Turn to Allah in hardship
“The only one that can change our destiny, our fate, is Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
Allah hears, sees, and knows every hardship, so believers should openly and firmly turn to Him in dua while calmly advocating for themselves and seeking appropriate support.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces the case of a woman harmed by her husband's zihar statement.
- Explains how Surah al-Mujadalah affirmed that Allah heard her private pleading.
- Draws lessons about opening one's heart to Allah during hardship.
- Uses Zakariya's dua to show that believers must actively seek Allah's help.
- Encourages firm dua, calm self-advocacy, and seeking help from people without treating them as the ultimate solution.
- Concludes by urging listeners to trust Allah's response and praying for oppressed communities.
In the khateeb's words
“But that should not be the final place we go. Ultimately, the only one that can change our destiny, our fate, is Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
“Go make dua to Allah s.w.t with your heart opened. And Allah s.w.t will return your hands back with goodness.”
“She didn't just say, okay, khalas. If he can't help me, who's going to help me? She didn't say that. She said, okay, I take my complaint to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
“You are not going to be able to make Allah do anything. He is our creator. But ask Him firmly knowing that everything comes from Him.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb told us about a woman who brought her painful situation to the Prophet Muhammad and poured out her heart to Allah. Through her story, he reminded us that Allah hears us and knows the feelings that other people cannot see. He encouraged us to speak honestly to Allah about our worries and needs, asking Him firmly for help. He also said that talking to family, friends, or a therapist can be helpful and important, alongside turning to Allah. The woman's example reminds us to speak up for ourselves, stay calm during difficulties, and keep building our relationship with Allah through dua.
- What is something on your heart that you would like to ask Allah for help with?
- How can our family help someone feel heard when they are upset?
- What could speaking up calmly look like when someone treats you unfairly?
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