3:34 Iman is not something…14:46 But it's important not…18:53 The mu'min creates his…
Repentance & taqwaFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 15, 2026.

Faith grows through steady practice

Baitul Ilm Academy

“Iman is not something passive, just a passive perception, but it requires active willpower.”

The khateeb, at 3:34

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Iman is an active, lifelong journey from belief toward taqwa and yaqeen, requiring gradual self-discipline in worship and generous, forgiving relationships among believers.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Explains the hierarchy from Islam to iman, taqwa, and yaqeen.
  2. Argues that faith requires active submission and willpower, not merely recognizing truth.
  3. Challenges cultural passivity and encourages overcoming personal inclinations.
  4. Applies gradual self-improvement to worship, charity, prayer, and service.
  5. Extends the principle to social relationships, emphasizing shared faith and ihsan.
  6. Concludes by urging a community built on generosity, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.
Try this week
Identify one weaker area of worship and improve it gradually and gently.
Increase sadaqa weekly or monthly if generosity with money is a weakness.
Attend congregational prayer once or twice weekly, or find a manageable volunteer opportunity, if time and community presence are weaknesses.
Overlook fellow believers’ past shortcomings, remember their good deeds, and offer private advice when needed.
Build community relationships around shared faith and ihsan, not only superficial similarities or bare justice.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 2Shows that some People of the Book recognized the Prophet but knowingly concealed the truth.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Iman is not something passive, just a passive perception, but it requires active willpower. It requires action, activity. It is a decision that we make.”
Baitul Ilm Academy · Streamwood, IL
Play from 3:34
“But it's important not to overwhelm ourselves, as Imam Ali says. Don't overwhelm your nafs, because then we can get burnt out.”
Baitul Ilm Academy · Streamwood, IL
Play from 14:46
“The mu'min creates his own reality with Taqwa. They're not trapped by their circumstances.”
Baitul Ilm Academy · Streamwood, IL
Play from 18:53
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah taught that faith is a journey from Islam to iman, taqwa, and yaqeen, not merely the possession of information. True iman requires choosing to submit to Allah and acting on what we know. We were encouraged to recognize our weaknesses in worship and improve gradually without exhausting ourselves. In our relationships, we should value our shared faith above superficial differences and treat fellow believers with ihsan, generosity, and forgiveness. By living this way, our community can become a positive influence on society.

  1. What is one good habit you would like to build slowly?
  2. How can we welcome or include someone who seems different from us?
  3. When has someone forgiven or encouraged you after a mistake?
Where it was given

The masjid

Baitul Ilm Academy485 South Bartlett Road, Streamwood, IL 60107Jumu'ah "12:50 PM Jumu'ah Khutba and Jumu'ah Prayer".ArchiveAll khutbahs at Baitul Ilm Academy9 khutbahs
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