Why Do Calamities Happen?
By Imam Fuad Mohamad
Khutbah
Designed for real-time delivery with minimal prep, this version preserves the flow and pacing of a spoken khutbah—ideal for confident speakers seeking a natural tone.
Essay
A traditional, essay-style write-up focused on depth and structure. Best for khatibs who want to study the topic and craft their own delivery from well-organized source material.
Quick Guide
A high-level summary to jog your memory and support experienced khatibs. Great for refreshing familiar topics or organizing your khutbah on the go.
Khutbah Toolkit: Quick Guide
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
إن الحمد لله نحمده ونستعينه ونستغفره ونعوذ بالله من شرور أنفسنا ومن سيئات أعمالنا من يهده الله فلا مضل له ومن يضلل فلا هادي له..وأشهد ان لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له وأشهد أن محمداً عبده ورسوله.
All praise is due to Allah, we seek his refuge, and ask for his forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from our own bad deeds. Whoever Allah guides, no one can misguide him, and whoever Allah misguides, no one can guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah Alone, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his messenger.
Quick Guide: Victory Through the Lens of the Quran
- As Muslims, we have to reflect on the calamities our brothers and sisters are going through across the world. What impact should this have on us? How should we respond?
- From the very beginning, Allah made it clear that this life is one of struggle and test.
- Paradise is free from hunger, thirst, and hardship, but this dunya is not.
- Hardship is part of the human condition and serves a divine purpose.
- Moreover, Allah سبحانه و تعالى has made it clear that every person is being tested, and that trials come in both ease and hardship.
- Why is Allah testing Us?
- So that we may turn back to Him
- We turn to Him in gratefulness
- We focus on His blessings.
- So that we may be purified of our sins
- Every pain, even the smallest discomfort, is a means of purification.
- Every matter for the believer, even calamities, is ultimately good.
- Believers should respond in gratitude in good times and patience in hardship in order to achieve this spiritual growth.
- We should see how we can help our brothers and sisters when we are the ones who are blessed with abundance, and they are not.
- Allah سبحانه و تعالى makes it clear to us that we, as brothers and sisters, are bonded under this faith.
- We are told we are one brotherhood as a blessing.
- We are commanded not be divided.
- Our bond as believers continues beyond this world through our dua for the believers who have passed away.
- Brotherhood is rooted in mercy, compassion, and mutual support.
- Showing mercy to others invited mercy from Allah سبحانه و تعالى.
- As an Ummah, we are a whole body, so if some of us are suffering, we all feel the effects.
- A true believer never oppresses or abandons another Muslim. They aid other Muslims.
- Serving and relieving others means Allah relieve you on the Day of Judgement.
- It is upon us to help our brothers and sisters — through our wealth, our dua, our advocacy, and our collective efforts. We who have been blessed with comfort must use those blessings in the service of those in distress.
Get Khatib Resources sent directly to your inbox!
Ready-to-use khutbah resources every week — sign up now.
Sign up for our mailing list to receive a full khutbah, a supporting essay, and a quick-reference guide each week to make your preparation easier.
"*" indicates required fields