KhutbahAl-MujadilahSurah #58

Making Space, Humility (RICC Khutbah)

April 10, 2026HumilityKhutbahAl-Mujadilah2026RICC

04-10-2026 mamdouh.salama@comcast.net

Making Space, Humility (RICC Khutbah)

إن الحمد لله نحمده ونستعينه ونستغفره، ونعوذ بالله تعالى من شرور أنفسنا، وسيئات أعمالنا، من يهد الله تعالى فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأشهد أن محمداً عبده ورسوله، اللهم صلِّ وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه ومن تبعه إلى يوم الدين
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ [آل عمران:102. [أما بعد:
فإن أصدق الحديث كلام الله تعالى، وخير الهدي هدي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم، وشر الأمور محدثاتها، وكل محدثة بدعة، وكل بدعة ضلالة، وكل ضلالة في النار.

How many times have we experienced this? You arrive early for Jumu‘ah. You find a comfortable place. You settle in. Then the masjid begins to fill. Someone comes late and tries to squeeze in next to you. What happens next?

Do you move willingly… or reluctantly? Does your face show ease… or annoyance?

Now look at it from the other side. You arrive late. The rows are full. You search for a place. You try to fit in. Someone barely shifts, gives you a look, and you feel unwelcome. Perhaps you sit in the hallway, or worse, you miss the khutbah entirely.

This is not just our reality today.

This happened even at the time of the Prophet ﷺ. People gathered in the masjid, in circles of knowledge, and faced the same human challenge: limited space, and a nafs that resists discomfort. For this exact situation, Allah revealed guidance. Allah says:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمۡ تَفَسَّحُواْ فِى ٱلۡمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفۡسَحُواْ يَفۡسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ

"O you who believe, when you are told, ‘Make space in gatherings,’ then make space; Allah will make space for you…" (Al-Mujadilah 58:11)

Reflect deeply on this. Allah does not say: If there is extra room, then share it.

He says: When you are told to make space, make space. This is a command.

And immediately after the command comes a promise: Allah will make space for you.

What does that mean?

It means Allah will expand your Rizq, your life, your heart. He will place barakah where you never expected. He will open doors that were closed and replace hardship with ease.

And beyond this dunya, Allah will make space for you in the Akhirah—space in Jannah, elevation in ranks, and a vastness beyond imagination.

All of this… for what? For moving a few inches. For making room. For choosing your brother over your comfort.

Allah then continues:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُواْ فَٱنشُزُواْ

"And when you are told, ‘Arise,’ then arise…"

Sometimes making space is not just shifting. It means giving up your spot entirely.It means standing so someone else can sit. It means sacrificing your comfort for someone else’s benefit.

And what is the reward? يَرۡفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ “Allah will raise those who believe among you”. When you lower yourself, Allah raises you.

We live this verse every single Friday. When the masjid fills, we face a choice:

Do we protect our comfort? Or do we prioritize our brother?

Making space requires humility. It requires defeating the nafs, the part of us that wants more room, more comfort, more control. And that is why the reward is great, because the struggle is real.

Now let us reflect on a deeper dimension of this verse. Allah uses the word: ٱنشُزُواْ (Rise up). This word appears in another context in the Qur’an: family relationships.

The word نُشُوز (nushūz) means to rise above others in arrogance or superiority.

And this is where the Qur’an gives us a powerful lesson: Just as we are commanded not to cling to space in the masjid, we are also commanded not to elevate ourselves over others in our homes.

In marriage, nushuz happens when: A husband looks down on his wife, or a wife looks down on her husband. And what happens next? Conflict. Tension. Breakdown.

Allah addresses both cases in Surat Al-Nisa. When the wife displays arrogance, Allah prescribes a process of reconciliation, step by step, aimed at restoring dignity and balance. And when the husband shows arrogance, Allah says: وَٱلصُّلۡحُ خَيۡرٌ۬ "Reconciliation is better." (Al-Nisa 4:128)

The message is clear: Do not rise above others in arrogance. Do not assert dominance. Do not let ego destroy relationships.

