Power is a trust, not a prize
“Two hungry wolves sent on a flock of sheep are no more destructive to them than a person's desire for wealth and status to his religion.”
Because the desire for wealth and status can quietly corrupt a person's faith, Muslims should treat every form of authority as a trust, avoid chasing it, and welcome accountability when responsibility comes.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Introduces the prophetic analogy comparing desire for wealth and status to two hungry wolves attacking sheep.
- Explains why power and leadership can corrupt, while noting qualified exceptions who fulfill responsibility properly.
- Shows how status changes self-perception, access, ego, and openness to criticism.
- Applies the warning to executives, parents, teachers, community leaders, and people who merely desire proximity to status.
- Concludes with Umar's example of welcoming criticism and urges humility before Allah.
In the khateeb's words
“two hungry wolves sent on a flock of sheep are no more destructive to them than a person's desire for wealth and status to his religion”
“At the beginning, it's sweet, but at the very end, it's bitter.”
“the same constructive criticism that you would welcome, now becomes a tax.”
For the dinner table
Today’s khutbah warned that the desire for wealth, status, and power can quietly harm our faith. Everyone has some authority, whether at work, in a community, or at home, so leadership should be treated as a trust from Allah. Power can change how we see ourselves and make criticism feel like an attack. We should stay humble, seek honest advice, and treat our weaknesses as opportunities to improve. Like Umar, we can use responsibility to serve people rather than to elevate ourselves.
- Where might having responsibility make someone more humble or more proud?
- Who is someone you trust to tell you the truth about your mistakes?
- What is one way we can use our influence to help someone this week?
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