Leave sins for Allah's sake
“We're doing it for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
A believer should abandon sins and harmful habits sincerely for Allah's sake, trusting that Allah may replace what is left with something better while valuing His pleasure above worldly gain.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Explains the hadith qudsi distinction between abandoning a sin for Allah and being prevented from committing it.
- Teaches that Allah may replace what is surrendered with worldly or spiritual good, but intention must be Allah's pleasure.
- Illustrates the principle through the emigrants to Medina and Suhaib al-Rumi sacrificing wealth.
- Uses the shepherd's story to stress Allah's omniscience and accountability.
- Calls listeners to give up habits such as smoking, harmful media, excessive scrolling, and unlawful earnings.
In the khateeb's words
“Rather we're doing it for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. And then Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will take care of the rest.”
“The fact that the Creator of the heavens and earth, my own Creator, that a fact that I know that He's pleased with me, will outweigh anything else.”
“Not expecting the replacement, waiting for that replacement. But doing it for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala to please Him.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that when we leave a sin sincerely for Allah, that choice itself is rewarded. Being unable to commit the sin is different from choosing to walk away from it out of fear and love of Allah. Allah may replace what we give up with something better, including peace of heart or blessings in this life and the next. Stories of the early Muslims show that Allah's pleasure is worth more than money or comfort. We are encouraged to examine habits such as smoking, harmful media, excessive scrolling, and unlawful earnings, and give up what displeases Allah.
- What is one screen habit you could give up for Allah this week?
- How can we remember Allah when we are tempted to do something wrong?
- What matters more than getting something back after making a sacrifice?
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