Whether in the masjid or in the home, the disease is the same: The desire to elevate oneself over others. And the cure is the same: Humility.

These verses are not about domination. They are about restoring balance when dignity is broken. Because no one can tolerate being looked down upon. Not a husband. Not a wife. Not a believer.

At this point, it is important to address a misunderstanding that has caused harm in some families. The word نُشُوز (nushūz) does not mean simple disagreement, tiredness, or emotional frustration. It refers specifically to arrogance, contempt, and a sense of superiority, when one spouse rises above the other and treats them with disrespect.

This is very different from a situation where a wife is upset, hurt, or reacting to something the husband has done. Such situations require understanding, communication, and mercy, not escalation.

Allah, in His wisdom, did not leave this sensitive situation without guidance. He established a structured process, not an impulsive reaction. Allah says:

وَٱلَّـٰتِى تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهۡجُرُوهُنَّ فِى ٱلۡمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضۡرِبُوهُنَّ

This verse outlines a sequence, not a license:

First: Advise with wisdom and calmness

Second: Create space to cool emotions

Third: A symbolic and highly restricted action, only if it leads to reconciliation

Then: Arbitration between families, if needed

What is critical here is this: This process is gradual, controlled, and purposeful.

It is not emotional. It is not reactive. It is not driven by anger.

And it is only applicable when the issue is true nushuz, arrogance and contempt, not ordinary marital tension. Now reflect on something important.

Allah knows the nature of human beings. When a person feels disrespected, the instinct is to react, sometimes harshly. Instead of ignoring this reality, Allah regulated it. And we see in societies around us what happens when anger is left unchecked, when there is no structure, no restraint, no guidance. Conflicts escalate, families break, and harm occurs.

Even in modern societies, there are alarming rates of domestic violence within families. This shows that when human emotions are left unrestrained, the consequences can be severe. The Qur’an, however, does not ignore human nature, it disciplines it. It introduces a structured, step-by-step process designed to de-escalate conflict before it reaches harm. And the Prophet ﷺ clarified this even further:

He never struck a woman

He strongly discouraged this behavior

And he said: “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.”

So, the spirit of this guidance is not harm, it is restraint, discipline, and reconciliation.

Therefore, any man who skips the earlier steps, acts out of anger, or uses this verse to justify harm has misunderstood the Qur’an and violated its purpose.

The goal is not to win an argument. The goal is not to assert control. The goal is to control anger, preserve dignity, restore balance, and protect the family.

أقول قولي هذا وأستغفر الله العظيم لي ولكم فاستغفروه إنه هو الغفور الرحيم
الحمد لله، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأشهد أن محمدًا عبده ورسوله، صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين. أما بعد، عباد الله، أوصيكم ونفسي بتقوى الله.

Let us return to where we began. Next Jumu‘ah, come early. Come early. Sit with intention and leave space for others. Do not spread out, do not claim territory. And when asked to move, smile, and move immediately. Say: بسم الله And remember: “Allah will make space for you.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

If you love ease? Then give ease. If you love respect? Then give respect.If you love comfort? Then give comfort. Especially to those closest to you,

Your spouse. Your family. Your community.

This deen is not just acts of worship. It is how you sit. How you move. How you make space for others. Because the one who makes space for people, Allah will make space for him in this life and the next.

اللهم اجعلنا من المتواضعين، واجعلنا ممن يفسحون لإخوانهم، فيفسح لهم في الدنيا والآخرة
اللهم صلِّ وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه
اللهم اهدنا فيمن هديت ، وعافنا فيمن عافيت ، وتولنا فيمن توليت ، وبارك لنا فيما أعطيت، وقنا واصرف عنا شر ما قضيت اللهم أدخلنا برحمتك في عبادك الصالحين ، أخرجنا من ظلمات الجهل والوهم إلى أنوار العلم اللهم اجعلنا ممن يستمعون القول فيتبعون أحسنه اللهم اجعلنا من الصائمين القائمين،
اللهم بفضلك ورحمتك أعلِ كلمة الحق والدين ، وانصر الإسلام ، وأعز المسلمين يا أكرم الأكرمين .

