0:05 Allah is greater than…8:39 What that means is…9:54 The difficulty and the…
Hajj, Umrah & EidFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 3, 2026.

Allah's mercy carries us through hardship

MCC East Bay · Ibrahim Qureshi

“The difficulty and the pain itself is a mercy, because it forgives our sins.”

The khateeb, at 9:54

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In one sentence

Eid should be celebrated with confident gratitude because Allah’s mercy accompanies hardship, opens many doors of forgiveness, and ultimately carries believers from worldly struggle to the everlasting joy of Paradise.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Begins with takbir, praise, and the recurring cycle of ease, hardship, and renewed joy.
  2. Connects Eid al-Fitr, Jumu'ah, and Eid al-Adha to forgiveness and divine reward.
  3. Uses prophetic teachings to argue that Paradise depends on Allah's mercy rather than deeds alone.
  4. Applies the theme of mercy to Palestine, deportations, economic strain, parenting, and digital temptations.
  5. Explains hardship as possible expiation and purification, then introduces life's final Eid: entering Jannah.
  6. Lists doors of forgiveness and urges remembrance, hope, celebration, and trust in Allah's mercy.
Try this week
Do not fast on Eid al-Adha or the following three days; eat, drink, and celebrate.
Use dhikr, takbir, dua, and remembrance of Allah to turn toward His mercy.
Follow an evil deed with a good deed.
Make dua for another person's forgiveness.
Attend weekly Jumu'ah and observe recommended fasts such as Arafah and Ashura when their days come.
Shake hands with fellow believers as a gesture of fellowship and forgiveness.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 10:58Allah’s bounty and mercy are presented as the proper basis for rejoicing.
Quran 94:5-6Every difficulty is accompanied by ease, supporting hope amid suffering.
Quran 7:172The primordial covenant frames life as a return to recognition of Allah’s lordship.
Quran 69:24Paradise is pictured as an everlasting celebration for past worldly deeds.
Quran 39:53Believers are told not to despair because Allah forgives sins.
Quran 57:16Believers are urged to soften their hearts through Allah’s remembrance.
Quran 5:3Eid is linked to the completion of religion and Allah’s blessing.
Sahih al-BukhariParadise is entered through Allah’s mercy, not deeds alone.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Allah is greater than the blessings that He bestows on us. He has much more than He gives.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 0:05
“What that means is with every difficulty, there are two eases that come.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 8:39
“The difficulty and the pain itself is a mercy, because it forgives our sins.”
MCC East Bay · Pleasanton, CA
Play from 9:54
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Eid is a time to thank Allah and celebrate His mercy. The khutbah reminds us that life moves through ease and hardship, but hardship can also cleanse sins and carry hidden mercy. We should not let our mistakes make us despair, because Allah has opened many doors of forgiveness through prayer, remembrance, good deeds, fasting, and sincere dua. Today we eat, drink, remember Allah, and celebrate with hope that He forgives us. This celebration points toward the lasting joy of Paradise, where believers will see their Lord.

  1. What is one hard thing that might contain a hidden mercy?
  2. Which door of forgiveness could you practice this week?
  3. How can our Eid celebration show gratitude to Allah?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Community Center East Bay5724 W Las Positas Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94588KhateebIbrahim QureshiMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at MCC East Bay71 khutbahs
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