In this Khutba, Ustadh Murphy explains how we can draw our inspiration and guidance from the Sunnah to navigate the trials of life.

Life inherently comes with difficulties, grief, and loss, and these are not anomalies but the default state of human existence. One’s ability to be grateful and find peace increases when this reality is internalized. The Prophet ﷺ faced immense challenges, yet he continued his mission with patience and perseverance through finding strength and perseverance come from one’s relationship with Allah and continuing to fulfill one’s duties and responsibilities despite hardships.

When the Ummah screams and the tyrants laugh, some may say “where is Allah?” For years, the resilient Palestinians and others have endured unimaginable hardships, and the past several weeks of horrifying oppression may have shaken us to our core. How do we show complete trust in Allah even when our enemies claim He is absent?

How do we stay prayerful and productive when bad news rapidly unfolds, and life becomes increasingly stressful?

Listen to this khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman as he explains how we can get maintain productivity when we are feeling paralyzed by bad news and stress.

Dr. Omar Suleiman speaks about how Allah rewards our honesty during a difficult situation, including financial uncertainties in the COVID-19 era.

Those who are closest to Allah sometimes receive the greatest difficulties in their lives.

We all know the story about the woman who filled her shoe with water from the well to give to a thirsty dog. But did you ever think, who sent the dog? Often when we talk about why is Allah testing me this way, why don’t we ask why is Allah blessing me this way? Are we paying attention to the blessings and opportunities Allah places in our path?

While being under lockdown, often we can become frustrated and easily irritated. Sh. Omar Suleiman discusses maintaining peace at home and in general in stressful times.

During these unprecedented times with the Coronavirus pandemic, Mufti Menk offers advise from the Qur’an on dealing with it.

Mufti Abdurahman ibn Yusuf addresses the concern of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ustadha Dunia shares evidence-based techniques to help overcome anxiety and ways to find comfort during times of difficulty.

Sometimes things to do not go our way. Why does this happen? How can one look at this from a positive view?

It is wrong to say that when you face a problem in life it is a punishment from Allah. Sh. Hussain Kamani explains why this is wrong.

Sh. Saad Tasleem talks about how the Devil (Shaytan) creates doubts in our minds when we are faced with trials and tribulations in this life.

People are complaining & becoming very despondent. The hottest October in Zimbabwe. Economic hardship, drought & many other challenges. Flooding, wild fires, wars & destruction elsewhere on the globe. It’s time to improve ourselves in every way!

We are living in times where the popular and modern social values are becoming contrary to Islamic principles. How can we continue to follow Islam and stay firm to what Allah says in the Qur’an and what the Prophet (s) said in these times?

Dr. Altaf Husain introduces the topic of grief through an Islamic lens. This session took place at ISNACON 2019 in Houston, Texas. Based on the article “I Should’ve Gotten Over It by Now”: Surviving the Impact of Grief on Faith: http://bit.ly/2HyFx2T

How faith can help us attain peace & contentment as we grapple with life’s challenges on a daily basis. Hosted by MakeSpace – August 30, 2019 (Springfield, VA)

We are living in a time where there are fitan everywhere we turn. How do we know them and what should be our response? What did the Prophet (s) say about this?

Where do we go to when we face a problem in life? What do we do in trying to solve it? How do we react to the fitna in our lives?

In these times of difficulty one might ask, “How do I keep up with all the prohibitions and commandments in Islam?”. This problem even occurred at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Watch this short but crucial khutba as Dr. Shadee gives us the answer.

How can we find peace and tranquility in our lives?

Sometimes we are tested, and we legitimately become confused in the midst of the moment.

Shaykh Sulaiman Moola reminds us to be happy for the success of others in order for us to feel better and have peace in our own lives. Being selfless and wholesome are attributes of happy and successful people.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus dleivers a Khutbah about connecting the lessons in Surah Ta-Ha and dealing with the challenges of our times by knowing that God is in charge of everything.

This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay in Pleasanton, California on Friday, June 7, 2019.

How can we deal with the many crises across the Muslim ummah? Ustadh Nouman gives an answer based on what Allah says in the Qur’an during a crisis in the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

How do we get through tragedies like the New Zealand terrorist attack? There are other tragedies that have happened in the past and that are happening currently. How can we remain faithful in these trying times?

Facing a hardship in life? Not sure when it will end?

The trials we face in life have the capacity to leave deep emotional scars, making it increasingly difficult to go through life. We start having thoughts like why does Allah allow us to experience this pain if he is the most merciful? How do we reconcile these thoughts before they manifest as spite and anger toward Allah?

A question often asked when times are tough. A question that occupies our time and our minds. A question that often confuses us, despite the simple answer. How can we understand the wisdom behind the actions of Allah ﷻ, His qadar, and His rules? How can we understand the wisdom behind facing hardships? How should we balance between submitting to Allah’s ﷻ decrees and exhausting our resources in pursuit of changing our tough reality?