O Allah, spread your mercy upon us, shower us with Your blessings, increase our knowledge, grant us forgiveness, and reward us by the company of Your prophets in the highest place in Heaven, Al-Ferdous Al-Aala.

O Allah, forgive our parents and all our friends and relatives who have passed away and make their graves a garden from heaven and grant them the Ferdous Al-Ala.

O Allah, we have many of our friends and relatives who are sick. O Allah grant them full and speedy recovery.

O Allah, guide our children, protect them and make them righteous.

O Allah we have many of our brethren, who are subjected to injustice and oppression, O Allah, heal their trauma, protect the helpless, fulfill their needs, and grant them lasting peace and prosperity

O Allah, we ask you in this blessed hour with every name you have elected for yourself that none of us leave this gathering, except his pains have been relieved, his worries have been removed, his debts have been paid, his weaknesses have been concealed, his sins have been forgiven, and his needs have been fulfilled,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا ) الأحزاب (33:56 (
اللهم صلِّ وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه
وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَر

How many times have we experienced this? You arrive early for Jumu‘ah. You find a comfortable place. You settle in. Then the masjid begins to fill. Someone comes late and tries to squeeze in next to you. What do you do? Do you move reluctantly, just a little? Does your face show discomfort, or annoyance?

Let us look at the situation from the other side. You arrive at the masjid for Jumu'ah and the rows are full. You're looking for a place to sit. You squeeze in awkwardly. Maybe someone grudgingly shifts a few inches, and you get an annoyed look. Maybe you end up sitting in the hallway or missing the khutbah entirely because there's simply no room.

This is not just a unique problem for us. This happened even in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. People came to the Masjid, to circles of knowledge, and they faced the same challenge: limited space, and a human nature that resists discomfort. And for this type of situation, Allah revealed guidance. Allah says in Surat Al-Mujadilah:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمۡ تَفَسَّحُواْ فِى ٱلۡمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفۡسَحُواْ يَفۡسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُواْ فَٱنشُزُواْ يَرۡفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ۬

“O you who believe, when you are told, ‘Make space in gatherings,’ then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do." (Al-Mujadilah 58:11)

Reflect on this verse carefully. Allah does not say: If there is extra room, then share it. He says: “when you are told to make space, make space.” This is a command. And immediately after the command comes the promise of a reward: “Allah will make space for you.”

What does that mean, Allah will make space for you? This reward has multiple dimensions:

Allah will make space for you in this dunya: in your rizq, in your home, in your life, in your heart.

You'll find barakah where you didn't expect it.

You'll find ease where there was difficulty. You'll find opportunities opening up that were previously closed.

And Allah will make space for you in the akhirah. Space in Jannah. Elevation in ranks. A vastness and expansion beyond imagination.

All of this, for what? For moving over a few inches. For standing up when asked. For accommodating your brother or sister in faith. For responding with humility.

But note that Allah gives also the command: :

And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees."

Sometimes making space is not just shifting.

It is about giving up your spot entirely.

It is about standing so someone else can sit.

It's about vacating a position of comfort so another person can benefit.

And when you do this, Allah raises you. He elevates you in status, in knowledge, in rank.

We live this verse every single Friday. When the masjid fills, we have a choice:

Either we protect our comfort

Or we prioritize our brother

Making space requires humility. It requires defeating your nafs, which always wants more room, more comfort, more recognition. And that's exactly why Allah connects this act to such tremendous reward. Because when you conquer that stinginess, that territorial instinct, you've achieved something profound.

