Prepare for the Hereafter, not worldly success
“People spend their life in garbage.”
Because life is a test ending in accountability before Allah, believers should maintain taqwa, repent when they slip, and use their knowledge and lives to benefit others rather than chase worldly success for themselves.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with prayers for the deceased, sick, oppressed, and those facing mental or social hardship.
- Uses Surah al-Hashr to call for taqwa, self-accounting, remembrance of Allah, and awareness of the Hereafter.
- Explains human forgetfulness through Adam’s mistake, repentance, and returning to Allah after Shaytan’s temptation.
- Contrasts worldly distraction and failure with the irreversible consequences of failing in the Hereafter.
- Encourages children to study, limit social media, set goals, and use knowledge for the benefit of others.
- Warns against selfish wealth-seeking through examples of Qarun, Pharaoh, the garden owner, and James Howells, then closes with prayers.
In the khateeb's words
“They lived for others. They did not live for themselves.”
“People spend their life in garbage. Digging in their garbage in their life. Thinking that they are winning.”
“Some people have died, yet their virtues lives forever. Others are alive yet among people, but they are as good as dead.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah reminded us that life is a test and that we should stay aware of Allah in every part of our lives. We should regularly ask what we are preparing for the Hereafter and remember that the door of repentance remains open while we are alive. The speaker warned against living only for money, power, phones, or ourselves, and encouraged us to study, set good goals, and use our knowledge to benefit others. A meaningful life is one that brings goodness and happiness to people, leaving behind virtues that continue after we die. We can begin this week by turning back to Allah after mistakes and doing one helpful thing for someone else.
- What is one good thing we can prepare for the Hereafter this week?
- How can we use something we know to help another person?
More on Repentance & taqwa
First, practice humility by accepting correction.28:46Worcester Islamic Center · Worcester, MA · Oct 31, 2026Arrogance hardens the heart against guidance
2:40Islamic Association of · Flower Mound, TX · Oct 24, 2026Repentance begins a life of self-discipline“Whilst you are alive, whilst you are reading, whilst you are even sitting in the masjid now, you can do Tawba with Allah.”
I want to be quick to apologize.29:24Lighthouse · Temescal · North Oakland, CA · Oct 17, 2026Move steadily in life, rush to forgiveness