The Temptations of Desires and How To Resist - Jummah Sermon Summary
Qur’an Verse
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ ٱلشَّهَوَٰتِ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلْبَنِينَ وَٱلْقَنَـٰطِيرِ ٱلْمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ ٱلذَّهَبِ وَٱلْفِضَّةِ وَٱلْخَيْلِ ٱلْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ وَٱلْحَرْثِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ مَتَـٰعُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥ حُسْنُ ٱلْمَـَٔابِ ١٤"
"Beautified for mankind is the love of desires: women, children, gold and silver, fine horses, cattle and plantations. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but with Allah is the best return.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:14)
Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The Fire is surrounded by desires, and Paradise is surrounded by hardships.” (Bukhārī, Muslim)
Imam’s Statement
Allah created us with desires as part of our test on this earth, but He also gave us guidance to discipline them. Our nafs inclines towards pleasure and comfort, while Shayṭān beautifies sin and whispers: “Just once, no harm… others are doing it too… Allah is Forgiving…” But the believer knows: every step towards sin is a step away from Jannah.
Things to Consider
- Taqwā – Be aware that Allah sees everything
- Ṣalāh – Guarding your prayers strengthens your resolve
- Ṣawm (Fasting) - Fasting is a shield for all desires
- Remembering Death and the Hereafter - Every unlawful pleasure is temporary, but its punishment could be eternal
- Stay around pious people - For desires grow in corrupt company
- Replacing desires with ḥalāl - Get married, earn halal and be generous - Islam does not kill desires, it disciplines them
- Lower your gaze - Even once, for Allah’s sake
This sermon was delivered at Dover Masjid on Friday, 22nd August 2025 (28 Safar 1447 AH)