13:15 Our whole world view,…15:09 Happiness is not an…
General remindersFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 5, 2026.

Happiness follows worship and responsibility

ICPC Paterson · Yasir Fahmy

“Happiness is a byproduct that Allah may bestow upon a person.”

The khateeb, at 15:09

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Happiness is not life's purpose or constant pleasure; true contentment comes from faithfully worshiping Allah, fulfilling responsibilities, and serving creation with dignity.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Questions common definitions of happiness as pleasure, success, leisure, or comfort.
  2. Reframes life's purpose through worship, stewardship, responsibility, and the amanah.
  3. Contrasts Islamic purpose with utilitarianism and hedonism, warning that pleasure-centered living breeds frustration.
  4. Defines hayat tayyiba as principled daily worship, honorable work, family care, and community service.
  5. Uses Hajar, the Prophet, and Gaza to show that joy and contentment can coexist with hardship.
  6. Closes by directing listeners to find joy in Allah's grace, mercy, and meaningful service.
Try this week
Wake up and pray Fajr on time.
Fulfill family responsibilities, including caring for children and elderly parents.
Work honestly and take dignity in maintaining the home, cooking, and cleaning.
Serve the masjid and wider community through civic, educational, and social engagement.
Replace the question “Am I happy?” with “Am I fulfilling my responsibilities honorably?”
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Our whole world view, brothers and sisters, is that we are servants of Allah. We are responsible in the sight of Allah, meaning that we have duties and responsibilities to fulfill.”
ICPC Paterson · Paterson, NJ
Play from 13:15
“Happiness is not an objective. Happiness is not a purpose of life. Happiness is a byproduct that Allah may bestow upon a person.”
ICPC Paterson · Paterson, NJ
Play from 15:09
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah teaches that happiness is not the purpose of life or a constant feeling of pleasure. Allah created us to worship Him, carry trust, and serve people through honest, responsible work. Prayer, caring for family, earning lawfully, cooking, cleaning, and helping the community can all become meaningful acts of worship when done with faith. Hardship and sadness do not mean life has failed; a person can still find peace and joy through Allah's mercy. We can ask not only whether we feel happy, but whether we are living honorably and fulfilling the responsibilities Allah has given us.

  1. What is one hard job at home that can become an act of worship?
  2. When do you feel most content: after pleasure, or after helping someone?
  3. What responsibility could our family handle more honorably this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Passaic County152 Derrom Ave, Paterson, NJ 07504Jumu'ah 1st khutbah 12:00 PM · 2nd khutbah 1:15 PMKhateebYasir FahmyMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICPC Paterson38 khutbahs
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