In the remaining minutes of the Khutba, I can expand on this verse in one of two directions. One direction is to provide a practical demonstration of this verse that Allah gave to us in Surat Al-Hashr. How real people made space for others. This is the example of how the Ansar (the people in Madina) made a space for the Muhajirun when they came to them from Mecca with nothing because they were forced to leave everything behind. And the Ansar faced a choice, and they chose to make space. But, I’ll leave this example for you to study, it is presented in verse 9 of Surat Al-Hashr (59)

But I want to expand on the verse in the other direction and this by focusing on one word in it and it is the word (إِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُواْ فَٱنشُزُواْ) (when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise). I want you to give attention to the term (ٱنشُزُواْ) that means rise up, stand up. This term came in the Quran two additional times, and it is related to the relationship between the husband and wife. Misinterpreting this term (نشوز) greatly cause harm to Muslim families and even to the image of Islam. The term (نشوز) means standing up, rising up.

The relationship between the husband and wife should be based on mutual respect, no one should stand up as sign of superiority over another. If one of the spouses starts rising up and claiming superiority, major conflicts will occur that will lead to divorce if not resolved. The term used to describe this behavior is “Noushouz “(نُشُوز), again that term means “standing up”. In Surat Al-Nisa, Allah presented two cases, one case is presented in verses 35 and 35 when the wife of the one who stands up acting in a form of superiority over her husband. The other case is presented in verse 128 when the husband stands up acting in a form of superiority over her husband.

If the wife is the one who stand up as superior to her husband and treat him with contempt, Allah presents a 4-step process to resolve this conflict. Allah says:

وَٱلَّـٰتِى تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهۡجُرُوهُنَّ فِى ٱلۡمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضۡرِبُوهُنَّ‌ۖ فَإِنۡ أَطَعۡنَڪُمۡ فَلَا تَبۡغُواْ عَلَيۡہِنَّ سَبِيلاً‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّ۬ا ڪَبِيرً۬ا (٣٤) وَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ شِقَاقَ بَيۡنِہِمَا فَٱبۡعَثُواْ حَكَمً۬ا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَحَكَمً۬ا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِهَآ إِن يُرِيدَآ إِصۡلَـٰحً۬ا يُوَفِّقِ ٱللَّهُ بَيۡنَہُمَآ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا خَبِيرً۬ا (٣٥)

“As to those women whom you fear their rebellion (by taunting you with their arrogance and superiority), (step 1) advise them (first), and (step 2) leave them apart in beds, and (step 3) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, then do not seek inequitably any way against them Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great (34) If you fear a split will happened between them (the husband and wife), (step 4) appoint an arbiter from his people and an arbiter from her people. If they desire to set things right, Allah shall bring about conciliation between them. Surely, Allah is ever Knower, Aware.” (Al-Nisa 4:34-35)

In these verses, the step that causes an issue with people is the step of a husband hitting his wife. Note that Allah knows that men may react violently if they are insulted by their wives and thus Allah instituted the first two steps to cool the situation down. While Allah did not prohibit the hitting part, the Prophet (PBUH) established many restrictions to ensure that no physical harm results and said only the worst of men hit their wives. The prohibition of hitting is not practical as demonstrated by the statistics that show that 1 in 3 (35.6%) women in the west experience physical violence by their intimate partner. Therefore, accepting the fact that it happens, placing restriction is a better approach. In addition, this third step should not be applied if it will not lead to any change in behavior and it becomes a cause for the failure of the 4th step that involves the use of an arbitrator from the wife’s family.

