Mercy should guide every relationship
“You are not merciful? There is no mercy going to come to you.”
Rahmah, or mercy, is a defining Islamic quality that Muslims should cultivate toward themselves, their families, and others, especially during difficulty and anger.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Defines rahmah as caring, sharing, giving, and protecting, rooted in the imagery of the womb.
- Explains Allah’s general mercy and special mercy for believers through Qur’anic passages.
- Applies mercy to oneself through balanced worship, rest, and seeking financial well-being.
- Applies mercy to children and spouses through affection, generosity, and rejecting abuse.
- Concludes that true strength is controlling oneself during anger.
In the khateeb's words
“Caring, sharing, giving, protecting for nothing. This is ar-rahmah, simply isn't it?”
“You worship Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, which is great. So, you feel tired. Go and sleep.”
“The one who does not give mercy, he will never take. You are not merciful? There is no mercy going to come to you.”
“The strong man, the Prophet is describing, is not the man who has big muscle. It's the one who can control himself in the time of anger.”
For the dinner table
The khutbah presents rahmah, or mercy, as a tenderness that becomes caring, sharing, giving, and protecting. It says Allah’s mercy reaches all creation and is especially connected with believers, while Prophet Muhammad modeled compassion and gentleness. We are asked to begin with ourselves by worshipping within our capacity, resting when tired, and not treating poverty as a virtue to seek. At home, mercy means affection and generosity toward children and spouses, especially during conflict, and never insulting or physically harming one another. The sermon closes by teaching that real strength is controlling ourselves when angry.
- Where could you show rahmah at home this weekend?
- What is one kind way to respond when a family member makes you angry?
- How can you take care of yourself while still doing your responsibilities?
More on Character & conduct
The strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.10:16Masjid Al-Noor · Waterloo, IA · Oct 31, 2026Control anger before it causes harm
Peer pressure is an issue that is just as applicable to adults as it is to children.5:08The Rayyan Center · Plymouth, MI · Oct 31, 2026Adults must choose their influences
Lowering your gaze is cleaner to your heart and fulfilling the amanah that Allah gave you.1:03:23Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA · Oct 30, 2026Every trust from Allah must be honored