Asalamualikum: Brothers and sisters, never did we imagine that we would gather for multiple Eids with the same question: Can we truly celebrate when the Ummah is suffering? Forget just Palestine—what about Sudan, Yemen, the Uyghur Muslims in China and countless others facing oppression, genocide and unimaginable hardships?
Yet history reminds us that Muslims have always faced trials, even in the most sacred months. The Battle of Badr took place in Ramadan. The Battle of Uhud saw great losses, yet Muslim life continued, and Eid was still observed. During the painful slander against Aisha (RA), the Muslims still celebrated Eid. Why? Because Eid is not just a holiday of festivity—it is a day of worship, a recognition of the blessings of Ramadan, and a commitment to continue the good we have cultivated. This is why we began with giving charity to assist the less fortunate, followed by Salah with extra takbeers, and a sermon to remind us of our responsibilities beyond Ramadan.
Being connected to Allah (SWT) is the ultimate form of success and achieving this is not an overnight miracle; it is a journey, a test, a path filled with hardships and struggles. Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Qur’an: Do people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested? (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:2). Every one of us, at some point, faces trials—whether financial difficulties, personal struggles or obstacles in our careers. As we speak, seven families in our community have lost their primary source of income. These are not easy challenges; they bring stress and uncertainty. Many are struggling with relationships, health, and emotional burdens. But these trials are not meant to break us or distance us from Allah (SWT); rather, they are meant to make us spiritually stronger. Rasool(ﷺ) said: The most severely tested people are the Prophets, then those closest to them in faith, then those closest to them. A person is tested according to the level of his religion. (Tirmidhi). Some may think, “I have simple faith; why should I be tested?” Those who have even an atom’s weight of faith are destined for Jannah, and Shaytan despises this. The tests of life are inevitable and are also a means of purification and elevation.
The Strength of Patience (Sabr): One of the greatest qualities that leads to success is perseverance—Sabr. The Qur’an says: Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153). Patience is not passive; it is an active force that drives us forward despite difficulties. Many struggle in school, careers, family matters, or personal ambitions, but if we remain steadfast, trusting in Allah’s wisdom while striving to fulfill our obligations, we will find success and tranquility. As Allah states: Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28). Look at the story of Prophet Yusuf (AS). He was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, yet he never lost faith. He remained steadfast, and through patience and trust in Allah, he was elevated to a position of power. His story teaches us that no matter how dark the tunnel may seem, there is always light at the end if we remain patient and persistent.
The Power of Intention (Niyyah): Another key to success is having the right intention—niyyah. Rasool (ﷺ) said:Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he intended. (Bukhari & Muslim). If we pursue wealth, knowledge, or status solely to impress others, our efforts will be hollow. But if we seek success to better our lives, help our families, and contribute to society with sincerity, then Allah (SWT) will bless our journey.
The Necessity of Hard Work: The Qur’an reminds us: And that man will not attain except that for which he strives. (Surah An-Najm 53:39). Effort and struggle are part of the process. Many people desire success, but few are willing to put in the work. Rasool (ﷺ), despite being divinely guided, worked tirelessly. He assisted in household chores, mended his own shoes, and took initiative in every aspect of life. He did not wait for things to happen; he took action, strategized, and remained steadfast. Allah commands us: Be firm and be persistent in what you have been commanded. Consider the early Muslims. They faced persecution, boycotts, and hardships, yet they persevered. Their resilience led to the spread of Islam across the world, built on faith, sacrifice, and determination.
Trust in the Plan of Allah (Tawakkul) While we must strive, we must also believe that Allah’s decree is best for us. Rasool (ﷺ) said: If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision as the birds are: they go out in the morning hungry and return full. (Tirmidhi). This Hadith teaches us that success is a combination of effort and trust—hard work along with reliance on Allah’s provision. Allah (SWT) states: Whoever fears Allah, Allah will provide for them from places they least expect. (Surah At-Talaq 65:3).
Gratitude as a Key to Success: Gratitude is a key ingredient in the recipe for success. Allah (SWT) says: If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]. (Surah Ibrahim 14:7). Being thankful for what we have, no matter how little, attracts more blessings. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we should appreciate what we have and use it wisely to help those less fortunate. Learning from Failures Failure is not the opposite of success; it is a part of success. Rasool(ﷺ) faced rejection, hardship, and battles. But he never gave up. Every setback was a lesson, every struggle a stepping stone. Similarly, our failures should teach us, refine us, and prepare us for greater achievements.
Success beyond This World: Ultimately, true success is not just in this life but in the Hereafter. We are all going to die, but never forever. That day will come when it is said: “The burial of so-and-so will be at 11 AM.” Yet if we did good deeds, we’d realize, as the Qur’an says: And the Hereafter is better and more lasting. (Surah Al-A’la 87:17). Worldly success is temporary, spiritual success is eternal. If we align our goals with the pleasure of Allah, our success will not be limited to this world—it will carry into the next.
A Call to Responsibility: As Muslims, we must stand for justice. We must not support institutions that engage in genocide, oppression, or the deprivation of human dignity. Whether it be through financial, political, or social support, we must be conscious of where our efforts and resources go. If we find ourselves working in such institutions, we must strive to be agents of change—not through aggression, but through compassion, wisdom, and kindness. Rasool (ﷺ) taught that true change comes from sincerity and perseverance, not from hatred or recklessness. Our strength lies in standing firm on our values while being beacons of hope and guidance. If we adopt these principles, we will not only succeed in this world but in the Hereafter as well.
As Muslims (or even as humans), we must stand unwaveringly for justice. We cannot support institutions that engage or promote or are even silent in the issues related to genocide, oppression, or the violation of human dignity—whether the victims are Muslim or non-Muslim. Likewise, we must never support an oppressor, regardless of their faith. A wrong is a wrong, and it must be recognized as such and treated as such. Justice is not merely an Islamic principle; it is a universal moral duty. Throughout history, Muslims have led the way in upholding justice, and we must continue to take the lead. In response to the injustices of today, global awareness is shifting, and support for the oppressed is growing. We must sustain this positive momentum and ensure that our voices remain strong and principled.
From the brands we wear to the food we consume, every choice we make carries weight. Whether through financial, political, or social support, we must be mindful of where our resources go and the impact they have. If we find ourselves within unjust institutions, our duty is not to conform but to strive for change—not through aggression, but through wisdom, integrity, and compassion.
Rasool (ﷺ) taught that true transformation comes through sincerity and perseverance, not hatred or recklessness. Our strength lies in standing firm on our values while serving as beacons of hope and guidance for a better world. Success is not about luck—it is about mindset, perseverance, sincerity, effort, trust in Allah, and gratitude. If we adopt these principles, we will not only succeed in this world but in the Hereafter as well.
May Allah (SWT) bless us with steadfastness, strengthen our faith, and grant relief to the oppressed. Ameen.
Eid Mubarak!
