Turn to Allah before using worldly means
“Before anything else, always turn to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and seek His assistance alone.”
Believers should make Allah their first and constant source of help while using worldly means, because this strengthens faith, protects from sin and disappointment, and produces worshipful, respectful speech.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces isti'ana, seeking Allah's help, as central to worship and daily life.
- Explains that doctors, jobs, and other means work only by Allah's will, illustrated through Ibrahim and the fire.
- Uses prophetic teachings to urge fulfilling obligations, asking Allah first, and reciting a dua after every salah.
- Shows that dependence on Allah protects against disappointment, sin, arrogance, and showing off.
- Applies isti'ana to character by urging listeners to avoid cursing, speak good, remain silent when necessary, and remember Allah.
- Closes with prayers for suffering Muslims, especially in Palestine and Gaza, followed by congregational prayer.
In the khateeb's words
“But the mu'min, he's first and foremost, iyyaka na'abudu wa iyyaka nasta'inu. Before anything else, always turn to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and seek His assistance alone.”
“The more your connection builds with Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, the more your heart becomes attached to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, the less it will be attached to the dunya. And the less disappointed you will be.”
“Because if we were left to our own desires, we might fall into the sin. So always going back to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah reminded us that Allah is the first One we should turn to for help. Doctors, jobs, schools, and other people can be useful means, but Allah is the One who gives those means their effect. Trusting Him can keep our hearts from being controlled by money, disappointment, temptation, or pride. We were also reminded to ask Allah for good character, avoid cursing and foul speech, speak good or remain silent, and keep our tongues busy with remembrance.
- What is one problem this week where we can ask Allah for help before turning to other solutions?
- What words make our home feel kinder, and what words should we practice leaving out?
- Which short dhikr or dua from the khutbah would you like to remember after salah?
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