Muslims should put duties before rights
“We define ourselves by our duties before we define ourselves by our rights.”
American Muslims should embrace what makes them distinctively Islamic, prioritizing duties over rights, upholding the inherent dignity of every human being, and rooting identity in servitude to Allah rather than in self-expression, as a positive contribution to their society.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Opening praise of Allah and the Prophet, and call to taqwa
- Reading and reflection on the Declaration of Independence as a protest against British tyranny and the slave trade
- Drawing parallels to the American Muslim and Palestinian experiences of double standards and dehumanization
- First mark of Muslim uniqueness: defining oneself by duties before rights, especially in marriage and civic life
- Second mark of Muslim uniqueness: affirming the inherent dignity of every child of Adam, including those we theologically disagree with
- Third mark of Muslim uniqueness: identity grounded in submission to Allah, not in personal self-expression or emotion
- Closing call to moderation, service to others, and contributing to a better future without resentment or isolation
In the khateeb's words
“We as Muslims As people who follow Allah and His messenger We define ourselves By our duties Before we define ourselves By our rights”
“We see service To other human beings Not simply as A social construct But an act of worship”
“Our identity as Muslims Is rooted in servitude To Allah And His messenger And not in self-expression”
For the dinner table
The khutbah connected Independence Day with the Declaration of Independence’s concern for human dignity, liberty, and the evil of slavery. Muslims are encouraged to defend people’s rights while paying even greater attention to fulfilling their own duties toward neighbors, parents, the homeless, and the oppressed. Salah is a special responsibility that helps us pause throughout the day and remember Allah. Our faith teaches us to honor every human being, serve others as an act of worship, and remain moderate rather than becoming hateful or isolated. Our identity is rooted in serving Allah and trusting His guidance, even when we do not immediately understand every wisdom.
- What is one helpful duty you can do for someone in our family this week?
- How does praying help you remember what matters?
- What is one way we can show dignity and kindness to someone outside our family?
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