21:55 In a similar way, We…22:56 So interpretations one…41:18 This is the natural…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, May 3, 2026.

Faith in God is rooted within us

ICSC · Gasser Hathout

“We have been programmed with innate knowledge and that Allah exists, that He is the Creator.”

The khateeb, at 21:55

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Faith is innately embedded in human beings as fitrah, and revelation awakens and clarifies this underlying knowledge of God.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Introduces Quran 7:172 and the covenant in which humanity bears witness that Allah is Lord.
  2. Explains three interpretations of whether faith is innate, favoring the view that it is implanted within us.
  3. Presents evidence from animal instincts, savant abilities, inherited responses, and neurotheology.
  4. Uses Quranic references to argue that revelation is a reminder of an existing truth.
  5. Concludes with Quran 30:30 and prayers for steadfast faith, forgiveness, mercy, and guidance.
Try this week
Pause and reflect on the truth the Quran is meant to awaken within you.
Remain steadfast and upright in faith.
Ask Allah for faith, forgiveness, mercy, accepted repentance, and guidance.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 7:172-173Supports the idea that humanity has an innate awareness of Allah and cannot excuse disbelief solely through inherited beliefs.
Quran 20:2Supports the Quran's description of itself as a reminder rather than a burdensome new teaching.
Quran 80:11Supports the argument that Quranic messages function as reminders.
Quran 30:30Provides the central Quranic grounding for faith as the natural disposition Allah instilled in people.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“In a similar way, We have been programmed with innate knowledge and that Allah exists, that He is the Creator.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 21:55
“So interpretations one and two is that faith is innate. Interpretation three is that faith is external, which I again stress is the minority view.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 22:56
“This is the natural way of Allah which He has instilled in all people.”
ICSC · Koreatown, CA
Play from 41:18
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Dr. Gasser Hathout explored whether faith is something Allah places within us from the beginning. He described three interpretations of a verse in Surah Al-A'raf and explained why he favors the understanding that we are born with an inner knowledge of Allah. He offered examples from animal behavior, human abilities, and brain research as evidence for his view, then returned to the Quran. He suggested that the Quran calls itself a reminder because it awakens a truth we already carry inside and can nurture. He closed by asking Allah to bless us with faith, forgive our mistakes, and have mercy on us in our weakness.

  1. What is something that reminds you of Allah during an ordinary day?
  2. If faith is something we can nurture, what could our family do this week to help it grow?
  3. What question from this khutbah would you like us to explore together?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Center of Southern California434 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020Jumu'ah Qur’an recitation 12:45 PM · Khutbah 1:00 PM · prayer 1:30 PMKhateebGasser HathoutMore khutbahsArchiveAll khutbahs at ICSC71 khutbahs
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