The Surat also addresses the case of the bad behavior of “Noushouz” from the husband who stand up and look down ion his wife:

وَإِنِ ٱمۡرَأَةٌ خَافَتۡ مِنۢ بَعۡلِهَا نُشُوزًا أَوۡ إِعۡرَاضً۬ا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡہِمَآ أَن يُصۡلِحَا بَيۡنَہُمَا صُلۡحً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱلصُّلۡحُ خَيۡرٌ۬‌ۗ وَأُحۡضِرَتِ ٱلۡأَنفُسُ ٱلشُّحَّ‌ۚ وَإِن تُحۡسِنُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا (١٢٨)

“If a woman fears rebellion (by taunting her with their arrogance and superiority) from her husband, or desertion, it is no sin for them in enter in a peaceful compromise between them. Peace is better. But human souls are swayed by greed. But, if you do good and fear Allah, indeed Allah is fully aware of what you do”. (Al-Nisa 4:128)

The guidance here again underscores the emphasis on peaceful resolution and mutual understanding, encouraging both parties to find a fair compromise rather than escalating conflict.

These verses address a form of treatment that no one can tolerate. Neither can a husband tolerate his wife look down on him, nor can a wife tolerate her husband look down on her. These verses in Surat al-Nisa address a specific situation, it does not address any other behavior.

أقول قولي هذا واستغفر الله العظيم لي ولكم ولسائر المسلمين من كل ذنب فاستغفروه إنه هو الغفور الرحيم
الحمد لله وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له ، وأشهد أن سيدنا محمدًا عبده ورسوله ، صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وأصحابه ومن سار على نهجهم واهتدى بهديهم .أما بعد: .عباد الله: أوصيكم ونفسي بتقوى الله

Going back to the begging of the khutba, next Jumu‘ah: Come early. Sit with intention and leave space for others. Do not spread out, do not claim territory. And when asked to move, smile, and move immediately. Say: بسم الله And remember: “Allah will make space for you.”

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

If you love ease, give ease. If you love honor, honor others, particularly your spouse. If you love space, make space.

اللهم صلِّ وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه
اللهم اهدنا فيمن هديت ، وعافنا فيمن عافيت ، وتولنا فيمن توليت ، وبارك لنا فيما أعطيت، وقنا واصرف عنا شر ما قضيت اللهم أدخلنا برحمتك في عبادك الصالحين ، أخرجنا من ظلمات الجهل والوهم إلى أنوار العلم اللهم اجعلنا ممن يستمعون القول فيتبعون أحسنه اللهم اجعلنا من الصائمين القائمين،
اللهم بفضلك ورحمتك أعلِ كلمة الحق والدين ، وانصر الإسلام ، وأعز المسلمين يا أكرم الأكرمين .

O Allah, spread your mercy upon us, shower us with Your blessings, increase our knowledge, grant us forgiveness, and reward us by the company of Your prophets in the highest place in Heaven, Al-Ferdous Al-Aala.

O Allah, forgive our parents and all our friends and relatives who have passed away and make their graves a garden from heaven and grant them the Ferdous Al-Ala.

O Allah, we have many of our friends and relatives who are sick. O Allah grant them full and speedy recovery.

O Allah, guide our children, protect them and make them righteous.

O Allah we have many of our brethren, who are subjected to injustice and oppression,

O Allah, heal their trauma, protect the helpless, fulfill their needs, and grant them lasting peace and prosperity

O Allah, we ask you in this blessed hour with every name you have elected for yourself that none of us leave this gathering, except his pains have been relieved, his worries have been removed, his debts have been paid, his weaknesses have been concealed, his sins have been forgiven, and his needs have been fulfilled,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا ) الأحزاب (33:56 (
اللهم صلِّ وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وأصحابه
وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَر

and this is be looked down in him and he is inforier looking down in him

But this teaching is not limited to the masjid. It is a way of life.

At work: Do you make space for others—or protect your position?

In the community: Do you include—or exclude?

In knowledge: Do you share—or withhold?

Making space requires humility. It requires overcoming the nafs. And that is why Allah ties it to such a great reward.

Let us go back to Madinah. The Muhājirūn arrived with nothing. They left everything behind for Allah. And the Ansār faced a choice. They chose to make space. Allah says in Surat Al-Hashr:

وَيُؤۡثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ وَلَوۡ كَانَ بِهِمۡ خَصَاصَةٌ۬

“They give preference to others over themselves—even though they are in need.”

