5:19 the people around us…26:12 the question is which…28:26 a real friend isn't…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Sep 26, 2026.

Choose friends who strengthen your faith

AMS Dearborn · Yusef Ahmed

“A real friend isn't the person who agrees with everything that you do.”

The khateeb, at 28:26

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

The people we choose as close companions shape our faith and direction, so we should seek righteous friends who help us obey Allah and become that influence for others.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces the believer as a mirror and asks listeners to examine their closest relationships.
  2. Explains how companionship gradually shapes habits, standards, language, and spiritual sensitivity.
  3. Warns that harmful friendships can lead to regret on the Day of Judgment.
  4. Distinguishes maintaining kindness and family ties from giving someone control over one's spiritual direction.
  5. Encourages surrounding oneself with people who inspire growth and preserving mutual righteousness.
Try this week
Audit your closest relationships by asking who is in your circle and where they are taking you.
Notice whether specific friendships make prayer and obedience easier or harder.
Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow in worship and character.
Re-evaluate your own influence and become a friend who corrects privately and encourages good.
Maintain family ties and kindness while being selective about who receives the strongest influence over your heart.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 103Righteous community is built through faith, good deeds, advising truth, and advising patience.
Surah 25A harmful close friend can lead someone away from the reminder and cause regret.
Surah 18Believers should patiently remain with those who remember Allah and avoid following heedless desires.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“the people around us they reflect who we are they reflect our habits they reflect our priorities they reflect our language they reflect our standards”
AMS Dearborn · Dearborn, MI
Play from 5:19
“the question is which direction are you being pulled which direction are you being pulled ask yourself”
AMS Dearborn · Dearborn, MI
Play from 26:12
“a real friend isn't the person who agrees with everything that you do that's not a real friend that's a fake friend”
AMS Dearborn · Dearborn, MI
Play from 28:26
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Our closest friends affect our habits, priorities, and connection with Allah, often more gradually than we notice. A real friend does not simply agree with everything we do; they lovingly help us recognize mistakes and become better. We should keep family ties and treat everyone with kindness, while choosing our closest influences carefully. We should also ask whether we are helping others move toward Allah or making harmful behavior feel normal. The best friendships are those that help one another remain faithful in this life and meet again in Jannah.

  1. Who helps you become a better person, and how do they do it?
  2. What is one good habit you could encourage in a friend this week?
  3. How can you be a good influence without making someone feel judged?
Where it was given

The masjid

American Moslem Society (Masjid Dearborn)9945 W Vernor Hwy, Dearborn, MI 48120Jumu'ah Arabic khutbah 12:00 PM · English khutbah 1:00 PM (August 14, September 11, 2026 schedule)KhateebYusef AhmedMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at AMS Dearborn28 khutbahs
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