11:55 Who knows that you got…24:53 But if you love the…28:24 The only way to get…
Prayer & worshipFrom the masjid's own video, Mar 17, 2026.

Remember death and revive neglected Sunnahs

Masjid al-Mu'min · Na'eem Abdullah

“If you love the messenger of Allah sallallahu aleyhi wa sallam, you should remove the suspicion from yourself.”

The khateeb, at 24:53

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In one sentence

The khutbah argues that remembering death should move Muslims to act now by reviving prophetic practices, practicing focused worship, and removing suspicion through honest communication.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. Remember death's appointed but unknown time and act before it is too late.
  2. Learn from Safiyyah's story and the Prophet's conduct during i'tikaf.
  3. Understand i'tikaf's pillars, proper focus, and responsibilities.
  4. Revive neglected Sunnahs through sincere intention.
  5. Remove suspicion by clarifying potentially misunderstood situations.
  6. Have direct, respectful conversations instead of avoiding people.
Try this week
Act on beneficial knowledge now rather than assuming there will be more time.
Make a sincere intention to practice a neglected Sunnah, including i'tikaf at least once.
When observing i'tikaf, fast, remain in the masjid, and focus on prayer, Qur'an, remembrance, and supplication.
Ensure dependents have food and financial provision before undertaking i'tikaf.
Explain innocent actions that could reasonably be misunderstood.
Have direct, respectful conversations instead of avoiding difficult interactions.
Sources the khateeb cited
Sahih al-BukhariThe narration of Safiyyah's visit during i'tikaf illustrates clarifying relationships and preventing suspicion.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Who knows that you got later? What makes you think you got later? Did you get an email from Allah saying you got later? Did He send you a text message?”
Masjid al-Mu'min · Pittsburgh, PA
Play from 11:55
“But if you love the messenger of Allah sallallahu aleyhi wa sallam, you should remove the suspicion from yourself.”
Masjid al-Mu'min · Pittsburgh, PA
Play from 24:53
“The only way to get around it is to go through it. You can't get around it. Because you live around people. You have to deal with people.”
Masjid al-Mu'min · Pittsburgh, PA
Play from 28:24
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The imam reminded us that our time is limited, so we should begin doing good while we have the opportunity. He shared the story of Safiyyah visiting the Prophet, peace be upon him, during i'tikaf, a time devoted to worship in the masjid. When two men saw them together, the Prophet explained that she was his wife, protecting them from misunderstanding. The imam encouraged us to follow this example by clearing up confusion and having honest conversations, even when talking feels awkward. He also encouraged us to revive the Prophet's practices with sincere intention and to prepare for worship without neglecting our family's needs.

  1. What is one good thing we can do today that we have been putting off?
  2. How could you kindly explain a situation when someone gets the wrong idea?
  3. What would help you feel more comfortable having a conversation without a phone?
Where it was given

The masjid

Masjid al-Mu'min of Pittsburgh537 Paulson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206KhateebNa'eem AbdullahMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at Masjid al-Mu'min33 khutbahs
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