This is the highest level of making space. Not from comfort, but from sacrifice. And Allah concludes:

وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفۡسِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ

“Whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul—those are the successful.”

Stinginess is not just about money. It is:

Holding onto space

Holding onto time

Holding onto status

Holding onto comfort

When you refuse to make space, it is not about inches. It is about the heart.

The Ansār conquered this. And Allah rewarded them: They made space in this world, Allah made space for them in eternity.

So ask yourself: What are you holding onto? What space are you refusing to give? Who in your life needs you to move, and you are resisting?

Next Jumu‘ah: Come early. Sit with intention and leave space for others. Do not spread out, do not claim territory. And when asked to move, smile, and move immediately. Say: بسم الله And remember: “Allah will make space for you.”

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

If you love ease, give ease. If you love honor, honor others. If you love space, make space.

The message of today’s khutbah is not about space in the masjid, It is about space in the heart. Because a person may move his body, but his heart remains tight. And another may sacrifice his place, and his heart becomes vast. Allah does not look at how much you moved, but at what moved inside you.

The Prophet ﷺ taught us a powerful principle:

“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him.”

And this is exactly what we see in this verse:

You lower yourself → Allah raises you

You give space → Allah expands your life

You make room → Allah makes room for you

But this requires struggle. Because the Nafs whispers: “This is my spot”, “I came early”, “I deserve this.” And Your Iman responds: “My brother deserves ease”, “My sister deserves dignity”, “And Allah deserves that I obey Him.”

This is where the real victory lies. Not in holding your place, but in conquering your nafs. So, make this a habit:

When you enter any gathering, look for how you can benefit others

When you sit, leave room for someone else

When you are asked to move—move with a smile

And say to yourself: “This is my chance for Allah to make space for me.”

And remember: The one who makes space for people in this world, will find space in the grave. And space on the Day of Judgment, And space in Jannah.

اللهم وسّع لنا في قبورنا، ونوّر لنا فيها،
اللهم وسّع لنا في أرزاقنا، وفي صدورنا، وفي حياتنا،
واجعلنا من المتواضعين، وأبعد عنا الكبر والشح،
واجعلنا من أهل الإيثار والفلاح.
اللهم اجعلنا من الذين يفسحون فيفسح لهم،اللهم طهر قلوبنا من الشح،واجعلنا من أهل الإيثار والفلاح.
أقول قولي هذا وأستغفر الله لي ولكم فاستغفروه، إنه هو الغفور الرحيم.

How many times have we experienced this? You arrive at the masjid for Jumu'ah early and selecta space that is comforting. But as the Majid gets full and someone comes late and try to squeeze in awkwardly next to you, what do you do? Do you grudgingly shift a few inches. Does your face express an annoyed look.

This is not just our problem. This was happening even in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. People would come to gatherings, to circles of knowledge, to the masjid, and they faced the same issue: limited space, human nature resisting discomfort.

And Allah revealed guidance for this exact moment. Listen to what He says in Surat Al-Mujadilah:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمۡ تَفَسَّحُواْ فِى ٱلۡمَجَـٰلِسِ فَٱفۡسَحُواْ يَفۡسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُواْ فَٱنشُزُواْ يَرۡفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ۬ ( ١١ )

"O you who have believed, when you are told, 'Space yourselves' in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do." (Al-Mujadilah 58:11)

Look at the structure of this verse. Allah doesn't say "if there's extra room, share it." He says: "when you are told to make space, make space." This is a command, not a suggestion. And immediately after the command, Allah gives the reward: "Allah will make space for you."

What does this mean, "Allah will make space for you"?

Allah will make space for you in this dunya: in your rizq, in your home, in your life, in your heart.

You'll find barakah where you didn't expect it.

You'll find ease where there was difficulty.

