FRIDAY SERMON: GOOD THOUGHT (HUSNU THANNI)

           Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim

 All praises be to Allah, the Lord of the universe. May His blessings be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his Companions.

Ibadallah, among the qualities of a man is the ability to think of or about something. This quality distinguishes man from other creatures and raises him above others. Thoughts, however, are guided by some internal and external factors, among which are religion, environment, family, and others. These factors determine the goodness and badness of thoughts. Hence, Islam encourages high levels of religiosity to promote good thought.

Good thought in Islam is the assumption of goodness about Allah, oneself, and others. Good thought about Allah can be explained as expecting His mercy, goodness, provision, and other blessings from Him, and believing in His capability to fulfill everything one wishes. The Qur’an says:

"Oh my servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah."

The Prophet ﷺ also reported that Allah said to him:"I am as My servant thinks of Me."

 While good thought to oneself and fellow beings can be explained as wishing goodness for oneself, one’s nation, family, and others. Since Islam encourages goodness to ourselves, having good thoughts for ourselves is also encouraged. The Qur’an says:

"Do not kill yourselves,"

this prohibition also lies upon wishing death to ourselves. The Prophet ﷺ further said:

"None of you should wish death for himself for a harm afflicted on him, but if he has no option but to do so, he should say: 'Oh Allah, let me live if life is better for me and kill me if death is better for me.' "

 Ibadallah, let us always wish goodness for ourselves, our nation, family, and friends from Allah because His mercy surpasses everything. Let us also avoid wishing evil for ourselves so that we may be blessed.

 Oh Allah, grant us the heart that will always wish goodness from You and grant us all our desires. Ameen.

Let us pray.

MAKNAZUL ‘IRFAN

January 9, 2026