Gratitude is proven by how we live
“Do we want to be the people that are remembered by Allah no matter what people think?”
Human life is brief, and our desire to be remembered finds true fulfillment by gratefully living Allah's guidance so that He, rather than people, remembers and accepts our striving.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Frames human life against the vastness of time and our longing to be known.
- Explains Surah al-Insan's two paths: gratitude for guidance or ingratitude toward it.
- Uses a neglected bicycle analogy to show that gratitude is proven by action, not words.
- Connects sincere service, especially feeding those in need, with seeking Allah's acceptance rather than public thanks.
- Calls listeners to review their past and present choices and choose Allah's remembrance over fleeting human fame.
In the khateeb's words
“Do we take that Quran and spend time with it? Do we spend time to understand what it is for us that many of us that don't understand the Arabic of what Allah is asking of us?”
“That same shukr, that same gratitude is not measured by our words, but is measured by our actions.”
“When Allah will say to us, "Wa Sa'yukum Mashkoora" That your striving have been appreciated.”
“Do we want to be people that are forgotten by Allah and remembered by people? for a short period of time? Or do we want to be the people that are remembered by Allah no matter what people think?”
For the dinner table
Allah created every person with a deep desire to be seen, known, and remembered. The khutbah teaches that our short lives are a journey toward either gratitude for Allah's guidance or rejection of it. Real gratitude is not only saying Alhamdulillah; it means spending time with the Quran, learning from the Prophet's example, and acting on that guidance. We should honestly review how we spend our time and serve others sincerely, without needing their praise. The greatest recognition is that Allah accepts and remembers our striving.
- What is one way we can show gratitude through our actions this week?
- Would you rather be remembered by many people or remembered by Allah, and why?
- How can we help someone without needing them to thank us?
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