40:28 Don't oppress the…43:07 Talk about the ni'mas…
Qur'an & tafsirFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 16, 2026.

Surah ad-Duha calls for kindness and gratitude

MCC · Akef Habbal

“Talk about the ni'mas that Allah has given you.”

The khateeb, at 43:07

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In one sentence

Surah ad-Duha reassures believers that Allah has not abandoned them and calls them to respond by caring for the vulnerable, speaking kindly, and acknowledging His blessings.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Introduces Surah ad-Duha as reassurance after a pause in revelation and hurtful accusations against the Prophet.
  2. Explains the contrast between daylight and night as a metaphor for changing human conditions and appreciating blessings.
  3. Interprets Allah’s promises of a better Hereafter, continued guidance, and gifts that satisfy the Prophet.
  4. Uses the Prophet’s orphanhood, lack of prior knowledge, and financial circumstances as evidence of Allah’s care.
  5. Applies the surah’s closing commands to caring for orphans, responding gently to those who ask, and speaking about blessings.
  6. Closes with prayers for oppressed Muslims, communal protection, mercy for the deceased, and commitment to salah.
Try this week
Treat orphans kindly, fairly, and without oppression.
Help people who ask for assistance, knowledge, or advice; if unable, respond with kind words and du'a.
Talk about Allah’s blessings, including the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example, shelter, and daily provisions.
Use and appreciate blessings Allah has provided, including appropriate clothing for the masjid and Eid.
Focus on salah.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 93Central text, used to show Allah did not abandon the Prophet and to derive ethical responsibilities toward orphans, askers, and blessings.
Surah 94Recited near the close, reinforcing the connection between hardship, ease, and turning toward Allah.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Don't oppress the orphan. Be kind to the orphan. Be caring. Be fair to the orphan.”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 40:28
“Talk about the ni'mas that Allah has given you. Why always talk about the problems? Talk about the ni'mas.”
MCC · North Park, IL
Play from 43:07
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah centered on Surah ad-Duha, which comforted the Prophet by reminding him that Allah had not abandoned him. Difficult pauses can help us notice and appreciate blessings more deeply. Because Allah cared for the Prophet when he was vulnerable, we should care for orphans and speak gently to people who ask for help. We should also talk about Allah’s blessings, especially the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example, our homes, and daily provisions. The sermon ended with prayers for oppressed Muslims and a reminder to focus on salah.

  1. What blessing do you notice more because you once had to go without it?
  2. How can we make an orphan or someone asking for help feel respected?
  3. What blessing from Allah would you like to talk about this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Muslim Community Center4380 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60641Jumu'ah Khutbah 1:05 PM · Iqamah 1:30 PMKhateebAkef HabbalMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at MCC14 khutbahs
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