You'll find opportunities opening up that were previously closed.

And Allah will make space for you in the akhirah. Space in Jannah. Elevation in ranks. A vastness and expansion that cannot be measured.

All of this, for what? For moving over a few inches. For standing up when asked. For accommodating your brother or sister in faith.

But notice what Allah says next: "And when you are told, 'Arise,' then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees."

Sometimes making space isn't just about moving over. It's about giving up your spot entirely. It's about standing so someone else can sit. It's about vacating a position of comfort so another person can benefit. And when you do this, Allah raises you. He elevates you in status, in knowledge, in rank.

We live this verse every single Friday. When the masjid fills up, we have a choice. We can be the person who spreads out, who guards our personal space, who resists when asked to move. Or we can be the person who immediately makes room, who stands without hesitation, who thinks of others before ourselves.

And it's not just about physical space in the masjid. This verse is teaching us a way of life.

At work, do you make space for the new employee who's struggling to fit in? Or do you protect your territory, your projects, your position?

In your community, do you make space for the convert who's trying to find their place? Or do you stay in your comfortable friend groups and leave them on the outside?

In your knowledge circles, do you make space for those who want to learn? Or do you hoard information and connections for yourself?

Making space requires humility. It requires defeating your nafs, which always wants more room, more comfort, more recognition. And that's exactly why Allah connects this act to such tremendous reward. Because when you conquer that stinginess, that territorial instinct, you've achieved something profound.

Now let me show you what this looks like in practice. Let me take you back to Madinah, to the moment when Islam was establishing itself as a community, not just a faith.

The Muhajiroon arrived with nothing. They had sacrificed their homes, their wealth, their entire lives in Makkah for the sake of Allah. They came to Madinah as refugees, strangers in a new city, with no resources and no support.

And the Ansar, the people of Madinah, faced a choice. They could make excuses: "We're not wealthy ourselves. We have our own families to feed. This is too much to ask." Or they could embody the verse we just discussed. They could make space.

Allah describes what they chose in Surat Al-Hashr:

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ يُحِبُّونَ مَنۡ هَاجَرَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِى صُدُورِهِمۡ حَاجَةً۬ مِّمَّآ أُوتُواْ وَيُؤۡثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ وَلَوۡ كَانَ بِہِمۡ خَصَاصَةٌ۬‌ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفۡسِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ ( ٩ )

"And [also for] those who were settled in the home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the believers were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul, it is those who will be the successful." (Al-Hashr 59:9)

Read this verse carefully. The Ansar didn't just tolerate the Muhajiroon. They loved them. They didn't feel resentment when resources were shared with the newcomers. They preferred them over themselves. And this wasn't charity from abundance, this was generosity from poverty. "Even though they are in privation."

This is making space taken to its ultimate expression. Sa'd ibn Ar-Rabi', one of the Ansar, was paired with Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, one of the Muhajiroon. Sa'd said, "I am the wealthiest person among the Ansar. I will divide my wealth in half and give you your share. I have two wives; tell me which one you prefer, and I will divorce her so you can marry her."

Can you imagine this? This is not "let me help you find a job." This is not "here's some money to get you started." This is "take half of everything I own. Take my home. Take my family." This is making space at a level that defies our modern understanding of generosity.

And what was the result? Allah called them successful. Not successful because they became wealthy. Successful because they conquered the greatest obstacle to human brotherhood: the stinginess of the soul.

…..وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفۡسِهِۦ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ ( ٩ )

"And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul, it is those who will be the successful."

This is the key, stinginess isn't just about money. It's a disease of the heart that makes us hoard everything: our time, our space, our attention, our help, our concern. It makes us see others as burdens rather than brothers. It makes us calculate what we'll lose rather than what we'll gain by giving.

When you refuse to make space in the masjid, it's not about the physical inches. It's about the stinginess in your heart that sees your comfort as more important than your brother's ability to pray.

