Everyday blessings call for gratitude
“They focus on what they're missing rather than focusing on the blessings that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has already given them.”
Recognizing everyday blessings and using them in gratitude to Allah is essential because those blessings are neither guaranteed nor permanent.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Reflects on ordinary blessings such as health, safety, food, sight, hearing, and mobility.
- Warns against comparing oneself with those who have more and encourages noticing those with less.
- Recounts the Prophet, Abu Bakr, and Umar experiencing hunger, followed by an Ansari's generous hospitality.
- Explains that safety, health, and daily food can amount to possessing the whole world, highlighting people suffering in Gaza and elsewhere.
- Defines three pillars of gratitude: acknowledging blessings in the heart, praising Allah with the tongue, and using blessings through one's limbs.
- Urges full attention during the weekly Jumu'ah khutbah and focused worship.
In the khateeb's words
“Many people today complain before they even show gratitude to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. They focus on what they're missing rather than focusing on the blessings that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has already given them.”
“And shukr and being grateful to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is not just about saying alhamdulillah with the tongue and that's it. No. It has pillars.”
“Use the ni'ma that Allah has given you to please Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Do not use it in causes that are displeasing to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah asks us to notice blessings that have become ordinary, such as health, safety, food, sight, hearing, and the ability to walk. It teaches that gratitude begins in the heart, is expressed with the tongue, and is shown by using Allah’s gifts for what pleases Him. The Prophet’s example reminds us that worldly wealth is not a measure of Allah’s love, and that safety, health, and one day’s food are immense blessings. We were also reminded to give Jumu’ah our full attention because we are not promised another Friday.
- What is one blessing you noticed today that you usually treat as normal?
- How can one of your abilities help someone else this week?
- What could help us listen more attentively at Jumu’ah?
More on Gratitude
ICI · Irving, TX · Oct 24, 2026Thank Allah in ease and hardship“Even in moments of difficulty, when it feels like there's nothing going your way, there is always something to be grateful for.”
Either we're receiving a blessing, which calls for shukr, or we're going through a hardship, which calls for sabr.13:29Al-Ittehad · Vista, CA · Sep 19, 2026Gratitude and patience carry believers through life
Real gratitude is not a feeling.16:14London Muslim Mosque · London, ON · Sep 11, 2026Gratitude means using blessings well