Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Jan 9, 2026.
Reading can renew the heart and strengthen the ummah
“The reading of the Muslim is a reading in which he seeks out God.”
In one sentence
Muslims should make purposeful reading and reflective learning a lifelong religious practice because it renews the heart, builds critical judgment, improves character, and strengthens the ummah.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- The Prophet’s preparation, solitude in Cave Hira, and Khadijah’s sacrifice.
- Solitude as a spiritual reset and a needed break from modern distractions.
- The first revelation’s command to read as the foundation of knowledge and civilization.
- Reading as an obligation across religious, professional, emotional, and family life.
- Reading as protection against misinformation and a means of rebuilding the Muslim community.
- A 2026 reading goal, inspired by Gaza’s commitment to education, followed by prayers for the oppressed.
Try this week
Set a reading goal of one book a week, one book a month, or 20, 30 books per year.
Read in areas relevant to personal growth, including religion, history, psychology, finance, and family relationships.
Take regular breaks from social media for solitude, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
Use reading to verify messages and distinguish truth from falsehood.
Read with the intention of becoming a better person and living according to Allah’s guidance.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 96:1-5Used to argue that reading, knowledge, and the pen are foundational.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Reading is actually an obligation on every Muslim. It's not about, do I want to read, do I not want to read?”
“When you don't read, you don't develop critical skills. You don't develop the ability to discern between truth and falsehood.”
“It's not just about reading and it's not just about education. The reading of the Muslim is a reading in which he seeks out God.”
“If they're not giving up on their education and they're building a culture of education in a place of rubble, then what about you and me”
Keep listening
More on Seeking knowledge
IMAN Center · Kirkland, WA · Sep 19, 2026Knowledge matters only when it changes us“Sometimes the problem is knowledge without action.”
Daar-Ul-Islam · Ballwin, MO · Oct 3, 2026The first revelation calls us to learn and serve“Before any type of great transformation occurs outwardly, there must be deep reflection inwardly.”
CCIL-KBW · Laval, QC · Sep 26, 2026Protect your heart from information overload“Faire confiance à Allah ne signifie pas rester sans rien faire.”