Ashura calls us to gratitude and truth
“Will we stand up for the truth for our values for our faith for our teachings or will we succumb to pressures for worldly gains?”
The khutbah argues that Ashura should unite gratitude for Allah with remembrance of Imam Hussain's stand against oppression, teaching Muslims to reject power's corruption and uphold truth under pressure.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces Ashura's significance through the Prophet's fasting after learning of Musa's gratitude and recommends fasting around the day.
- Connects Ashura fasting with gratitude expressed through obedience, worship, and reflection on overlooked blessings.
- Explains Hussain's martyrdom at Karbala and the Sunni basis for loving and honoring him.
- Recounts Hussain's refusal to submit to an oppressive demand after offering peaceful alternatives.
- Draws four lessons: avoid lamentation, beware love of power, redefine victory beyond material defeat, and stand for truth.
- Applies the victory lesson to Gaza and closes by asking listeners how they will respond to pressure.
In the khateeb's words
“And so it becomes recommended for Muslims to fast on the day of Ashura and if possible also to fast on the day before or the day after”
“That's how we express our gratitude to Him. That's how Musa alayhi s-salam expressed his gratitude to Allah s.w.t. by designating this day as an annual fast for himself and the Bani Israel.”
“This teaches us the true meaning of victory and glory and success and this is also a lesson that we have learned from our brothers and sisters in Gaza recently.”
“will we stand up for the truth for our values for our faith for our teachings or will we succumb to pressures for worldly gains”
For the dinner table
The khateeb spoke about two reasons Ashura matters: Allah’s rescue of Musa and his people, and the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson Hussain at Karbala. He reminded us that Musa fasted in gratitude and encouraged us to remember our own blessings and thank Allah through worship and obedience. He spoke of love for Hussain and his example of dignity and resistance to oppression. He warned that wanting power can lead people to hurt others, even within families and communities. He also reminded us that true success is about standing for truth and justice, and asked us to consider how we will hold to our faith and values when we face pressure.
- What is one blessing you sometimes forget to thank Allah for, and how could you show gratitude for it?
- When you get to make decisions for others, how can you make sure everyone is treated fairly?
- What could help you stand up for what is right when friends pressure you to do something else?
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