1:43 Service is the rent…5:49 When it comes to our…9:14 This concept of being…11:33 Think about the ones…
Civic engagementFrom the masjid's own video, Jun 12, 2026.

True success means serving others well

ISCJ

“Service to others is the rent that you pay for your room here on earth.”

The khateeb, at 1:43

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because our lives and blessings come through others’ sacrifices, true success is treating service and sacrifice as privileges while using our platforms with excellence for Allah and the community.

The khutbah in 5 steps

  1. Surah As-Saf frames faith, striving, and sacrifice as the path to salvation and true success.
  2. Sacrifice is defined as giving up something valuable for something of higher value, requiring a redefinition of success.
  3. Hajj, Ibrahim, Amin Abdullah, and communal service illustrate sacrifice as a privilege and responsibility.
  4. Generations of Quran teachers preserved the Quran through sustained, often unrecognized sacrifice.
  5. Listeners are urged to replace “Why me?” with gratitude, nightly dua, service, and excellence.
Try this week
Use your platform, Instagram page, business, or opportunities to serve the community.
Make dua by name every night for at least one person whose sacrifice helped you.
Replace “Why me? Why should I sacrifice?” with gratitude for the sacrifices that made your life possible.
Give up comforts such as television time, sleep, or a desired indulgence for Allah’s sake when serving others.
Do your work with excellence and use your blessings to help the community.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 61Used to argue that faith and striving with wealth and life lead to forgiveness and ultimate triumph.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“Service is the rent that you pay for your room here on earth. Service to others is the rent that you pay for your room here on earth.”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 1:43
“When it comes to our deen, it requires us to be able to redefine success.”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 5:49
“This concept of being self-made is a myth. You are here because of the product of the dua, the blood, the sweat, and the tears of somebody else.”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 9:14
“Think about the ones who sacrifice for you and make dua for at least one of them by name every single night.”
ISCJ · Monmouth Junction, NJ
Play from 11:33
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

The khutbah reminded us that life is a trust, and serving other people is part of paying our “rent” on earth. Real success is not only likes, money, or influence, but returning to Allah with a pure soul and using our blessings well. We are here because many people before us sacrificed, taught, protected, and prayed for us. When we wonder, “Why me?” we can remember those sacrifices and see our own chances to give as a privilege. This week, we can make dua for someone who helped us, serve our community, and try to do our work with excellence.

  1. What is one gift or opportunity you have that could help someone else?
  2. Who made a sacrifice for you, and how could you thank them?
  3. What small comfort could you give up this week for a meaningful purpose?
Where it was given

The masjid

Islamic Society of Central Jersey4145 Route 1 South, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852Jumu'ah Jummah at 12:00 PM, 1:10 PM & 3:15 PMArchiveAll khutbahs at ISCJ40 khutbahs
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