Judge leaders by what they do
“It is our responsibility to take a look at what we're doing here and what we're about and how we're going to plan and strategize the future for our children.”
Believers must judge leaders and systems by their real-world actions rather than rhetoric, and revive a justice-centered prophetic legacy through reform beginning with themselves, their families, and their communities.
The khutbah in 6 steps
- Frames Jumu'ah as gratitude for divine guidance, accountability, and communal remembrance.
- Uses Qur'anic warnings about leaders whose impressive rhetoric conceals corruption and pride.
- Retells Musaylama's false-prophet story as a warning about charismatic authority and collective followership.
- Connects Juneteenth and July 4th to the gap between proclaimed freedom and historical racial and gender oppression.
- Critiques concentrated wealth, surveillance, and dominant systems that claim justice while producing inequality and control.
- Calls Muslims to pursue education, justice, compassion, and collective renewal through personal and communal reform.
In the khateeb's words
“God does not like corruption. Corruption is to ruin that which was made wholesome.”
“it is our responsibility to take a look at what we're doing here and what we're about and how we're going to plan and strategize the future for our children”
For the dinner table
The khutbah reminds us that faith is a blessing that gives life direction and makes us accountable for how we treat others. It asks us to look beyond impressive words and judge leaders by whether their actions bring justice or corruption. The speaker connects Juneteenth and July 4th to the difference between beautiful promises and the lived experience of oppressed people. He calls Muslims to revive the prophetic legacy by learning, improving our families and communities, and standing for truth, fairness, and compassion.
- What is one way we can judge a leader by actions instead of words?
- What could our family do to keep learning and growing together?
- Where do we see a gap between what people promise and what they actually do?
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