Discipline the desires that pull you off course
“We were not created to be distracted by this dunia; we were created to be travelers through this dunia to get to our next destination.”
Believers can stay on Allah's straight path by recognizing and disciplining Shaytan, the commanding nafs, unchecked desires, and attachment to dunya through repentance, Quran, seerah, and purposeful use of time.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Introduces life as a test and identifies Shaytan, the nafs, hawa, and love of dunya as four primary enemies.
- Explains the commanding nafs through examples of arrogance, harsh online speech, envy, group loyalty, and refusing correction.
- Contrasts the reproaching and tranquil souls with Quranic examples of repentance and submission.
- Describes hawa as impulsive desire and hubba dunya as attachment that makes travelers forget their destination.
- Calls listeners to reconnect with the Quran and seerah, understand their prayers, and use limited time purposefully.
- Closes with supplications for guidance, unity, protection, and peace.
In the khateeb's words
“shaitan does not make you do anything shaitan suggests he whispers”
“we were not created to be distracted by this dunia we were created to be travelers through this dunia to get to our next destination”
“let's strive to read at least maybe half a page a day and inshallah with that our heart will be reattached to the quran reattached to our purpose”
For the dinner table
The khateeb reminded us that life is a test, and that Shaytan, the commanding self, our desires, and attachment to dunya can pull us away from Allah. He encouraged us to notice arrogance, envy, harsh online speech, blame, and distraction in our own lives. When we make mistakes, we should admit them, ask forgiveness, and return to Allah rather than defend our pride. We should remember that this world is a journey, not our final home. A practical way forward is to reconnect with the Quran, learn the Prophet's seerah, understand our prayers, and use our limited time well.
- When is it hardest to choose kindness instead of trying to look clever?
- What is one small Quran or seerah habit you could begin this week?
- What helps you remember that this life is a journey, not the final destination?
More on Repentance & taqwa
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