Eid Al-Fitr Sermon: Increasing Gratitude on Eid Al-Fitr

First Khutbah 

اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ … اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ … اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ
كَبِيْرًا وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ كَثِيرًا وَسُبْحَانَ اللهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا. لآ إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ، صَدَقَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَأَعَزَّ جُنْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ. لآ إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَلَا نَعْبُدُ إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ، مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ. أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لآ إِلهَ إلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَنَا مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ. اَللّهُمَّ صَلِّ وَسَلِّمْ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ. أَمَّا بَعْدُ، فَيآ أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، أُوصِيكُمْ وَإِيَّايَ بِتَقْوَى اللهِ فَقَدْ فَازَ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ. فَقَدْ قَالَ تَعَالَى فِيْ كِتَابِهِ الْكَرِيْمِ: وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيد. وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهٌ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: لَا يَشْكُرُ اللَّهَ مَنْ لاَ يَشْكُرُ النَّاسَ. رَوَاهُ أَبُوْ دَاوُدَ .

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

Alhamdulillah, all praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. We thank Him for allowing us to witness another blessed Eid Al-Fitr, a day of celebration and gratitude for Muslims worldwide. May shalawat and salam be continuously given to Muhammad (peace be upon him), our prophet and the apostle of the end times. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us reflect on the importance of increasing our gratitude towards Allah for His countless blessings.

Eid Al-Fitr is a celebration day that marks the end of the blessed Ramadan. Muslims fast from dawn till dusk, striving to increase their taqwa and draw closer to Allah. Allah said in the holy Quran, "O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful of Allah." (2:183 Quran). Therefore, we should be grateful to Allah for blessing us and allowing us to complete the Ramadhan fast.

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

Allah, in His infinite mercy, has emphasized the importance of gratitude throughout the Quran. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah said: 

وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌۭ

The meaning," And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.'" (14:7 Quran).

This verse serves as a reminder that expressing gratitude leads to an increase in blessings from Allah. Based on Syekh Wahbah az-Zuhaili's interpretation of this verse, he said, "Verily, gratitude for blessings is a cause for their increase, while ingratitude leads to their disappearance. The verse clearly indicates that gratitude is a reason for more and that denying blessings leads to decrease and disappearance." (Syekh Wahbah az-Zuhaili, at-Tafsir al-Munir, [Beirut: Darul Fikr, 1418], chapter XIII, page 213).

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged us to be grateful even for simple and perceived as small things. As Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

قال رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّم: إنَّ اللهَ ليرْضَى عَنِ العبْدِ أنْ يأكلَ الأكلَةَ فيحمَدَه عليها، أو يَشْربَ الشَّرْبَةَ فيحمَدَه عليها. رواه مسلم

The meaning, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Allah is pleased with His slave who says: 'Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah)' when he takes a morsel of food and drinks a draught of water." (Muslim)

Based on the hadith above, scholars such as An-Nawawi and Al-Munawi believe, it is sunnah to say hamdalah as a form of gratitude to Allah when eating and drinking. Thus, we should be grateful for every blessing that has been given by Allah Ta'ala (An-Nawawi, Syarhun Nawawi' alal Muslim, [Beirut: Dar Ihya at-Turats al-‘Arabi, 1392], chapter XVII, page. 51).

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam

On this auspicious day of Eid Al-Fitr, let us strive to increase our gratitude towards Allah for His countless blessings. Gratitude is more than just a feeling; it is a state of being and a way of life. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the blessings we have been bestowed with, both big and small.

One of the most effective ways to increase gratitude is by reflecting and remembering Allah's blessings. Take a moment to ponder over the past month of Ramadan, the opportunities for spiritual growth, and the blessings of health, family, and sustenance that Allah has bestowed upon us. Each blessing deserves our heartfelt gratitude and praise.

Gratitude for blessings and our current condition are also crucial practices in life. Someone who lacks gratitude always feels deficient, even if they have sufficient wealth or even more. However, no matter how wealthy one may be, if there is no sense of contentment within the heart, there will always be feelings of inadequacy and restlessness. 

