Central Khutbah: “The One Who Believes and Sincerely Performs Good Deeds with Patience is Not a Loser”

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, Who created man in the most beautiful form and granted him reason, a heart, and willpower so that he may reflect, recognize the truth, and follow the right path. We bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the One, without any partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May peace and blessings be upon him, his family, his companions, and all those who follow him until the Day of Judgment.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Allah, the Almighty, says:

“By time! Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, and who encourage one another to truth and encourage one another to patience.” (Surah Al-Asr, 1-3)

In this short yet profound surah, Allah lays out the fundamental principles of life and success. He warns us that mankind is in loss, except for those who possess faith, perform good deeds, encourage one another in truth, and encourage one another in patience.

Imam Ash-Shafi’i said:
“If Allah had not revealed any other proof against humanity except this surah, it would have been sufficient for them.”

In Surah At-Tin, Allah, the Most High, says:
“Indeed, We created man in the best of stature; then We reduced him to the lowest of the low, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds – for they will have a never-ending reward.” (Surah At-Tin, 4-6)

Allah has given mankind a special form and unique abilities. He endowed him with reason and the freedom of choice, making him responsible for the trust he has undertaken—the responsibility to use his intellect in accordance with the purpose of his existence.

The first obligation of man is to reflect and recognize his Creator. Through the signs in the Qur’an and in the universe, the believer discovers the truth, acknowledges Allah’s perfection, and worships Him with love and conviction. Such a person submits to Allah’s commands and avoids His prohibitions, knowing that this is for his own benefit. This level of piety leads to Paradise, and the differences among believers depend on the sincerity and abundance of their good deeds.

The second obligation of man is to use his knowledge and efforts to bring good to himself and others. He solves problems, treats illnesses, and makes people’s lives easier. However, if he does all of this without faith and without the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure, his reward will be limited to this world, with no share in the Hereafter.

“Among them are those who say, ‘Our Lord, grant us [Your blessings] in this world!’ But they will have no share in the Hereafter.” (Surah Al-Baqara, 200)
“Whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will increase for him in his reward. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We give him thereof, but he will have no share in the Hereafter.” (Surah Ash-Shura, 20)

In contrast, those who fulfill both obligations—recognizing their Lord and working for His pleasure—will succeed in both worlds.

“And among them are those who say, ‘Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire!’ For them is a share of what they have earned. And Allah is swift in account.” (Surah Al-Baqara, 201-202)

In Surah At-Tin, Allah describes how a person can fall to the lowest state—after having been given a great honor—if he squanders the opportunity given to him and ends up in disgrace and meaninglessness. In Surah Al-Asr, man is depicted as a being whose time is running out, whose abilities are weakening, and whose value is diminishing—unless he utilizes his time and capabilities in faith, good deeds, and mutual encouragement in truth and patience.

A person who achieves this is not, and cannot be, a loser.

May Allah grant us sincere faith, beneficial deeds, true steadfastness, and patience on His path. May He make us among those who succeed in this world and in the Hereafter.

(Central khutbah by the religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić on March 21, 2025, at the “Association Islamique de Luxembourg” in Bonnevoie)