Self Control

Say Assalamu Alaykum before Athan

Have someone make Athan

START YOUR KHUTBAH WITH THE FOLLOWING

Indeed, all praise is due to God. So we praise Him, we seek His assistance, and we ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge with God from the evils within ourselves and from the consequences of our deeds. Whoever God guides, there is no one who can misguide them, and whoever God lets  astray, there is no one who can guide them.

I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, alone, without any partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, today, we gather to delve into an important part of our faith—self-control. Islam teaches us that true strength lies not merely in physical power, but in mastering the art of self-control, particularly in moments of intense anger and emotional turbulence.

The Prophet Muhammad, in his infinite wisdom, elucidated the essence of a true wrestler with an analogy that transcends the wrestling arena. He asked, "Who is the true wrestler?" The companions responded by describing a physical confrontation where one successfully throws down an opponent. The Prophet then unveiled a higher form of wrestling—one that transcends the physical world and engages the inner self. He said, "The wrestler of all wrestlers is a man who is intensely angry, whose face turns red, and whose hair bristles, then he wrestles against his anger."

This Hadith imparts a lesson: the ultimate victory lies in mastering the art of controlling one's emotions, particularly in times of anger. Just as a wrestler exerts effort to overpower his opponent, the true wrestler in the sight of Allah is the one who, when consumed by anger, struggles against it and restrains his temper. This Hadith invites us to reflect on the formidable inner struggle against the force of rage, a battle that requires fortitude, wisdom, and faith.

In the Quran, Allah addresses the believers, emphasizing the merit of those who suppress their anger. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah promises His reward to those who "restrain anger and pardon people." This divine encouragement serves as a testament to the significance of self-control and forgiveness in our lives. Furthermore, in Surah Fussilat (41:34), Allah lauds the quality of those who repel evil with goodness, reinforcing the concept that conquering anger with patience and kindness is a trait highly cherished in Islam.

Reflecting on our rich Islamic history, we find numerous instances of Prophets and righteous individuals who exemplified remarkable self-control in the face of adversity. The story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him, stands as an exemplary tale of controlling one's desires and emotions. Despite being subjected to injustice and betrayal, Yusuf's steadfastness and forgiveness ultimately led to triumph and reconciliation.

To further grasp the importance of self-control, we turn to the Quran. Allah, the Most High, extols the merits of those who "restrain anger and pardon people" (3:134). In Surah Fussilat (41:34), we find praise for those who repel evil with goodness, establishing a principle of conquering anger with patience and kindness. This aligns with the Prophet's teachings of responding to harshness with gentleness—a practice that Allah loves and rewards.

In the stories of our Prophets, we find exemplars of self-control. Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, demonstrated unwavering patience and composure when faced with adversity. Despite the challenges presented by Pharaoh and his people, Musa relied on Allah's guidance, setting a timeless example of restraint and reliance on the Almighty.

I say these words of mine and I ask Allah for forgiveness

SIT DOWN FOR A FEW MOMENTS FOR MIDDLE OF KHUTBAH BREAK

My thanks and gratitude belong to Allah the Lord of all mankind, I ask Allah to bless and bestow peace on Prophet Muhammad.

Dear brothers and sisters, self-control is a virtue that requires consistent effort and practice. As a movement catalyst for positive change, as someone who aspires to make a difference in the world, remember that the impact of your advocacy and leadership will be magnified when paired with the strength of self-control.

By internalizing the teachings of Islam, drawing inspiration from the lives of our Prophets and the exemplary companions, and anchoring ourselves in the Quran, we can transform self-control into a guiding principle of our lives. As you continue to advocate for education justice and uplift your community, may your commitment to self-control enhance your effectiveness as a change-maker.

END OF KHUTBAH DUA

May Allah bless us with the ability to wrestle against our own impulses, to embrace patience and kindness, and to lead a life that embodies the teachings of Islam.

Through self-control, may we inspire others to find the same balance, contributing to a world of harmony, understanding, and positive transformation.

I say these words and ask Allah to forgive me and you all, wa aqimu asalah.

The one who made Athan should now make Iqama

SAY: Make sure there are no gaps. Stand straight, shoulder to shoulder.

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