15:38 What does this mean?…30:45 Giving them gifts does…31:47 This is our job as…
Character & conductFrom the masjid's own video, Dec 27, 2025.

True faith shows in mercy for neighbors

Rahma Center

“You might be performing it, but you're not performing it for God.”

The khateeb, at 15:38

Watch the khutbahFamily kit
In one sentence

Authentic faith is measured not by performative prayer but by sincere worship that produces mercy, generosity, and protection for neighbors and vulnerable people.

The khutbah in 6 steps

  1. The khutbah opens with taqwa and Surah Ma'un, linking denial of faith to neglecting orphans and the poor.
  2. It explains that prayer without mindfulness or moral transformation is performative religion.
  3. Stories of Ibrahim and the hadith about a worshipper who harmed her neighbors show that mercy and neighborly safety are central to faith.
  4. Surah al-Kawthar is connected to prayer, sacrifice, and sharing blessings with people in need.
  5. Listeners are urged to know their neighbors, reciprocate seasonal gifts appropriately, and support people facing hunger, fear, or insecurity.
  6. The khutbah closes with prayers for suffering communities, the sick, and the deceased, followed by program and donation announcements.
Try this week
Prepare for Ramadan by making prayer more mindful and sincere.
Get to know your neighbors, borrow or lend small necessities, and reciprocate appropriate gifts.
Share from your blessings and look out for people who are hungry, afraid, or insecure, regardless of immigration status.
Bring middle schoolers to the pre-teens program and check the website for elders' program details.
Donate generously to Rahma Center.
Sources the khateeb cited
Surah 107Used to argue that neglecting orphans, the poor, and neighbors reveals denial or empty performance of faith.
Surah 3Used to call believers to be caring, merciful, and lordly people.
Surah 108Used to connect prayer and sacrifice with sharing what Allah has given.
Sahih al-BukhariUsed to show that extensive worship does not excuse harming one's neighbors.
Quotes

In the khateeb's words

“What does this mean? It means that you are absent from your salah. You might be performing it, but you're not performing it for God.”
Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA
Play from 15:38
“Giving them gifts does not equate believing what they believe.”
Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA
Play from 30:45
“This is our job as people of the deen, not just to perform for ourselves and for others.”
Rahma Center · Lake Forest, CA
Play from 31:47
Talk about it at home

For the dinner table

Today’s khutbah reminded us that faith is not only something we say or display in prayer; it should make us merciful and generous. Surah al-Ma'un warns that turning away orphans, the poor, and neighbors can empty religious practice of its meaning. The khateeb encouraged us to know our neighbors, return their kindness, share gifts, and help people who are hungry, afraid, or without security. As Ramadan approaches, we can prepare by making our worship more sincere and letting it change how we treat the people around us.

  1. Who is one neighbor or classmate we can get to know or help this week?
  2. What small gift or act of sharing could make someone feel remembered?
  3. How can our prayers change the way we speak and behave at home?
Where it was given

The masjid

Rahma Center27121 Towne Centre Dr., Suite 150, Lake Forest, CA 92610ArchiveAll khutbahs at Rahma Center61 khutbahs
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