Here is a powerful Jumu’ah Khutbah story in English that can be used as part of a sermon or spiritual reminder. It teaches humility, sincerity in worship, and the importance of hidden good deeds.
Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (RA), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Three people from among those who came before you were traveling when they were overtaken by a storm, so they took shelter in a cave. Suddenly, a rock rolled down from the mountain and blocked the entrance of the cave. They said to each other: ‘Nothing will save you from this rock but that you call upon Allah by mentioning the righteous deeds you have done sincerely for His sake.’”
— (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
The first man said:
“O Allah! I had elderly parents and I never used to give milk to my family or children before I gave them to my parents first. One day, I went far in search of grazing and returned late. I found them asleep. I stood by their bed holding the milk, and I did not want to wake them, nor did I want to feed my children before them. So I waited until they woke up at dawn and drank the milk. O Allah, if I did that sincerely for Your sake, relieve us of this rock!”
And the rock moved slightly, but they still couldn’t get out.
The second man said:
“O Allah! I loved a woman with deep passion, and I tried to seduce her, but she refused. One year, there was a famine, and she came to me for help. I offered her 120 dinars to let me be with her. She agreed because she was desperate. But just as I was about to commit the sin, she said: ‘Fear Allah, and do not break the seal except by right.’ I was overcome by the fear of You and left her, even though I loved her. I gave her the money and let her go. O Allah, if I did that sincerely for Your sake, relieve us of this rock!”
And the rock moved further, but still they could not get out.
The third man said:
“O Allah! I once hired a worker and paid him his wages, but he left without taking it. So I invested his wage in crops, cattle, and business. Years later, he came and said: ‘O servant of Allah, give me my wages.’ I told him: ‘All that you see — the camels, cows, sheep, and slaves — is from your wages.’ He said: ‘Fear Allah and do not mock me!’ I said: ‘I am not mocking; this is your wealth.’ So he took everything and left. O Allah, if I did that sincerely for Your sake, relieve us of this rock!”
Then the rock moved completely, and they walked out of the cave safely.
Dear brothers and sisters,
This story is a powerful reminder that sincere good deeds, even when done in secret, can bring us relief in times of great hardship. It teaches us:
- To prioritize our parents with respect and love.
- To fear Allah even in moments of temptation.
- To be honest and trustworthy with people’s rights.
Let us all strive to do righteous deeds not for fame, but for Allah’s pleasure alone. You never know — that one hidden act of sincerity might be your way out of the cave in your life.
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