Central Khutbah: “The Blessings Man Enjoys Are Innumerable”

The blessings man enjoys are innumerable. Some are visible and known, while others are invisible and hidden. The harmony of the human body, the ability to distinguish between what is lawful and what is forbidden, between good and evil, the diversity of food, and many other things are blessings that Allah, exalted is He, has granted us in this world.

Many verses in the Qur’an remind mankind of Allah’s blessings. In one of them, He says:

“And indeed, for you in the grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you to drink from what is in their bellies; and for you therein are numerous benefits, and from them you eat. And upon them and upon ships you are carried.”
(Surah Al-Mu’minun, 21–22)

A great blessing from Allah is also the water we drink, which He brings forth from the depths of the earth. It is also necessary to mention the blessing of clothing and the homes in which we live, where we feel comfortable and safe. The Almighty says:

“Allah has made for you your homes a place of rest, and made for you from the hides of the animals tents which you find light on the day of travel and when you stop for rest, and from their wool, fur, and hair furnishings and goods for a time.”
(Surah An-Nahl, 80)

If tents were once a blessing, how much greater are today’s warm and comfortable houses! What can we say of hot water in our kitchens and bathrooms? Of the cars we drive, or the airplanes that carry us over great distances in a short time? In short, Allah’s blessings are far too numerous to be counted or encompassed. The Most High says:

“And if you were to count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 34)

Our spouses and the offspring we have from them are also a great blessing. Allah says:

“And Allah has made for you from your kind mates and has made for you from your mates sons and grandsons and has provided you with good things.”
(Surah An-Nahl, 72)

The purpose and wisdom behind so many blessings are that people show gratitude to the Giver, submit fully to Him, and associate no partners with Him. Only in this way will man be saved, and the blessings will continue:

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’”
(Surah Ibrahim, 7)

Examples of blessings in our daily lives are countless: the ability to breathe without assistance, to walk and work with our hands; the eyesight that allows us to read and learn; the hearing by which we listen to the Qur’an; the sense of taste and smell by which we enjoy what is lawful; and the heart that beats constantly, never forgetting us, even while we sleep. The Almighty reminds us that He has given us hearing, sight, and reason so that we may be grateful (Surah An-Nahl, 78).

There is also the blessing of time, health, and safety: waking up in peace, having a healthy body, and food for the day. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.”
(Al-Bukhari)
He also said:
“Whoever among you wakes up secure in his home, healthy in his body, and possessing his provision for the day—it is as if the whole world has been given to him.”
(At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

The family is a source of tranquility: spouses as mercy and love; children and grandchildren as a joy to the eyes; parents whose supplications open the doors of goodness; friends who assist in righteousness.

“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you affection and mercy.”
(Surah Ar-Rum, 21)
“Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life.”
(Surah Al-Kahf, 46)

Natural blessings constantly surround us: the night as a time of rest, the day for seeking provision (Surahs An-Naba’, 9; Al-Furqan, 47); the rain that revives the earth and produces crops (Surah Ar-Rum, 48); the seasons that balance cold and heat; the diversity of plants, the honey of bees, and the healing power of fruits.

Provision and lawful earnings are also special blessings: the ability to work, earn, and share; commerce and skills; a simple piece of bread and a glass of pure water.

“And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.”
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 22)

Knowledge, guidance, and opportunities for repentance are forms of mercy: the Qur’an as guidance and mercy, the Sunnah as a practical school of ethics, teachers and circles of knowledge, and the doors of repentance that remain open until the soul reaches the throat.

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 185)
“Say: ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah!’”
(Surah Az-Zumar, 53)

Modern conveniences and technology are extensions of these blessings: hot water and electricity; medicine and doctors; cars and airplanes; phones, the internet, and applications that facilitate learning, communication, and service to people.

“And We carried their descendants in ships and created for them of the likes thereof that which they ride.”
(Surah Ya-Sin, 41–42)

There are also social peace and collective blessings: safe streets, well-organized institutions, mosques where the community gathers, respectful neighbors, networks of charity, and mutual trust.

“[He] Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe from fear.”
(Surah Quraysh, 4)

Above all are the spiritual blessings of the heart: faith (iman), contentment with Allah’s decree, patience in hardship, humility in prayer, the sweetness of supplication and remembrance, and the tranquility that descends upon those who remember Allah.

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d, 28)

Gratitude is expressed by the conviction of the heart and the acknowledgment that every good comes from Allah, without attributing it to oneself:

“And proclaim the blessings of your Lord.”
(Surah Ad-Duha, 11)
The Sunnah also teaches:
“He who is not grateful to the people is not grateful to Allah.”
(At-Tirmidhi)

Gratitude also means using blessings in goodness: health for prayer and serving others; wealth in what is lawful, in zakah and charity; knowledge for teaching and giving advice; influence to protect the weak. When the Prophet ﷺ was asked why he prayed so much at night even though his past and future sins had been forgiven, he replied:

“Should I not be a grateful servant?”
(Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Gratitude also includes speaking about blessings without arrogance—mentioning them to inspire gratitude and goodness, not out of pride. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah loves to see the effects of His blessings on His servant.”
(At-Tirmidhi)

When blessings are recognized and used properly, they multiply, become a source of peace, and open the doors to even greater goodness in this world and the Hereafter. But when man forgets the Giver, arrogance turns blessings into sources of sin, and corruption returns upon him.

Therefore, the best conclusion is to return to gratitude in all circumstances, as the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Should I not be a grateful servant?”
(Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

The greatest blessing of all is undoubtedly the faith of Islam, for without it, disorder and corruption would prevail, both in private and public life.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on October 31, 2025, at the “Centre Islamique Medina” in WIltz)