Humility must begin in the heart
“This quality, my dear brothers and sisters, is the quality of tawadu'a, humility.”
The khutbah argues that genuine humility (tawadu‘), beginning in the heart and expressed through humble conduct, is essential to faith and should be cultivated through knowledge, self-examination, humble service, and dua.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Defines tawadu‘ as not seeing oneself as better than others, distinguishing it from weakness or lack of ambition.
- Uses Surah al-Furqan and hadith warnings to connect humility with Paradise and arrogance with Hellfire.
- Explains how arrogance can arise from wealth, family, appearance, knowledge, religious status, or judging others’ sins.
- Emphasizes that humility must begin inwardly before it appears in behavior.
- Illustrates humility through the Prophet’s participation in digging Khandaq, unassuming gatherings, and service to vulnerable people.
- Recommends learning, self-assessment, humble tasks, and regular prayers for humility and protection from arrogance.
In the khateeb's words
“This quality, my dear brothers and sisters, is the quality of tawadu'a, humility.”
“Not to see yourself, to look at yourself. better than anyone.”
“and see am I really mutawadah, humble? or maybe I'm pretending.”
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah was about tawadu'a, or humility: not thinking we are better than other people. The khateeb reminded us that real humility begins in our hearts and then shows in our actions. Our money, knowledge, background, or another person's mistakes should never become reasons to look down on someone. He described how the Prophet worked alongside his companions, showing that leadership includes serving others. We can grow in humility by learning from good examples, honestly examining ourselves, helping with ordinary tasks, and asking Allah to protect us from arrogance.
- What is one helpful job you could do this week that you usually leave for someone else?
- When you notice someone making a mistake, how could you respond without feeling better than them?
- What could help you stay humble when someone praises you?
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