Things to be thankful for
As American Muslims there are many things to be thankful for but I would like to particularly mention three main important reasons why we American Muslims must be thankful.
First, we are thankful for the guidance. Guidance is precious. With guidance we live our life decently and with clear direction. Only with guidance we will be able to answer some fundamental questions of life. Where we came from, why we are here, and where we will go from here. More importantly, we get guidance on how to get into our final destiny safely.
In a nutshell I used to describe guidance as “GPS for living.” Living our life is just like walking in the middle of the desert without knowing which direction to pursue. With the guidance as our GPS in life we will be able to identify not only our final destination, but also what direction to follow and even how to pursue our journey to the final destination.
Second, we are thankful for America. With all its shortcomings, America is still one of the greatest places to live. America is still the land of opportunity, whether it be economic, educational, and even political opportunities. Just in the recent local election in NYC for example 2 young Muslim ladies were elected to public positions. One was elected NYC council member. And another one was elected as a civil judge for the borough of Queens.
What surprised many was the election of city council members in a small city in Michigan known as Hamstramck. All the city council members elected were Muslims. At the same time, the City elected the first Muslim mayor in its history.
But what is more important for Muslims in America is that this country is indeed a land of da’wah opportunity. Here in this land we have the opportunity to represent and present the true face of Islam. What makes the opportunity open wide is that the Constitution guarantees and protects it as a part of our basic religious rights.
Third, we are thankful for being American Muslims. Not only that America is such a great country and gives us the opportunity to practice and also spread the true teachings of Islam, but also America with its great constitution provides a sense of freedom and self confidence for our community to thrive and develop.
But what is more important to be thankful for is the reality that American Muslims are deeply diverse in nature. Beside in Makkah during the hajj season, only in this country can we find Muslims of almost all backgrounds representing all Muslims from around the globe.
This diversity of the Muslim community is truly a blessing and can be a source of beauty and strength for Muslims worldwide. It is beautiful because it represents the global nature of Islam. It is a strength because American Muslims can be a seed of our global Muslim unity and brotherhood.
These are three important things that Muslims in American must be thankful for. And with that in mind and spirit we join our fellow Americans in celebrating the Day of Thanksgiving by saying “alhamdulillah”! (*)
Jamaica City, 4 Desember 2021
Summary of Friday Khutbah delivered at Jamaica Muslim Center on December 3rd 2021
