Spiritual survival starts with taqwa
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has revealed this last revelation in a way that would make it breaking news of complete relevance all the way to the day of judgment.”
In an age of accelerating fitna and the approaching signs of the Last Hour, Muslims achieve spiritual survival through taqwa, trust in Allah, and a ten-point divine formula drawn from Surah Ash-Shura.
The khutbah in 8 steps
- Opening praise and Surah al-Talaq 65:2-3: whoever has taqwa, Allah makes a way out
- The world's uncertainty and the feeling that an apocalypse is at the doorstep (red sky over Toronto)
- Hadith of Abu Zayd Amr ibn al-Akhtab: the Prophet's day-long address about the future
- Signs of the Hour hadith: time draws close, knowledge decreases, fitna and greed spread, al-haraj (killing) increases
- Modern evidence: AI replacing real knowledge, corruption in sport, five men owning half of humanity's wealth, Doomsday Clock at 85 seconds
- Physical survival vs spiritual survival; Quran given for tadabbur, not just tilawah
- Ten-point spiritual survival kit from Surah Ash-Shura 42:36-39, explained point by point
- Closing duas for the Ummah, Al-Aqsa, the sick, and the oppressed
In the khateeb's words
“As to what follows, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has revealed this last revelation in a way that would make it breaking news of complete relevance all the way to the day of judgment.”
“And now, with recent calculations, they estimate there is five men who own as much property and wealth as half of humanity.”
“And now the scientists said, there are 85 seconds left before midnight.”
“If you see people acting like wolves. Don't become a sheep. And if you see people acting like sheep. Don't become a wolf.”
For the dinner table
Sheikh Abdullah Hakim Quick reminded us that we are living in intense times, wars, greed, and confusion are increasing, and even the sky can make us wonder if the end is near. He said the most important survival kit we have is not food or supplies in the woods, but the spiritual formula Allah gave us in the Qur'an. That means remembering this world is temporary, keeping true faith, avoiding major sins and immorality, controlling our anger by forgiving, responding to Allah's guidance, praying regularly, consulting each other, giving in charity, and standing up against oppression. He especially warned us not to let divisions split our families and communities, and not to become passive sheep when others act like wolves. May Allah give us the strength to survive these times spiritually and to protect one another with dignity and faith.
- What does it mean to you that this world is temporary, and what are you working toward that will last forever?
- Can you think of a time when staying calm instead of getting angry actually made you stronger?
- If you see someone being treated unfairly, what is one brave but kind way a Muslim can stand up for them?
The masjid
More on Repentance & taqwa
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