Know yourself to grow in taqwa
“On a theoretical level we might be believers but on a practical level we might be deniers.”
Knowing oneself as a dependent, spiritually journeying human being prevents inherited belief from becoming practical denial and redirects us from judging others toward self-purification through taqwa.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Introduces differing narrations about the Prophet’s birth and asks why prophets were denied.
- Explains that deniers rejected messengers because they judged them by physical human qualities.
- Develops ma'rifatun nafs as a path from knowing oneself to knowing Allah, the Messenger, and the Imam.
- Describes the human being’s spiritual layers and continual dependence on Allah.
- Urges listeners to examine their weaknesses, prejudgments, racism, favoritism, and spiritual condition.
- Defines taqwa as consciously seeking Allah’s pleasure and avoiding His displeasure.
- Uses Imam Ali’s teaching to argue that those who want to lead or teach should begin with themselves.
In the khateeb's words
“Therefore, on a theoretical level we might be believers but on a practical level we might be deniers.”
“Nothing will exist for a second. Not a thought. Not an emotion. Not any level of consciousness or existence can exist without Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
“The one who focuses on themselves Has more rights to be honored Than one who just teaches others”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that faith should not be only something inherited, but something we understand and live from the heart. He explained that we should know ourselves as people on a continuing journey toward Allah, dependent on Him at every moment. This self-knowledge should make us less eager to judge others and more willing to notice our own weaknesses and biases. Taqwa means keeping Allah’s pleasure in mind, and anyone who wants to guide others should begin by reforming themselves.
- What does it mean to be on a journey toward Allah?
- What is one weakness or habit you would like to work on?
- How can we be more careful before judging someone else?
More on Repentance & taqwa
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