Taqwa means using your gifts well
“Is this the most beneficial way of using my time?”
Taqwa is a practical, self-assessing discipline that grows from avoiding haram and doubtful matters to using Allah’s gifts well, returning after mistakes, and refraining from judging others.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines taqwa as distinguishing halal from haram.
- Explains avoiding doubtful matters that may lead toward haram.
- Presents the highest level as using time, money, talents, and health in the most beneficial ways.
- Emphasizes consistency, self-discipline, repentance, and Allah’s forgiveness after lapses.
- Warns against labeling others and illustrates this through the story of a new Muslim who died in sujood.
- Concludes with supplication for guidance, justice, Islam, and Palestine.
In the khateeb's words
“the people who exercise taqwa at this very elite level are people that would ask themselves is this the most beneficial way of using my time”
“no sin is big enough that Allah cannot forgive my dear brothers and sisters that is something to remember”
“we don't label people you never know in the eyesight of Allah where people are”
“a moment of worship that will bring arrogance to the nafs is worse than a sin that will bring you to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala”
For the dinner table
Taqwa means being aware of Allah and choosing what brings us closer to Him. The khutbah described levels of taqwa, from avoiding what is haram and doubtful to using our time, money, health, and talents in the best ways. Good deeds do not have to be public or impressive; quietly helping family, neighbors, or the mosque can be deeply valuable. Everyone struggles and may make mistakes, but remembering Allah and asking forgiveness keeps the door of return open. We should also avoid judging people, because Allah may see goodness in someone that we cannot see.
- What is one phone habit you could make more beneficial this week?
- What quiet helpful thing could you do for someone without seeking praise?
- Why should we be careful about judging people by how they look?
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness