Muslims belong in America's story
“The highest honor that you can have is that you are a Muslim.”
Muslims in America should recognize their historic place and religious identity, remain grateful for their freedoms, and stay firm in faith while standing for justice.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Muslim history in America and the importance of understanding its past, present, and future
- Gratitude for religious freedoms and opportunities despite the country's imperfections
- The hardships of enslaved African Muslims and their efforts to preserve faith
- Faith is tested, as shown by Surah al-Ankabut and the Prophet's Makkan period
- Respecting ourselves requires confronting injustice in Palestine and local communities
- Muslim identity means enjoining good, opposing evil, and carrying faith with dignity
In the khateeb's words
“Muslims were part of when this nation was founded. Muslims were part of when this nation was built.”
“If you're thankful and grateful, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala will increase this blessing even more for you.”
“Each one of us, our faith is going to be tested. And our test is not going to be the same.”
“The highest honor that you can have is that you are a Muslim.”
For the dinner table
Today's khutbah reminded us that Muslims have a long history in this country, including enslaved Muslims who struggled to preserve their faith. The khateeb encouraged us to thank Allah for the freedoms and opportunities we have to practice Islam, while recognizing that there are problems we need to address. He explained that everyone's faith faces tests and recalled how the Prophet and his companions remained firm through hardship. He urged Muslims to respect themselves and to stand up for what is right, even when they are few in number. His closing message was to value being Muslim above our background, nationality, or skin color and to carry that dignity into daily life.
- What opportunity to practice your faith are you thankful for this week?
- When doing the right thing feels difficult, who can help you stay strong?
- What is one way we can stand up for someone being treated unfairly?
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