Gratitude means giving before blessings fade
“We're not only focusing on what we lack and what we need to have and we summarize all of our lives around it.”
True gratitude for Allah's blessings means recognizing them, resisting deprivation-mindedness, and demonstrating thankfulness through generous action before those blessings are taken away.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- The khateeb recalls traveling to Kenya to leave his bubble and observe how others live.
- He describes Muslim life in Malindi and the severe water insecurity facing local families.
- A visit with Zainab illustrates faith and gratitude amid orphanhood, disability, and hardship.
- Surah al-Duha becomes a framework for recognizing Allah's care and serving orphans and those seeking help.
- The sermon distinguishes verbal praise from embodied gratitude demonstrated through action.
- A return with clean water reinforces the choice to remember blessings before they are removed.
In the khateeb's words
“I want to get out of my bubble. I want to be out there. I want to observe. How other people live their lives.”
“Living with a psychology of abundance, not psychology of deprivation. We're not only focusing on what we lack and what we need to have and we summarize all of our lives around it.”
“He said, it comes from the heart, the tongue, and it has to be demonstrated through your actions.”
“I would rather be among the second type of people who I will remind myself with the blessings of Allah and I will show Allah gratitude.”
For the dinner table
The khateeb shared a journey to Kenya that opened his eyes to Muslim communities, poverty, and the struggle for clean water. He told the story of Zainab, a young woman carrying great responsibilities while remaining grateful to Allah and connected to the Quran. Surah al-Duha reminded him that Allah cares for people in hardship and commands us to care for orphans and those who ask for help. The sermon taught that gratitude is more than saying alhamdulillah; it must appear in how we use our health, wealth, and faith. We should notice our blessings now and turn them into help for others.
- What is one blessing we often take for granted at home?
- How could we show gratitude through an action this week?
- What could we share with someone who needs help?
More on Gratitude
ICI · Irving, TX · Oct 24, 2026Thank Allah in ease and hardship“Even in moments of difficulty, when it feels like there's nothing going your way, there is always something to be grateful for.”
Either we're receiving a blessing, which calls for shukr, or we're going through a hardship, which calls for sabr.13:29Al-Ittehad · Vista, CA · Sep 19, 2026Gratitude and patience carry believers through life
Real gratitude is not a feeling.16:14London Muslim Mosque · London, ON · Sep 11, 2026Gratitude means using blessings well