GratitudeFrom the masjid's own video, May 3, 2026.
Gratitude turns trials into closeness
“Make sure you do good deeds before such times come upon you.”
In one sentence
Gratitude to Allah deepens faith and transforms both blessings and hardships into opportunities for closeness to Him, so believers should cultivate shukr and good deeds before trials arrive.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Warns believers to perform good deeds before trials can threaten their faith.
- Presents gratitude and supplication as core components of every act of worship.
- Explains that divine increase through gratitude primarily means greater faith, understanding, and capacity for further gratitude.
- Shows how gratitude helps believers see hardships as opportunities to turn to Allah.
- Contrasts gratitude with ingratitude, which can make blessings such as faith and parents feel like obstacles.
- Urges closeness to Allah, gratitude, patience, participation in religious programs, and charitable support.
Try this week
Perform good deeds and strengthen worship before trials arrive.
Practice gratitude with the heart, tongue, and actions by recognizing Allah’s blessings.
Pray two rak'ahs of salat al-shukr after something good happens.
Turn to Allah through salat al-hajah when difficulties arise, while maintaining patience.
Register for the upcoming retreat and relevant educational programs.
Donate to Islamic Relief’s water and sanitation effort for people in Damascus.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 1Presented as combining praise and gratitude with supplication.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“So Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam is giving the same comparison. That make sure you do good deeds before such times come upon you, such trials and challenges come before you, that you will only realize after it's too late.”
“Whereas a person views that this is a ni'mah of Allah, a reminder, an opportunity for me to turn to Allah.”
“Those who praise Allah s.w.t. in good times and bad times, in prosperity and poverty, in fortunate situations and unfortunate situations.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us to prepare our hearts before difficult trials arrive. True gratitude is not only saying thank you for wealth or comfort; it also means recognizing Allah’s blessings in faith, understanding, and even difficult experiences. When something good happens, we should turn to Allah with gratitude, and when hardship comes, we should respond with patience and prayer. Staying close to Allah helps us see life’s blessings clearly and keeps blessings from becoming obstacles.
- What is one blessing you sometimes overlook?
- How could you turn a recent difficulty into a chance to pray or grow?
- What is one way our family can show shukr this week?
Keep listening
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