Abbas Mahmoud Al-Aqqad, an Egyptian writer and journalist, once wrote a poem that illustrated those who never appreciate their current life conditions. Mahmoud said:

صَغِيرٌ يَطْلُبُ الْكِبَرَا

A child wishes to be an adult

وَشَيْخٌ وَدَّ لَوْ صَغُرَا

Elderly wish to be young again

وَخَالٍ يَـشْتَهِي عَمَلًا 

Unemployed feels aimless

وَذُو عَمَلٍ بِهِ ضَجِرَا

Those who work grow weary of their jobs

وَرَبُّ الْمَالِ فِي تَعَبٍ 

The wealthy feel tired of their riches 

وَفِي تَعَبٍ مَـنِ افْـتَـقَـرَا

While even the poor feel exhausted by their poverty 

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam

Moreover, let us express our gratitude through acts of kindness and generosity towards others. Eid Al-Fitr is a celebration for ourselves and an opportunity to spread happiness to those around us. Reach out to the less fortunate in our communities, share a meal with those in need, and offer a helping hand to those facing difficulties. By giving back to others, we not only express our gratitude to Allah but also fulfill our duty as compassionate members of society.

In conclusion, Eid Al-Fitr is a time of celebration and gratitude, a moment to reflect on the blessings of Allah and express our thanks for His infinite mercy and generosity. Let us seize this opportunity to increase our gratitude towards Allah for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us and to share our joy and happiness with others.

May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and acts of worship during Ramadan, and may He bless us with continued guidance, strength, and prosperity in the days ahead. Eid Mubarak to you and your loved ones. 

جَعَلَنَا اللهُ وَإِيَّاكُمْ مِنَ الْعَائِدِيْنَ وَالْفَائِزِيْنَ وَالْمَقْبُوْلِيْنَ، كُلُّ عَامٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِخَيْرٍ. آمِيْنَ يا رب العالمين. بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيْمِ.وَسَارِعُوْا إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِيْنَ. وَقُلْ رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وارْحَم وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

Second Khutbah

اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ … اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ … اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، كَبِيْرًا وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ كَثِيرًا وَسُبْحَانَ اللهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا. لآ إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ، صَدَقَ وَعْدَهُ، وَنَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ، وَأَعَزَّ جُنْدَهُ، وَهَزَمَ الْأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَهُ. لآ إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَلَا نَعْبُدُ إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ، مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ.
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ وَكَفَى، وَأُصَلِّيْ وَأُسَلِّمُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ الْمُصْطَفَى، وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ أَهْلِ الصِّدْقِ الْوَفَا. أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَّا إلٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَنَا مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ  أَمَّا بَعْدُ، 
فَيَا أَيُّهَا الْمُسْلِمُوْنَ، أُوْصِيْكُمْ وَنَفْسِيْ بِتَقْوَى اللهِ وَطَاعَتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ. وَاعْلَمُوْا أَنَّ اللهَ أَمَرَكُمْ بِأَمْرٍ عَظِيْمٍ، أَمَرَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالسَّلَامِ عَلَى نَبِيِّهِ الْكَرِيْمِ فَقَالَ: إِنَّ اللهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ، يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
اَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيْمَ، فِيْ الْعَالَمِيْنَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَجِيْدٌ
اَللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُسْلِمِيْنَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ والْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ الْأَحْيَاءِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْأَمْوَاتِ، اللهم ادْفَعْ عَنَّا الْبَلَاءَ وَالْغَلَاءَ وَالْوَبَاءَ وَالْفَحْشَاءَ وَالْمُنْكَرَ وَالْبَغْيَ وَالسُّيُوْفَ الْمُخْتَلِفَةَ وَالشَّدَائِدَ وَالْمِحَنَ، مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ، مِنْ بَلَدِنَا هَذَا خَاصَّةً وَمِنْ بُلْدَانِ الْمُسْلِمِيْنَ عَامَّةً، إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ. اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا صَلَاتَنَا وَصِيَامَنَا وَقِيَامَنَا وَسَائِرَ أَعْمَالِنَا وَتَمِّمْ تَقْصِيْرَنَا فِيْ رَمَضَانَ وَاجْعَلْنَا مِمَّنْ يُقِيْمُهَا وَيُدِيْمُهَا وَيُحْيِيْهَا بَعْدَهُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ. وَالْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ
عِبَادَ اللهِ، إنَّ اللهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإحْسَانِ وَإِيْتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى ويَنْهَى عَنِ الفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَالبَغْيِ، يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُوْنَ. فَاذكُرُوا اللهَ الْعَظِيْمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ وَلَذِكْرُ اللهِ أَكْبَرُ
ثم السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Amien Nurhakim, Lecturer of PTIQ University Jakarta