Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 16, 2025.

Purify your soul for true success

“Every day you have to evaluate yourself.”

The khateeb, at 26:52

In one sentence

True success comes from purifying the heart and soul through taqwa, self-control, remembrance, repentance, and balanced use of worldly life, leading to tranquility and Paradise.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces taqwa as the believer’s best preparation for the Hereafter.
  2. Defines purification of the soul as the true measure of success.
  3. Explains the nafs, shaitan, and attachment to dunya as enemies of spiritual purification.
  4. Urges daily self-evaluation, dhikr, repentance, and resistance to sinful progression.
  5. Teaches that worldly blessings should serve the Hereafter without becoming dominating attachments.
  6. Describes purification’s rewards: tranquility, steadfastness, Paradise, and closeness to Allah.
Try this week
Perform daily muhasabah, or self-evaluation.
Remember Allah regularly through dhikr.
Repent and seek forgiveness promptly after sinning.
Control the nafs and resist following sinful desires.
Use worldly blessings to pursue the Hereafter while fulfilling family responsibilities.
Make dua for sick community members and deceased loved ones.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Not our wealth. Not our fame. Not how many followers we have. Not how much we acquire. In this dunya. This is not the criteria for success.”
Masjid Al Ansar · Jamaica, NY
Play from 14:18
“So every day. You have to do that. Muhasabah. Self. Evaluation. So it's. Every day. You have to evaluate yourself.”
Masjid Al Ansar · Jamaica, NY
Play from 26:52
“In this world you live a peaceful and tranquil life. You wouldn't have to stress for anything.”
Masjid Al Ansar · Jamaica, NY
Play from 35:35
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that real success is not measured by wealth, fame, followers, or possessions. It comes from purifying our hearts and souls and growing closer to Allah. The speaker identifies three enemies of the soul: our uncontrolled desires, shaitan, and excessive attachment to dunya. We should evaluate ourselves each day, remember Allah, repent after mistakes, and use worldly blessings to prepare for the Hereafter. A purified soul brings peace in this life and, by Allah’s mercy, Paradise in the next.

  1. What is one worldly blessing you could use for a good purpose this week?
  2. What helps you remember Allah when you feel tempted or distracted?
  3. What is one question you could ask yourself during muhasabah?