Lasting happiness comes from seeking Allah
“Sometimes it's about doing things that aren't the funnest in the world, but they're things that build character, growth.”
Lasting happiness comes not from temporary pleasures, wealth, followers, or achievement, but from accepting hardship, doing good, setting sincere intentions, and seeking Allah’s pleasure.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- A shared iftar illustrates the lasting joy created by kindness and generosity.
- Quranic imagery of a mirage critiques chasing followers, income, and ever-moving worldly goals.
- Hardship is presented as an unavoidable part of life that builds character, including in children.
- Ordinary activities can become worship through sincere intention, while charitable giving requires overcoming hesitation.
- True contentment comes through righteous deeds and detachment from temporary wealth, status, and pleasure.
In the khateeb's words
“He'll remember it years from now, that day where we just did something and we had such a pleasant and joyful meal.”
“And it's just a moving goalpost. They're just pursuing, once I make this salary, once I hit this, I'll be happy. But that goalpost moves over and over again.”
“Life isn't just about having fun. Sometimes it's about doing things that aren't the funnest in the world, but they're things that build character, growth.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that doing good can bring a joy we remember for years, like sharing iftar with a family who had very little to eat. Chasing more followers, money, or possessions can leave us always waiting for the next thing to make us happy. Life also includes difficulties, and even things that are not fun can help us grow in character. Everyday actions, such as eating and working to provide for our family, can earn reward when we do them with good intentions for Allah. We can seek contentment through good deeds in this world while remembering that complete, lasting happiness is in paradise.
- Who could we include in a meal or activity this week, like the family in the iftar story?
- What is something difficult that has helped you grow?
- What good intention could you bring to something you do every day?
The masjids
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