Allah SWT asks in the Qur’an: Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried? (Al Ankabut; Verse 2). We are all tested on a day to day basis but those with strong faith will be able to see through their tests and use it as an opportunity to come closer to their Lord. In this lecture, Sh. Navaid Aziz provides advice on finding serenity during times of calamity.

Imam Zaid Shakir clarifies what it means to strive for communal empowerment and how Muslims can recommit to this lifelong journey starting from embracing our strangeness and ending at submission. Lecture took place on Jan. 12, 2019, University of California, MSA West Conference 2019, Irvine, CA.

Is it right to tell someone to be patient and give it time when they are suffering with abuse and violence?

A question often asked when times are tough. A question that occupies our time and our minds. A question that often confuses us, despite the simple answer. How can we understand the wisdom behind the actions of Allah ﷻ, His qadar, and His rules? How can we understand the wisdom behind facing hardships? How should we balance between submitting to Allah’s ﷻ decrees and exhausting our resources in pursuit of changing our tough reality?

One of the most profound and powerful statements in the Quran occurs in Surah An-Najm. Here Allah says that no one will carry anyone else’s burden (wizr) and that each of us will be held accountable for the choices we make. In this passage, Allah is addressing those who find it difficult to follow the “uncomfortable” parts of the faith. He compares them to people who appease themselves with inner monologues about how good they are because they give a little charity. They minimize their mistakes and maximize their good deeds, thinking they are enough to compensate for bad deeds. But only Allah can judge as He will ultimately measure our effort. It is the quality of the effort we make relative to our potential, that we will be held accountable for, not how we performed in comparison with other people. This khutbah was recorded on October 20, 2017 at the Bayyinah Foundation Musalla.

Shaykh Nuh Ha Mim Keller comments on suffering in the world after being asked about the tragic earthquake in Haiti.

How do we understand as Muslims that Allah is causing so much fitna to the ummah? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explains.

Sometimes we are faced with events in our life that we do not like or understand but Allah knows what is best for us. Shaykh Mokhtar explains.

Ustadh AbdelRahman Murphy gives a khutbah on how the Prophet (s) dealt with difficult events in his life and what Allah says in the Qur’an regarding this.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus speaks about celebrating who our beloved Prophet ﷺ is and how to keep his blessed light in our hearts so that we can keep happy, strong, and patient in these difficult days (of fitna) while being active contributors in our community. He spoke at the annual Tri-Valley Mawlid. This event was at the Muslim Community Center of East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on October 27, 2018.

Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: “There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 4, Book 7, Hadith 2260] Is that time today, and if so, how do we deal with it? Join Yusha Evans in this inspiring talk about the subject.

What does a Muslim do when faced with a calamity in their life? What does Allah and His Messenger (s) say when dealing with problems in one’s life? Shaykh Said Rageah explains.

Shaykh Yahya discusses maintaining our faith in Allah in times of difficulty in our lives.

Shaykh Yasir Fahmy discusses how the Prophet (s) withstood great difficulties in his life and how we can apply what he did to overcome our difficulties in life.

A sign of Allah’s love for someone, is that He puts them through trials & tribulations in this world. What is the wisdom behind these trials and how should a Believer respond when he goes through difficulty and hardship? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi dedicates his Khutbah to a short tafseer of Surah ash-Sharh at one of the first Masjid ever build in North America! Recorded 16th November 2012 in Edmonton, Canada

The one who persevered in their dedication and their submission to Allah will be successful on the day of Judgement. This is why patience is important.

Advice from Shaykh Mokhtar about life.

Sometimes in life we are faced with tough times. We find ourselves having a hard time being patient. What does Allah and his messenger (s) say about this? Shaykh Abdur-Raheem McCarthy discusses this.

Hamza Tzortzis reminds us that facing trials and tribulations in life shows us who we really are. How we react when faced tests then you content of their character and their closeness to Allah.

There is a lot of anger in our community and world. Whether it is due to current events, personal life events, or in general the environment around us, many find themselves trying to control their anger. How should we respond when faced with difficulties? Shaykh Yahya discusses this and more. This talk was delivered at the Islamic Centre of Oshawa as part of the Age of Anger – Southern Ontario Tour, April 2017.

We will find various problems and issues in our life that will bother us and cause us to really find discomfort and unease. How can we overcome this? Shaykh Kamal el Mekki looks for the answers in the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Allah(SWT) mentions in the Qur’an, “There are those people who worship Allah with a condition. If life is good, he’s happy and will happy with Allah. But if life is not good and a Fitnah happens, then he switches his faith in Allah, he ends up losing this world and the next” The wisdom of trying to understand the problems of this world is something that every faith/tradition has struggled with. It is one of the fundamental problems of theology.

