Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 16, 2026.

Success requires fearing Allah fully

“Everything in this life is a test that we must pass.”

The khateeb, at 2:12

In one sentence

The khutbah teaches that life’s blessings and hardships are tests, and success requires fearing Allah fully, learning and obeying His guidance, avoiding sin, and continually increasing good deeds and generosity.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Wealth, children, health, poverty, and family circumstances are tests from Allah.
  2. Fearing Allah as much as one is able means striving to one’s fullest capacity.
  3. Clear prohibitions are absolute, while voluntary spending and good deeds vary by ability.
  4. Listening to Quran and Sunnah requires learning, reflection, and obedience.
  5. Avoiding sins removes obstacles, while good deeds move believers toward Allah’s pleasure.
  6. Generosity and resisting stinginess are presented as a formula for success.
Try this week
Dedicate regular time to learning the Quran and Sunnah.
Reflect on what Allah asks and turn knowledge into obedience.
Avoid clear sins such as lying, killing, stealing, and cheating.
Examine your first charitable impulse and push yourself to give slightly more for Allah’s sake.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“We were created for to know Allah to obey Him to come close to Him So everything in this life is a test that we must pass”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 2:12
“Any knowledge That does not Translate into action Is worthless knowledge It doesn't benefit”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 8:42
“Allah does not Need us Does not need Our money Does not need Our good deeds We are the ones We are the poor ones Who want All of that stuff”
Islamic Center of · West Chicago, IL
Play from 12:07
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that the things we love, especially family, wealth, and health, can all be tests from Allah. We were created to know Allah, obey Him, and draw near to Him, not merely to eat, work, and pass time. Taqwa means avoiding clear wrongs, learning what Allah asks, and turning that knowledge into action. Good deeds move us forward, and generosity helps free us from stinginess. This week, we can study a little, obey what we learn, and try to give or do a little more for Allah.

  1. What is one blessing in your life that could also be a test?
  2. What is one thing you learned that you can put into action?
  3. How could you give or help someone a little more this week?