Hardship calls for solidarity and compassion
“Fasting on Ashura is not obligatory.”
Hardship should be met with organized communal solidarity, compassion for the oppressed, and acts of worship that seek Allah’s ease and forgiveness.
The khutbah in 5 steps
- Reflects on Muslim New Yorkers’ experiences of profiling and the importance of representation.
- Explains that fasting on Ashura is recommended but not obligatory.
- Cites prophetic reports about fasting Muharram, forgiveness, and adding the ninth day.
- Urges listeners to organize against hardship, learn about Gaza, and strengthen empathy as iman.
- Concludes with prayers for the sick, deceased, grieving families, and oppressed Muslims.
In the khateeb's words
“after hardship comes ease the Muslim community in New York City they went through so much hardship so much profiling for so many years”
“while fasting on Ashura is not obligatory so don't say like okay you have to fast tomorrow and if you don't fast you're going to hell”
For the dinner table
Imam Fayaz Nawabi said that hardship is not the end, and that communities can find ease through solidarity, organization, and faith. He reflected on Muslim New Yorkers who experienced profiling and felt represented when a leader listened to their concerns. He explained that fasting on Ashura is a recommended act of worship, not an obligation, and that the ninth day can also be observed. He urged listeners to learn about the suffering of people in Gaza and to let compassion strengthen their iman. He closed by praying for the sick, the deceased, grieving families, and people facing struggles.
- What does it mean to help someone feel represented?
- What hardship could our family meet with patience, prayer, and organized help?
- How can we learn about people suffering far away without becoming numb?
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