The question of trying to understanding why there is pain, why is there suffering? Why is there bloodshed? Why is there evil in this world? This is a question that was asked of Allah even before he created us. When Allah(SWT) announced his creation of man in Surah Al-Baqarah, the angels asked: “Why would you do that” Even the angels asked the same question. Remember this is a question that was asked to better comprehend Allah’s wisdom, not to challenge Allah’s authority.

Shaykh Abu Taubah discusses how we deal with trials and tribulations in our lives and how we should never feel safe in our belief in Islam.

Belief is not just a word we may utter, but it is a complete package with obligations and duties. Allah tests how truthful are we to our verbal claim of belief. Allah is always with those who maintain close connection to him during those trials. The results of the recent US presidential elections sent a message to American Muslims to get up and be ready for an incoming test.

Challenges should not deter us. They should bolster our determination to pursue what is good. While we may be living during trying times, we must remember that Allah promised to support the believers. We must stand strong and keep our trust in Allah.

What does it mean to be a spiritual warrior? When we face hardships in our life what do we need to get through it? Ustadha Yasmin discusses this.

What is a fitna or trial in English? Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda explains what it is and how to persevere through it.

Shaykh Yahya discusses how we should respond in tough times. This talk was delivered at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge as part of the Age of Anger – Southern Ontario Tour, April 2017.

What is your weakness? What is your Achilles’ heel?

Going through a hard time? Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda explains how prayer can help you get through it.

Shaykh Yahya highlights that the greatest gift that we have been given, is the gift of faith because enables us to live a life of purpose. Faith is also the greatest gift we can give to the modern world in which we live. As people move further and further away from belief, resulting in a state of agitation and a state of panic. Faith (iman) is related to security (amn). With faith one finds security in their Lord who absolutely sustains and takes care of everything from its beginning to its fruition.

Shaykh Yahya reminds us that history is in good hands. The umma of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is granted mercy. There are many things of this deen and in this world that one cannot fully understand or comprehend the wisdom of, until they take into consideration the afterlife, and see how it plays out in the next life.

With all the great calamities, suffering and tribulations happening around the world, it gives one solace to know that their Lord is Just. Everyone who has been wronged will be fully gifted their right on the day of judgement. Therefore, we have to view everything from two perspectives simultaneously: from the perspective of faith and the unfolding of Divine decree, as well as from of perspective of judging particular incidents outwardly from the standpoint of the sacred law (shari’a).

Shaykh Yahya reminds us that this world is perishing and that death is a transition into the next life. Therefore we should always keep the next life in perspective. He urges us to respond to the Divine decree with total submission out of recognizing that Allah is truly in total control.

Shaykh Yahya finally reminds us that every Muslim is looked upon as a representative of Islam. Therefore, we have to have principled engagement with the society in order to bring forth the beauty of faith. This means that every individual Muslim needs to first immerse themselves in the meanings of iman, isalm and ihsan and then engage with the world. Bringing forth the light of the sunna of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) through our state of being is much more eloquent than speech about Islam. We should live that light, and spread that light freely by seeing ourselves as the servants of humanity. If we do this, we will truly see amazing things.

This Friday Khutba was delivered at the London Muslim Mosque (http://www.londonmosque.ca/) as part of the Age of Anger – Southern Ontario Tour, April 2017.

This khutbah was given on 9/29/2017 in the Bayyinah musalla.

After escaping the clutches of Pharaoh, Prophet Musa (PBUH) and his people found themselves in the middle of the desert with no food, shelter, or hope for survival. It was at this point that Allah chose to remind them about gratitude.

What we learn from this passage from Surah Ibrahim is that, when we are faced with insurmountable challenges and odds, we must recognize that it is only with Allah’s help that we can be successful. If we are able to rise to this higher level of faith and only think of reasons why we should be grateful to Allah, especially at a time when our mind is being invaded by worries and negativity, then Allah has definitely promised that He will increase every possible avenue for good around us.

With this divine guidance and formula from the Quran, may we all find solace during our difficulties, peace during turmoil, and success during hardships. Ameen.

In light of current events, Imam Zaid Shakir discusses how the world is a trial for the believer, and the essence of this life is to worship Allah alone.

Khutbah at MCC, Pleasanton, CA. – Sept. 9, 2016

Shaykh Abu Abdissalam discusses the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the tests he faced.

