Shared worship can overcome Muslim division
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has commanded us to come together as a singular umah, with very singular goals.”
Muslims should overcome doctrinal, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic divisions through shared submission to Allah, regular worship, mutual care, and active justice in their homes and communities.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Acknowledges legitimate differences in interpretation and practice among Muslims.
- Emphasizes the ummah’s shared goals: worship, following the Sunnah, and establishing justice.
- Connects Muslim unity to responding to Islamophobia, Gaza, and suffering worldwide.
- Uses the examples of the unified first Muslim community and Bilal’s leadership to challenge racism and hierarchy.
- Calls Winston-Salem Muslims to build unity through hospitality, deliberate relationship-building, and regular mosque attendance.
- Closes with a prayer for unity, healing, righteous leadership, and relief for the oppressed.
In the khateeb's words
“Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has commanded us to come together as a singular umah, with very singular goals.”
“Allah has given us these things called masjid. It's like hospitals, spiritual hospitals. We go to hospitals when we're sick, but we come to the masjid when there's a need for spiritual kinds of healing.”
For the dinner table
Imam Khalid Griggs reminded us that Muslims can have differences while sharing a commitment to worship Allah, follow the Prophet’s example, and establish justice. He said fairness begins at home and that other people’s suffering should matter to us even when we are comfortable. Through the story of Bilal being insulted, he challenged us to leave behind racism and stop looking down on anyone. He encouraged us to get to know people beyond our usual circles, including by inviting one another for dinner. He also described the masjid as a place for spiritual healing, where prayer brings our hearts together.
- Who could we get to know better at the masjid, and how could we start?
- What could we do together to help someone who is having a hard time?
More on Community & unity
There is no such thing as a nobody.19:44Masjid Fulton · Sacramento, CA · Oct 10, 2026No one should feel forgotten
The question is how do we disagree without destroying our relationships and our communities?14:27Al-Misbah Islamic Centre · Toronto, ON · Oct 3, 2026How to disagree without hostility
ICNYC · Greenwich Village, NY · Sep 26, 2026True faith serves people and Allah“We have a comprehensive and holistic understanding of this deen that goes beyond just benefiting ourselves to benefiting humanity at large.”