14:42 True shukr begins when…18:54 shukr is not about…
GratitudeFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 8, 2025.

Gratitude means using blessings for good

ICUC

“True shukr begins when you look at what you have and not what you lack.”

The khateeb, at 14:42

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

True gratitude in Islam means recognizing every blessing and actively using it for good while trusting Allah's wisdom in both ease and hardship.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Defines hamd as praising Allah for who He is and shukr as thanking Him for what He gives or withholds
  2. Explains ingratitude as hidden arrogance, entitlement, and failure to trust Allah's wisdom
  3. Emphasizes recognizing countless blessings, including protection from harms and delayed punishment
  4. Teaches that gratitude is an action expressed through charity, sharing knowledge, helping others, and responsible ambition
  5. Connects shukr and sabr as complementary responses to good and difficult circumstances
  6. Closes by urging reflection on Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen during prayer
Try this week
List individual blessings, including small ones, and identify why you are grateful for each.
Turn blessings into actions: donate wealth, share knowledge, and help others.
Remind family or friends of specific blessings they may overlook.
Reflect on gratitude whenever reciting Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen in prayer.
Practice shukr during blessings and sabr during hardship.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 76Used to humble arrogance by reminding listeners that they were once not even mentioned or thought of.
Surah 14Used to teach that gratitude brings increase while ingratitude brings severe punishment.
Surah 16Used to show that Allah's blessings cannot be fully counted.
Surah 92Used to connect giving, God-consciousness, and belief in Allah's promise with ease.
Surah 1Used to encourage reflection on gratitude whenever worshippers recite Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“True shukr begins when you look at what you have and not what you lack.”
ICUC · Union, NJ
Play from 14:42
“shukr is not about being content with having less. It's about being motivated by the gifts of Allah to do more.”
ICUC · Union, NJ
Play from 18:54
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today's khutbah reminded us that gratitude to Allah belongs in every day of our lives. The khateeb explained hamd as praising Allah for who He is, and shukr as thanking Him for what He gives and withholds, trusting that He knows best. He encouraged us to notice particular blessings, including faith, time, safety, and even each breath, instead of focusing on what others have. He also reminded us to practice patience during difficulty and gratitude for the good we receive. Gratitude becomes action when we use what Allah has entrusted to us to help others, share knowledge, and give generously.

  1. What is one everyday blessing you noticed today that you usually overlook?
  2. How could you use something Allah has given you to help someone this week?
  3. When something doesn't go your way, what could help you practice patience and still notice something to be grateful for?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Union County2372 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083Jumu'ah English 12:15 PM · Arabic 1:15 PM · third service resumes September 2026ArchiveAll khutbahs at ICUC19 khutbahs
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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 lifeReal gratitude is not a feeling.16:14London Muslim Mosque · London, ON · Sep 11, 2026Gratitude means using blessings well