Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 5, 2026.

Follow the Sunnah and avoid religious innovations

In one sentence

By obeying Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah through righteousness, remembrance, fasting, and avoiding religious innovations, believers can hope for blessed companionship and salvation in the Hereafter.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Surah an-Nisa 4:69 is presented as a promise of companionship with prophets, truthful believers, martyrs, and the righteous.
  2. Everyday Sunnah practices, including masjid duas, are described as ways to draw closer to Allah and the Prophet.
  3. Monday and Thursday fasting is encouraged, alongside filling the heart with dhikr.
  4. The hadith of Hawd al-Kawthar warns that some followers may be turned away for changing the religion.
  5. Following the Sunnah is linked to Paradise, while religious innovations are described as especially dangerous.
  6. The speaker distinguishes harmful innovations from useful religious means such as Arabic learning, Tajweed, and religious institutions.
Try this week
Follow the Prophet’s Sunnah in everyday actions, including the duas for entering and leaving the masjid.
Fast on Mondays and Thursdays when health permits.
Keep the heart and tongue engaged in dhikr.
Study religious knowledge and strive to become righteous and pious.
Examine religious practices against the commands of Allah and the Sunnah, while distinguishing harmful innovations from useful learning tools.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 4:69Used to argue that obedience to Allah and the Messenger leads to companionship with prophets, truthful ones, martyrs, and the righteous.
Sahih MuslimUsed to warn that some people will be turned away from the Prophet at Hawd al-Kawthar for changing the religion.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“When we follow this sunnah, We become more close to, Rasul Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, More close to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 4:32
“When our stomach is empty, Our heart is fulfilled, With the zikr of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, With the love of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.”
ICNVT · Fairfax, VA
Play from 5:35
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khateeb taught that obeying Allah and following the Prophet Muhammad can lead believers to the company of prophets, martyrs, and righteous people. He encouraged everyday Sunnah habits, including masjid duas, fasting Mondays and Thursdays when healthy, and keeping the heart alive with dhikr. He warned that changing the religion can distance people from the Prophet at Hawd al-Kawthar. He also explained that useful tools such as Tajweed learning and religious schools can serve the faith. The family takeaway is to learn, practice the Sunnah, and examine our habits with humility.

  1. Which Sunnah habit could our family practice together this week?
  2. What helps you remember Allah when your day feels busy?
  3. Why do you think learning the Qur’an carefully matters?