When you refuse to help the new Muslim integrate into the community, it's not about being too busy. It's about the stinginess that keeps your friend circle closed and exclusive.

When you refuse to share your knowledge, your connections, your opportunities with someone who needs them, it's about the stinginess that whispers "but what about me?"

The Ansar defeated this. They opened their homes, their businesses, their families, their entire lives. And Allah rewarded them by making them a permanent example in the Qur'an. Fourteen centuries later, we're still talking about them. Their names are still honored. Their legacy is still inspiring Muslims across the world.

This is what Allah means when He says, "Allah will make space for you" and "Allah will raise you." The Ansar made space for a few hundred refugees, and Allah gave them immortal honor and the highest ranks in Jannah.

So, I ask you today: What are you holding onto so tightly? What space are you refusing to make? What person in your life needs you to move over, to stand up, to accommodate them, and you're resisting?

======

Let's bring this home to our lives today, right here, right now. Next week when you come to Jumu'ah, I want you to arrive early and sit in a way that leaves space for others. Don't spread out your prayer mat and belongings. Compress yourself. Think about the person who will come after you.

And when someone asks you to move, respond immediately with a smile. Say "bismillah" and shift. Remember that in that moment, you're not just making physical space, you're earning Allah's promise: "Allah will make space for you."

But don't stop there. The spirit of accommodation must extend beyond the walls of the masjid.

And remember, the Prophet ﷺ said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."

If you love having space made for you, then make space for others. If you love being elevated and honored, then elevate and honor others. If you love being accommodated and helped, then accommodate and help others.

This is not optional. This is the essence of our faith. This is what separates a Muslim community from a collection of individuals who happen to pray in the same building.

This week, identify one person who needs space in your life. Not just physical space, but space in your time, your attention, your resources, your heart.

Maybe it's the new family in the neighborhood who doesn't know anyone. Make space for them at your dinner table. Invite them over. Introduce them to others.

Maybe it's the young person who's struggling with their faith. Make space for them in your schedule. Sit with them. Listen without judgment. Mentor them.

Maybe it's the elderly person in your community who's isolated. Make space for them in your week. Visit them. Include them in family activities. Make them feel they belong.

Maybe it's the single mother who's overwhelmed. Make space for her children in your kids' playdates. Offer to babysit. Share resources.

Maybe it's the brother who lost his job. Make space for him in your professional network. Make calls. Open doors. Stand up from your comfortable position to lift him up.

Whatever it is, let it cost you something. Let it require you to move from where you are, to give up something you value, to prefer someone else over yourself even when you're in need. Because that's where the test is. That's where you defeat the stinginess of your soul. That's where you become among the successful.

The Ansar didn't wait for a government program or a charitable organization. They personally, directly, sacrificially made space in their lives for their brothers and sisters in faith. And Allah made them legends.

You have the same opportunity today. Someone in your community, in your masjid, in your neighborhood is waiting for you to make space for them. Don't let stinginess rob you of success. Don't let comfort prevent your elevation.

اللهم اجعلنا من الذين يؤثرون على أنفسهم ولو كان بهم خصاصة

O Allah, make us among those who give preference to others over themselves, even when we are in need.

اللهم طهر قلوبنا من البخل والشح وارزقنا الكرم والإيثار

O Allah, purify our hearts from greed and stinginess, and grant us generosity and selflessness.

اللهم اجعلنا من الأنصار في كل زمان ومكان

O Allah, make us among the helpers in every time and place.

ربنا آتنا في الدنيا حسنة وفي الآخرة حسنة وقنا عذاب النار
عباد الله، إن الله يأمر بالعدل والإحسان وإيتاء ذي القربى وينهى عن الفحشاء والمنكر والبغي يعظكم لعلكم تذكرون

What specific community context would help me refine this khutbah further: is this for a growing masjid facing actual space constraints, or a community with particular integration challenges?

https://www.successineternity.org/books

(8 books)

https://www.successineternity.org/books

(8 books)