13:39 Deen of Islam is…26:56 The one That does not…
GratitudeFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 9, 2025.

Islam is a gift worth appreciating

Middle Ground

“The one that does not thank Allah also does not thank people.”

The khateeb, at 26:56

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The khutbah argues that Islam is a precious gift of Allah’s guidance, so believers should appreciate it through certainty, consistent practice, gratitude to those who helped them, and conduct that reflects faith.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Revisits the straight path as Allah’s path, requiring guidance and avoiding competing paths.
  2. Explores whether Muslims appreciate Islam as Allah’s gift rather than treating family background or language as the reason for faith.
  3. Uses the Prophet’s relationship with Abu Talib to show that family influence does not guarantee guidance.
  4. Draws from Surah al-Hujurat to describe believers as certain, committed, and willing to struggle with wealth and themselves.
  5. Warns that Muslims do not do Allah a favor by accepting Islam; guidance is Allah’s favor and may be given to others.
  6. Closes by urging gratitude in conduct and prayer, including thanks to family, friends, and teachers.
Try this week
Treat Islam as a lifelong commitment through consistent prayer, fasting, obedience, and following the Prophet.
Let appreciation for guidance show in manners and interactions with family, neighbors, strangers, and Allah.
Thank Allah and the family members, friends, and teachers who helped guide you.
When asking for guidance in salah, also remember gratitude for the gift of Islam.
Make dua for teachers who have passed away and ask Allah to reward them.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 1The repeated prayer for guidance to the straight path frames the sermon’s central question.
Surah 49The believers’ certainty, struggle, and Allah’s favor of guidance support the call to appreciate Islam.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Deen of Islam is special Your religion is special The one that Allah Chose for you”
Middle Ground · Upland, CA
Play from 13:39
“The one That does not Thank Allah Also does not Thank people”
Middle Ground · Upland, CA
Play from 26:56
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Imam Marc Manley reminded us that the straight path we ask Allah for in prayer is a precious gift. Our family can help nurture our faith, but guidance ultimately comes from Allah, and each of us needs to appreciate it personally. He encouraged us to take our choices seriously today instead of putting off good actions until we are older. Appreciation for Islam should show in our kindness, generosity, and relationships with Allah and other people. He also urged us to thank the family members, friends, and teachers who helped our faith grow, and to make dua for those who have passed away.

  1. What is one kind action you could do tomorrow to show gratitude for your faith?
  2. Who has helped you learn about Islam, and how could you thank them?
  3. What is something you could share with someone else this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Middle Ground Muslim Center870 N Mountain Ave, Suite 102, Upland, CA 91786Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:00 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at Middle Ground29 khutbahs
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