Central Khutbah: “Progressiveness in Learning and Good Deeds Ensures Motivation”

The Qur’an teaches us a rhythm of effort and rest:
“So when you have finished, then strive, and to your Lord turn your desire.” (Surah Ash-Sharh, 7–8)

True and lasting motivation is built through consistency in small actions. The Prophet ﷺ explains this clearly:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those which are most consistent, even if they are small.” (Bukhari; Muslim)

Therefore, the first step is to recognize the blessing of time and health:
“There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.” (Bukhari)

These words remove the illusion that we will “one day” have ideal conditions. On the contrary, the health we have now and the minutes passing now are a capital to invest.

Balancing worship with the responsibilities of daily life is not a weakness, but a Sunnah, as shown in the famous narration of Hanzala (may Allah be pleased with him). He said:
“I said: Hanzala has become a hypocrite!”
Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “SubhanAllah! Why do you say that?”
Hanzala explained: “When we are with the Prophet ﷺ, he reminds us of Paradise and Hell as if we could see them. But when we leave him to attend to our families and work, we forget much.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, if you remained in the state you are in when you are with me, constantly in remembrance, the angels would greet you in the streets and upon your beds. But Hanzala, (it is) a time like this and a time like that (sa‘a wa sa‘a).” (Muslim)

Likewise, in the advice of Salmān to Abū Dardā’ (may Allah be pleased with them):
“Your Lord has a right over you, your soul has a right over you, and your family has a right over you — so give each their due.”
And the Prophet ﷺ confirmed: “Salmān has spoken the truth.” (Bukhari)

This balance preserves spiritual endurance: it does not take away from the quality of worship, nor from family rights, nor from the necessary rest.

When mental fatigue or spiritual low points appear, the Sunnah teaches us both a spiritual and practical response. The Prophet ﷺ would say:
“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, from weakness and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from the burden of debt and from being overpowered by others.” (Bukhari)

Alongside this comes an active believer’s mindset:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Strive for that which benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not lose heart.” (Muslim)

The Qur’an also establishes the principle of change:
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra‘d, 11)

And it gives a guarantee to the one who has taqwa:
“Whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah — He is sufficient for him…” (Surah At-Talāq, 2–3)

In practice, this means choosing small but regular acts of goodness — a few pages of Qur’an daily, weekly charity, night prayer once or twice a week — because:
“Recite of the Qur’an what is easy for you.” (Surah Al-Muzzammil, 20)

Do not fear starting small, because:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 286)

Time is a capital that is flowing away:
“By Time! Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, and encourage one another to truth and to patience.” (Surah Al-‘Asr, 1–3)

The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.” (Al-Hakim; Al-Bayhaqi)

In conclusion:
Have confidence in the ability that the Most High has granted you. Establish a simple and consistent routine. Maintain the balance of “a time for this and a time for that.” Then motivation will become the fruit of discipline and trust in Allah — not a passing emotion.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on October 17, 2025, at the “Centre Islamique au Luxembourg” in Contern)