Taqwa helps us choose lasting good
“The most important thing for us as human beings is to find out what is lasting, what is eternally good for us.”
Worldly desires are natural and permissible, but taqwa (God-consciousness) is what lets believers weigh this life against the lasting reward of the hereafter, which is what truly matters.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Worldly provision and desires are legitimate but must not become life's primary focus
- Everything in this world will be left behind; seek what is eternally good
- Surah Al-Imran 3:15, Allah offers something better: gardens, purified spouses, and His approval for people of taqwa
- Taqwa gives the ability to discern between this world and the next
- 3:16-17, the qualities of the saved: seeking forgiveness, patience, truthfulness, devotion, spending for Allah, pre-dawn prayers
- Practical exhortation: establish fajr and isha in the masjid; sisters should not be slack about prayers at home
- Closing: read Surah Al-Imran 14-18 and do not let desires dominate
- (Recording continues through congregational prayer and community announcements)
In the khateeb's words
“Everything you're going to have to leave behind.”
“So, the most important thing for us as human beings is to find out what is lasting, what is eternally good for us.”
“And he lays out a list of the things that primarily is to have the fear of Allah because if you fear Allah, then you'll be able to weigh the things of this world and the next.”
“But I'm advising everyone of you who live anywhere near a masjid to do everything that you can to establish the fajr and the isha in the masjid.”
For the dinner table
Today the imam taught us that wanting nice things is not wrong, Allah put those desires in us, but they should never become the center of our lives. He reminded us that nothing we own goes with us when we die, so the real prize is the hereafter. The key to keeping things in balance is taqwa, being mindful of Allah, which helps us choose what is lasting over what only looks good now. He also highlighted the qualities that get people there: patience, truthfulness, obedience, generosity, and asking forgiveness before dawn. Finally, he encouraged everyone, especially the men, to pray Fajr and Isha in the masjid when possible, and told sisters not to be slack about prayer at home. The whole khutbah was a call to keep our eyes on Allah, ask for His protection, and prepare to meet Him.
- What is one thing you really want that you know you cannot take with you?
- How can we help each other remember Allah before the day gets busy?
- What does 'something better' mean to you?
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