In today’s hyper consumerist societies, where effortless instant gratification is the norm, it is easy for those whose faith is weak to stray from the path of Allah. Those whose faith is literally “on the edge”, weighed down by unanswered questions and unresolved emotions, are ready to fall off when faced with life’s inevitable trials and tribulations. But at such times of personal and public crisis, says Nouman Ali Khan, we must remember that the purpose of those tests is to draw those with strong faith closer to Allah, who has a plan for everybody. Both Yacoub (AS) and Musa’s mother lost a child but despite their agony, and because they both had unshakable faith, the former was reunited with his son after many years while the latter was returned to his mother within hours. When we question Allah’s design we miss the core truth that reality will only submit to us when we submit ourselves to Allah. This is ultimately the path to inherit paradise.

Surah Al-Ankabout was revealed at the height of Muslim persecution in Mecca and, according to Nouman Ali Khan, mentally prepared Muslims for their immigration to Medina. Its opening aya is a profound lesson about what we often forget at times of distress. Allah reminds us that true believers will be thoroughly tested in their faith, just as gold must be exposed to extreme heat in order to be purified. Muslims suffering under the current circumstances must remember that they have protesting the violation of their civil rights ever since Allah’s message was revealed. Allah will give protection to those who struggle, those who show confidence in Him and do not flinch in bearing the responsibility of upholding the religion.

With all the calamities facing the Muslim ummah, some may question is there hope? Imam Omar answers this question.

As believers, how do we respond to calamity? In his answer to this crucial question, Nouman Ali Khan delves into the meaning of the word “musiba” in Arabic, which is used strategically in the Quran to denote that whatever it is that has struck you, could never have happened to anyone else at any other time. It is your own, personal test. The Quran also distinguishes between two types of unfortunate situations, those over which we have no control and others which we brought upon ourselves. But where do we draw the line between what is in Allah’s hands and what is our fault? The Quran answers that on a simple premise: That Allah is whatever you assume Him to be. If you genuinely believe that he is the all-merciful, then at times of difficulty you must be unwavering in our faith that if Allah plans something for you, even if it’s painful, you must know that He is doing it out of love. When you trust and maintain your reliance in Him, Allah will give you the greatest gift of all: he will guide your heart to the right path and give you peace of mind.
This Khutbah was recorded in Langkawi, Malaysia on October 28th 2016

Why does Allah allow bad things to happen? Ustadh AbdelRahman Murphy explains.

Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf discusses the dangers and harms of rejoicing at the affliction of others and how such things can easily cause one great regret in life.

Calamities & tragedies are part of life and it is through these trials and calamities that the true strength of a believer is shown when he turns to his Lord in humility and submissiveness leaving his affairs in the Hands of Allah and putting complete trust that Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) will take care of him.

Yet lately it seems that one calamity has not left the Muslim Ummah and another one strikes even harder and in this chaos many are those whose Iman is shaken and they ask the question “Why do bad things happen? Why can’t life just be good!!”
Join Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi in this latest Khutbah entitled ‘Why Is there Evil in This World?’ and discover the wisdom behind calamities and tragedies.

In the second-half of this Khutbah Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi shares his reflections on the San Bernardino killings and advises the Muslim community to stay safe and uphold their best Muslim character in society.

Why does Allah allow this to happen? Why me? Why did Allah do this to me? Shaykh Omar Suleiman explains Allah’s response to these questions.

Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan reflects on the ayat of the Quran on being grateful to Allah when in times of hardship.

Mufti Ismail Menk discusses how we as Muslims are destroying ourselves and how we should come together putting aside our differences for the betterment of the ummah. Lecture was delivered at the Ummah Welfare Trust ‘Cries of the Ummah’ London conference at Edmonton Islamic Centre on Sunday 19th May 2013.

Abu Taubah discusses the trials and tribulations during the Prophet Muhammad’s time, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He discusses the trials and tribulations not as Muhammad was a prophet but as a man.

“The sun may rise tomorrow but you may not. Repent today.” – Abdulbary Yahya

Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan sheds light on the recent tragedies in Boston and others with a message from the Quran relating to these type of events.

In this lecture, Ustad Nouman Ali Khan discusses ayat from the Qur’an on fitna and examples from the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Many times when we are afflicted with a trial, we don’t know how to react, we aren’t sure where to turn, and we feel at a loss of words and hope. But know that there is hope!

This Khutbah was delivered by Haroon Moghul at the Islamic Center at New York University on November 19th, 2010.

Khalid latif spoke powerfully, eloquently, and deeply on individual suffering, especially faced by women in our communities, their trials, and our need to present compassion in place of judgment

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi answers the question of whether we can find true satisfaction in this world.

He who has no one has Allah
By Navaid Aziz:

I want to dedicate it to every individual who is struggling with life and doesn’t know what to do. I want to dedicate it to every individual who may have been abandoned by a father. I want to dedicate it to every individual who may have a love that was not reciprocated. I want to dedicate it to every individual who lost someone to death and found their own selves lost. I want to dedicate to everyone that just wants to be reminded. I want to dedicate this lecture to you.