10:26 So therefore this life…19:31 Seeking knowledge is…
Seeking knowledgeFrom the masjid's own video, Nov 3, 2025.

Learn Islam from evidence, not desire

Iowa City Mosque

“We must learn our religion based upon evidence from the Book of Allah.”

The khateeb, at 17:57

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Because life is a divinely governed test ending in accountability, believers must learn Islam from the Qur'an and Sunnah, purify their intentions, and act on that knowledge rather than follow desires, ignorance, or inherited innovations.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The Qur'an and Sunnah provide guidance, mercy, and clarification about creation and life's trials.
  2. Life is a test ending in accountability, so believers must restrain desires and prepare to meet Allah.
  3. Understanding religion is a sign of divine goodness, but knowledge requires learning, effort, time, and sacrifice.
  4. Believers should seek reliable religious instruction and follow evidence rather than blind imitation or inherited culture.
  5. Knowledge must be applied sincerely through worship, conduct, and adherence to the complete guidance of Islam.
  6. The khutbah closes with supplications for guidance, faith, sound religion, and a righteous ending.
Try this week
Study the Qur'an and Sunnah with qualified, reliable teachers.
Attend beneficial mosque and study gatherings and read sound religious books.
Learn the evidence before acting in worship, transactions, or other religious matters.
Apply the knowledge learned and regulate desires according to Islamic guidance.
Purify intentions and supplicate Allah for beneficial knowledge and guidance.
Sources the khateeb cited
Quran 16:89The Qur'an is presented as clarification, guidance, mercy, and glad tidings.
Quran 51:56Humanity and jinn were created to worship Allah alone.
Quran 65:12Creation demonstrates Allah's power and encompassing knowledge.
Quran 84:6Every person is moving toward meeting their Lord with their deeds.
Quran 2:208Believers are urged to enter Islam fully and avoid Satan's footsteps.
Sahih al-BukhariUnderstanding religion is described as a sign that Allah intends good for someone.
Sunan Ibn MajahThe speaker cites the obligation of seeking knowledge for every Muslim.
Sahih al-BukhariThe Prophet's example is used as the standard for prayer and pilgrimage rites.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“So therefore this life is a test and a trial And likewise and thereafter there is recompense standing before Allah”
Iowa City Mosque · Iowa City, IA
Play from 10:26
“Seeking knowledge is an obligation An incumbent obligation upon the young and the old Upon the Arab and the non-Arab Wherever they may be The male and the female”
Iowa City Mosque · Iowa City, IA
Play from 19:31
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that this life is a test, and that we will return to Allah and be accountable for our deeds. Allah created us to worship Him, and He gave us guidance through the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The speaker emphasized that understanding religion requires sincere effort, learning, time, and seeking reliable teachers. We should not simply follow desires, ignorance, or inherited customs without learning what is correct. When we gain knowledge, we should apply it sincerely in our worship and dealings with others.

  1. What is one hardship or blessing that could become a test for us?
  2. What religious topic would you like to learn more about, and where could you learn it reliably?
  3. What is one thing you know that you can put into practice this week?
Where it was given

The masjid

Iowa City Mosque (Masjid Al-Iman)1812 W Benton St, Iowa City, IA 52246
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