Family & marriageFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 3, 2025.
Children learn faith from parents' example
“Children do not learn by being told they learn by example.”
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Opens with taqwa and truthful speech, then introduces role models through sports celebrities.
- Explains that children imitate visible figures and may turn to celebrities when parents are absent.
- Presents the Prophet and his Companions as exemplary Islamic role models.
- Emphasizes that children learn through parents' actions, not merely their instructions.
- Uses Abu Bakr, Bilal, Aisha, and Usama to illustrate faith, courage, service, and leadership.
- Concludes by urging families to share Companion stories, followed by a brief charity reminder and community prayers.
Try this week
Spend regular, meaningful time with children instead of focusing only on material provision.
Teach children about Islam, its history, the Prophet, and the Companions.
Make personal actions consistent with the values and commands taught to children.
Read stories of the Prophet's Companions with children and present them as role models.
Give charity through money, service, kind words, encouragement, or a smile.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih MuslimWarns of punishment for commanding good and forbidding wrong while doing the opposite.
Surah 2Uses the multiplied-grain parable to encourage charitable giving.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“the first and closest role models for our children are their parents of course”
“if we continue in this manner who will our children look to as role models”
“children do not learn by being told they learn by example”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
Children copy the people they admire, and parents are the closest role models in their lives. Providing money is not enough if work keeps us from spending time with them or teaching them Islam. The khutbah urges adults to live the values they ask children to follow and to share stories of the Prophet's Companions. These examples can help children admire courage, faith, service, and good character. Families are also reminded to make charity part of their lives through money, service, kind words, or a smile.
- What is one quality you admire in the Prophet or a Companion, and how could you practice it this week?
- What do children learn from adults' actions even when adults do not give instructions?
- What is one way our family can give charity through time, words, service, or money?
Keep listening
More on Family & marriage
Don't let a moment of disagreement turn into conflict where years of good are forgotten like that.14:45IAR Atwater · Southwest Raleigh, NC · Oct 31, 2026Protect relationships when disagreements arise
EPIC · Plano, TX · Oct 30, 2026Honor your mother while you still can“Call sometimes just because you want to hear her voice.”
We cannot have disrespectful parents disrespecting each other in the presence of their kids.22:41UMMA · Southfield, MI · Sep 19, 2026Faith shows in how we treat family