Disasters are warnings to return to Allah

The recent earthquakes, floods, heat waves, and fires are warning signs from Allah meant to wake believers from heedlessness, so we must repent, prepare for death and the Day of Judgment, and return to Allah before it is too late.

The khutbah in 8 steps

1. Opening dua for the oppressed, then framing: Allah sends signs as warnings (takhwif) before death surprises us
2. Recent disasters (earthquakes, floods, deadly heat waves) as calls to self-reflection: have we taken heed or are we still heedless?
3. Tafsir of 'the warner (an-nadheer)': the Prophet, gray hair, funerals, and cosmic events all remind us of the Hereafter
4. The Prophet's example at the solar eclipse: rushing to prayer, dua, and istighfar rather than entertainment
5. Earthquakes as a preview of Surah az-Zalzalah and the terror of the Day of Judgment, which made the sahaba weep
6. Extreme heat and fires (Europe, North Africa, Canada) as reminders of the sun drawing near and people drowning in their sweat on Judgment Day
7. Floods: water, the source of life, becomes a means of destruction by Allah's power, as with Fir'aun
8. Death comes unannounced to young and old; a brother who prepares bodies reports most recent deaths are people in their 20s-30s; call to sincere tawba and solidarity with Palestine