, or any major use of time, Muslims should prioritize whether the path is loved and permitted by Allah while still considering aptitude, enjoyment, and halal income.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Opens with a reminder to cultivate taqwa and keep Allah present in every moment.
  2. Uses the approaching school season to frame decisions about education, careers, and major commitments.
  3. Reviews common criteria: personal interest, ability, and financial prospects.
  4. Affirms that pursuing halal income, comfort, and self-sufficiency is permissible.
  5. Reorders the decision framework by beginning with whether Allah loves and permits the chosen path.
Try this week
Before choosing a field, career, or major commitment, ask whether it is halal and pleasing to Allah.
Set the right intention when pursuing education or income.
Seek halal provision and ask Allah for self-sufficiency rather than dependence on others.
Parents and students should discuss the spiritual criteria behind educational and career choices.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 1The opening recitation and reminder frame Jumu'ah around remembering Allah and cultivating taqwa.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“That we should be afraid of Allah and His punishment and be hopeful and loving in His reward.”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 19:14
“However, I want us to reconsider, number one, the order of these factors. And I want us to think there may be more important factors to consider.”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 24:13
“Number one, does Allah love it? This thing I'm going to do, this field I'm going to enter, this career, whatever I'm going to busy myself with, does Allah love it?”
Al-Hidaya · Latham, NY
Play from 24:54
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

As the school year approaches, the khateeb asks Muslims to think carefully about what they will give their time to, whether education, a career, or another major commitment. Seeking knowledge matters in Islam, but choosing a path should involve more than what we enjoy, what we are good at, or how much money it may bring. Halal income and comfort are permissible, and the Prophet's teachings encourage asking Allah for lawful provision and self-sufficiency. The first and most important question is whether Allah loves and permits the path. We should make these decisions with taqwa, keeping Allah in our hearts and choosing with the right intention.

  1. What is one thing you are good at or enjoy, and how could it serve a purpose Allah loves?
  2. How can we tell whether a source of income is halal and pursued with the right intention?
  3. What does keeping Allah in your heart look like when making a big school or career decision?
Where it was given

The masjid

Al-Hidaya Center of Latham322 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110Jumu'ah 12:00 PM & 1:30 PMKhateebRidwhan SebkhaouiMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Al-Hidaya53 khutbahs
Keep listening

More on Youth & education

All on this topic
Muhammadi Masjid · Elmont, NY · Sep 25, 2026Parents must teach Islam at home“You have to save yourself and then you have to save your family from the fire of Jahannam.”It starts at home by presenting the real role model for our children.29:05TARIC · Downsview, ON · Oct 31, 2026Parents shape their children's faithICOPS · Lynnwood, WA · Oct 17, 2026Parents must teach children Islam