Central Khutbah: “Find Your Talent – and Live It Responsibly” (Video)

Within each of us lies a talent. There is no human being without a gift – it may be hidden, unrecognized, but it is there. Talent is not a privilege reserved for rare geniuses. Each of us is unique, irreplaceable, and special, and it is precisely in that uniqueness that our gift resides. It doesn’t matter whether your ability lies in inspiring, understanding, creating, or serving – your place in this world is waiting for you.

But talent alone is not enough. Without ethics, it turns into arrogance; without humility – into empty ambition; without responsibility – into a missed opportunity. True greatness lies in the combination of gift and integrity. Those who are gifted must also be grateful. Those who are talented must remain aware that everything can be lost in an instant. Recognition comes, but it also goes. What remains is what is built in silence – character.

In his book On the Paths of Egoism, Dr. Salman al-Ouda reminds us of many great figures from history: Yusuf (peace be upon him), whose journey to success was paved with patience and morality. Muhammad Ali, who said: “I hated every minute of training, but I said: Don’t quit! Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion!” Or Walt Disney, whose early work was mocked, and yet today millions of children grow up with his creations.

But one story touches the heart in a special way – the story of the father of the famous poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. Iqbal, still a child at the time, hit a beggar who had come to their door, scattering all he had. His father, witnessing this, began to cry and said:
“My son, what will I answer our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, if he says to me: Allah entrusted you with a son, and you did not raise him according to my example? Will you shame your father before our Lord and our Prophet?”

He then advised him to be “a fragrant flower and a gentle breeze of the Prophet’s spring,” and to take for himself at least a portion of his blessed character. That moment was not merely a disciplinary correction – it was true spiritual upbringing: in faith, through faith, with faith.

Our talent is a form of trust. It is given to us, but also tested. How will we behave? Will we develop it or bury it? Use it for good, or let it lead us to arrogance? Will we be originals – or mere pale imitations of others?

Society has a duty to support the gifted. Teachers, parents, friends – all can recognize and encourage someone’s talent. But the individual is ultimately responsible for nurturing that gift. Fear, humiliation, misunderstanding – often accompany those who are different. That is why they need security, understanding, and encouragement. Because when talent finds the right soil, it blooms – and it benefits not just its bearer, but the whole of society.

So, find your talent. Don’t run from it. Develop it. And above all – be a person of heart. For the greatest talent of all is integrity.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on April 11 2025, at the “Centre Islamique Gazi Isa-beg” in Esch-sur-Alzette)