"I'm Better Than You!"

 


"I'm Better Than You" 
Friday Khutbah, January 6, 2012 @ Islamic Foundation of Lincoln 

This is an MP3 of the Khutbah given today at the Islamic Foundation of Lincoln. The subject is “I’m Better Than You”, a reference to the ayah in Surah Al A’raaf (7:42) and Surah Saad (38:76). Arrogance can come in unexpected ways, but we have to fight to maintain and develop a spirit of brotherhood and humility. May Allah accept our efforts!

Insha Allah I will be re-posting the audio from my old blog as well as some new stuff over the next few days. Please bear with me while I am testing the new format insha Allah!

It's All Good!

Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (May he forever be graced with Allah's Peace and Blessings) said: “How amazing is the condition of a believer; there is good for him in everything, and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity befalls him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is good for him.” [Collected in the Sahih of Imam Muslim]

How many people truly live life in this way?  

We learn that the ideal state of a believer is one of optimism no matter what. The Messenger (May he forever be graced with Allah's Peace and Blessings) described this state as being unique. Only with true faith in God can a person successfully and sincerely find the good in every circumstance. Without faith, the situation is quite different!

Indeed, mankind was created anxious:

When evil touches him, impatient,

And when good touches him, withholding [of it],

(The Qur'an, Saheeh International interpretation, 70:19 - 21)

Allah's messenger (May he forever be graced with Allah's Peace and Blessings) described this state as being unique; only with true faith in God can a person successfully and sincerely find good in everything that happens. 

While the ayat above may seem to condemn human nature, we should use them to understand how to improve ourselves. When we continue reading Surah Ma'arij we find that we are given a prescription of belief and action that will serve to refine our character and bring us closer to the ideal mentioned in the hadith: that no matter what, we can find good in our circumstances. 

O Allah, Let us greet every blessing that comes our way, big or small, with an attitude of thankfulness and a grateful heart, never taking for granted what You have given us.

O Allah, Let us face every challenge and difficulty with beautiful patience and perseverance. Let us understand that patience in the face of hardship will bring us closer to You and Your Pleasure.

Ameen.