Arrogance can ruin good deeds
“You have to have this strong iman to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, and you have to offer good deeds.”
True honor comes from Allah through faith and good deeds, while visible arrogance and hidden self-admiration corrupt worship and prevent spiritual growth.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Honor and respect come from Allah and are cultivated through faith, good deeds, and repentance.
- Takabbur is visible arrogance expressed through status, wealth, possessions, or behavior.
- Arrogance resembles Satan's refusal to bow to Adam and can seal the heart.
- Ujb is hidden self-admiration and feeling superior, which can invalidate good deeds.
- The sermon presents helping people in need as a mercy and opportunity from Allah.
- A story about purchasing wood for Imam Reza's shrine illustrates sincere service receiving unexpected honor.
In the khateeb's words
“If you want your love to be in the heart of the mu'mineen, what are you supposed to do? You have to have this strong iman to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, And you have to offer good deeds.”
“That ujb, Imam, aleyhissalatu wassalam, says, will invalidate your good deeds.”
“Allah calls on you. You are the one to help orphans. You are the one to help the feders. You are the one to help the poor people. You are the one to help the orphanage home.”
“So now imagine when you do something for the cause of Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala. Don't worry. Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala will bring down fame, reputation, respect, honor to you”
For the dinner table
The khutbah taught that lasting honor and sincere love come from Allah through faith and good deeds, not through wealth, titles, or popularity. It warned about kibir, the arrogance we show outwardly, and ujb, the hidden feeling that we are better than others. Both can distance us from Allah, and hidden pride can even spoil our acts of worship. The khateeb encouraged us to follow the humility of the Prophet and the Imams by greeting people first, noticing their needs, and never looking down on anyone. He also reminded us that opportunities to help others are gifts from Allah, so service should be offered sincerely rather than treated as wasted time or money.
- When was a time someone showed you kindness without expecting anything back?
- What is one way we can practice humility at home this week?
- If Allah gives you a talent, position, or money, how could you use it to help someone?
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